Aurora Winter Festival – Vancouver – On now until December 30, 2018
Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating Christmas light displays and magical characters. Enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other exciting activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival. The festival takes place at Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place and runs from November 23rd to December 30th. For admission prices and info visit: www.aurorawinterfestival.com.
East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz – Vancouver – On now until January 6, 2019
Poor Dorothy! When a pipeline bursts, Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land of Oz, aka Nanaimo and Hastings. There, Dorothy is pursued by a Wicked Witch, meets a trio of new friends, and embarks on a magical journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage … and Yoga Pants! The Cultch’s East Van Panto returns for a sixth year, hosting this year’s Wizard of Oz at the York Theatre on Commercial Drive. For tickets and show info visit: https://thecultch.com/.
Lights at Lafarge – Coquitlam – On now until January 20, 2019
Now an annual tradition, the City of Coquitlam is hosting Lights at Lafarge, one of the largest free light displays in the Lower Mainland! A dazzling lights display in the stunning setting of Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park all season long daily from dusk until 11pm nightly, and through mignight on New Year’s Eve, bring your family out for some hot cocoa, stroll through the lighted park, and partake in some of their festivities they host throughout the holiday season. For a schedule of events visit: https://www.coquitlam.ca/.
Handel’s Messiah – Surrey – December 1, 2018
Surrey City Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah featuring the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Chorus. Led by Stuart Martin with soloists soprano Alison Nystrom, mezzo soprano Katie Miller, tenor Christopher Simmons, and baritone Daniel Theilmann. Join Surrey City Orchestra for a night of music, as they celebrate Christmas through Handel’s masterpiece of English Oratorio. For tickets and information visit: https://surreycityorch.brownpapertickets.com.
Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – Vancouver – December 2, 2018
He’s back! Presented by Telus, Santa Claus comes back to Vancouver on December 2, 2018 in the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade. The largest Christmas parade in Western Canada, the parade will start at noon, beginning at West Georgia Street and Broughton, travel east along West Georgia, turn south on Howe and finish at Howe and Davie. This year’s parade will feature marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups, which entertain over 300,000 spectators.Volunteers will be collecting nonperishable food items and monetary donations on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can purchase $3 worth of food! For details on this fun family event visit: http://vancouversantaclausparade.com/
Tasting Plates Vancouver Holiday Market – Vancouver – December 5, 2018
Explore a night of tasting to celebrate the upcoming holiday season at several ‘markets’ around the city roving through a few neighborhoods from Clark Drive, to Main Street to Kitsilano. This evening tasting extravaganza is on Wednesday December 5 from 6pm until 10pm and is presented by Vancouver Foodster and Tasting Plates. For tickets, visit eventbrite.ca.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Vancouver – December 6-16, 2018
In this lively Christmas classic, the six Herdman kids, or “the worst kids in the history of the world”, take over the annual Christmas pageant. Filled with mayhem and fun, this hilarious and heartwarming story is sure to be a favourite part of your holiday season! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever takes place at the Havana Theatre on Commercial Drive. For tickets and show info visit: http://nakedgoddessproductions.com.
The Magic of Yule – Vancouver – December 9, 2018′
On December 9, the Universal Gospel Choir (UGC) presents The Magic of Yule with guest performers Roy & Rosemary at the Orpheum Theatre. Get ready to experience a magical evening at one of Vancouver’s most historic venues as UGC kicks off the Christmas season with their annual holiday concert, which is set to sell out quickly. Roy & Rosemary are best known for the fusion approach to blending violin and piano, and along with the UGC will be an enchanting and uplifting concert to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Tickets available at Tickets Tonight here.
Carol Ships Parade of Lights – Burnaby – December 14, 2018
City of Burnaby wants you to come out to Barnet Marine Park to watch the flotilla of carol ships sail past. This is an annual tradition in Howe Sound, with the carol ships lit up and sailing down from downtown Vancouver towards Burnaby. The ships are expected to sail by between 8:00-8:30 PM, times may vary depending on weather please come early to avoid missing the ships. Carol Ships Parade of Lights in Vancouver can be seen every Friday and Saturday night in December.
Holiday Food & Wine Pairing Workshop – North Vancouver – December 15, 2018
CP Holiday Train – Port Coquitlam, Port Moody – December 18, 2018
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the holiday training travelling through the US and another one travelling across Canada. The CP Holiday Train will arrive and stop in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on December 17th, before arriving in Port Moody on Ioco Road, behind the Port Moody Arena and Rec Centre, and then Port Coquitlam West Coast Station. At each stop, visitors will have the chance to take photos with the holiday train and listen to some festive music by the Sam Roberts Band, Kelly Prescott, Tracey Brown, and Tyson Venegas. Each event is free, with CP encouraging attendees to open their cupboards and wallets to help address hunger needs in their communities. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to ensure those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season. Follow the holiday train online here.
Winter Celebrations at the Anvil Centre – New Westminster – December 18-29, 2018
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Anvil Centre, The venue will be filled with a cornucopia of entertainment for everyone – from choirs, singalongs, art installations, musical performances, arts and crafts to a hip-hop dance party and a wintry labyrinth to enjoy. The Anvil Centre will come alive with joyous sounds and displays. All events on the main level of the Anvil Centre are free, but tickets are required for events taking place in the theatre which can be purchased at ticketsnw.ca For a complete schedule, visit anvilcentre.com.
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Mary in Vancity 