’Tis the season to be jolly – and to wonder how on earth you’re going to keep those overexcited small humans in your house busy until Christmas.
Never fear, Burnaby is overflowing with an abundance of pre-Christmas activities for families.
Here are just a few you might want to check out:
FESTIVE FUN AT THE LIBRARY
There’s always something happening at the Burnaby Public Library, and with four branches around town, there’s bound to be something in your neighbourhood. Here are a few highlights:
Christmas Storytime Extravaganza: McGill library branch (4595 Albert St.) has a Christmas storytime event for kids and caregivers on Saturday, Dec. 17. The one-hour program runs at 11 a.m. and again and 2 p.m., and it features puppets, stories, songs and a craft. The event is geared for ages three and up, and all family members are welcome.
Christmas Family Fun: The Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway) offers its family fun on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. The event features festive songs, stories and crafts, and it’s aimed at ages three and up. Caregivers must attend with kids. For info, call 604-522-3791.
Family Movie Night: The McGill branch is hosting a screening of The Santa Clause on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. The all-ages movie night is free, and you don’t need to register, but space is limited. Parents must accompany children under 10. (Note: The movie is recommended for ages nine and up.)
The library has a whole host of programs and events in the few weeks leading up to Christmas, so be sure to check out a full listing at www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
FUN AT THE REC CENTRES
The City of Burnaby is offering up a few pre-Christmas events at facilities around town. Among them:
Visit With Santa: Willingdon Centre is hosting a Visit With Santa, featuring Christmas crafts, seasonal activities and a chance to have your photo taken with the Jolly Old Elf himself (bring your camera). It’s for kids aged three to nine, and you must sign up ahead ($11.10). The fun is set for Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up at www.burnaby.ca/webreg (barcode 405147).
Ugly Sweater Christmas Skate: Bill Copeland Sports Centre hosts holiday fun on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Enjoy crafts, games, and a visit with Santa and his friends. Regular admission and rental rates apply.
Swim With Santa: Santa and friends will be on hand at the C.G. Brown Pool on Sunday, Dec. 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring your bathing suit and your camera. It costs $1 per person, and it’s for all ages.
For more on these and other city events, see www.burnaby.ca or pick up a fall/winter 2016 Leisure Guide.
SEASONAL CELEBRATION AT THE SHADBOLT
Yes, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is getting in on the holiday fun with its annual seasonal celebration. This year’s Frosted Forest is set for Saturday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 7 p.m., and all the fun is free.
You can enjoy The Snowdrop, a production adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, onstage in the Studio Theatre at 4 and 6 p.m.
On the atrium stage, you can hear a range of entertainment, including the Shadbolt Jazz Ensemble (3 and 5:15 p.m.), Stephen Scaccia’s Christmas crooning (3:45 and 6 p.m.) and a Christmas sing-along with Joel DeStefano (4:30 and 6:30 p.m.)
There will be a variety of arts activities – with fine arts in Room 102, ornament making in Room 101, Snowy Forest Globes in Room 100 (by registration), cookie decorating in Studio 104 (by registration), a Burnaby Art Gallery art activity in Studio 201 and more.
A Christmas market in Studio 103 will feature local, handmade items – perfect for some Christmas shopping – and a Gingerbread Lane Galleria features Gingerbread Home Extreme Makeovers by city staff.
It’s all free, but donations are accepted for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau. Bring along an unwrapped gift for a child or teenager (no stuffed toys, please).
Check out www.shadboltcentre.com for more details, or just drop in to the Shadbolt at 6450 Deer Lake Ave.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related info and events to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
