The skies are darker, the air is colder, and there’s no denying it: Christmas is getting closer.
If you’re looking for ways to fill the fall days with your small humans, or a few festive ideas for the pre-holiday season, we’ve got some help for you.
Here’s a roundup of some of the upcoming events going on for kids and families in Burnaby:
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS
It’s not Christmas until you’ve visited Burnaby Village Museum for Heritage Christmas.
Heritage Christmas opens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 19 and continues through until Jan. 2, 2017
The village is all decked out for the holidays with cedar boughs, wreaths, red bows and soft coloured lights, and the shop windows hold vintage-themed Christmas décor.
There are light displays around the village, and every day features new activities and entertainment, including Forte Theatre’s new production of Christmas Art Talent. And, of course, the small folks can visit Father Christmas at Stride Studios.
Want to check it out? It’s open Monday to Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m., until Dec. 9. From Dec. 10 onwards, it’s open daily from 1 to 9 p.m. (closed only on Dec. 24 and 25).
See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca for all the details, or call 604-297-4565.
PRO-D DAY FILMS
Got some small folks home for Pro-D Day next week? The Tommy Douglas branch of Burnaby Public Library is hosting a Pro-D Day Pixar short film screening on Friday, Nov. 25.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the library will be playing a collection of Pixar short animated films. You don’t have to register ahead, but caregivers or parents do have to stay with children. The films are most suited for kids aged five and up.
Tommy Douglas library is at 7311 Kingsway. Check out www.bpl.bc.ca/events for details.
POP-UP LIBRARY
Are you in the Wesburn neighbourhood? Wesburn Community Centre is playing host to an Imagination Playground and Pop-Up Library session on Monday, Nov. 28.
The session runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Wesburn, 4781 Parkwood Ave., and it’s free and open to all.
See the calendar of events at www.burnaby.ca for details.
CALLING ALL BUILDERS
Got little LEGO lovers in the house? The McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library (4595 Albert St., North Burnaby) is hosting an afternoon LEGO Club drop-in on Saturday, Dec. 3.
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., kids aged four and up are invited in to play with the library’s extensive LEGO collection. Moms and dads are welcome, and adults must accompany kids under 10.
You don’t need to register – just drop in to enjoy. It’s free.
TINY TOES AND FINGERS
Want to create some holiday works of art inspired by your child’s hands and feet?
Bonsor Recreation Complex is hosting a Mom ’n’ Toes Holiday Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Moms (or dads) and kids can create works of art on canvas and paper using your child’s hands and feet. It’s for all the small people from one month to eight years old.
It costs $28, and it includes supplies for making and framing.
See www.burnaby.ca/webreg to sign up, or check out the city’s Leisure Guide for the details.
BOOK CLUBS FOR KIDS
If you have young readers in the house, don’t forget about the Burnaby Public Library’s book clubs.
The Metrotown branch (6100 Willingdon Ave.) hosts a Tween Book Club, with the next session coming up Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. This month, kids aged nine through 12 will be getting together to discuss Space Case, by Stuart Gibbs.
The Cameron branch (9523 Cameron St.) has a Teen Book Club, with the next session coming up Thursday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. This month, teens in grades 8 through 12 will be discussing The Storyspinner, by Becky Wallace.
Check out www.bpl.bc.ca/events for more on both clubs and other kids’ events at the libraries.
GO CAROLLING
The tradition of door-to-door carolling may have largely fallen by the wayside, but never fear: the Burnaby Public Library is stepping in to offer up some carolling fun.
Families can turn out to the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway) on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. for an hour-and-a-half of carolling, led by a librarian and accompanied by a keyboard. Meet in the children’s program room and enjoy some light refreshments while singing (lyric sheets provided).
You don’t need to register; you can just drop in, but call 604-522-3971 if you have any questions.
A week later, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, it’s the McGill branch’s turn. You can turn out to 4595 Albert St. at 7 p.m. to join in the fun. For more information, you can call 604-299-8955 – or just turn up to sing in the season.
SAVE THE DATE FOR FAMILY MOVIES
Making family plans for the Christmas holidays? Here are two dates to jot on your calendar.
The Burnaby Public Library’s McGill branch (4595 Albert St.) is offering Family Movie Nights over the holidays.
On Thursday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., the library will screen The Santa Clause (recommended for kids aged nine and up). On Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m., it’s Frozen – the sing-along edition (recommended for ages five and up). So warm up those vocal cords and get ready to “Let It Go” with other local families.
Both sessions are free and you don’t need to register, but do drop in early, since space is limited.
See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for details.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related information to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
