It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and sometimes the most crazy-making.
If you’re a parent (especially to pint-size humans) you know well how trying to get all your pre-holiday tasks accomplished and keep the kids amused at the same time is a somewhat herculean feat. Which is why we’ve put together this list of ways to keep the kids amused for the holiday season – both before Christmas and after, when those long days out of school may start to wear on you.
Bookmark this page and refer to it next time the kids start to drive you crazy.
VISIT WITH SANTA
Willingdon Community Centre is hosting a festive night of Christmas crafts and seasonal activities, featuring the man himself, on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
You’ll have a chance to get your photo taken with Santa (bring your own camera). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Note that it’s by registration only – you can find the link to sign up at www.burnaby.ca/holidayfun - and it costs $11.35 per child (aged one to 10).
GET CRAFTY
The Burnaby Public Library has plenty to do to keep the kids busy over the holidays, including some craft sessions for the small folks.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Metrotown branch (6100 Willingdon Ave.) hosts a Welcome Wonderful Winter session for all ages, with a winter-themed storytime and craft. Caregivers must attend with kids, and the session runs from 11 a.m. to noon. You don’t have to sign up, but do drop in early as space is limited. Call 604-436-5420 for information.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway) hosts Winter Makerspace: Do You Want to Build a Snowman. Kids can join in to create a paper snowman figure and cards. It runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and all kids under 10 need to bring an adult.
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, kids aged five to 12 can drop in to the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway) for a Winter Makerspace: Make Your Own Table Hockey Game. It’s free, and you can drop in, but be sure to arrive early. The session runs from 2 to 3:30, and all children under 10 need to bring a participating adult.
See www.bpl.bc.ca/events, or call 604-522-3971 for information about the Makerspace sessions.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Chances are, you already know about Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. The annual fun is underway until Jan. 5. Until Dec. 15, the village is open Monday to Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.; from Dec. 16 on, it’s open 1 to 9 p.m. daily (closed only Dec. 24 and 25).
Roam the village, ride the carousel (there’s a $2.65 charge for the carousel), check out the holiday entertainment and enjoy some special activities.
On Sundays, from 2 to 4 p.m., you can stop in to the Love Farmhouse to sample fresh-baked cookies from the wood-burning oven (while supplies last).
Or, you can drop in to the Real Estate Office to make children’s crafts (before Christmas, you can make a festive holiday gift bag; after Christmas, you can create a paper gingerbread house). The craft station is open weekends until Dec. 17 from 1:30 to 8 p.m., then daily from 3:30 to 8 p.m. from Dec. 18 to 22. From Dec. 23 to Jan. 5, it’s open 1:30 to 8 p.m. on days the village is open.
And don’t miss the family-friendly Forte Theatre production, Toy of the Year, which plays Saturdays and Sundays in Brookfield Hall.
See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca for all the details and entertainment schedules.
GO CAROLLING
The Burnaby Public Library is hosting two Christmas carol sing-along sessions for all ages and all voices.
The sessions will be led by a librarian, accompanied by a keyboard player, and carol sheets will be available.
The first one is on Monday, Dec. 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway), and the second is on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. at McGill (4595 Albert St., North Burnaby).
See www.bpl.bc.ca/events for information, or just drop in. You don’t have to sign up ahead, and there’s no fee.
TAKE TO THE ICE
If you need to burn off some Christmas calories – or some of the kids’ excess energy – then why not take to the ice?
Burnaby’s arenas are holding holiday events for everyone to enjoy.
There’s the Ugly Christmas Sweater Toonie Skate at Bill Copeland on Saturday, Dec. 23 from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and the Polar Bear Toonie Skate on Monday, Jan. 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
At Kensington Arena, there’s a New Year’s Eve Toonie Skate from 10:30 a.m. to2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31.
See www.burnaby.ca/holidayfun for the details.
There are also plenty of public skating opportunities over the Christmas holidays. Check out Burnaby’s Holiday Fun brochure for the schedule. You can pick one up at local facilities or download one at the link above.
Canlan 8 Rinks (6501 Sprott St.) is also holding a host of Winterfest public skating sessions through December, featuring a rink all decked out for Christmas with trees and glowing lights. Find the calendar at www.icesports.com/burnaby8rinks/ for the full schedule.
SEE A FAMILY MOVIE
The Burnaby Public Library is offering a number of kid-friendly movie screenings for the whole family over the holiday season.
Families can enjoy Cars 3, showing Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Metrotown branch.
Or, you can check out The Lion King on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the McGill branch, and again on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Metrotown branch.
On Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy Sing at the McGill branch.
All screenings are free, but space is limited. For Metrotown movies, free tickets are available in the children’s library starting at 1 p.m. on show day. Check out www.bpl.bc.ca/events for details.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
Kids too little to stay up till midnight?
Burnaby Public Library is hosting an early Noon Years Eve Countdown Party on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Metrotown branch. Families can drop in to enjoy dancing, crafts, a photo booth and a balloon drop at noon.
It’s for all ages, but adults must accompany children under 10. You don’t need to sign up ahead – just drop in any time at 6100 Willingdon Ave.
Do you have another idea for pre-holiday and holiday fun in Burnaby? Email Julie, [email protected].
