Seven things to do this Boxing Day weekend in Burnaby
Take the kids on tour to view all the Christmas light displays Burnaby residents have spent days and sometimes weeks assembling. (Click here for the full list.
You can find the DuPlessis family Christmas display at 8222 Burnlake Dr., not far from Burnaby Lake. This year’s display is brighter than ever. The Duplessis spent three weeks to planning, researching and executing the display, which is computer controlled. Highlights include a tree with a new star, Charlie Brown characters and a mini ice-rink, a 14-foot Santa, reindeer and more. The display is on every day, from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. until Jan. 4. The DuPlessis are collecting donations for the B.C. Children’s Hospital.contributed
Take the kids on tour to view all the Christmas light displays Burnaby residents have spent days and sometimes weeks assembling. (Click here for the full list.) Dress warmly, bring your camera, and don’t forget to bring a little something for the donation boxes.
Looking for a way to pass the time with family? Take the kids over to the Burnaby Village Museum, which is open for Heritage Christmas on Saturday and Sunday, from 1 to 9 p.m. There will be blacksmith demonstrations, scavenger hunts, crafts, a toy room, roasted chestnuts, puppet shows and more. The best part is admission is free. The museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave.
Organize your Boxing Day plan of attack for Metropolis at Metrotown. It will be busy, but there are some things you can do to prepare. First, go online to metropolisatmetrotown.com and figure out which stores you want to visit by analyzing the map. Also, call your favourite retailers ahead and check when they open, because many shops will open earlier than normal, which is 8 a.m. Take transit instead of driving, because parking will be a zoo. If you insist on taking your vehicle, the most under-used parking area is underneath the food court on level P2.On Saturday morning, there will be one door opening early, at 5 a.m. at the south side of the mall, close to Sterling Shoes. Once you’re inside, you can then line up at your favourite shop. The rest of the mall’s doors open at 6 a.m. Sport Chek, Michael Kors and Coach are popular shops, so consider yourself forewarned. The mall will be open to 9 p.m., but for the best selection and prices, get there early.
If you’re not a fan of that empty feeling associated with mass consumerism, consider doing something to help others. It’s been a tough winter for people sleeping outdoors, according to the Progressive Housing Society, the main group helping homeless in Burnaby. The society is looking for donations of new underwear, or new and gently used underwear, sleeping bags, blankets and small household goods, like pots and pans for people to set up in their new homes. The office will be closed this weekend, but hang onto the items till Wednesday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. Drop donations off at 7836 Sixth St. Info: 604-522-9669 ext. 315.
Did your kids get too many toys this Christmas? Maybe they received something they already have or something a little out of their age range. It’s never too late to donate to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, which needs a stash of toys for the next season. The bureau is closed this weekend, but the office on 2055 Rosser Ave. opens again on Jan. 4. Drop donations off there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 604-299-5778.
Don’t throw out all that wrapping paper and those gift boxes. Stuff your yellow recycling bag for pickup, but if there’s too much material, drop it off at the Eco-Centre on Sunday, Dec. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If there is any glitter or foil on the paper, it’s not recyclable. Printed paper, however, should be recycled. The centre is at 4855 Still Creek Dr.
