Christmas is almost here but there’s time for one last festive event … or maybe more than one. Check out this week’s holiday offerings – see the carol ships all aglow as they slip past the city, skate alongside Santa, or really celebrate with a performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Here’s our Top 5 list for Dec. 20 to 22.
1 Get outside for the Carol Ships Parade of Lights on Friday night. The annual flotilla of carol ships is expected to pass by Barnet Marine Park between 8 and 8:30 p.m. There’ll be a bonfire on site and hot chocolate and snacks at the concession. For more information, go to www.carol
ships.org.
2 Get skating with the big man himself at the Santa Skate at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre on Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. There will be crafts, games and holiday cheer. Regular admission and rental rates are in effect. For more information, call 604-297-4521.
3 Get traditional with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s performance of A Traditional Christmas on Sunday. A Traditional Christmas is being presented by the orchestra and hosted by Christopher Gaze at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.vancouversym
phony.ca or by calling 604-876-3434.
4 Get celebrating Christmases past at this year’s Illuminations at Heritage Christmas, which opened last month. The Burnaby Village Museum’s seasonal event includes more than 24,000 lights throughout the village as well as festive decorations, traditional entertainment, Father Christmas and of course, a ride on the carousel. Gate admission is free, however, carousel rides are $2.21 each. Illuminations closes on Jan. 4. For more information, go to www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/about/photo-galleries/illuminations-at-heritage-christmas.html.
5 Get checking off the names on your own personal naughty and nice list. Christmas is a’coming on Wednesday, but this weekend gives everyone a chance to finish up their Christmas shopping. Whether you prefer the busy mall atmosphere at the city’s three main shopping centres – Metropolis at Metrotown, and Brentwood and Lougheed town centres – or like to meander from shop to shop in Burnaby Heights or through the Edmonds neighbourhood, there are plenty of fantastic spots in Burnaby to purchase those last little things on your list.
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