It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, though we have a week or so left of November yet. Luckily, twinkling lights are always in season, no matter how distant the holidays may seem. This week, catch some of the sparkle at the Edmonds Festival of Lights or see a beautiful historic manor all decked out at Christmas at Overlynn Mansion. And if it's just too early to think Christmas thoughts, there are plenty of other things happening in the city, as well. We're continuing with our popular feature - our staff's Top 5 (Or More) Things To Do This Weekend. Here's our Top 5 list for Nov. 22 to 24.
1 Get charmed by Bob McDonald's storytelling at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts at 6450 Deer Lake Ave. this Friday. McDonald, of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks, will be speaking at this special event, hosted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The evening is a special opportunity for the public to hear McDonald's stories while supporting the preservation of the natural heritage of the planet. Admission is by donation but seating is limited. Reserve tickets by calling the Shadbolt Centre at 604-205-3000.
2 Get celebrating at the Edmonds Festival of Lights at the Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St., on Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Come into the new Edmonds Community Centre to enjoy the best the season has to offer. Take part in arts and crafts, cookie decorating, seasonal activities, face painting and of course, a visit with Santa. Afterwards, go to the back plaza for refreshments, including hotdogs and hot chocolate, live music, photo opportunities and the lighting of the huge Christmas tree. For more information, call 604-297-4838.
3 Get mining at the Finding Gold in Family Stories workshop. The workshop on interviewing family members is being held by broadcaster Vera Rosenbluth at the McGill library branch from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free but space is limited. Those interested in attending can register online, by calling 604-299-8955 or in person at the branch at 4595 Albert St. For more information, go to www.bpl.bc.ca/events/finding-gold-in-family-stories.
4 Get good and jolly at the annual Christmas at Overlynn Mansion event on Saturday and Sunday. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Guided tours take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There will be apple cider and cookies by donation, a craft sale, a Burnaby Artists Guild display and sale, a door prize and the jolly old fellow himself, Santa Claus. Admission is by donation. The mansion is located at the corner of McGill Street and North Esmond Avenue, next to the Seton Villa Retirement Centre. For more information go to www.christmasatoverlynn.ca.
5 Get shopping at the Scandinavian Craft Fair on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St. This is a Christmas craft fair sponsored by the Purpurit Finnish Folk Dancers, with more than 30 vendors selling arts and crafts, baked goods and Christmas goodies. Refreshments and Scandinavian specialties are available. Admission is free.
6 Get cultured at Opera for a Sunday Afternoon, featuring highlights from Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, plus a Christmas carol sing-along, bake sale and raffle. The event features emerging opera talents from around the Lower Mainland. It takes place Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 604-205-3000 or going to tickets.shadboltcentre.com.
Email your Top 5 ideas or send them to Janaya directly. You can also check out our full arts and events calendar listings at www.burnabynow.com.
