Help kick off 12 days of holiday activities at Port Coquitlam's Leigh Square Community Arts Village this weekend.
From Nov. 29 to Dec. 12, you can make wreaths, cards and gifts, watch a Christmas movie and enjoy the live entertainment at the arts hub (2100-2253 Leigh Sq., behind PoCo city hall).
Best of all, most events are free or for a small fee. To reserve a place, call 604-927-8442. Here's the line-up:
Nov. 29: Launch of Heritage Tree Fest and 12 Days of Christmas, 3 to 5:30 p.m. (free);
Dec. 1: Teens and adults can join Heather Meyerhoff and learn some new and creative card making ideas, 6:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Nov. 27);
Dec. 2: Decorate your front door and tree with a traditional wreath and ornaments, handmade at a workshop. Participants can bring garden clippings to share, ages 14 and up, 6:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Nov. 27);
Dec. 3: Learn how to knit a scarf in 45 minutes at a workshop for beginners, ages 14 and up, 5:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Dec. 1);
Dec. 4: Tour artist Jeannette Sirois' new exhibit: Beyond Real: Overexposed Underexposed and learn about portrait drawing, all ages, 7 to 9 p.m. (free);
Dec. 5: Create origami ornaments for the home or tree, all ages but parent participation is required for those under 14, 6:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Nov. 27);
Dec. 6: Little Elves workshop for kids aged six to 12, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Nov. 27);
Dec. 8: Time management coach/strategist Rowena List will talk about how to survive the stress of the holiday season, 7 p.m. (free, RSVP by Dec. 4);
Dec. 9: Repurpose mason jars, clothespins, wine bottles and more at a DIY gift and decor session, all ages, 6:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Dec. 5);
Dec. 10: Textile artist Terry Villaneuve will show how to make a dragon boat tree ornament using embroidery thread wrapping techniques, ages 14 and up, 6:30 p.m. ($10, RSVP by Dec. 5);
Dec. 11: Hear the beautiful sounds from the Felice Choir, a Leigh Square community ensemble led by music director and conductor Andrea Kim, all ages, 6:30 p.m. ($5);
Dec. 12: Lace up your skates and catch the movie, The Grinch, at the PoCo recreation complex, all ages, 6:45 p.m. (film is free, regular admission for skating).
Visit portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare for more information on the special Christmas events.LANTERNs
Light up the holidays by making a lantern in Maillardville next week.
Carré Heritage Square (1120 Brunette Ave.) presents its annual free holiday party, A Lantern Affair Celebration of Light, on Saturday Dec. 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Place des Arts, Mackin House Museum and Gare de Fraser Mills Station Museum - and sponsored in part by The Tri-City News - the event includes arts and heritage activities, a market and entertainment.
Don't forget to bring the kids to hear stories from Father Christmas. Free Tim Hortons coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be served. Bring a non-perishable food donation or new, unwrapped toy for Share. Visit placedesarts.ca.
DOGWOOD
Join the Dogwood Songsters for their annual Christmas concert in Coquitlam next month.
The seniors' ensemble will sing new carols and lead holiday sing-alongs for the Dec. 14 show at Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St.) at 1:30 p.m.
Admission is $5; children under 10 are no charge. Parking is free and refreshments are included. Food donations to the Christmas hamper fund will be accepted. For tickets, call 604-927-6098.
FA LA LA LA
Coquitlam's Johanne Sabourin will join the Vancouver Bach Choir for its annual holiday show next month.
Sabourin, a physical therapist, will be with the adult ensemble - under the musical direction of Leslie Dala and Marisa Gaetanne - for its seasonal concert on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver.
@jwarrenTC
