If all the jingle bells have you feeling a little jangly, there are more than a few ways to calm the pre-Christmas stress this weekend, from free family swim and skate times to great local hockey, a sci-fi musical and a short film event.
Friday, Dec. 19
LAST CHANCE
The Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) Christmas Boutique wraps up today and, by the way, did you know there's less than a week before the big day arrives? Get your last-minute shopping done by picking up handcrafted treasures until the boutique closes at 9 p.m. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.
BABES IN TOYLAND
The whole family can get into the Christmas spirit at the Theatrix Youtheatre Society presentation of Babes in Toyland. The Victor Hubert play also features original music by the beloved children's entertainer Yurgen Ileander. The show is on tonight at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.). Tickets are $16/$12 at www.theatrixyoutheatre.com.
HOCKEY NIGHT
Cheer on the Coquitlam Express in two home games this weekend. They're up against the Victoria Grizzlies tonight, when there will also be a Teddy Bear Toss, tailgate barbecue and toonie specials. And be sure to wear your ugly Christmas sweater for Saturday night's game against the Prince George Spruce Kings. Puck drops at 7 p.m. both nights at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Visit www.coquitlamexpress.ca for more info.
SANTA SAILS
Love Christmas lights? How about boats? The annual Santa's Christmas Ships combine them both this evening, shortly after 7 p.m. Pack a mug of hot chocolate and head down to Rocky Point Park to watch the twinkling lights sailing by on Burrard Inlet.
FREE SWIM
Take advantage of a free dip at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), courtesy of Westminster Savings, from 7 to 9 p.m.
SCI-FI COMEDY MUSICAL
This one's just for the grown ups, folks. The Evergreen Cultural Centre presents Broken Sex Doll, a futuristic send-up of what happens when the line between humans and technology gets a bit blurry. Naughty in a good way, Broken Sex Doll runs to Dec. 20 with shows at 8 p.m. and a 4 p.m. matinee Saturday. Tickets are $39/$30/$15, available at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Saturday, Dec. 20
TWISTED FITNESS
Burn a few calories and help families in need at Twist Conditioning's (101-1776 Broadway St., PoCo) event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are free fitness classes every half hour (bring at least one non-perishable food item and Twist will contribute $10 for each participant), photos with Santa, barbecue by donation, games and prizes.
FREE SKATE
Follow up the free swim with a free skate at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam), from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. or 2 to 3:15 p.m. There will be free skate and helmet rentals, up to a maximum of 200 people per session.
NEED A NIGHT OFF?
Drop off the kids for Parents' Night Off, Kids' Night Out at Place Maillardville (1200 Cartier Ave., Coquitlam). The little ones will get to enjoy active games, arts and crafts and cooking, capped off with a 3-D movie, from 6 to 10 p.m. Suitable for kids aged three to 12 (children must be toilet trained). Visit www.placemaillardville.ca for full details.
Sunday, Dec. 21
HOLIDAY TEA
Enjoy a cuppa tea on the 1921 Venosta rail car at the Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St.), complete with festive decorations and holiday music. There are four times to choose from, starting at 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $10/$5. Call 604-939-1648 or [email protected] for reservations.
SHORTEST DAY
Celebrate the winter solstice with a series of short films at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). The collection of 27 new, classic and award-winning shorts will be on for free (including popcorn for those who pre-register), with flicks for kids under eight running from 1 to 2 p.m., from 3 to 4:30 p.m. for families and 5 to 6:40 p.m. for adult comedies. For a list of films visit theshortestday.ca and to register evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
YALDA NIGHT
The Tri-City Cultural Iranian Societies presents its 2014 winter solstice celebration at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., PoMo). The show from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. features the Vashaan Music Group, Chichaklar Dance Group and more. Tickets are $30 at www.portmoody.ca. Call 604-377-9449 for information.
