By this time next week the floor is likely to be littered with wrapping paper and we’ll be deep into turkey prep, so enjoy this last weekend — and all its festive offerings — because the main event will be here before we know it.
Friday, Dec. 18
HOLIDAY SWIM
Is there such a thing as a Christmas swim? Put on a Santa hat and dive in at the Westminster Savings free swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p.m. Follow it up with the Westminster Savings free skate at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. (wristbands distributed from 12:30 p.m.). There will be free skate and helmet rentals; maximum 200 participants per session.
LIGHT IT UP
Shopping lists, cookie baking and gift wrapping got you down? Lift up your holiday spirits by touring the Tri-Cities’ outstanding light displays. Each city boasts several homes that have gone all out — and with thousands of lights, some are seriously over the top — and The Tri-City News keeps a running list in the paper and at tricitynews.com, on Facebook and with map updates tweeted from @TriCityNews.
NUTCRACKER
No Christmas would be complete without The Nutcracker, and this year you can catch it here in the Tri-Cities care of Theatrix Youtheatre Society. The group is staging this classic story of a little girl who gets a nutcracker from her magical godfather at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.) tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 1 and 7 p.m. (suitable for ages five and up). Tickets are $6/$12/$16 at www.theatrixyoutheatre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 19
AT THE MALL
It’s a tough place to be, at the mall on the last weekend before Christmas. But if you’re braving the crowds at Coquitlam Centre this weekend, be sure to drop by the Share Family & Community Services table. They have volunteers on hand to wrap your gifts and to accept new, unwrapped toys (or cash) at the donation bin. It all goes to support less fortunate Tri-City families, so there’s no better time be grateful for your own good fortune and help those in need.
ALL ABOARD
The CP Holiday Train is decked to the nines and it’s pulling in to the Tri-Cities for its final stops this evening. On-board entertainment is by none other than Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, as well as Devin Cuddy and Kelly Prescott, for an outstanding, family-friendly (and free) show. Be sure to bring cash or a non-perishable food item for the Share food bank. The Holiday Train stops in Port Moody behind the arena/recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 5 to 5:30 p.m. but the fun starts at 3 p.m. with a bonfire and hot chocolate, chilli or hotdog (donations benefit Share), games and festive tunes. Inside the rec complex there will be snacks and cookie decorating, carollers, face painting and a chance to visit Santa, as well as a family skate at the arena from 2:30 to 4 p.m. If you’re catching the train in Port Coquitlam head down for a festive photo booth and free skate from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.). The train pulls in for its final stop at the West Coast Express station (2125 Kingsway Ave.) from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20
HOLIDAY TEA
The Port Moody Heritage Society welcomes you to its annual holiday tea on the train. Enjoy festive tea and sweets (hot chocolate and crafts for kids) aboard the 1921 Venosta rail car, complete with Christmas tunes in the background. Reservations are required for three seating times: 11 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. by contacting [email protected] or 604-939-1648. The cost is $10/$5. Visit www.portmoodymuseum.org for more info.
SOLSTICE FEST
Celebrate the winter solstice at PoMo’s Pioneer Memorial Park (Knowle Street, between Newport Village and city hall) with live music by Sonicjoy, a lantern-making station and a community drum circle. Feel free to bring lanterns and drums, wear a costume and enjoy this spirited event, running from 4 to 7 p.m.
