It's the last weekend before Christmas and since you've finished all your shopping (wink, wink), kick back and enjoy these family-themed events.
FRIDAY, DEC. 16
SANTA IS WATCHING
Your donation could make the difference of a lifetime for a trauma victim or family in need. Do two good deeds at once at the Bleed & Feed Clinic running today from 12:15 to 6:45 p.m. at Coquitlam Christian Centre (2665 Runnel Dr.), where you can donate blood and a non-perishable food item for the Share food bank. Clinics held earlier this month have exceed targets, so keep up the good work.
HOLIDAY HUMOUR
Check out what's Under the Christmas Tree when Table 23 presents its annual improv holiday comedy show, running until Dec. 17. Take the kids to the matinee show Saturdays at 3 p.m. and grab some friends for the adult (PG) show Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. at Second Storey Theatre. Don't forget to bring a donation for the Share food bank. Visit www.secondstoreytheatre.com.
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
Theatrix Youtheatre Society presents a Christmas double-header Dec. 15 to 17 at Coquitlam's Evergreen Cultural Centre, featuring You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by Charles Schultz and The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell. Bring the family to see both shows, playing at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 and 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets are $16/$12 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555. Visit www.theatrixyoutheatre.com for more information.
FREE MOVIE
Port Coquitlam Christian Assembly (1932 Cameron Ave.) presents a free screening of It's a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m. Enjoy a glass of hot apple cider and offer a food or clothing donation for those less fortunate.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
SANTA TRAIN
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and ride for free on the annual West Coast Express Santa Train. Leave from the Port Coquitlam station at 10:37 a.m., Coquitlam at 10:43 a.m. or Port Moody at 10:48 a.m. and, when you get to Vancouver, spend the day shopping or enjoy the kids' activities, music and photos with Santa at Waterfront Station. The train departs Waterfront at 5 p.m. Visit www.westcoastexpress.com for more information.
ALL ABOARD
Packed with entertainment featuring John Valdy and Tracey Brown, the CPR Holiday Train rolls into Port Moody this evening at 5:45 p.m. Get to the Queens Street Plaza at Clarke Street at 4 p.m. for plenty of family-friendly events, and bring a non-perishable food item for the Share food bank. Visit www.cpr.ca for more information, including downloadable pictures that children can colour and bring to the event.
COLLAGE COLLAGE
Looking for a unique way to make affordable gifts this year? Sign up for Collage Button Making, with artist Laura Bucci, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre today from 1 to 4 p.m. The class is for ages 16 and up. Cost is $40; call 604-927-6552 to book.
LOTSA LIGHTS
Channel the Griswold Family Christmas and tour the Tri-Cities' twinkling light displays this weekend. Visit www.tricitynews.com for a listing of light-bedecked homes, as well as a map showing where each is located. Bring some cash and donations, as many homes collect for various charities and/or the Share food bank.
SUNDAY, DEC. 18
HAPPY HANNUKAH
Everyone is welcome to attend Burquest Jewish Community Centre's (2860 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Coquitlam) Community Chanukah Party today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be latkes, menorah lighting, games, singing and more. Bring your menorah and a favourite potluck item (dairy or pareve), your camera, kids, bubbies and zadies. Admission is $2.50 for Burquest members, $5 for guests/non-members. Call 604-552-7221 for more information.
DIAMONDS FOR KIDS
Don't worry, we're not suggesting you buy expensive jewelry for your children. But do take them to see the ever-popular and award-winning entertainer Charlotte Diamond as she launches her new CD, 24 Carrot Diamond - the Best of Charlotte Diamond, at Chapters Pinetree Village in Coquitlam today at 11:30 a.m. She'll be singing songs from her greatest hits collection, as well as some new material, and signing autographs.
SANTA SKATES
Lace up your skates to enjoy a few spins around the rink with Santa Claus himself at the Port Coquitlam recreation complex today from 12:45 to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca for more information.
TEA TIME
Here's another train-related event of a slightly different kind. Drop by the Port Moody Station Museum for Holiday Tea on the Train from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Have a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa, along with some yummy goodies, while enjoying classic holiday music on the museum's authentic 1920s passenger rail car. Cost is $5 per person, no reservations needed.
CHRISTMAS PLAY
St. John the Apostle Anglican Church (2208 St. Johns St., PoMo) welcomes you to A Night in Bethlehem from 4 to 7 p.m. Bring the family to make food, toys and crafts from Biblical times, and enjoy the pageant and meal. Visit www.stjohnanglican.ca for more information.
