It's the last weekend before Christmas, folks, so if you're not rushing through last-minute shopping, plan some fun outings with family and friends that are sure to spark your holiday spirit.
TODAY: Friday, Dec. 21
ESCAPE TO NARNIA
Pacific Theatre presents the beloved C. S. Lewis classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, starring Kaitlin Williams and Mack Gordon, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). The whole family will enjoy this acclaimed play, in which a group of young adventurers find themselves in a land of magic. Catch today's matinee at 1 p.m.; shows are also tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca for tickets.
GIFT GUIDE
Wrap up your shopping to-do list with beautiful, one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts at the Place des Arts Christmas Boutique (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Today is the last day it's open, so drop by to find a wide variety of artisan-made pieces. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information. And check out all the artisan gifts at the Port Moody Arts Centre's Blackberry Gallery (2425 St. Johns St.).
Saturday, Dec. 22
ALL LIT UP
Many Tri-City homes are giving Clark Griswold a run for his money, with houses that are festooned with thousands of Christmas lights and all manner of decorations. Pack the family into the car and head out for a lights tour - The Tri-City News publishes a list of light displays throughout the community. And be sure to bundle up and check out the spectacular light display, including a "caterpillar tunnel" sure to wow the kids, at Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake.
Sunday, Dec. 23
TAKE A WALK
It's a hectic time, the days leading up to Christmas. Take a moment to get outside for some fresh air by getting the whole family together for a walk in the great outdoors - Coquitlam's Mundy Park (641 Hillcrest St.) and Minnekhada Regional Park (Oliver Road) would make for tranquil getaways from all the holiday hustle, while Port Moody's Shoreline Trail promises hot chocolate and goodies nearby at Suter Brook or Newport villages.
Monday, Dec. 24
LAST CHANCE
Need to get in to the city for some (very) last-minute gifts? The West Coast Express leaves its Tri-City stops at regular times in the morning, with afternoon trips leaving from Waterfront Station at 1, 3, 4:20, 5:30 and 6:20 p.m. Visit www.translink.ca/holidayservice for full details.
CHRISTMAS SKATE
Get everyone out of the house to burn up some energy before sitting down to a big Christmas feast. The Port Coquitlam recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) hosts an all-ages skate (regular admission) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WINTER CAMPS
Need to keep the kids busy over the holidays? PoCo's Hyde Creek and Leigh Square are hosting one-day adventure camps starting today and running Dec. 27, 28 and Jan. 2 to 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter art camps also start today and continue on Dec. 27, 28 and 31 and Jan. 1 and 2. To register visit www.experienceit.ca or call 604-927-PLAY.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to [email protected].
