Finished your Christmas shopping yet? Didn't think so. Not to worry, because this weekend offers plenty of opportunities to check off everyone on the list, and support local artisans and crafters at the same time.
Friday, Dec. 5
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
It's the 34th annual craft fair at the Poirier community centre (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam), featuring oodles of handmade items from more than 120 crafters throughout B.C. Drop by today from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2.50/$1.25. Get more info at www.coquitlamcrafts.com.
CHRISTMAS TRUCE
The Exceptional Theatre Company and Port Moody Station Museum present a tribute of remembrance in recognition of the Christmas of 1914 when soldiers on the Western Front spent Christmas with the enemy. Hear from the soldiers' own words what the event was like in this play at 2 p.m. at the Station Museum (2734 Murray St.). Tickets are $15 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/870833.
ORIGAMI ORNAMENTS
Fold your way to some Japanese-inspired ornaments at this Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq.) event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the basics of this nifty technique, then create Christmas sculptures to display in your home. Cost is $10, call 604-927-8442 to RSVP.
Saturday, Dec. 6
A LANTERN AFFAIR
Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave.) turns up the festivities a notch with its annual Lantern Affair from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The free event features activities for the whole family, including lantern and ornament making, Mackin House tours, heritage crafts, cookie decorating and storytelling, not to mention live entertainment and caroling. Drop by the market to pick up all sorts of unique artisan gifts. Check www.placedesarts.ca for more details.
CHRISTMAS CHANSONS
Join Maillardville's French choir, Les Echos du Pacifique, for its Christmas concert at Como Lake United Church (535 Marmont St., Coquitlam) at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.lesechosdupacifique.com for more information.
LITTLE ELVES
Do you have some little hands at home that would like to get busy making Christmas decorations? Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Sq., PoCo) hosts a Little Elves Workshop (ages six to 12), where kids can make cards, ornaments and gifts for family and friends, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., cost is $10. Call 604-927-8442 to RSVP.
Sunday, Dec. 7
MAKE TRACKS
To the Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St.) for Train Tracks and Flap Jacks on board the 1921 Venosta rail car. There are four seatings to choose from between 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and tickets are $20/person. Call 604-939-1648 to reserve a spot.
PET PICS
Get your pooch in a pic with the big man in red at Shaughnessy Vet Hospital (2129-2850 Shaughnessy St., PoCo). Santa will be sitting for snaps with your furry friends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (photos must be picked up at event location one week later). All proceeds are donated to the Network for Animals Society, which provides assistance with spaying and neutering dogs and cats in the Lower Mainland. Visit www.network4animals.com for more info.
INDIAN CLASSICS
A Coquitlam family is welcoming the public to their home (1746 Hampton Dr.) for a celebration of classical Indian music. The recital will feature Akhil Jobanputra and Neerija Aptikar (vocals), Sunny Matharu (tabla), Sharanjeet Singh Mand (sitar), Mohan Bhide (harmonium) and more. The interactive gathering in the form of a "bhaitak" will run from 3 to 6 p.m. and will include refreshments. RSVP by Dec. 5 to Sanjeev Hriday and Nina Buddhdev at 604-944-6939.
MUSIC & DANCE
The Vancouver Beauty Dance World and Arts Musical Studio presents a Christmas recital at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., PoMo). Tickets are $20/$18, available at Henderson Place Mall (1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) or by calling 778-707-6543. Visit beautydanceworld.com for more information.
FREE SWIM
It's been a busy weekend. Shake it off with a dip at the Westminster Savings free swim at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit www.coquitlam.ca for more information.
