The countdown is on — Christmas is just a month out, folks — so make your list, check it twice and hit up the Christmas markets this weekend, and support local artisans at the same time.
Friday, Nov. 25
MOODY CRAFT FAIR
Moody Elementary school hosts a pre-Christmas craft fair, from 3 to 8 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy a cake walk, concession and a raffle for great prizes. The student craft table supports the school’s Breakfast Club. Food bank donations gratefully accepted.
ARTISAN MARKET
Port Coquitlam’s Leigh Square Community Arts Village invites one and all for a weekend of holiday shopping and cheer in a winter wonderland. Browse through handmade artisan crafts, delicious prepared foods and baked treats. Entertainment includes face painting and ornament making for the kids and, on Saturday, the Felice Women’s Choir and Silver Chord Choir. Admission is free; food and cash donations are accepted for the Share food bank. Festivities run today from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.pocochristmasfair.com for more info.
BISTRO BLUEGRASS
Get rootsy at PoMo’s Gallery Bistro when the Devon Wells Trio revs up the audience with their banjo-fueled modern bluegrass. The band features Juno-award winning bassist Russell Sholberg and renowned flatpicker Chris Russell playing a mix of Trio originals and remixes of crowd favourites. Tickets for the dinner and concert, beginning at 7 p.m., are $25 by calling 604-937-0998 to reserve. Visit www.devonwellsbanjo.com for more info.
SCOTS COMEDY
Enjoy a night of laughs with the Almighty in God is a Scottish Drag Queen at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Mike Delamont is God, dressed in a floral power suit, poking fun at everything from Justin Bieber to the Pope in this critically acclaimed comedy, which has become a top hit on the Canadian Fringe circuit. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $37/$32/$16 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
DO THE MERENGUE
Don’t know how? Alberto and Teresa of Hot Salsa Dance Zone can help you with that at the weekly salsa dance parties at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Tonight’s fun begins with a merengue lesson at 8 p.m., with loads of Latin music and dancing until 12:30 a.m. No partner or experience required, just a willingness to have fun. Admission is $10; visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com.
Saturday, Nov. 26
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Stock up on crafty Christmas gifts at the Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair at the city hall Galleria, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 35 tables laden with jewelry, pottery, artwork and other handmade goods. Proceeds benefit the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. Visit www.pmcraftfair.com for more info.
LIGHT THE LAKE
Coquitlam’s annual kick-off to the festive season, Light the Lake, is bigger than ever in celebration of the city’s 125th anniversary. From 2 to 5:30 p.m. there will be music, sing-alongs, concession with hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, photos with Santa and hands-on crafts like beeswax candle making and popcorn stringing throughout the Evergreen Cultural Centre. In the Innovation Centre, check out more crafts, face painting and entertainment, including an LED dance floor. Head out to the Lafarge Lake path to soak up the magic of more than 100,000 Christmas lights (official lighting of the holiday display is at 5 p.m.), more music and roving entertainment and a photo booth.
Sunday, Nov. 27
LIGHT IT UP
Decorating enthusiasts will enjoy a chance to festoon the Port Moody Station Museum and train car for the holidays. From lights to tinsel, it will be all hands on deck starting at noon, with plenty of hot chocolate to keep the helpers warm. Call 604-939-1648.
FAMILY DAY
Get the whole family in the Christmas spirit at Place des Arts’ Family Day lantern making event from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Check out the three new exhibits — Ethereal Landscapes, Boundaries and Positively Petite — then create your own lantern for the free annual celebration, A Lantern Affair, on Dec. 4. Admission is free; register at brownpapertickets.com or 604-664-1636.
