If you weren’t feeling the Christmas spirit before this weekend you won’t be able to escape it now, so enjoy the lights, the lanterns, the craft fairs and all those cookies.
Friday, Dec. 4
CRAFT FAIR
Get your shopping list ready for the 35th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair at the Poirier Forum (618 Poirier St.), featuring more than 100 B.C. vendors with textiles, housewares, ceramics and much more. The fair runs 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/adult, $1.25/senior or child. Visit www.coquitlamcrafts.com.
12 DAYS CONTINUED
Port Coquitlam’s 12 Days of Christmas in Leigh Square festivities continue tonight with a movie and skate night at the recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.). Take a few turns on the ice from 6:45 to 8 p.m. (regular admission) and catch the movie Arthur Christmas in the lobby from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. (free).
ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS
Get in a blues-funk holiday frame of mind at the Brickhouse show Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35/$30/$15 at evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
WRAP IT UP
Got the gifts but hate the hassle of wrapping? Volunteers at the Share Christmas Tree at Coquitlam Centre mall can help, starting today and running to Dec. 24, for a donation, during mall hours; if you’d like to volunteer call 604-529-5104.
Saturday, Dec. 5
CHRISTMAS BOATS
Santa’s Christmas Ships will light up Port Moody Inlet and Indian Arm starting tonight, when they’ll also stop at Belcarra Regional Park for a visit with Santa at 7:30 p.m.
LANTERN FEST
PoCo’s streets get all lit up for the 12 Days of Christmas at the Lantern Festival. The whole family can make lanterns in a free workshop from 3 to 4:45 p.m., or bring your own for the parade starting at the Michael Wright Art Gallery at 5 p.m. The fun continues Sunday with a Little Elves Workshop (ages five and up), where they’ll make Christmas toys, ornaments and more from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parent volunteers are welcome; cost is $5.
SALSA NIGHT
Crank up the Christmas heat with some spicy Latin dancing at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Kick it off with a salsa lesson at 8 p.m., followed by a dance party featuring merengue, bachata and much more, from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission is $10/$8 to the licensed event; visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com.
Sunday, Dec. 6
CAROLS AT THE LODGE
Cosy up in front of the big fireplace at Minnekhada Lodge (4455 Oliver Rd., Coquitlam) for an afternoon of festive fun, including a Christmas carol sing-along and a visit from Santa, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Minnekhada Regional Park. Visit www.minnekhada.ca.
A LANTERN AFFAIR
Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) welcomes one and all for lantern-making and the unveiling of a major installation by artist-in-residence Catherine Dumaine. Families can join the lantern procession, enjoy live music and carolling, make ornaments, decorate cookies and more. The free event runs from 2 to 4 p.m.; a donation for the Share food bank is welcome. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Pottery Show & Sale featuring high quality handmade ceramics. Visit www.placedesarts.ca.
SING ‘N’ STRUM
The Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instrument Enthusiasts (CUTIE) Circle hosts its annual Christmas strum-and-sing-along at the Evergreen Cultural Centre from 2 to 4 p.m. Get into the Christmas spirit and brush up on your carols at the free event. Bring a non-perishable item for the Share food bank for a chance to win gifts. Visit www.cutiecircle.com for more info.
WELL SEASONED
The Harmony Women’s Vocal Ensemble celebrates the holidays in Well-Seasoned at the Heritage Woods secondary theatre (1300 David Ave., PoMo) at 2 p.m. The ensemble will be joined by special guests Acoustic Groove. Tickets are $20 at the door or [email protected].
SOUP’S UP
The Soup Sisters will be at the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to cook up 100 litres of soup for Joy’s Place, an emergency shelter for women and their adult children who are victims of domestic violence. Pre-register by contacting [email protected].
