Dec. 12
FOR THE KIDS
Haven't got your Christmas tree yet? Buy a fresh one at Eagle Ridge United Church (2813 Glen Dr., Coquitlam) this weekend from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to support Aunt Leah's Place - a Coquitlam non-profit group that helps young people aging out of foster care as well as young moms and their babies. Visit auntleahs.org.
HELP THE NEEDY
Fill up the fire truck when Share - in partnership with Safeway, CKPM FM and local firefighters - host the second annual food drive. Bring an item to any Tri-City Safeway between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Visit sharesociety.ca.
MEAL, SKATE
Port Coquitlam youth and seniors can get to know each other at a free meal hosted by the city as part of its 12 Days of Christmas program this month. The event takes place at 5 p.m. at the Hyde Creek recreation centre (1379 Laurier Ave.) while, over at the PoCo rec complex (2150 Wilson Ave.), The Grinch - starring Canadian actor Jim Carrey - will be screened at 6:45 p.m.; a public skate is also open from 6:45 to 8 p.m.; regular admission.
SUGAR SUGAR
An Academy Award-winning documentary about a "lost" 1970s musician will be shown at Port Moody's Inlet Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Port Moody Film Society presents Searching for Sugar Man at the city hall venue (100 Newport Dr.). Tickets are $5 at the door plus a $5 annual society membership. Visit pmfilm.ca.
WE B3 KINGS
The jazz quartet B3 Kings perform spiced-up versions of traditional Christmas tunes at 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Tickets are $35/$30/$15 by calling the box office at 604-927-6555 or visiting evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Dec. 13
ARTIST TOUR
Renowned Port Moody painter David Bizzo opens his art studio to the public on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas. Studio A3 is located at the back of the Esplanade Art Studios (2709 Esplanade St.) at Rocky Point Park. Call 778-227-8480 or email [email protected].
TO THE MARKET
Shopping local will be easy when the Coquitlam Farmers' Market hosts its first-ever Christmas market at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature a broad range of gift items including foods, crafts, jewelry, clothing and soaps. No cost for entry. Visit makebakegrow.com.
HO HO HO
Take the kids - or parents! - to the annual breakfast with Santa at Port Coquitlam's Wilson Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.). The event, which starts at 9 a.m., is part of the city's 12 Days of Christmas program. The cost is $9. Pre-registration is required by calling 604-927-PLAY or visit experienceit.ca.
SANTA TRAIN
Bring a toy and ride on the Santa Train, courtesy of West Coast Express. Get a complimentary return ticket plus a downtown adventure pack when you donate an unwrapped toy at the station. The train leaves Port Coquitlam at 10:39 a.m, Coquitlam Central at 10:45 a.m. and Port Moody at 10:50 a.m. before heading to the Waterfront station, arriving at 11:15 a.m. Visit translink.ca/santatrain.
HI MIKE
Celebrate the holidays with Port Coquitlam NDP MLA Mike Farnworth, who will host an open house at his constituency office (107A-2748 Lougheed Hwy.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of non-perishable items are accepted for the Share food bank. Call 604-927-2088.
EN FRANÇAIS
Société francophone de Maillardville (SFM) invites francophones and francophiles to celebrate the festive season - with a French flair. From 1 p.m., the SFM team will be at the Chez-Nous Hall (209 Lebleu St., Coquitlam) to hear the musical entertainment and taste the treats. Visit maillardville.com for details.
ALL ABOARD
Watch a Christmas classic aboard a Port Moody vintage rail car. The Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St.) will screen Santa Claus Is Coming To Town on the Venosta, at 2 p.m. Admission is $2. Seating is limited to 32 people. Visit portmoodymuseum.org.
OLD WORLD
Join a Coquitlam-based wind group for an Old World Christmas special. The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble will pipe out traditional tunes for its holiday concert at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20/$15/$12. Call 604-927-6555 or visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
GRAPPLE TIME
Cheer on Tony Baroni, Sid Sylum and Nicole Matthews in Wrestling with Hunger - in support of Share - at Elks Hall (2272 Leigh Sq.). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first match at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16. Visit eccw.com.
Dec. 14
FRESH GRUB
Load up on fresh food at the weekly Port Moody Winter Farmers' Market, outside PoMo rec complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit makebakegrow.com.
ST. NICK ON ICE
Port Coquitlam's 12 Days of Christmas program wraps up with a skate with Santa at the PoCo rec centre (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. Sip free hot cocoa and savour the goodies. Donations to the Share food bank will be accepted. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/christmas. Meanwhile, the Port Moody Santa makes his appearance - also with blades on - during a holiday skate with the public at the Port Moody rec complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 1 to 4:15 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and play games on ice. Visit portmoody.ca.
FA LA LA LA LA
The Dogwood Songsters host its annual Christmas concert at 1:30 p.m. - featuring new carols and sing-alongs - at the Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam). The cost is $5 .
