Christmas preparations begin in earnest this weekend, whether it’s music and lights to get you in the merry spirit or perusing some unique, handcrafted gifts to help you start tackling that list (and support local artisans, too) and, most importantly, offers fun for the whole family.
Friday, Nov. 27
CROSSROADS COFFEEHOUSE
There’s live music up for grabs at the Gathering Place at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Square, PoCo) tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. Karyn McLaurin will be singing and playing guitar together with Paul Shuley, also known as KP Duty, in a show to benefit the Crossroads Hospice Society.
FACE OFF
Cheer on your Coquitlam Express team tonight as they take on the Prince George Spruce Kings at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Puck drop is at 7 p.m.; visit coquitlamexpress.ca for more info. Tomorrow night, the Port Moody Panthers are at home at the PoMo arena (300 Ioco Rd., PoMo) in a game against Richmond, starting at 7:45 p.m. Get more info at portmoodypanthers.com.
CELTIC CHRISTMAS
Port Moody resident Britta Curkovic is joined by fellow Caelestra band members and Place des Arts faculty Michelle Carlisle (flute) and Lambroula Maria Pappas (soprano), as well as special guests Sacha Levin (percussion) and Cyrena Huang (cello), for a Yuletide show at St. Andrew’s United Church (2318 St. Johns St., PoMo) at 7:30 p.m. Hear original songs from this talented five-piece group, all in medieval costume, and support a good cause at the same time — half of every ticket sold will be donated to the charity Beyond Soup & Socks: Housing for All. Tickets are at www.caelestra.com or at Gallagher’s Coffee Bar (232 Newport Dr., PoMo).
6 GUITARS
There may be six guitars, but there’s only one performer at this Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) show. Chase Padgett morphs into different characters and delivers incredible performances, each with its own voices, views and musical style including blues, jazz, rock, classical, folk and country. A hit on the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit, 6 Guitars is here until Nov. 28 with shows at 8 p.m. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or call 604-927-6555.
Saturday, Nov. 28
ON THE FIRST DAY
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas starting today at Port Coquitlam’s Leigh Square Community Arts Village. The festivities kick off with family art activities, holiday music, Santa photos and, to cap it off, the annual lighting event. The free event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Tomorrow, come back to the square for the Winter Artisans Fair and pick up affordable, quality art, fine crafts and edibles for everyone on your list, enjoy live music and treats, from noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare to see the full list of Christmas events running to Dec. 9.
CHRISTMAS SOUVENIR
Join Ukrainian musicians Olga and Dina Kholina in a Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) faculty concert — and singalong — that will include songs such as Rejoice Greatly, White Christmas, Carol of the Bells and more. The duo will be joined by Russian pianist Irina Faletski in the show, A Souvenir for Christmas, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/$13 at 604-664-1636 or www.brownpapertickets.com. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 29
FAMILY DAY
The whole gang can head to Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) for Family Day festivities from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn to make lanterns in a workshop with artist-in-residence Catherine Dumaine, tour the exhibits and chat with the artists, and join some all-ages art activities. Be sure to hang on to your lanterns for the Lantern Affair on Dec. 6. Visit www.placedesarts.ca or call 604-664-1636 for details.
LIGHT LEARNING
Want to learn how to make floral displays out of Christmas lights? Join the Lafarge Lake lights display workshop, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Coquitlam Innovation Centre (1207 Pinetree Way). Learn to make a tulip, which will be added to the light display at Lafarge Lake. Contact [email protected] or 604-927-6312 for more info.
DEARLY UNDEPARTED
A family trying to sell Gramma’s house and move her to an old folks’ home is in for a surprise when she outsmarts them at their own game in The Dearly Undeparted. The Dogwood Drama Club comedy of twists and turns, written by Michael Soetaert and directed by Sue Davey, is at the Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Ave., Coquitlam) at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the Dogwood gift shop or by calling 604-939-6172 or 604-936-2069.
