'Tis the season for chilly weather, hot cocoa and festive events, and here at the NOW we just can't get enough. There are so many things to do in December in Burnaby we put together a Top 10 list of Christmassy things to do (in no particular order). So don't be a Grinch – get out there and enjoy some festive offerings this month.
* Interested in learning how to take great photos of your Christmas lights? Who isn't right? On Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:15 p.m. the Burnaby Village Museum is hosting its final seminar on just that topic. Led by the folks at Kerrisdale Cameras, visitors can learn how to take stunning photos of light displays. The event takes place at the village's Central Park Theatre and all you need is your own camera. Admission is free. Visit www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca and click on 'Heritage Christmas' for more information.
* Looking for ways to shop local this holiday season? Stop by Light up the Heights. On Dec. 6 shoppers can stroll Hastings Street between Gamma Avenue and Boundary Road and check out the shops. From noon to about 4 p.m. there is a sidewalk festival with businesses offering discounts on their local products and services. There will also be fun activities, giveaways and even a visit from Santa himself. For more info and a complete block-by-block event guide, click here.
* Horses! Who doesn’t love these majestic animals? Stop by the Burnaby Equestrian Centre, 9080 Avalon Ave. and celebrate Christmas with the horses. Open to all ages, families are invited to the Burnaby Horsemen's Association's 13th annual open house. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 and features pony rides, information about the association and public lesson program, a raffle, horse demonstrations, craft tables, a concession stand and free horse manure for your garden. At 12:30 p.m. there will be a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the wee ones. The concession stand and raffle tickets are cash only. For more info, visit www.burnabyhorsemensassociation.com.
* This one is for the romantics out there. Snuggle up with your loved ones for the annual Carol Ships Parade of Lights on Dec. 12. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Barnet Marine Park, watch as the illuminated carol ships sail in and around Burrard Inlet. The ships are set to sail between 8 and 8:30 p.m., and the concession stand will be open weather permitting. For more info, visit www.carolships.org/s/Home.asp.
* Here's some unique this holiday season – the Seasonal Celebration: Italian Style open house at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. From 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 people of all ages can stop by the centre and enjoy a variety of offerings, including performances in the atrium by famee furlane dancers, Cory Weeds and Luis Giraldo, City Opera Vancouver and many more. There will also be a Christmas market set up in the atrium, featuring vendors from the Italian Farmers Market. Gingerbread homes (with an Italian twist) made by City of Burnaby staff will be on display in the galleria and people can vote for their favourite at the reception desk. For the crafty folk, there will be activities in the studios to partake in. For those ages two and up, in studio 103 and 105, there is children's paper art, holiday card making and needlepoint. For the crowd ages 12 and up there is a holiday door swag making happening in studio 106, and for all ages there will be cooking demonstrations by Sunday Dinner Catering in studio 104. Outside visitors can take in some jazz and accordion music while sipping hot cider and trying their hand at making star clay ornaments. For more info, visit www.shadboltcentre.com.
* Listen to the heavenly voices of the Amabilis Singers during their magical Christmas concert on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave. (between First Street and Newcombe). Featuring the NOW’s very own Julie MacLellan, the Amabilis Singers and pianist Ingrid Verseveldt will share the stage with Shaughnessy Heights Sanctuary Choir and organist Roy Campbell as they perform pieces by Abbie Bettinis, Carl Rütti, Bob Chilcott, Arthur Honegger and Guy Forbes, along with other favourite holiday carols. Tickets are $20 for adults and seniors and kids 11 years and under are free. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 604.503.2074.
* Enjoy the traditional Italian holiday tale, Befana's Star on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. Co-produced by BellaLuna, the Italian Cultural Centre and Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, this play tells the story of Befana, an eccentric, old woman who decides to travel to Bethlehem to bring cakes and cookies to the Child King. To this day, the legend says that old Befana still flies through the skies delivering gifts to kids around the world on the eve of Jan. 6, known in the Italian community as Epiphany. The production hits the stage Dec. 13 and 14 with shows at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. For info or tickets, visit www.shadboltcentre.com.
* The weather outside may be frightful (and rainy) but there’s no chance of the wet stuff at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. Stop by the arena, at 3676 Kensignton Ave., from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 for an afternoon on the ice with Saint Nick. Regular admission prices apply and all ages are invited to this event. There will craft making on site as well as games for all. For more info, call 604-297-4521.
* This is one event not to be missed – the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Traditional Christmas at Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave., on Dec. 21. The concert features Bard on the Beach's Christopher Gazeas host, the UBC Opera Ensemble and Enchor and, of course, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra led by associate conductor Gordon Gerrard. Show times are 4 and 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $42 for regular (student, senior and subscriber discounts available). For more info or to buy tickets visit www.vancouversymphony.ca or call 604-876-3434.
* Ring in the New Year at the Glitz & Glamour New Year's Eve dinner and dance at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave. With three floors and six different DJs spinning everything from Top 40 to Classic Rock from the '70s, '80s and '90s. Visit meloproductions.net/events for more info. Tickets are $65 for the dance only or $99 for dinner and dance, and are available at www.ticketmaster.ca.
