Celebrate the Season with these 4 Magical Must-Attend Holiday Events

There’s something about Christmas and other holidays and holiday events which fill me with joy. The shops are already playing Mariah Carey and are decked out with gifts galore. The holiday events are starting soon, and the festive season has begun.

Tis the season for family traditions. Whether your family enjoys baking together, decorating the house and Christmas tree, or just snuggling in with a few favourite seasonal movies – the time to do it is coming up. We have a tradition of always watching Scrooged, but Elf, and Spirited are great films too! Who doesn’t love Will Ferrell?

If screentime, is not your jam, we’re very fortunate to live in beautiful, British Columbia and have so many outdoor, active options to help us enjoy the season. The weather forecast is to prepare for snow :)

You can get up the mountains if you want to play in the snow.

The local mountains are opening soon, some in days, and have a lot of fresh powder. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing.

• Grouse Mountain: A year-round attraction with skiing, snowboarding, an outdoor skating pond, and shopping. You can take the iconic Skyride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views. 
• Mount Seymour: A family-owned and operated ski area with skiing, snowboarding, tubing and tobogganing, and snowshoeing. It also has panoramic views of Vancouver. 
• Cypress Mountain: Offers fun in the snow with cross country skiing, a snowshoe trek to the historic Hollyburn Ridge, tubing, and a sizeable ski and snowboard area. 

Outdoor ice-skating: A low cost, active, family-friendly activity. You can go ice-skating outdoors at Robson Square, Shipyards in North Vancouver, Tsawwsassen Mills on the Fairway.

Or you can attend one of the City’s magical events. Here are four of our favourite family traditions.

Local Holiday Events to Attend

1. Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

December 12 – January 4
6500 Gilbert Road
Richmond
gatewaytheatre.com

The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel, runs from December 12 to January 4. Gateway’s production will feature a cast of 24 actors, including 11 youth, and will be full of incredible dancing and stunning musical numbers choreographed by the talented Nicol Spinola with musical direction by Sean Bayntun.

2. PNE Winter Fair Presented by BCAA

December 6-8, 12-23
2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 4W3

Come and celebrate winter, PNE-style. Discover Santa where you can embark on the ultimate journey to meet Santa Claus, test a toy, and leave a snack for your favourite reindeer, ride the PNE Holiday Express, wander through Winter Lights presented by BC Hydro – a great place to snap a photo! – and go skating – or try the Ice Bumper Cars – at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, and then warm up with the culinary extravaganza at the Holiday Eats & Treats.

3. Santa at Kids Market

November 30 – December 24
1496 Cartwright Street
Granville Island, Vancouver

Santa arrives at Kids Market on November 30^th and will be visiting Kids Market until December 24^th. He will be available Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 4:00pm. Come on down for Story Time, Singalongs and to spend some quality time with Santa this holiday season!

4. Timberline Country Christmas

December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22
Timberline Ranch
22351 144 Ave, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2P8

For a relaxing, fun Christmas experience that avoids crowded malls and long Santa line-ups, “come out to the country” – come to Timberline Country Christmas! Here you will be enchanted by glorious lights, interactive scenes, lovely music, and enjoyable activities like wagon rides, petting zoo, pony rides, cookie decorating, and much more. All activities are indoors or covered at Timberline Ranch.

So there you have it. A to do list of Holiday Events and things to do this winter season. Grab your coats, bundle up and enjoy. What’s your favourite holiday activity?