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12 things to do in New Westminster on the Dec. 6 to 8 weekend

Not going to see Taylor Swift? No worries - there's an eclectic lineup of live entertainment and markets happening in New West this weekend.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
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The New West Craft Holiday Market returns to River Market this weekend.Tourism New Westminster

While Swifties will be descending on downtown Vancouver this weekend for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, there are plenty of events happening in New West this weekend.

New Westies will be able to enjoy markets and loads of live entertainment this weekend – without leaving town. Here’s a look at the Record’s top picks for the Dec. 6 to 8 weekend.

Friday, Dec. 6

Dance Into Christmas

Kick off your weekend by attending the Richmond Academy of Dance’s festive Dance into Christmas evening, which features specially choreographed dance works, live musicians, and soprano Sheila Christie performing alongside the academy’s dancers.

Saturday, Dec. 7

25th Carols and Bells

Enjoy a New Westminster holiday tradition at the 25th Carols and Bells concert, which features performances by five handbell choirs and an audience carol sing-along. Other highlights include a pipe organ duet, a performance by a solo ringer, and a trio of brothers playing the violin, cello and flute.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Sanctuary on 6th (formerly Queens Avenue United Church), 529 Queens Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available at the door or [email protected]. (Adults – $20; seniors/students – $25; children – $10.)

Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas 2024

Head to Massey Theatre for Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas, starring Zachary Stevenson, the leading man from the musical The Buddy Holly Story. The Lovettes, a Chicago-based trio, will entertain with their salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s. Audiences can expect to hear some chart-topping hits of the past and some seasonal tunes.

New West Craft Holiday Night Market

Get some shopping done at the seventh New West Craft Holiday Night Market, which includes more than 45 artisans, food, music and other vendors.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free admission.

Saltwater Hank Trio

Check out Indigenous roots artist, Saltwater Hank, who brings his band (the Saltwater Hank Trio) to town for an evening music that blends rock ‘n roll with the melodies and rhythmic complexity of his ancestors, the Ts’msyen. This musical performance is all in the Sm’algya̱x language.

Amabilis Singers Christmas Concert

Venture across the border to Burnaby for the Amabilis Singers’ presentation of With a Voice of Singing, an evening of Christmas joy with a blend of music old and new. Their performance features traditional carols, familiar words set in fresh arrangements, and a bit of gospel to celebrate the message of Christmas.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8244 13th Ave., Burnaby
  • Details: Tickets are $25 and are available online.

Vivo Children's Choir

Listen to the voices of children joined in song at the Vivo Winter Concert and Celebration. Along with a performance by the current children’s choir, past choir members will sing a few songs – all part of a concert marking the retirement of the choir’s founders.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 3:30 p.m. (the concert is from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. And a reception is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
  • Where: New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

New Media Gallery farewell

Pop by the New Media Gallery to say goodbye to Sarah Joyce and Gordon Duggan, who are leaving the gallery after a decade as its directors and curators. They’re inviting folks to drop by to say good-bye and have a glass of punch on the final day of the gallery.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: New Media Gallery in Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.

Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8

Steel & Oak Holiday Market

Peruse the offerings of local vendors – while sipping a beer, cider or seasonal craft cocktail – at the Steel & Oak Holiday Market. If all that shopping makes you hungry, a food truck will also be on site.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Steel & Oak Brewing Co., 1319 Third Ave.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Light Up Sapperton

Get into the festive spirit at Shine Bright: Light Up Sapperton, which includes light displays and installations at participating businesses in the Sapperton business district. Sapperton Plaza is the hub for today’s event, which aims to support local businesses.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 8, noon to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Sapperton Plaza and participating businesses on East Columbia Street.

Global Tea Series

Experience an afternoon of music and refreshments when renowned musician Cassius Khan hosts the Global Tea Series, which features a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists. Today’s event features tabla with Hari Pal.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.
  • Where: Eighth & Eight, Studio 1C, 735 Eighth Ave. (Massey Theatre complex)
  • Details: Global Tea Series performances are by pay-what-you-can admission; there is no minimum or maximum amount – in order to keep the arts accessible for all.

Sundays Are for Art

Learn about some of the history of the Woodlands institution at an artist talk and presentation by Potteryworks Studios, which is currently exhibiting in Anvil Centre’s community art gallery.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Community Art Gallery, fourth floor, Studio 411 at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: No registration is required for the presentation, but space is limited. Everyone is welcome.