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December 2024: Events roundup for New Westminster

Things to do in New Westminster in December: Markets, live entertainment, community events and holiday fun.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
wonderheads
The WONDERHEADS bring their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to New Westminster in December.Contributed

Tis the season for a calendar that’s bursting with fun events – for folks of all ages.

From markets and craft sales to live entertainment and holiday festivities, it’s all happening in New Westminster this month. Here’s a rundown of some of the offerings in New West in December.

To Dec. 15

Tick, Tick … BOOM!

Vagabond Players presents Tick, Tick... BOOM!, a semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson (who also wrote the award-winning Broadway musical, Rent).

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 15. It’s on Thursday to Sunday, with evening shows at 8 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Tickets are available online or at 604-521-0412.

To Dec. 31

Shine Bright New West

Shine Bright New West includes a packed month of events for folks of all ages. Some of this month’s Shine Bright offerings include: lantern making (Dec. 1); inter-generational holiday chocolate making (Dec. 4); holiday ukulele tune-ups  (Dec. 5 and 19); trampoline and crafts (Dec. 9); light experiments (Dec. 10); lights and science (Dec. 10);  a holiday youth dance (Dec. 14); holiday candle making (Dec. 16); and more. (👇See below for some other Shine Bright New West events.)

Sunday, Dec. 1

Analog Vinyl Record Fair

Steel & Oak Brewing Co. is presenting its annual Analog Vinyl Record Fair, where guests can connect over music. They can check out records from a wide range of genres (including alternative, punk, heavy metal, to jazz, funk and folk) while DJs spin tunes. Today’s family-friendly event (the two-day event started on Saturday, Nov. 30) includes a raffle and a “bring your own vinyl” session, where guests can share a side of their favourite record or spin their latest finds on the brewery’s turntables.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1, noon to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Steel & Oak Brewing Co., 1319 Third Ave.
  • Details: Free admission. Attendees aged 19 and older will receive $1 off a glass of beer with any record purchase.

Shine Bright Kick-off

The City of New Westminster is launching this year’s month-long Shine Bright New West celebration with a holiday celebration kick-off. It includes performances by local performers, family-friendly booths, food trucks, and firepits.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave.
  • Details: Free.

Shine Bright: Share the Warmth

The Share the Warmth donation campaign invites community members to drop off well-preserved toys and winter wear like toques, scarves, and mittens. Donations will support Don't Go Hungry, a local food support program.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.

Let It Snow

Let It Snow is a special joint production featuring the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir and Winter Harp. Winter Harp will take you back to Christmases past with its ethereal, medieval-inspired music, stunning period costumes, and rare instruments including Celtic harps, flutes, and the Swedish nyckelharpa. The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir brings its passion for singing to town with a repertoire featuring traditional and contemporary choral pieces.

Friday, Dec. 6

Dance Into Christmas

Richmond Academy of Dance’s festive Dance into Christmas evening features specially choreographed works, live musicians, and soprano Sheila Christie performing alongside the academy’s dancers.

Holiday Pop-up Market for parents and kids

The Cove Indoor Play presents a pop-up market – where little ones can play, and parents can do some holiday shopping.

  • When: Friday, Dec. 6, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: 250-610 Sixth St. (inside Royal City Centre)
  • Details: Free entry. Register online.

Saturday, Dec. 7

25th Carols and Bells

The 25th Carols and Bells features performances by five handbell choirs of all ages and an audience carol sing-along. Other highlights include an organ duet on the magnificent pipe organ, a solo ringer ringing bells all by herself, 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. Parking is available nearby at city hall.

Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas 2024

Zachary Stevenson, the leading man from the musical The Buddy Holly Story, is featured in this special Christmas concert, Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas. He’ll be joined on stage by the Chicago-based trio, The Lovettes who’ll entertain with their salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s. Audiences will hear some chart-topping hits of the past and as well as some seasonal tunes performed by the cast, with backing provided by the Legends All-Star Band.

New West Craft Holiday Night Market

The New West Craft Holiday Night Market, now in its seventh year, features more than 45 artisans, food, music and more.

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

Saltwater Hank Trio

Indigenous roots artist, Saltwater Hank, brings his band the Saltwater Hank Trio to New Westminster and delivers a raucous performance that blends the sound of rock ‘n roll with the melodies and rhythmic complexity of his ancestors: the Ts’msyen. The Saltwater Hank Trio performs entirely in their language, Sm’algya̱x.

Amabilis Singers Christmas Concert

Amabilis Singers presents With a Voice of Singing, an evening of Christmas joy with a blend of music old and new.

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

Poetry Floodlight

Poetry Floodlight is a poetry, music, performance, short story, and open-mic event for seasoned performers and artists who are new to sharing their work. The evening ends with an open-mic session. Artists who are interested in performing or reading are encouraged to reach out in advance by emailing [email protected] with an example of your work, but spontaneous performances are always welcome.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: 712C 12th St.
  • Details: A $10 donation is suggested, but attendees can pay as little or as much as their budget allows. (Donations will support future community arts events.)

Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8

Steel & Oak Holiday Market

Shop from local vendors – while sipping a beer, cider or seasonal craft cocktail at Steel & Oak's holiday market. 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

Shine Bright: Light Up Sapperton 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

Musician Cassius Khan hosts the Global Tea Series, which features a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists. Today’s event, Tabla with Hari Pal, promises to be an illuminating afternoon of music and refreshments.

  • 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.

 

Write for Rights

Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights campaign has transformed the lives of people whose rights have been wronged. It gives you the chance to use your words to: send support to people who’ve been harassed, threatened and jailed just for who they are; put pressure on governments, leaders and decision-makers (tell them the world is watching); and release activists and journalists, fight injustice and protect people who advocate for change.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, iConnect Lab, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free

Sundays Are for Art

Artist talk and presentation by Potteryworks Studios, which is currently exhibiting in Anvil Centre’s community art gallery. The talk will highlight the history of the Woodlands institution and the results since moving residents to community inclusion options.

  • 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.

Yuniverse

Yunik Dance presents Yuniverse, featuring Yunik Dance’s students in K-pop performances. Dancers have been preparing special performances that showcase their unique style and passion for K-pop.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Meet & Greet Santa Claus

The Hyack Festival Association invites community members to attend its Meet and Greet Santa Claus event, which includes an opportunity to take a photo with Santa and his elf, listen to Christmas songs, enjoy hot chocolate and more.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Outside the Hyack Festival office, 204 Sixth St.
  • Details: Free. People are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Don’t Go Hungry program.

Holiday Pizza Party

Councillors Ruby Campbell and Tasha Henderson are hosting a Holiday Pizza Party. Community embers are invited to drop by for some pizza and conversation, and meeting with some city council representative. Everyone is welcome.

  • When: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: L’Onore Pizza, 28 East Royal Ave. (Victoria Hill)

Thursday, Dec. 12

ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra

The ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra features an interactive stage show, including a live band, singers, dancers and multi-media. It aims to get folks moving, laughing and singing along to ABBA hits, as well as some holiday favourites. Attendees are invited to dress in their best holiday sparkle and bring the whole family to this all-ages stage extravaganza.

Friday, Dec. 13

Holiday Pop-up Market for parents and kids

The Cove Indoor Play presents a pop-up market – where little ones can play, and parents can do some holiday shopping.

  • When: Friday, Dec. 13, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: 250-610 Sixth St. (inside Royal City Centre)
  • Details: Free entry. Register online.

Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14

A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol

The WONDERHEADS, who have spent more than a decade touring the world to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences, bring their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to cities across B.C. A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol features giant masks, whimsical puppets and more. It’s described as being “a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart, with a generous kick to the funny bone.”

  • When: Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Rainbow Chorus Festive Singalong

The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster, a community choir for LGBTQ2SI+ and their allies, is hosting its third annual Festive Singalong. The choir will join the audience in singing festive favourites like Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.
  • Where: The Sanctuary on 6th, 529 Queens Ave.
  • Details: Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly event. Admission is free but donations to support the Rainbow Singers are appreciated and socks are being collected for the Purpose Society.

Christmas Market

A variety of vendors will be selling gifts and treats at Freedom Church’s family-friendly Christmas Market. This indoor market also includes festive music and complimentary hot chocolate to keep you warm and merry as you browse.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Freedom Church, 320 Eighth St.
  • Details: Free

Bully’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Bully’s Studios is hosting a flea market style pop-up shop featuring vendors selling thrifted clothing, unique crafts from local artisans, and handmade treasures. Music will be playing, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Bully’s Studio, 67 Sixth St.

Century House Craft and Bake Sale

Century House is hosting its annual craft and bake sale in support of the Century House Association. It includes quilting, jewelry, children’s books, crafts and baking.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.

Native Market

More than 10 Native artisans will be selling a variety of products, including soap, sculptures, wearable art, leather products, skateboards and more at today’s Native Market.

New West Craft

New West Craft features a curated collection of more than 30 artisans and local makers.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Dr.

Winter Songs

The internationally award-wining BC Girls Choir celebrates the season with its Winter Songs’ concert, featuring a varied program about all things snowy, cold, and cozy, featuring beloved carols and music from your favourite holiday movies.

Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15

Holiday Market

New Westminster Farmers Market’s annual Holiday Market is an outdoor market featuring more than 80 local artisans and food vendors, as well as food trucks, live music, and entertainment. The Sprout Club tent will be offering free kids crafts and activities all weekend. It’s a family- and dog-friendly accessible event.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: In front of New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave.
  • Details: By donation; organizers recommend a minimum of $5. Proceeds will be split between the New Westminster Farmers Market Society and the B.C. Association of Farmers Market’s nutrition coupon program.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Holiday Pop-up Market for parents and kids

The Cove Indoor Play presents a pop-up market – where little ones can play, and parents can do some holiday shopping.

  • When: Sunday, Sec. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: 250-610 Sixth St. (inside Royal City Centre)
  • Details: Free entry. Register online.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Angela Kelman’s Have a Holly Jazzy Christmas

Piva Presents Jazz at the Anvil features an encore performance of Have A Holly Jolly Jazzy Christmas with the Tom Keenlyside Quartet and featured vocalist, Angela Kelman. This show will include some swinging Christmas songs and traditional classics with the all-star band of Tom Keenlyside on sax, flute and clarinet, Michael Creber on piano, Nino Di Pasquale on drums and Brent Gubbels on bass.

Holiday Pop-In

New West Artists and Royal City Literary Arts Society have teamed up to have one last hurrah to finish off 2024. Their Holiday Pop-In includes an art and books display, time to meet and mingle, refreshments, door prizes and more.

  • When: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Everyone is welcome.

Thursday, Dec. 19

New Westminster Blood Donation Event

Canadian Blood Services is hosting a blood donation event in New Westminster

  • When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 1 to 7:45 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Book a space online

Friday, Dec. 20

Shine Bright: Winter Solstice

This all-ages Winter Solstice event – celebrating the longest night of the year – includes music, art, storytelling, and light. It includes a chance to explore the Winter Solstice exhibition that is now on display in The Gallery at Queen’s Park and enjoy family-friendly, winter-themed rituals and activities in Centennial Lodge.

  • When: Friday, Dec. 20, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Queen’s Park Lodge (Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park)
  • Details: Free but registration is required.

Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22

The Dimes – Christmas Special

Vagabond Players, in collaboration with Dimes Entertainment, presents The Dimes, who bring their Christmas Special concert to New West. The show features an entertaining show with the Dimes, whose singing will be accompanied by choreographed dance moves and costume changes.

  • When: Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. shows and Sunday’s show is a 2 p.m. matinee.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Tickets are $25 and available online or by calling 604-521-0412.

Saturday, Dec. 21

The Nutcracker

Royal City Youth Ballet performs it full-length ballet, The Nutcracker, with a cast of 100 dancers performing to music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production features beautiful sets and colourful costumes.

Ukrainian Christmas Market

Holy Eucharist Catholic Church is hosting a Ukrainian Christmas Market, featuring arts and crafts, authentic Ukrainian food, and festive drinks (including hot chocolate and mulled wine), a holiday photo booth, and workshops where folks can engage in hands-on experiences and explore Ukrainian holiday traditions.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, noon to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Eucharist Catholic Church, 501 Fourth Ave.

Shine Bright: Light up the Night Family Skate

Moody Park Arena will be decked out for the holidays at the Light up the Night Family Skate, which features games, crafts and fun. Special treats will be available at the concession.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Moody Park Arena, 701 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Regular admission rates apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

21st Christmas Reprise

The Vancouver Cantata Singers present their 21st Christmas Reprise, a concert featuring traditional carols and contemporary Christmas compositions.

New West Craft

New West Craft features a curated collection of more than 30 artisans and local makers.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Dr.

Saturday, Dec. 21 to Tuesday, Dec 24

Winter Discovery Days 2024

Fraser River Discovery Centre’s Winter Discovery Days includes family-friendly activities for the whole family. You’re invited to submit a drawing of your winter wish when you visit FRDC in December – and it might be turned into a light display in its front window.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21 to Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Regular admission fees apply. Details are available online.

Monday, Dec. 23

Shine Bright: Winter Break Celebration

Families with children aged one to 12 are invited to celebrate the start of Winter Break and enjoy treats, crafts and carols. The celebration includes craft stations, a visit from the Grinch, a holiday sing-along, and a special edition Indoor Playland in the gym.

  • When: Monday, Dec. 23, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free.

Thursday, Dec. 26 to Tuesday, Dec. 31

Winter Discovery Days 2024

Fraser River Discovery Centre’s Winter Discovery Days includes family-friendly activities for the whole family. You’re invited to submit a drawing of your winter wish when you visit FRDC in December – and it might be turned into a light display in its front window.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 21 to Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Regular admission fees apply. Details available online.