The countdown is definitely on now — but it's not too late to partake of some Christmas and holiday fun in New Westminster.
Not sure where to start? We've got your back.
If your group, organization or school is planning something you want New West folks to know about? Then be sure to let us know. Email your submissions to reporter Julie MacLellan.
Meanwhile, check out this list to see what you should add to your calendar. Whether you're into craft fairs, dance performances, choir concerts or kids' stuff, there's bound to be something here to appeal to just about everyone.
Ongoing to Wednesday, Dec. 21
Winter Solstice: Enjoy a group exhibition at the Gallery at Queen's Park (Centennial Lodge), open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: www.acnw.ca/galleryexhibit.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 15
Christmas Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a three-hour tour on the Fraser River aboard the M.V. Native, from Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours, featuring a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus beverages and other refreshments available for purchase. Board at 5:30 p.m.; tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets from $49.95; book online.
Thursday, Dec. 15
Winter Harp: Join Winter Harp, with its classical and Celtic harps, flutes and rare medieval instruments, for a night of poetry and song at Holy Trinity Cathedral (514 Carnarvon St.), 7 p.m. Tickets $45.57; buy through Eventbrite.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Christmas Reprise: The Vancouver Cantata Singers return to New Westminster for their 19th Christmas Reprise, featuring traditional carols and contemporary Christmas compositions for unaccompanied choir, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. Tickets $10 to $35; book through www.vancouvercantatasingers.com.
The Nutcracker Gala: Royal Principal Ballet Academy stages its first-ever Nutcracker Gala at the Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St.), featuring students of all ages in a performance that features the classic Tchaikovsky soundtrack with original choreography by academy teachers in both contemporary and ballet styles. Matinee at 2:30 p.m., evening show at 6 p.m., buy tickets through www.ticketsnw.ca.
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas: Join Zachary Stevenson, as Buddy Holly, in a performance featuring tribute artists Ben Klein (Elvis) and Cassandra Jean (Brenda Lee), with big hits plus favourite seasonal tunes, performed with the backing of the Legends All-Star Band, 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.). Tickets $55 plus service charges, buy through www.ticketsnw.ca.
New West Craft: The Arts Council of New Westminster’s handmade market, featuring local artisans and makers, returns to River Market (810 Quayside Dr.), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18
The Nutcracker: Royal City Youth Ballet brings its annual holiday favourite back to the stage at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.), with dancers of all ages featured against a backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s music and extravagant sets and costumes. Two shows: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets $44 to $59, plus service charges, buy through www.ticketsnw.ca.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 to Saturday, Dec. 31
Winter Celebrations: The Anvil Centre once again hosts its Winter Celebrations, with a variety of events, activities and performances over the 11-day celebration. The first floor of Anvil Centre will come alive with the Winter World lantern labyrinth and performances. Winter World visits are free and include community performances and activities. The mainstage features ticketed events offering something for everyone, including Axis Theatre’s Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish and the always popular ceilidh featuring Blackthorn. Info: www.anviltheatre.ca/winter-celebrations-2022
Thursday, Dec. 22
Th'owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish: Immerse yourself in the legend of the basket ogress, Th’owxiya, an old hungry spirit that inhabits in a feast dish full of bountiful delicious foods, in this presentation of the Kwantlen First Nations tale, 2 p.m. at Anvil Centre ballroom (777 Columbia St.). Tickets ($5 to $15) and info at www.anvilcentre.ca.
Kutapira: Groove to a fusion of Afro-Cuban and West African rhythms, funk, reggae, samba and more as Kutapira entertains at Anvil Centre at 7:30 p.m., part of the Winter Celebrations. Tickets $10 to $20; buy online.
Friday, Dec. 23
O Come All Ye Soulful: Join powerhouse vocalist Dawn Pemberton and bassist Jodi Proznick for this festive concert as part of the Anvil Centre's Winter Celebrations, 7:30 p.m. in the Anvil Centre ballroom, 777 Columbia St. Tickets ($15 to $30) and info: www.anvilcentre.ca.
Uzume Taiko: Join this drum ensemble as they present their contemporary take on a traditional art form, 2 p.m. at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.). Tickets $5 to $15; buy online.
Wednesday, Dec. 28
Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland: Join Dandy, Phyllis and The Dimes for this nostalgic tour of your favourite Christmas songs, with comedy sketches intermingled with appearances by retro vocal trio The Dimes, 7:30 p.m. at Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) as part of the Winter Celebrations. Tickets $10 to $20; buy online.
Thursday, Dec. 29
Pico and the Golden Lagoon: Join in this enchanting children's theatre production for young audiences aged four to eight, part of Winter Celebrations at the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.). Shows are 45 minutes long; it's on at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets $5 to $10; buy online.
Molly's Comedy Cabaret: Enjoy a musical variety show featuring the powerhouse vocals of actor-singer Molly Wilson, 7:30 p.m. at Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.). Tickets $10 to $20; buy online.
Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30
Christmas Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a three-hour tour on the Fraser River aboard the M.V. Native, from Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours, featuring a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus beverages and other refreshments available for purchase. Board at 5:30 p.m.; tour from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets from $49.95; book online.
Friday, Dec. 30
Family Ceilidh: Join the Celtic band Blackthorn for a family ceilidh to send off the Anvil Centre's Winter Celebrations in style, starting at 7:30 p.m. It's a family-friendly event that includes a dance lesson for all, led by a dance caller. Enjoy lively jigs and reels, and heartwrenching airs and ballads, as the band takes you on a tour of Irish, Scottish and Canadian folk music. Tickets $15 to $30; buy online.
Friday, Dec. 30 to Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
The Snow Queen – a Frozen Adventure: The Royal Canadian Theatre Company brings its holiday pantomime to the stage for family-friendly fun in traditional British panto style. Shows are on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. The Sunday matinee is a relaxed, sensory-friendly performance. Tickets via www.ticketsnw.ca or by phone at 604-521-5050 (call by phone for family tickets of four or more, or for groups of 10 or more). Info: rctheatreco.com.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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