If you want to keep busy, New West is the place to be this month.
Whether you want to shop, stroll around and see Christmas lights or take in some live entertainment, you can do it all in New Westminster. Here’s a look at some of December’s offerings:
Until Dec. 17
The Vagabond Players present The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park. Take a musical trip down memory lane through classic ‘50s and ‘60s tunes with this smash Off-Broadway hit jukebox musical. The show features over 30 classic hits including Lipstick on Your Collar, It’s My Party and Son of a Preacher Man. Shows are Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., plus additional matinee performances on Saturday Dec. 9 and 16. Tickets at vagabondplayers.ca/tickets or 604-521-0412.
Until Dec. 21
Winter Solstice – A Celebration Through Art features works by more than 30 local artists in a variety of mediums, all exploring their vision of this winter celebration. It’s taking place in The Gallery at Queen's Park
Until Dec. 31
Shine Bright New West features a wide range of activities for folks of all ages and light displays at locations around town. We’ve highlighted a few in this list, but you can get details on all of the events on the Shine Bright page on the city’s website.
Until Sunday, Dec. 31
The New Westminster Public Library is holding a Winter Wonderland event, giving folks a chance to pop into the library to enjoy a light display and participate in a winter wonderland scavenger hunt.
Until Dec. 31
Parol Christmas Star lantern display in the foyer of New Westminster City Hall. Part of Shine Bright New West, the display of traditional Filipino lanterns can be viewed during city hall operating hours. It’s at 511 Royal Ave.
Friday, Dec. 1
Wishing Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moody Park, includes free giveaways, warm beverages, fire pits, and live entertainment. With each wish made, the tree lights up magically and generates a $10 donation towards the protection of parkland in BC. The opening ceremony – part of Shine Bright New West – is tonight from 5 to 8 p.m., but the tree will be open for wishes until Jan. 28, 2024.
Shine Bright Downtown’s holiday lighting event kicks off with brief speeches, holiday music, and activities. Hot drinks by donation, with proceeds going to Don’t Go Hungry: A Food Support Program. The free Shine Bright Downtown launch is on Friday, Dec. 1, 4 to 6 p.m. at Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
Uptown Swing Collective presents the NWSS Jazz Jam – New West Swing and Social. This all-ages event includes live music by Tim Sars and Friends, as well as a special performance by the NWSS Jazz Band. Everyone is welcome; no experience is necessary. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., beginner swing dance lesson is at 7 p.m. and live music for listening and social dancing is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s happening in the Grand Commons of New Westminster Secondary School, 820 Sixth St. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Saturday, Dec. 2
The annual lighting the Queensborough fire hall event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Queensborough fire hall, 1011 Ewen Ave. It’s free, but attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank.
Vintage Christmas Market features 24 vendors from New West and the Lower Mainland who will be selling a variety of vintage Christmas decorations and winter décor, along with vintage and upcycled gifts for sustainable-minded shoppers. It’s on Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park. Admission is $2, or free with a donation of a non-perishable food item
New West Craft: Holiday Night Market is a curated market that showcases the work of local makers and artisans. It’s on Saturday, Dec. 2, 3 to 9 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Christmas Magic with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir and Winter Harp. The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir will share the stage with Winter Harp and do some performances. Winter Harp will for a collection of carols ranging from the familiar to Celtic and medieval. They’ll take to the Massey Theatre stage on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets at ticketsnw.ca.
Sangeet Nritya Sajeevana – An Evening of authentic Indian music and dance of well –known Vancouver artists is at Anvil Centre from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets at ticketsnw.ca.
Monday, Dec. 4
The New Westminster and District Concert Band Society is holding its annual Christmas Concert featuring its concert and jazz bands. It’s at the Salvation Army, 352 Sixth St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is by donation. Info at nwdband.com.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Downtown Shop Night, part of Shine Bright Downtown, is from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy lighting installations while shopping from local shops. Shoppers will also get a chance to enter an Instagram contest by sharing photos for the opportunity to win prizes from downtown businesses. There will also be opportunities to donate to various causes. Info at downtownnewwest.ca.
Closing party for the measure exhibition at the New Media Gallery, an exhibition featuring works by seven international artists. The works address the measurement and tracking of time, light, colour, seasons and the movement of celestial bodies (sun, moon, Venus, satellites). Tonight’s closing event is from 6 to 8 p.m. in the New Media Gallery in Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. Cash bar available. Free, but registration is required.
Friday, Dec. 8
Snowflake Spectacular features special live music and dance performances, a giant snow globe, snowflake-making activities, and much more. This free event is taking place in the Uptown Plaza (Sixth and Belmont streets) from 5 to 8 p.m. For additional information on the live music and dance performances check out @smallstage.ca on Instagram.
Saturday, Dec. 9
New West Craft is a curated market showcasing the works of local artisans and makers. It’s taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10
New Westminster Farmers Market’s fourth annual holiday market features 90 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, kid’s crafts and activities, carolers, and more. It’s happening in front of New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation (with a $5 recommended minimum); 50 per cent of the donations will go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
New West Artists Holiday Pop-Up featuring an art exhibit, cards, gift items, and more. It’s happening both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the #IHeartNewWest Community Art Space in Columbia Square, #103 - 78 10th St.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Buddy’s Holy Jolly Christmas 2022 features Zachary Stevenson, who performed in the hit musical, The Buddy Holly Story. He’ll be joined by the Chicago-based trio The Lovettes, with their show-stopping salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 50s and 60s, including a special tribute to Tina Turner. Hear all the big hits plus some seasonal tunes. It’s on at the Massey Theatre, 735 Eight Ave. Tickets at ticketsnw.ca.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Downtown Shop Night, part of Shine Bright Downtown, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy lighting installations while shopping from local shops. Shoppers will also get a chance share photos for the opportunity to win prizes from downtown businesses. There will also be opportunities to donate to various causes. Info at downtownnewwest.ca.
Friday, Dec. 15
Snowflake Spectacular features special live music and dance performances, a giant snow globe, snowflake-making activities, and much more. This free event is taking place in the Uptown Plaza (Sixth and Belmont streets) from 5 to 8 p.m. For additional information on the live music and dance performances check out @smallstage.ca on Instagram.
Saturday, Dec. 16
New West Craft is a curated market showcasing the works of local artisans and makers. It’s taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Open house with New West Artists and Royal City Literary Arts Society, a chance to meet and mingle with members of both groups, win door prizes and more. Everyone welcome. It’s from 1 to 4 p.m. in the #IHeartNewWest Community Art Space in Columbia Square, #103 - 78 10th St.
Shield Maiden – written and performed by Melanie Teichroeb – is a modern feminist story that uses a character from the past “to expose the reality that not enough has changed in the treatment of women since the time of Vikings...one thousand years ago.” It’s on for one-day only on Saturday Dec. 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets range $36.50 to $46.50 and are available at www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050.
Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17
New West Artists Holiday Pop-Up featuring an art exhibit, cards, gift items, and more. It’s happening both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the #IHeartNewWest Community Art Space in Columbia Square, #103 – 78 10th St.
Sunday, Dec. 17
The Royal City Youth Ballet returns to Massey Theatre with its full-length ballet performance of The Nutcracker, featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers. There will be shows at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets online or at 604-521-5050
Wednesday, Dec. 20
Piva Presents: Jazz at the Anvil, with tonight’s show featuring “a holly jolly jazzy Christmas” with the Tom Keenlyside Quartet, with featured vocalist Angela Kelman. Enjoy some swinging Christmas songs and traditional classics. It’s from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets at ticketsnw.ca
Family Holiday Movie Night featuring an “illuminating-themed” movie for families with kids aged five and up. Light refreshments will be provided. Each family member attending must be registered. It’s happening at the Queensborough Community Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It costs $2 and you can register online at newwestcity.ca/register
Thursday, Dec. 21
Downtown Shop Night, part of Shine Bright Downtown, is from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy lighting installations while shopping from local shops. It includes opportunities to win prizes from Downtown businesses and to donate to important causes. Info at downtownnewwest.ca.
Ignite the Night: Solstice S'mores aims to be a magical youth Winter Solstice event at the Youth Centre. Youths will be able to embrace the longest night of the year with fireside warmth, s’mores and entertainment. This event is weather dependent. It’s scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the youth centre. It’s $1 or free with a youth membership.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 to Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
Winter Discovery Days returns to Fraser River Discovery Centre, featuring seasonal, family-friendly activities to enjoy over winter break. Fraser River Discovery Centre is located on the waterfront at 788 Quayside Dr. Info about hours and admission rates at https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/winterdiscovery/
Saturday, Dec. 23
Light Up the Night Family Skate includes an evening of games, crafts and fun. There will be an on-site photo booth providing a souvenir photo. Special treats will be available at the concession. It’s taking place at Moody Park Arena from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It’s free for kids zero to three years of age and $3.75 for ages four and up; skate rental is $2.75. Register online at newwestcity.ca/register
Friday, Dec. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 31
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Cinderella, a traditional British panto at Massey Theatre, featuring toe-tapping music, sparkling sets, colourful costumes and more. It’s at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. For showtimes and tickets, go to www.masseytheatre.com or call 604-521-5050.
