It's officially December and festive activities and celebrations are gathering steam in Richmond. For some ideas to kickstart the holiday season this weekend, check out the following activities.
1. Steveston's annual Winter in the Village
Steveston's annual celebration is back and this weekend is jam-packed with fun activities. Three decorating contests — the Festival of Trees, Holiday Display Contest and Boat Holiday Light Contest — have begun and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite tree, window display and holiday boat.
On Saturday, a Richmond Public Library librarian will be reading The Polar Express aboard a tram car. The Steveston Historical Society will also be holding a Songs in the Snow show at Town Square Park, featuring free family-friendly and holiday-themed performances.
On Sunday, watch out for the Christmas classic car cruise and horse and carriage rides in the village. Santa will also be arriving at Fisherman's Wharf by boat, before touring Steveston by horse and carriage.
Date and time:
- Festival of Trees - Dec. 1 to 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Holiday Display Contest - Dec. 1 to 31 (during business hours)
- Boat Holiday Light Contest - Dec. 1 to 31
- Winter Tram Story Time (The Polar Express) - Dec. 3 (1 to 3 p.m.)
- Songs in the Snow - Dec. 3 (4 to 6 p.m.)
- Classic Christmas Car cruise - Dec. 4 (12:15 to 2:30 p.m.)
- Horse and Carriage Rides - Dec. 4 (1 to 5 p.m.)
- Santa arrives at Fisherman's Wharf - Dec. 4 (1 to 5 p.m.)
2. Craft Fairs
'Tis the season to be crafty and it's the perfect time to get started on holiday gift shopping. Three craft fairs are being held this weekend: the Young Artisans Christmas Craft Fair featuring crafts by local students and fundraising for Acts for Water, the Steveston Hub Christmas Market featuring local Steveston and Richmond makers and the annual St. Alban's Christmas Craft Fair with local vendors, festive music and hot food.
Full details of the craft fairs can be found in our craft fair listing.
3. Learn how to make wreaths for a good cause
A wreath-making workshop supporting St. Paul’s Foundation: Scotiabank Feast of Fortune is being held in Richmond this week. For a fee of $145, participants can learn how to design a 20 to 22-inch festive wreath with complementary beverages and lunch. Net proceeds will be donated.
Date and time: Dec. 3 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the first workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. for the second workshop)
Place: SW Tree Farm, 14791 Westminster Hwy (enter through the yellow gate)
4. Check out performances by the Richmond Music School
Richmond's oldest and largest music non-profit will be holding a series of performances over the week, starting this weekend. RMS students will be performing at local retirement community, Gilmore Gardens, this Saturday at 2 p.m. The school will then be holding its free and no-registration-required Winter Concert at Richmond Alliance Church next Friday at 7:30 p.m., followed by a performance at the Richmond City Hall's Winter Wonderland next Saturday.
5. 2022 Canada Open Karate Championships
The largest karate tournament in Canada is taking place at the Richmond Olympic Oval this weekend. More than 600 athletes across the world, including Olympian Hamoon Derafshipour, will be participating in the event. Tickets are available at the door, and a free livestream can be accessed on YouTube.
Date: Dec. 3 to 4
Place: Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Rd.
