The Richmond community is gearing up to celebrate the winter holidays with lights and activities around the city.
From Santa visits to light displays, community members can find an activity to do together.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet tree light-up
A 52-foot Christmas tree along with various light-up decorations has been placed around the outdoor shopping centre.
Letters to Santa
Send a letter to Santa Claus by visiting the Steveston Post Office between now and Dec. 10 or at the Steveston Community Centre between Nov. 25 and Dec. 9.
Visits with Santa at Richmond Centre
Nov. 19 to Dec. 24
Photos with Santa has returned to CF Richmond Centre this year. There is a $5 fee to reserve your spot and all proceeds will be donated to KidSport with Cadillac Fairview matching everyone’s donation. To book a spot, visit https://tinyurl.com/e2brycbb
Richmond City Hall
Twenty-feet high giant Christmas baubles are outside Richmond City Hall once again and are lit-up during the evening.
Winter Wonderland tree displays feature 34 live trees decorated with lights outside the Richmond City Hall. Visitors are asked to bring one non-perishable food item to donate to the Richmond Food Bank.
Aberdeen Centre
While it’s no surprise that every several months Aberdeen has a new display in the mall’s atrium. This month, there is a giant winter holiday display with a tree and giant gingerbread man.
The display is unfortunately fenced off, but it makes for a good background.
Lansdowne Centre
If scrolling through Instagram isn’t enough, Lansdowne Centre has three festive “Instagram boxes” around the mall for those who are looking for holiday photo ideas.
Steveston Village
Dec. 1 to 31
Close to 40 Steveston businesses vying for the title of “Best Holiday Window Display” in Steveston. Lights and decorations will adorn local business’ windows and the public is encouraged to vote for their favourite.
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Steveston Museum and the Steveston Tram will also have light decorations up.
There will also be dozens of decorated displays placed among the museum exhibits at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery’s Festival of Trees.
Dec. 15 and 22
Steveston Run Crew is hosting a run event through the Steveston light displays. The group will meet at the Steveston Hub parking lot, 3551 Moncton Street. This event is free.
Dec. 18
Join a holiday walk through Steveston with Walk Richmond. Group will meet at Garry Point Park concession stand at 12011 7th Ave. This event is free.
Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Dec. 1 to 24
An annual display of decorated trees has been set up at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. These trees are decorated by different local organizations or community groups.
Price: Adults ($11.90), seniors( $10.20), youth under 17 free
Songs in the snow
December 4, 11, 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Songs in the Snow will be hosting a virtual event this year. There will be online festivities of toe-tapping performances and virtual caricature drawings.
Families can pick-up free craft kits and seasonal refreshments such as hot drink packages at the Steveston Museum. Tickets must be reserved in advance at https://tinyurl.com/kzmjxjnp
London Heritage Farm
Winter baking workshop, tea and tour of the London Heritage Farm is available on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is $25 and tickets can be found at https://tinyurl.com/nurbf4aa
