1. Longest night of the year: Saturday Dec. 17:
The daylight may be short at this time of year, but that’s reason to celebrate and light up the night sky as the Richmond Nature Park (11851 Westminster Highway) marks the longest night of the year Dec. 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. It’s an opportunity to create lanterns, write your wishes on paper and then toss them into the fire to set them free. Also, decorate a wildlife tree to help birds survive the cold winter. You can also enjoy storytelling, face painting and roasting marshmallows and then join the Frost Fairy for a lantern-lit walk through the winter woods. Also, take home a festive evergreen swag to decorate your door. Admission by donation. Proceeds support the Richmond Nature Park Society’s environmental education programs.
2. Merry Musical Christmas: Saturday Dec. 17 and Sunday Dec. 18
The Christmas season is just that much more enjoyable when you put a sound track to it. And there’s few more enjoyable ways than having choirs do the job. Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge Way) is making that happen with its Merry Musical Christmas that features more than 20 local school choirs, music schools and groups presenting concerts to light up your holiday spirit. On Dec. 17, the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra is scheduled to perform from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 18, the B.C. Registered Music Teachers’ Association is scheduled between 2 – 5 p.m. For a complete concert listing, visit online at AberdeenCentre.com.
3. Festival of Trees: Sunday Dec. 18:
Enjoy the Steveston Festival of Trees until Dec. 31 at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (12138 Fourth Avenue). The cannery will be brightly lit by Christmas trees decorated by local merchants and organizations. During this time, each visitor will be given a token to vote for their favourite tree. In addition, visitors to the free indoor farmers’ market on Dec. 18 may give a donation to get a token to vote. Presented in partnership with Steveston Merchants Association. Price: Included with cannery admission.
