This holiday season, there are many places in Richmond decked out with bright lights and plenty of cheer. In fact, the City of Richmond says approximately 650,000 lights will be illuminated throughout December.
Check out these eight local places to snap a festive photo:
1. Britannia Shipyards
Take a stroll through the picturesque waterfront site and strike a pose with an illuminated boat, tree and heritage buildings as a festive backdrop.
2. Outside city hall
A new addition for the 2018 season, holiday ornaments will be set up on city hall’s front lawn and near Minoru Plaza. Photos can be taken inside and outside of the display. City hall will also feature 320 strings of light, as well as deer and snow globe displays.
3. Richmond Centre’s light display
If you’ve strolled through Richmond Centre, you may have noticed some impressive new light displays throughout the mall. Strike a pose next to a gigantic, lit-up moose, deer or Christmas ornament.
4. McArthurGlen’s Christmas displays
If you didn’t catch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at McArthurGlen last month, fear not, the massive tree is on display throughout December. Grab a photo near the outlet mall’s “bauble wall” while you’re there.
5. Gulf of Georgia Cannery’s Festival of Trees
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society and Steveston Merchants Association present Steveston’s annual Festival of Trees inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Local merchants and community groups will show off their creative talents by decorating their own festive trees, which will be on display inside the historic cannery. Snap a few photos of these decorated trees and don’t forget to cast a vote for your favourite!
6. City hall’s Winter Wonderland
With the arrival of 30 decorated trees, Richmond’s city hall has slowly transformed into a wintery forest. On Saturday, the city launched its Winter Wonderland event presented by the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset. The 18th annual event aims to raise funds for local charities and spread a little holiday cheer. As with the Cannery’s Festival of Trees, don’t forget to cast a vote for your favourite!
7. In front of this massive menorah
Grab a photo in front of this massive menorah which was just lit for the 30th anniversary this past Sunday. The lighting marked the start of Hanukkah and Mayor Malcolm Brodie was joined at the lighting by former Premier Bill Vander Zalm, who switched on the menorah 30 years ago.
8. With Santa, of course!
A visit to the jolly old elf is a classic Christmas photo opportunity and Santa will be visiting many Richmond establishments this year. Find him at Richmond Centre, Lansdowne Centre and at some local celebrations throughout December.
Looking for more opportunities to snap a photo? According to the city, "Richmond will be making the holiday season merry and bright with lights around City Centre, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, the City’s Works Yard, Minoru Park, Steveston Park, Steveston Interurban Tram Building and Visitor Centre and London Plaza" as well.
