Friday, Dec. 18
SANTA’S SHIPS
Head over to Belcarra for the final weekend of Santa’s Christmas Ships, an annual sail of lit boats that, tonight, heads up Indian Arm to Bedwell Bay and Farrer Cove (Saturday, the parade rides past Woodlands and Brighton Beach, on the North Vancouver side). The procession runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
WINTER RUNS
Lace up your runners for the 8th annual Winter Solstice Run, a virtual event that happens between Dec. 18 and 21 to raise money for the Share Family and Community Services as well as the homeless shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave. Do a 10-km or 21-km walk/run on the traditional route, leaving from Sun Valley in Port Coquitlam, following the Traboulay PoCo Trail to the bridge and ending at Harris Road in Pitt Meadows. Entry is by donation via canadahelps.org/en/pages/8th-annual-winter-solstice-run/. And don’t forget to post your journey on social media using the hashtag #WSR2020. Alternatively, help raise money for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation through the virtual Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash, an annual 5-km walk/run from Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Entry is $30 for adults, $20 for youth and $5 for kids; registration ends Dec. 24. Visit nowthatsugly.com.
Saturday, Dec. 19
PANTO TIME
Catch Pinetree secondary grad Sarvin Esmaeili in Panto Come Home!, a romp featuring an all-star cast of East Van Panto actors. The show is live streamed tonight and Sunday from the York Theatre in Vancouver. For tickets at $35, visit thecultch.com.
Sunday, Dec. 20
GET YOUR GREENS
And your meat, baked goods and plant-based foods at the weekly Port Moody Winter Farmers Market, happening in the parking lot next to the tennis courts at the Port Moody recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.). The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit makebakegrow.com.
SHOP LOCAL
If you’re shopping for unique handmade gifts, check out the Christmas Boutique and Positively Petite show at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) as well as the Winter Treasures exhibit and Blackberry Christmas Marketplace at PoMoArts (2425 St. Johns St., Port Moody). Both facilities have artwork available in all price ranges and for all ages. Visit placedesarts.ca and pomoarts.ca.
