FRIDAY, DEC. 9
HOLIDAY HUMOUR
Check out what's Under the Christmas Tree when Table 23 presents its annual improv holiday comedy show, running until Dec. 17. Take the kids to the matinee show Saturdays at 3 p.m. and grab some friends for the adult (PG) show Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. at Second Storey Theatre. Don't forget to bring a donation for the Share food bank. Visit www.secondstoreytheatre.com.
MOVIE NIGHT
Carey Mulligan stars in the coming-of-age story An Education (UK/drama/PG-13), about a teenaged girl in 1960s suburban London whose promising future is upended when a charming older man comes into her life. Nominated for three Oscars, An Education plays at 7:30 p.m. at the Inlet Theatre. Visit www.pmfilm.ca.
LIGHTS GALORE
Pack the family into the car and tour the Tri-Cities' epic Christmas light displays. You'll find a listing of homes, as well as a map showing where each is located, at www.tricitynews.com. Bring some cash and donations, as many homes collect for various charities and/or the Share food bank.
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
MEET SANTA
Have breakfast with the big guy this morning at the Port Coquitlam recreation complex and give your kids a chance to meet Santa himself. Admission is $8, free for children up to three years old.
HOLIDAY HOORAY!
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra gets kids get into the Christmas spirit (like they needed any help) with Tiny Tots' Holiday Hooray! at the Terry Fox Theatre at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Call 604-468-9403 or visit terryfoxtheatre.com for info.
SANTA TRAIN
Hop on the West Coast Express and head into the city to get your Christmas shopping done. In exchange for a new, unwrapped toy you'll get a free ride from any WCE station (stopping in PoCo at 10:37 a.m., in Coquitlam at 10:43 a.m. and PoMo at 10:48 a.m.). The train leaves Waterfront Station at 5 p.m.
CADETS CARE
Pitch in to help families in need this Christmas by donating to the 2893 Seaforth Highlanders Army Cadet Corps' toy and food drive for Share. They'll be at Save-On-Foods (Ottawa Street, near Costco) from noon to 4 p.m.
BEAUTIFUL BOOKS
Leigh Square's latest exhibit showcases the best in Canadian book design with the Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence for Book Design in Canada. Head to the opening reception at 2 p.m. to meet the artists and winners, and check out the book binding demo.
CRAFTY KIDS
Got kids between the ages of six and 10? Bring them to the Pinetree community centre today for some Christmas craft making, followed by a showing of The Grinch, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $2; register at 604-927-4386.
MMM, YUMMY
Get started on your holiday eating at Trinity United Church's free community Christmas dinner for singles, couples and families starting at 4 p.m. at 2211 Prairie Ave., PoCo.
HOLIDAY SALSA
No, it's not for your taco chips. It's this weekend's salsa dance party, complete with a free lesson and plenty of Latin music to keep you moving at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. No experience/partner required. Tickets are $8/$10; visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com.
EN FRANÇAIS
Enjoy Christmas carols in French when Les Échos du Pacifique present Une nuit fraîche de Noël/A Fresh & Crisp Christmas Night at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Call 604-266-4699 or visit www.lesechosdupacifique.com.
SAILING SANTA
It's time to watch for the ships covered in bright Christmas lights as Santa sails into Rocky Point this evening (he was also scheduled to make a stop at the Belcarra dock yesterday evening) by 7:30 p.m. Bring the kids so they can sign the Great Book before Santa heads to the North Pole. Be sure to bring a donation for the Share food bank.
THE BRITISH ARE COMING
In fact, it's The British Invasion, presented by the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, at 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca for more info.
SUNDAY, DEC. 11
HOLIDAY TEA
It's tea time in the 1920s from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the Port Moody Station Museum's passenger rail car. There will be tea, coffee or cocoa, as well as sweet treats and holiday music. Cost is $5, no reservation needed.
CAROL IN CHRISTMAS
Fans of Christmas music, rejoice. And check out at least one of these chances to hear talented groups singing the classics: the Dogwood Songsters' concert is at 1:30 p.m. at the Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam, $6 at 604-933-6098); Harmony women's vocal ensemble sings at 2 p.m. at St. Laurence Anglican Church (825 St. Laurence St., Coquitlam, $15); and the Coastal Sound Music presents Trumpets Sound & Angels Sing!, with several of its choirs joining together for shows at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (evergreenculturalcentre.ca).
