Get ready to embrace the festive spirit as PoCo transforms the Port Coquitlam Community Centre into a beloved annual holiday event with Christmas in the Square and Winter Market.
Everyone is invited on Nov. 30 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., to this family-fun treasured holiday tradition where you'll be enveloped in the cozy vibes of the season.
The sights, sounds and flavours will ignite your senses: twinkling lights, food vendors and beverage garden, children's activities, live holiday entertainment, artisans showcasing unique gifts and photos with Santa — everything you need to make the festive season memorable.
"For over 14 years, the City’s Christmas in the Square and Winter Market have kicked off the Christmas season with festive charm and community spirit," says Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West.
"What began as a small event has grown annually, now featuring an exciting range of activities, from a bustling artisan market with handcrafted gifts to a sip-and-shop zone with local brews, all in the heart of downtown."
Local vendors, handcrafted goods
If you want to get a jump on your Christmas list, you'll be hard-pressed with decisions; there's not a gift-giving need overlooked from more than 40 local market vendors selling one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods and independent products.
Choose from high-quality items ranging from artwork, signs, ornaments, home décor and jewelry, to candles, baked goods, bath products and more.
"This event offers residents and visitors meaningful ways to enjoy the Christmas season, supporting local artisans and businesses, while encouraging sustainable shopping choices," explains West.
"When you partake in this truly memorable holiday experience that combines seasonal joy with support for local businesses — you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for our community, sustainability and festive traditions right in your backyard."
Don't miss your opportunity at the Winter Market to enter to win some great prizes, too.
Christmas tree lighting, entertainment, activities
The tree lighting is always a holiday hit and this year, it promises to be even more impressive. Witness the massive 38-foot-high evergreen with a combination of pure white and warm white twinkling LEDs. Santa will be counting down to the exciting moment and flipping the big red switch at 5 p.m. He'll be available for photos in the Wilson Lounge from 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
Watch for Buddy the Elf from 2 p.m.– 6 p.m., who's also arrived from the North Pole to find his dad, while roving among the crowd.
You'll want to fa-la-la along with all your holiday favourites with the live music on the main stage in the Mabbett Hall. You'll be entertained with everything from traditional carols, popular Christmas songs and retro tunes, to contemporary, Italian, Latin and rock stylings.
Performances include:
- Collage Singers: 12:15 p.m.–12:45 p.m.
- Carmelina Cupo Trio: 1 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
- Beauty Shop Dolls: 2 p.m.–2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
- Phat Santa Swing: 4 p.m.–4:45 p.m. and 5:15–6 p.m.
- Legato Music: 6:15 p.m.–7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.–8 p.m.
BAG on a Bike is Burnaby Art Gallery’s fully functioning printing press on the back of an electronic bike. This fun and interactive art-making experience lets you make a print to take home.
Other holiday activities include, Terry Fox Library button-making, public skates and a chance to write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mailbox that goes direct to the North Pole.
Whether you come for the shopping, the holiday entertainment or just to soak up the festive energy, there’s something magical for all ages.
"We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the holiday spirit in a vibrant, locally-focused setting," says West.
"This year’s expanded indoor and outdoor layout at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, combined with the City’s vibrant tree lighting, makes it an unmissable experience to celebrate the Christmas season and support local businesses."
For a full list of activities for Christmas in the Square and Winter Market, visit portcoquitlam.ca/christmas, and for everything Winter in the City, visit portcoquitlam.ca/winterinthecity.
