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‘Tis the season: All the holiday events you need to check out in Burnaby

As we hang up the lights and put on our puffiest jackets, it’s time to start planning for the holiday season and there’s plenty of events in Burnaby to get you in the spirit. We took stock of all the fun activities just around the corner, so take a look and maximize your holiday fun! Additional activities will be announced closer to December, and we will keep updating the list with more holly, jolly things to do this holiday season.

From November 21 onwards, parks and public spaces throughout Burnaby will be lit up with festive lights to welcome the holiday season. Follow the city’s map of holiday light displays to catch them all, and don’t forget to share your favourite moments on social media with the hashtag #BurnabyLights!

Date: Nov 21, 2021 – Jan 2, 2022Location: Throughout the cityAdmission: Free

things to do Burnaby holidays

Edmonds will be welcoming the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on November 27. Head over to get into the festive spirit and enjoy some fun holiday crafts with your family and friends!

Date: Nov 27Time: 4:30 – 6:30pmLocation: Edmonds Community Centre —7433 Edmonds StAdmission: Free

burnaby holiday activities

The Burnaby Village Museum will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland with the return of Heritage Christmas, presented by Concord Pacific. The event will run from November 27 to January 3, and there will be a tree lighting ceremony on December 4 to officially launch the event.Date: Nov 27, 2021 – Jan 3, 2022Location: Burnaby Village Museum —6501 Deer Lake AveAdmission: Free

The Vancouver Gaelic Choir will be performing traditional carols in both Gaelic and English in their 2021 Christmas Concert. The concert will also feature special guest performers, so look forward to the surprise!

Date: Nov 27Time: 2pmLocation: All Saints Anglican Church —7405 Royal Oak AveAdmission: $15 for regular; $10 for seniors/studentsTickets: To reserve call 604-910-9836 or email [email protected]. You can also pay at the door.

burnaby holiday activities

The Vancouver Finlandia Club will be holding its annual Scandinavian Craft Fair on November 28 at the Scandinavian Community Centre. The craft fair will feature crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and more. If you’re looking for Karjalan Piirakat, rye bread, or Joulutorttu, be sure to pre-order them in advance!

Date: Nov 28, 2021Time: 11am – 4pmLocation: Scandinavian Community Centre —6540 Thomas StAdmission: Free

burnaby holiday activities

If you love holiday songs as much as we do and whipped out your holiday playlist as soon as the clock struck midnight on November 1, this is the perfect event for you. Enjoy a night of holiday classics with a joyful and soulful twist performed by award-winning musicians – vocalist Dawn Pemberton and bassist/bandleader Jodi Proznick – and an all-star band. Livestreaming will also be available.

Date: Dec 3Time: 8 – 9:30pmLocation: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts —6450 Deer Lake AveAdmission: $30 for in-person (proof of vaccination required); $15 for live stream.Tickets: Available here

The Nikkei Museum is hosting a holiday pop-up every Thursday to Saturday until Dec 4. The weekly event features art, crafts, gifts, and artisanal goods from local makers and crafters. Check out the vendor lineup, and find hours and tickets here.Date: Thursday to Saturday until Dec 4Location: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre—6688 Southoaks CrescentTickets: Available online

Check out the annual St. Stephen’s Christmas Market on December 4 and support local vendors! There will also be raffle tickets and a Tupperware Fundraiser for St. Stephen’s, and pre-orders from their Purdys Fundraising sale will be available for pick up on the day of the market.

Date: Dec 4Time: 10am- 3pmLocation: St. Stephen’s Parish Hall—9887 Cameron StAdmission: Free (proof of vaccination required and masks are mandatory indoors)

Santa and Jolly Elf will be swinging by Burnaby Heights to spread the holiday cheer on December 4, so bring your friends and family and have a jolly good time!

Date: Dec 4Time: 12- 5pmLocation: Burnaby HeightsAdmission: Free

St Stephen’s Parish Hall will be holding its annual Christmas Market from 10am-3pm on Dec 4. They’ll be raffling off prizes homemade by their parishioners, and there will be plenty of tables full with baked goods, crafts, jewelry, and gifts. Masks and proof of vaccination are required.Date: Dec 4Time: 10am-3pmLocation: St Stephen’s Parish Hall –9887 Cameron St

The man himself is taking some time out of his busy Christmas season to visit Burnaby this month! Visit Santa and his elves on December 18 at 10am at The City of Lougheed. Reservations are $5 per child and all proceeds go to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund.Date: Dec 18Time: 10amLocation: The City of Lougheed Community Space

Head to the Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown for a magical 3D projection experience that takes you on a quest through the Canadian wilderness to the North Pole.Date: Now until Dec 23Location: The Grand Court at Metropolis at MetrotownTickets: A small reservation fee is required to book your spot. All proceeds from your reservation fee will be donated to Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre, a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen health, belonging and food sovereignty in Iqaluit utilizing the power of tradition and community. Reserve here.

Before he heads out on Christmas Eve, Santa will have a temporary residency at The Amazing Brentwood, spreading holiday cheer and opening up his availability for some photos. Santa’s chalet will be located at outdoor deck at TABLES. COVID safety guidelines will be in place and Santa will be wearing a mask. Visitors 5 and are required to do so as well.Date: On now until Dec 24Location: TABLES Patio at The Amazing Brentwood on Level 2Price: A reservation fee of $35+ tax will be applied to your purchase of a Photo Package at your appointment. Reserve your spot with Santa and learn more here.

Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival’s popular market will return to Brentwood for the holidays for 12 days to spread the holiday cheer. Head over to The Amazing Brentwood to check out local vendors, food trucks, Santa Claus, and enjoy festive entertainment!Date: Dec 9 – Dec 24Time: Various times – check event page for detailsLocation: 2150 Alpha Ave —corner of Alpha & DawsonTickets: $5 for regular (a portion of each ticket sold will go to charity); complimentary for those age 6 and under. Tickets available online.

“In my heart there are hopes and dreams, and all different beautiful things.” That’s the first line in a lovely piece entitled Letter from a Girl to the World, and one that the British Columbia Girls’ Choir will be performing for their first in-person audience in two years. Catch them on December 11 at the Cariboo Hill Temple.

Date: Dec 11Time: Matinee show: 4-5:30pm / Evening show: 7pmLocation: Cariboo Hill Temple — 7195 Cariboo RdTickets: Available online. Find matinee tickets here. Find evening tickets here.

Local favourite Aunt Leah’s Trees will return this year to raise money to fund programs supporting foster youth at risk of homelessness and helping young mothers in need. Alternatively, you might want to rent a Christmas tree instead from Evergrow Christmas Trees, which works with local farmers to replant them once they are returned. Aunt Leah’s Burnaby lot will open on Nov 26 and it is located at All Saints Anglican Church (7405 Royal Oak Ave).

Coming up…

Deck the Heights 2021Deck the Heights will return this year with a window decorating contest amongst merchants. We will keep you updated as more details are announced.

Burnaby Public Library’s holiday eventsTrying to brainstorm holiday events to do with your kids? Keep an eye out for the library’s events that are just around the corner!