Last weekend before Christmas brings lots of festive events in Metro Vancouver
A previous year's winter solstice labyrinth is seen in this photo from the Secret Lantern Society's Facebook page. (facebook.com/SecretLanternSociety)
Whether you're looking to finish some last-minute shopping or just soak in the spirit of the season, there are lots of things to do in Metro Vancouver on the final weekend before Christmas. Here are some options.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
The Secret Lantern Society will host its 31st annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.
The society marks the longest, darkest night of the year with labyrinths of light in Yaletown and on Granville Island, as well as lantern-lit processions in David Lam Park and along False Creek.
Labyrinth admission is $15 and timed tickets can be booked online in advance. The processions themselves are free to attend, and are preceded by lantern-making workshops in both locations. More information can be found on the society's website.
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Chor Leoni is holding its annual Christmas concerts this weekend at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church in downtown Vancouver.
Promising "a holiday feast for the senses," the choir will perform "a signature mix of sacred songs, festive carols and winter soundscapes" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday.
Tickets start at $25 and are available online.
VSO presents Elf in Concert
Another festive musical performance is taking place at the Orpheum Theatre this weekend, as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a live score to accompany the beloved holiday comedy Elf.
Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and ticket information is available on the VSO website.
Holidaze Pop-Up Market
Made in the 604 is hosting its "Holidaze Pop-Up Market" this weekend at the Heritage Hall on Main Street.
More than 45 local vendors will be on-hand for shoppers looking for last-minute gifts. Admission is free and the market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Christmas at Canada Place
Stop by Canada Place any time before Jan. 2 to experience the light sculptures, decorated trees and beloved Woodward's Windows that make up Christmas at Canada Place.
The free annual display is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Steveston Festival of Trees
Visitors to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston this season are invited to vote on their favourite of dozens of trees decorated by local businesses and groups.
The Steveston Festival of Trees is included with admission to the cannery, which is free for youth ages 17 and under. The festival runs until Jan. 7.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Also ongoing into January is the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver.
The 15-acre garden is adorned with more than a million twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy dancing lights shows every 20 minutes, as well as themed light areas and a variety of food vendors.
The festival continues through Jan. 5. Hours and ticket information can be found on the City of Vancouver website.
With files from MOVE 103.5's Leanne McLaren
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