Things are looking merry and bright and Dr. Sharma and the Aura Orthodontics team are getting in the spirit and preparing for another magical Christmas in Surrey before setting their sights on ringing in 2018. We hope all of our patients and their families are feeling just as jolly as we are. If you need a few festive ideas, we’ve got you covered with our guide to Surrey, BC holiday activities for families.
Breakfast with Santa
Various Recreation Centres – Eat breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a recreation centre in your community. After meeting the visitors from the North Pole and enjoying a delicious meal, kids can play games and do holiday crafts. Registration is required. The cost is $8 per child and $4 per adult. Kiddos two-years-old and under are free. Next on the schedule:
- Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 to 11am at both the Cloverdale Recreation Centre and the Fleetwood Community Centre
- Saturday, December 9 from 9 to 10:15am and 10:30 to 11:45am at the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre
- Saturday, December 16 from 9:30 to 11am at both the Newton Seniors Centre and the Bridgeview Community Centre
Embrace the True Meaning of the Holidays
One of the things that makes the holidays so special is the outpouring of generosity and goodwill. Gather your family and look for a way to brighten someone else’s season. The Surrey Christmas Bureau has its 2017 wish list posted with the toys and must-haves local children could use. You can drop your unwrapped gifts off at the organization’s seasonal toy depot at 6878 King George Boulevard (Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 5pm), Surrey Fire Halls or call them for a pickup at (604) 581-9623.
The Christmas Store at Potters
19158 48th Avenue – Every year starting in early October, Potters Nursery turns its 28,000 square-foot space on 48th Avenue into a holiday spectacular. The effect is dazzling with glittering ornaments, Christmas items from around the world, unique gifts, garlands, wreaths and holiday décor peeking out of every nook and cranny. Once December rolls around, Santa and Mrs. Claus take up residence in their workshop. Kids can take pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 9 from 10am to 3pm, Sunday, December 10 from 11am to 3pm, Saturday December 16 from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, December 17 from 11am to 3pm. Even if you’re not in the market for holiday decorations, the Christmas Store is worth a visit because kids (and adults!) will be absolutely delighted.
Need to Talk About Braces or Invisalign? Contact Us!
The Nutcracker
Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88th Avenue – There aren’t too many things that really capture the spirit and magic of the holidays better than The Nutcracker. The classic production has become a holiday tradition for families everywhere. The super talented dancers of the Royal City Youth Ballet will bring the classic to life dancing to Tchaikovsky’s score against the backdrop of extravagant sets. Get your Sugar Plum Fairy fix on Friday, December 8 at 7pm, Saturday, December 9 at 1pm or 4pm or Sunday, December 10 at 1pm or 4pm. Tickets cost $28 for children and youths, $32 for seniors and $42 for adults. Purchase tickets here before they sell out or call the box office at (604) 501-5566.
Pioneer Christmas and Evening Carol Sing
Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road – One of our favorite free Surrey, BC Christmas events for families is the annual holiday gathering at the Historic Stewart Farm because it’s both fun and educational. On Saturday, December 9 from 11am to 3pm, step back in time and celebrate Christmas just as the early pioneer families did. Visitors of all ages can listen to or sing along with classic carols, marvel at the authentically decorated Victorian Christmas tree, try their hand at a scavenger hunt out in the Pole Barn, enjoy sweet Victorian treats, including warm apple cider straight from the woodstove and figgy pudding, and create take-home holiday crafts and toys in Stewart Hall. There’s no need to register; just drop by. Also on Saturday, December 9, the beautifully decorated Stewart Hall will reopen afterhours to host the Evening Carol Sing. Revelers aged five and over can sing festive carols while munching on holiday snacks. Register for either 6 to 7pm or 7:30 to 8:30pm. The cost is $5.
Skate with Santa
North Surrey Arena (10275 City Parkway) and Newton Arena (7120 -136B Street) – No list of Surrey Christmas entertainment and activities would be complete with out some time with Santa. On Saturday, December 9 from 12n to 1:30pm, the man in red will be at the North Surrey Arena and on Sunday, December 10, also from noon to 1:30pm, you can find him at the Newton Arena. Lace up your skates and hit the ice while the kids have their photo taken with Santa Claus. Regular admission will apply.
Rogers Hometown Hockey
City Hall Plaza, 13450 104th Avenue – The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour will make its way to our city on Saturday, December 9 from noon until 6pm and Sunday, December 10 from noon until about 7pm. Not necessarily holiday focused, it’s still among the most anticipated events in Surrey this month and will feature broadcast hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Sloane, tons of activities for the entire family, live local entertainment, prizes and giveaways, games and meet-and-greet opportunities with Kirk McLean and Dave Babych, two NHL alumni. The two-day, hockey-themed festival will wrap up Sunday evening after the Rogers Hometown Hockey outdoor viewing party, which will include a special pre-game show beginning at 3:30pm hosted by MacLean and Sloane live on site from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW. The game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers will follow. Oh, and did we mention, it’s free?
Christmas Fireside Storytime
Guildford Town Centre – Play Park, 10355 152nd Street – Surrey Libraries and the Guilford Town Centre will host Christmas Fireside Storytimes for children of all ages and their caregivers daily from Monday, December 11 through Friday, December 15 at 10:30am and 1pm. The whole family can listen to holiday stories and sing holiday songs. The drop-in program is free and open to the community.
Classical Coffee Concert: Winter Dreams
Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88th Avenue – While unlike most of the other Surrey December family events, this one probably isn’t ideal for really young kids but teens or older school-aged children who enjoy classical tunes will be captivated by the musical stylings of Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann, known as the Bergmann Piano Duo, and duo harpists, Miya and Kaori Otake. On Thursday, December 14, they’ll perform winter-inspired music, including Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons and a selection from Humperdinck’s opera, Hansel and Gretel. There will be a social hour in the lobby starting at 10am with tea, coffee and treats. The 75-minute concert (no intermission) will kick off at 11am. The Bergmanns have gained worldwide fame for their eclectic, spirited programs.
Holiday Art Jam
Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre, 13458-107A Avenue – On Thursday, December 14 from 6:30 to 8:30pm, youth and young adults are invited to take part in the free Holiday Art Jam at the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre. Attendees will hang out and tap into their creative side with activities like building a gingerbread house, block printing wrapping paper and other holiday-themed arts and crafts projects. No art skills or experience are required.
Gingerbread Village
Central City Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Boulevard – The Downtown Surrey BIA will present a brand new event this year called Gingerbread Village. Residents entered their very best gingerbread houses into the competition and their creations will be on display at Central City Shopping Centre on Thursday, December 14 from 5 to 9pm and Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16 from 10am to 9pm. On Friday night from 4 to 6pm, there will also be face painters and music and the winner will be announced at 5pm.
VSO: A Traditional Christmas
Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 144th Street – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 25th annual Traditional Christmas concert is back and will be in Surrey on Saturday, December 16 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre. Performances will be held at 4pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are currently on sale.
The Electric Express
Cloverdale Station, Highway 10 and 176A Street – The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society will be holding The Electric Express, a unique Cloverdale holiday event, on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. Guests will travel the Electric Express as they’re transported all the way back to 1917 to celebrate the holidays. The theatrical experience will be held at the Cloverdale Station and will feature live music, carols, a short train ride and a visit to the workshop of Father Christmas in the Car Barn. There will be six 50-minute events each day that start on the hour with the first event at 10am and the last at 3pm. The cost for tickets is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students (aged 11 to 18) and $10 for kids three- to 10-years old. Admission is free for children under three. Purchase tickets here.
Winter Fest 2017
Guildford Recreation Centre, 15105 105th Avenue – Winter Fest is a free Guilford holiday activity for kids and while it’s geared towards children ages six through 12, the whole family is welcome to take part in the festive fun. On Saturday, December 16 from 10am to 1pm, attendees will have a blast decorating cookies, doing holiday crafts, playing games, taking part in sports challenges, snacking on treats, enjoying a photo station and more. The event is being brought to the community in partnership with MYzone and the Youth Engagement Program.
Christmas at the Loafing Shed
The Loafing Shed Glass Studio, 9060 184th Street – On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, December 17 from 10am to 3pm (glassblowing ends at 2pm) attend Christmas at the Loafing Shed, a really cool glass studio with cutting-edge glass blowing equipment. Take in the country Christmas atmosphere, mingle, sip on complimentary seasonal beverages and get warm in the studio. Browse the glass gallery and check out a selection of small gift items by local artists available for purchase if you want to get some holiday shopping done.
Christmas Special
Surrey Libraries, Various Branches – Tbese special storytimes at different library branches are for kids and their caregivers. The Christmas programs have stories, songs, puppets and dance parties. Santa will even make an appearance, so be sure to bring your camera. Here’s what’s coming up:
- Friday, December 8 from 10:30 to 11:45am at Guildford Library (birth through 7-years-old)
- Wednesday, December 13 from 1:30 to 2:15pm at City Centre Library (ages birth through five)
- Wednesday, December 13 from 3:30 to 4:30pm at Ocean Park Library (ages six and up)
- Friday, December 15 from 11:15am to 12:15 pm at Fleetwood Library (all ages)
- Tuesday, December 19 from 3 to 4pm at Semiahmoo Library (all ages)
- Wednesday, December 20 from 3:30 to 4:30pm at Strawberry Hill Library (all ages; technically this particular storytime is called Christmas Cheer)
Winter Ice Palace
Cloverdale Arena, 6090 176th Street – Get in some exercise while experiencing a winter wonderland with one of the more active Surrey family events for the holidays. During the 20th Annual Winter Ice Palace, the skating rink will be transformed into an old-fashioned winter pond complete with lights, a tree and festive décor. The event will run from Friday, December 22 through Sunday, January 7 and the rink will be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (the perfect family-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s in Surrey, BC). Admission is $4.50 a person but free for Recreation Pass holders. Don’t have skates or helmets? Skate rentals are $3.25 and helmet rentals are $1.75. This year’s Winter Ice Palace schedule is as follows:
- December 22 – 5 to 9pm
- December 23 – 1 to 8pm
- December 24 – 10am to 3:30pm
- December 25 – 12n to 3pm
- December 26 – 2:45 to 6:30pm
- December 27 – 12n to 8pm
- December 28 – 12n to 8pm
- December 29 – 12n to 8pm
- December 30 – 12n to 8pm
- December 31 – 10am to 3:30pm
- January 1 – 12n to 4pm
- January 2 – 12n to 8pm
- January 3 – 12n to 8pm
- January 4 – 12n to 8pm
- January 5 – 12n to 8pm
- January 6 – 12n to 8pm
- January 7 – 10:30am to 3pm
Bear Creek Christmas Train
Bear Creek Park, 13750 88th Avenue – With all of these Surrey Christmas events, don’t forget to make time for the Bear Creek Christmas Train! From Friday, December 8 through Sunday, January 7 (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 10am to 4pm, the Bear Creek Train will take families on a ride through interactive, themed displays and there will even be hot chocolate, music, holiday treats, crafts and more. Santa will be there for the Santa Express and available to take selfies with guests through December 24th. The Christmas Night Train will run from 6 to 10pm Wednesday to Sunday, also through January 7. Make your way through an enchanted forest of lights on this family-friendly, light-up train ride. The cost is $10 per person or save with a family pass for $35 (two adults and two children).
Take in the Holiday Light Displays
There are some seriously fantastic holiday light displays in Surrey. Make an evening out of it by seeing as many as you can with your family. Check out this map of all of the best Christmas lights in the Lower Mainland to plan your route.
Happy holidays from the Aura Orthodontics family!
