Holiday Events in the Fraser Valley

The following post was contributed by Kristi Ferguson of Fraser Valley Pulse.

The holiday season has offered plenty of fun out here in the Fraser Valley. The Nutcracker in Surrey, Disney on Ice in Abbotsford, Dickens Sweet Shop Christmas Village in Chilliwack and lots more…but it’s not over yet! Over the next couple of weeks there are many fun holiday activities for you and your family to experience and enjoy.

Here are 5 Fraser Valley holiday events worth checking out:

Winter Ice Palace
Visit the Cloverdale Arena during the 13th Annual Winter Ice Palace. The rink is transformed into a winter wonderland, an old-time skating pond atmosphere to bring back joyful memories of years past. A fun family event, Cloverdale’s Ice Palace is open every day between December 18, 2010 through January 2, 2011 – including Christmas Day and New Years Day. Click here to see the 2010 Winter Ice Palace schedule. Admission is $4, skate rentals $3, helmets $1.50.
Location: 6090 176 Street, Surrey
Ring: (604) 502-6410

Christmas in Williams Park
Bundle up the family, bring along the travel mugs of hot chocolate and head over to the 20th Annual Christmas in Williams Park. From December 6-16, 2010, drive through the park and admire the fun light and holiday displays from the comfort of your warm vehicle. December 17-18, 2010 will feature local entertainment, face painting and horse & carriage rides. Food and refreshments, a visit with Santa – what could be better? Open 6:00pm until 9:00pm nightly.
Location: 238 Street at 68 Avenue, Langley

The North Pole in Maple Ridge
The North Pole BC is in Maple Ridge from now until December 24th, before Santa sets out on his journeys. Call ahead to book a time for you and your family to visit. Children’s names and information are registered ahead of time so that when the meet Santa, he’s in-the-know and ready to wow them! There are all kinds of activities for the kids to do during their visit, besides visiting with the big guy. They can build a toy in Santa’s workshop or train to be an elf in Elf Academy. Bring a wrapped gift so that Santa can gift them something they’ve been longing for. Register for this ASAP as you can imagine how busy it will get closer to Christmas. Allow at least 2 days prior to your visit and Santa will phone your child on the telephone to invite him/her to the North Pole!
Ring: (604) 898-9000

Indoor Train Rides at Minter Country Garden Store
Minter Country Garden Store is all lit up with thousands of holiday lights! From now until Christmas Eve, enjoy miniature train rides on the indoor track for just $2 and take in the sights and sounds of the holidays. Enjoy a tea or hot chocolate in the cafe and live music on December 22-23 (6:00pm – 8:00pm). For those looking for daytime activities, visit Minter Country Garden Store December 18-19, 2010 for Family Fun Days – Pancake Breakfast with Santa, train rides all day, photos with Santa and a candy cane scavenger hunt at 1:00pm both days.
Location: 10015 Young Road, Chilliwack
Ring: (604) 791-7191

Hemlock Tubes for Toys
Head up to Hemlock Valley Resort December 18-19, 2010 during their Tubes for Toys event. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army’s Family Christmas Assistance Program and you will receive a free tubing pass and hot chocolate. While we have been enjoying bucket-loads of rain, Hemlock has been piling up the snow, so it’s a great time to visit. Winter fun for everyone!
Location: 20955 Hemlock Valley Road, Hemlock Valley
Ring: (604) 797-4411

This post was contributed by Kristi Ferguson of FraserValleyPulse.com and Double You Business Services. Fraser Valley Pulse features community events and local business features from Surrey to Chilliwack. Be sure to check out the 12 Days of Christmas in the Fraser Valley campaign. Help support local charities and enter to win fabulous holiday gifts! Follow @FVPulse or @DoubleYouKristi on Twitter.