Getting Festive in Port Moody

You probably don’t need me to tell you that the holiday season is here. And while everyone in Metro Vancouver enjoys Bright Nights in Stanley Park or the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens, out here in the Northeast Sector we have some fabulous Christmas events of our own to mark the season. So if you live in or around Port Moody, or you’ll be in the area over the holidays, read on for some festive local highlights.

Holiday Tea

What Drop by Port Moody Station Museum’s 1920s rail car to enjoy some old fashioned holiday music, cookies and a warm drink in a festive holiday atmosphere. Price is $5 per person, tax included. Reservations not required. Cash only.
Where Port Moody Station Museum [map]
When Sunday, December 11 and Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 12:30 – 3:30pm
More info portmoodymuseum.org

Holiday Wine and Cheese Tasting

What Get ready for the holidays at a tasting of incredible holiday value wines! Participants will be sampling 16 wines from around the world all matched with gourmet cheeses, unique spreads, artisan breads and crackers during this unique holiday tasting. This is a stand up salon style self-guided tasting. The room will feature four individual stations including one for sparkling wine, one for white wine, one for red wine, and one for dessert wine. Wine expert John Gerum will be on-site with his event team pouring the wines and discussing unique holiday food and wine matches. All wines sampled are holiday value wines and can be purchased locally for less than $20 per bottle. Tickets are $35 + HST per person.
Where Port Moody Arts Centre [map]
When Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:00pm
More info wcwed.com

CP Holiday Train

What The CP Holiday Train returns to Port Moody. This event is a wonderful way to welcome the holidays. Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule to greet everyone. There will be hot chocolate and chili available by donation to the food bank, carolers, an enormous bonfire and more. The train will arrive with John Valdy and Tracey Brown, two popular Canadian artists.
Where Queens Street Plaza [map]
When Saturday, December 17, 2011 – festivities start at 4:00pm, train arrives at 5:45pm
More info CPR

Solstice Celebration Lantern Festival

What The Lantern Festival is a free community event for all ages. Participants are invited to join in caroling, crafts and dance. There will also be Solstice sun cookies, soup and tea. Attendees are encouraged to bring food and beverages to share, as well as mugs and dishes from home. The event opens with a meditation led by Kushala Yoga, followed by a short lantern procession. From there participants will light the Solstice tree, sing a sun song, and wrap things up with a closing meditation from Kushala. The event is taking place outside, so if you attend organizers say, “Dress magical, but dress for the weather.”
Where Rocky Point Park Pavilion [map]
When Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 4:30 – 6:30pm
More info Facebook Event

Happy holidays!

Amber Strocel is a writer, mom, dreamer and occasional cat wrangler who lives in suburban Vancouver. She writes about local news and events in the Tri-Cities at TheV3H.com. She also has a personal blog at Strocel.com, runs an online class for moms who are searching for their purpose called Crafting my Life, and works as the Content Manager for VancouverMom.ca.