December is fast approaching and thoughts of holiday plans are beginning to dance through the minds of many. With the season’s bustling energy, from gift shopping to year-end parties, and a flurry of winter activities, sometimes the hardest part is deciding what to do with all the excitement that’s going on.
To help you alleviate the dilemma of choice, we’ve curated a guide to Coquitlam’s most captivating holiday events and activities. This compilation is designed to ensure your days are filled with the joyous spirit of the season. Join us as we unwrap the best of what the city has to offer, guaranteeing a holly, jolly mood for all.
Explore Holiday Markets for One-of-a-kind Gifts
While many people flock to malls and online shopping to tackle their holiday gift purchases, there’s nothing quite like shopping locally to get truly unique finds. Fortunately, these winter festivals and markets can help you find gifts that are as special as the people in your life:
HollyDaze in the Heights – This free outdoor holiday festival will bring the holiday spirit to Austin Heights! Browse artisans and local businesses, sample delicious food from around the Tri-Cities, and enjoy musicians and entertainment while strolling through a festive winter wonderland.
Date and time: November 18 from 4 – 9 p.m. on the south side of Austin Avenue between Nelson and Marmont.
Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair – As one of Metro Vancouver’s largest and most impressive holiday-themed artisan markets, everything you can imagine is being sold at this three-day event. You can expect to see handmade goods like ceramics, clothing, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, beauty products, food items, and more.
Date and time: December 1 from 4 – 9 p.m., December 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and December 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Poirier Forum (618 Poirier Street). Tickets are available online or at the door.
Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – Returning for its third year, come and enjoy this two-night shopping extravaganza. There are three full rooms featuring vendors with gifts, jewelry, clothing, and food for the entire family.
Date and time: December 1 from 5 – 9 p.m. and December 2 from 4 – 9 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way). Admission is $2 for anyone 16 or older.
Coquitlam Christmas Farmers Market – Come shop over 50 vendors, purchase tickets to win our raffle baskets, stay for a kids craft and listen to holiday music throughout the day.
Date and time: December 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Poirier Forum (618 Poirier Street).
Place des Arts Holiday Artisan Shop – Find one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your gift list. Explore finely handcrafted housewares, accessories, skincare, décor, cards, ornaments and more, made by talented artists.
Date and time: November 17 – December 21; Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Avenue). Admission is free.
Take in the Sights at the Lights at Lafarge
As Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, Lights at Lafarge is a popular attraction year after year for a reason. Complete with over 100,000 lights, this magical holiday display leads visitors on a 1.2-km loop around the lake through themed zones.
Located just steps from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, this year’s kick-off event takes place on November 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. The night will feature a variety of live entertainment and on-site food vendors that are sure to satisfy all taste buds.
Best of all, the Lights at Lafarge will remain on from dusk until 11 p.m. each night until the end of January so there will be plenty of time throughout the winter for you to stop by.
Enjoy the Arts at the Evergreen Cultural Centre
Dive into a world of performing and visual arts, where each event promises to add a touch of magic to your December. The Evergreen Cultural Centre is your go-to spot, offering an exciting lineup that guarantees to keep you entertained.
Whether you’re captivated by Ballet Victoria’s enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, eager to unleash your creativity in a holiday greeting card printmaking class, or simply craving a cozy night with hot chocolate at the art gallery, the Evergreen Cultural Centre has something for you.
Celebrate the Winter Holidays at the Coquitlam Heritage Society
Step into the holiday magic as the Coquitlam Heritage Society transforms Mackin House into a holiday hub, filling the season with a series of community-centered events.
December 1 marks the Winter Wonders Community Celebration, a festive extravaganza featuring crafts, hot chocolate, Santa’s cheer, and family activities. The charm continues with cozy Holiday PJ Storytime and a preschooler-focused crafting event.
On December 9, participants can delve into global winter traditions and Maillardville’s French community history at the Celebrations of Light event. And last but not least, you can feel some seasonal nostalgia on December 22 with “Gather Around the Radio,” where Patrick Stewart narrates A Christmas Carol.
Your festive journey awaits at Mackin House with a heartwarming blend of cultural celebration and the warmth of community togetherness.
Get Creative at Place des Arts
In addition to the Holiday Artisan Shop, Place des Arts is offering fun festive events through December. Check out Sounds of the Season: A reflection on light through words and music on December 1.
Take in a Miniature Baskets Workshop on December 2 where teacher Kristen Conboy will teach basic basketry techniques.
On December 15, celebrate all things Gen-Z at My Favourite Things. Bring your friends and listen to holiday songs and popular hits from the late 90s/early 00s performed by Place des Arts music students, shop artisan booths and create special friendship bracelets.
Thwart off Winter Blues with Coquitlam’s Foodie Scene
The long, dark days of winter can leave some feeling uninspired to cook. Fortunately, Coquitlam is brimming with endless restaurants and eateries that are guaranteed to satisfy any craving. And if you’re having trouble on deciding where to eat, just take a look at the newcomers to Coquitlam’s foodie scene in the last six months:
Hi Five Chicken: A B.C.-based fried chicken franchise open 24/7.
Address: 565 Clarke Road
JFY Restaurant: Chinese food with reasonable prices and lots of fusion food choices.
Address: 1147 Austin Avenue
CM Chicken (Coquitlam Centre): Offering some of the finest Korean fried chicken the Greater Vancouver area has to offer.
Address: 119-2918 Glen Drive
Caffe Reggio: An Italian-style café offering espresso drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, panini, and gelato.
Address: 930 Brunette Avenue
Saku: A Vancouver-based eatery famous for their Japanese-style tonkatsu.
Address: 107-567 Clarke Road
Mochido: Serving its signature mochi donuts, new brioche donuts, and eventually an expanded dessert line.
Address: 100-1188 Pinetree Way
Cafe Ciel: A cozy coffee shop where you can also order a variety of sweet or savoury delights.
Address: 136-1153 The High Street
Kosoo Korean BBQ & Chicken: A popular Korean restaurant promising everything from barbecue, chicken feet and beef intestines to wang-galbi soup and bulgogi hot pot.
Address: 105-1123 Westwood Street
Squish Juicery (Coquitlam Centre Mall): Offering cold press juices that are refreshing, flavourful, and healthy.
Address: 2509-2929 Barnet Highway
Delight Bite: An Indian restaurant offering a variety of authentic dishes.
Address: 1104 Austin Avenue
Cha House (Coquitlam Centre Mall): An Asian-inspired tea house, influenced by the tastes and traditions of Taiwan.
Address: 1125-2929 Barnet Highway
Gordon Ramsay Burger: Opening soon on December 4 and will feature a variety of gourmet burgers.
Address: 2080 United Boulevard (located inside the Hard Rock Casino)
Marvel in a Holiday Circus Spectacular
A circus probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of festive activities but this one might surprise you. A Christmas Rock Story is a heartwarming and electrifying stage show that seamlessly blends the energy of rock music with the festive cheer of a Christmas circus.
Featuring a cast of award-winning specialty acts and acrobats, the performance showcases jaw-dropping stunts, aerial displays, and daredevil feats. Set to a high-energy rock soundtrack, including original songs and beloved Christmas classics, this unique holiday adventure promises an unforgettable experience and festive spirit for all ages.
Create Your Own Festive Greenery Piece
If you’re feeling a little crafty, then GARDENWORKS Coquitlam has got you covered. To help add some festive greenery to your home, the garden center is offering the following holiday workshops to make a:
- Grinch tree: Create a Dr. Seuss-inspired holiday classic for a fun tabletop display for your holiday home. Add finishing touches with fresh greenery, a small ball ornament, and twinkle lights.
- Festive centerpiece: Using soaked floral foam, you’ll build up your centerpiece with fresh cut greens, and decorate with an optional selection of seasonal flowers, berries, pinecone, and candles.
- Kissing ball: Before mistletoe became popular, decorated balls of evergreen were used in the Victorian age as ornaments and to inspire romance. Using a selection of evergreen, and additional festive greenery, this hanging holiday décor will be a beautiful romantic addition to your home.
Fun Events at CQC
Check out the list of events happening in November and December at Coquitlam Centre. From contests to selfie stations to pictures with Santa to Holiday Charity Gift Wrapping that will benefit Share Family and Community Services. Bonus check out the Pop Up Retailer Project that will showcase small local businesses.
Did we miss a great event or happening in Coquitlam? Tell us about your favourite and be sure to check up on our events calendar at VisitCoquitlam.ca Email tourism@coquitlam.ca and share your photos over social media using #explorecoquitlam.