The holiday season is merry and bright in Coquitlam, with plenty of festive events and activities to celebrate with family and friends. If you’re looking to create memories with loved ones or experience the cheer of community celebrations here are some of the best holiday events around the city that are bound to add sparkle to your holidays.
Shop the Winter Market at Glen Pine Pavilion
Get into the festive spirit at the Winter Market at Glen Pine Pavilion, where local artisans and vendors showcase a variety of handmade gifts, holiday décor, and unique crafts. Wander through the market to find one-of-a-kind treasures and seasonal treats, perfect for holiday gifting or adding a touch of cheer to your home.
Where: 1200 Glen Pine Court
When:
November 15, 4 – 8 p.m.
November 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Try a GARDENWORKS Holiday Workshop
The GARDENWORKS holiday workshops offer hands-on opportunities to craft beautiful holiday décor for your home. Perfect for all skill levels, each session provides expert guidance, allowing you to create a personalized, festive piece to enjoy throughout the season. Space is limited, but tickets can be purchased for the following workshops:
- Festive Holiday Planter: November 16, 1 p.m.
- Winter Hellebore Planter: November 30, 10:30 a.m.
- ‘Tis the Season Poinsettia Planter: December 7, 1 p.m.
- Merry & Bright Holiday Centerpiece: December 14, 1 p.m.
Where: 2575 Barnet Highway
Wander HollyDaze in the Heights
HollyDaze returns to Austin Heights with festive cheer and a variety of holiday activities for all ages. This free-flow, open-site festival invites visitors to wander through an array of experiences, including food trucks, artisan vendors, a holiday photo booth, live music, and roaming holiday characters.
Where: 1000 Block of Ridgeway Avenue, between Nelson Street and Marmont Street
When: November 16, 4 – 9 p.m.
Take a Stroll at the Lights at Lafarge
Coquitlam’s beloved Lights at Lafarge returns, illuminating Lafarge Lake and Town Centre Park with thousands of twinkling lights every night until February 2025. The season kicks off on November 22 with a festive celebration featuring live music, holiday carols, and a spectacular fire and light performance. Food trucks will also be on-site, offering warm drinks, comfort food, and plant-based options to enjoy on both sides of the lake.
Where: 1299 Pinetree Way
When:
Season kick-off event: November 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
Lights will then be on daily, 4 – 10 p.m.
Have Your Holiday Photo Taken
Capture the magic of the season with a professionally-taken holiday photo at the historic Mackin House. For $25 per session, you’ll step into a beautifully decorated, vintage-inspired setting that brings together the warmth and nostalgia of holidays past. Register here to create a festive keepsake with family or friends in a charming heritage home.
Where: 1116 Brunette Avenue
When: November 22, 29, and December 1, 15-minute time slots vary
Laugh the Night Away with a Holiday Comedy Variety Show
Get ready to laugh this holiday season with A Very Special Holiday Comedy Variety Show by The Comedy Department at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. This festive performance brings together stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy, promising a night filled with holiday-themed humour and surprises.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When: November 28 and 29, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
See a Holiday Cirque Performance
Experience the wonder of the holidays with an out-of-this-world twist at Christmas in Space! This unique festive show features a talented cast of acrobats, daredevils, singers, dancers, and cirque performers, all set against a cosmic backdrop. Held at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, this performance promises a holiday experience that’s truly out of this world.
Where: 2080 United Boulevard
When: December 1, 7 p.m.
Explore the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair
Visit the 44th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair at the Poirier Forum, where over 100 vendors offer a curated selection of locally handmade crafts and delicious treats. From unique holiday gifts to festive décor and artisan foods, this event is a one-stop shop for all your seasonal needs. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under. Any tickets purchased in advance will also get priority line access.
Where: 618 Poirier Street
When:
December 6, 3 – 9 p.m.
December 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Experience a Jazzy Rendition of The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker Suite performed by the Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra is a must-see for jazz enthusiasts and holiday music lovers alike. This unique rendition brings Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s iconic jazz arrangements to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, creating a festive fusion of big band sound and holiday cheer.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When: December 6, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy Holiday Treats and Crafts for Kids
Bring your little ones for a delightful afternoon of holiday treats and crafts. Designed for children ages 3 to 6, kids can enjoy festive snacks while creating seasonal crafts to take home. This event costs $8 per child and registration is required.
Where: 1116 Brunette Avenue
When: December 7, 14, and 21, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Delight in Holiday Classics with a Festive Wind Ensemble Concert
Celebrate the season with the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s Holidays concert. This festive performance combines classic holiday tunes and contemporary favourites with the excitement of a full wind ensemble. It’s sure to be a musical experience perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When: December 7, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Watch a Choral Christmas Concert
Nothing says “winter” and “the holidays” like the sounds of choral music. To experience the sounds of the season, join the Coastal Sound of Music Academy for their holiday concert, Comfort & Joy. Filled with harmonies and seasonal classics, this performance is bound to capture the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When: December 8, 4 – 6 p.m. and 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Stop by the Coquitlam Christmas Night Market
The Coquitlam Christmas Night Market is back by popular demand. This multi-night market at the Evergreen Cultural Centre brings together local vendors, artisans, and food stalls, offering a variety of unique holiday gifts, seasonal treats, and handmade crafts for that someone special on your list. Admission is $2 at the door for anyone 16 years of age or older.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When:
December 13, 5 – 9 p.m.
December 14, 2 – 9 p.m.
December 20, 5 – 9 p.m.
December 21, 2 – 9 p.m.
Join a Workshop to Tackle Your Holiday Baking
Make your holiday baking a breeze with a workshop at Mackin House. For $30 per person, participants will receive different recipes, along with all the ingredients and instructions needed to prep multiple cookie doughs to take home. This is the perfect opportunity for home bakers to streamline their holiday treats and enjoy fresh, homemade cookies all season long. Register today!
Where: 1116 Brunette Avenue
When: December 14, 1 – 4 p.m.
Have Brunch with Santa
Make your morning extra special at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club’s Santa Brunch. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday activities, and a photo opportunity with Santa himself. Be sure to register early, as spots fill up quickly for this popular event!
Where: 3251 Plateau Boulevard
When: December 15, 2-hour seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Experience a Prairie Christmas with The Nadeau Ensemble
Join Vancouver harpist Janelle Nadeau and The Nadeau Ensemble for A Prairie Christmas concert. Known for her engaging presence, Janelle brings a beautiful blend of classical, Celtic, and contemporary tunes to this holiday concert. Accompanied by talented ensemble members, this performance promises to capture the warmth of the holiday season.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When: December 15, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
See a Fresh Take on The Nutcracker Ballet
Enjoy a beloved classic with Ballet Victoria’s Gift of the Nutcracker, accompanied by the Victoria Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This reimagined version combines humour, creativity, and choreography for a delightful experience for audiences of all ages. A fun and festive performance for the whole family.
Where: 1205 Pinetree Way
When:
December 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
December 18, 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m.
December 19, 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy a Retro Holiday Movie Screening
Step back in time with a nostalgic screening of the 1970 holiday classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. Enjoy free snacks and drinks as you watch this beloved stop-motion animation in a cozy setting. Entry is by donation, with a minimum donation of $5, and registration is required. This retro holiday event is perfect for families and fans of classic holiday films.
Where: 1116 Brunette Avenue
When: December 20, 7 – 8 p.m.
