We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season!  Check out our guide to this festive time with: tips for safe gatherings, holiday activities to enjoy, and gift ideas that give back.

Think Small for Safer Gatherings

As we approach the second holiday season during the pandemic, there are a number of things you can do to keep safe from COVID-19:

  • Talk about vaccination status. Vaccination is an important layer of protection for indoor gatherings. Have those conversations so you can plan to take precautions that keep everyone safe.
  • Keep your gatherings small. Plan for a small, cozy gathering and limit the number of visitors from outside your household.
  • Stay home if you’re sick. Do your part
  • Plan an outdoor activity. Outdoor gatherings are less risky than indoors. Choose a fun winter activity like sledding, snowshoeing or hiking to connect with groups outside your household.

Enjoy These Holiday Happenings

Now is the time for festive fun! From nostalgic traditions to new events, check out these in-person and virtual holiday happenings and enjoy getting social this season.

Almost Live: Project Fire Flower |  December 15 at 6:30 pm PT

Join VocalEye for a virtual tour of Project Fire Flower, an art installation at Vancouver’s Grunt Gallery, created by community member Collin van Uchelen. Project Fire Flower is an invitation to explore pyrotechnical arts through both visual and non-visual senses. This evening will also include Secret Santa gift draws and other holiday surprises, including a virtual tour of Bright Nights in Stanley Park, a 10-minute train ride through the park’s holiday light display with audio description by Ingrid Turk.

Holiday Concert and Trivia | December 17 from 7pm- 9pm

Let’s get festive! Come join the Self-Advocate Leadership Network for a night of awesome music and trivia. Singer-songwriter Richard Tichelman will be performing. Spend a night enjoying the company of others.

Lights at Lafarge

Lights at Lafarge | November 27, 2021 to January 31, 2022

Lights at Lafarge, presented by Coquitlam Centre and produced by the City of Coquitlam, returns to Town Centre Park this year with lights on until Jan. 31, 2022. Modified in consideration of current provincial health orders and public safety, this year’s Lights at Lafarge winter lights display has been dispersed to provide two walking loops within Town Centre Park.

In order to minimize crowds and support public safety, those planning a visit should consider off-peak hours (before 6 p.m. and after 8 p.m.), and avoid weekends and the week of Dec. 20 to 26, when it can be busier and more congested. There will be no kick-off event this year, but there is lots of time to get outside and walk among the lights throughout December and January.

VanDusen Festival of Lights | November 26, 2021 to January 3, 2022

Stroll along the lakeside, shimmering in the glow of northern lights, or wander into our lush Rose Garden – reawakened and illuminated for a spectacular winter replica through the artistry of our garden stewards. An enchanting winter garden awaits with themed areas, tasty treats, unique light features, and holiday music from November 26 to January 3.

Carolers in front of the general store in Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Christmas | November 27, 2021 to January 3, 2022

Wander the Village and take in all of the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. Take part in our animal-themed scavenger hunt including a menagerie of adorned Eco-sculptures like salmon, herons and hawks. Enjoy a meal or treat at the Ice Cream Parlour. Gate admission is free.

Give a Gift That Gives Back

Still searching for the perfect gift? Check out Buy Social! Your Gift Giving and Celebration Guide. The items in this guide have been selected to help you deliver gifts and experiences that will benefit artists with diverse abilities, disability advocates and the organizations operating in the social care sector.

The giving is also the perfect time to give back to the community! Self-advocate Clint Morrison is on a quest to ensure students with developmental disabilities can live full lives in community. He’s created a new, ongoing scholarship fund to support youth transitioning from high school into adulthood. Your donation could help expand the scholarship to more communities across the province. If you’re interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, you can contact Clint at (604) 565-5044.