CHRISTMAS

Wrap it up

Wrap up your holiday shopping in style, while supporting the Richmond Christmas Fund. Gift wrapping is available from 12:30 to 6 p.m. daily at Lansdowne Centre where volunteers will give your present the care it deserves and turn it into a gift-wrapped work of art. By donation.

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, one of the most well-loved musicals of all time returns to the Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Rd.) Dec. 12 to 31. Performances are 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $55.

Winter in the Village

A season full of free and low-cost family holiday fun awaits you. From the bright lights to toe-tapping music, there’s sure to be something for everyone at Winter in the village, through Dec. 31, in Steveston Village.

Santa Claus Parade

Come join Santa, Mrs. Claus and many friends around Steveston village on Christmas Eve. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for the Richmond Food Bank to this free, family-friendly event from 6 to 8 p.m.

Caregivers Dinner

Unwind with other caregivers and connect over a shared meal at Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives as part of the Relax, Recharge and Reset Caregiver Workshop Series from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Dec. 20 at Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Ave. Cost of dinner is extra. Register by Dec. 17 at 604-233-6225.

Crafts at the Tram

Until Dec. 31 (with the exception of Dec. 25 and 26), enjoy daily winter-themed crafts from noon to 5 p.m. at the Steveston Interurban Tram, 4011 Moncton St.

Wooden Ornaments

Make a unique keepsake using felt pens on cross sections of locally-sourced tree branches. Through Dec. 31, from noon to 5 p.m., decorating stations in different buildings throughout the Britannia Heritage Shipyards site during December. Closed Dec. 25 and 26.

Christmas Day at the City Centre

Spend time at City Centre Community Centre Dec. 25 working out, letting the kids play and socializing. Work off those heavy holiday meals or treats with a workout in the fitness centre, watch the family movie Enchanted starting at 1 p.m., or read and relax in the Community Living Room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas Eve Movie Matinee

Especially for those 55 plus, but with all ages welcome, enjoy hot apple cider, cookies and the holiday classic Home Alone from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in the music room at Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Ave. Call 604-238-8450 for more information.

EVENTS

Raise the Roof

St Alban’s Church, 7260 St Albans Rd., is home to a weekly community meal, serving on average 180 people. Donations are always welcome at 604-278-2770 or at office@stalbansrichmond.org.

ArtRich 2019

The third bi-annual juried exhibition presented in partnership with Richmond Arts Coalition and Richmond Art Gallery, ArtRich 2019 is being held from Dec. 6 to 31 at the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. This free event provides a chance for emerging and established artists to exhibit their work. 

Unicorn Tribe Toastmasters Club

Every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., this Toastmasters club meets in room 2029B at the Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Rd. Learn the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. 

Drop-in to Family Storytime

Children of all ages and their families are invited to share fun stories and songs at all Richmond Public Library branches. Program dates, locations and times may vary. Call 604-231-6412 or visit rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar to view the most current schedule. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. No charge.

ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

Holiday Waves

Make waves, be active and have fun this holiday season at Watermania.

Get splashed from the giant tipping bucket, take a whirl on the tot slide or giant water slides and play in the waves bobbing along in the wave pool. Play water basketball or take a plunge from one of the three diving board heights. For those looking for a work out, swim laps in the 57-metre competition pool followed with a visit to the steam room or sauna. On select days, walk on top of the water with the log runner or race a friend or family member down the water slides. Regular admission rates apply. For more information visit www.richmond.ca/watermania or call 604-448-5353.

Walk Richmond—King George Park

Start the new year off on the right foot by discovering King George Park. From 10 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 4, join in this walk through the 30-acre urban park in East Richmond and explore its many amenities including a waterplay area and community gardens. Also, visit Richmond Public Library’s pop-up table after the walk to learn about its resources and free classes. Meet at the main entrance to the Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Rd. Free.

Post-Holiday Stroll

Walk off those holiday meals and treats with a picturesque stroll through Richmond Nature Park this festive season. The park consists of 200 acres of the raised peat bog habitat that once covered large portions of Lulu Island. A free trail guide is available in the Nature House at 11851 Westminster Hwy.

SUCCESS Help Line

Volunteer for this important help line by contacting SUCCESS at 604-270-8611. Among requirements, volunteers must be at least 19 years old, have basic proficiency in English, and be fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese. Interviews will be held in January.

SPORTS

Sockeye Hockey

The Richmond Sockeyes junior hockey club plays its final home game of 2019 on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. versus the Port Moody Panthers. Game is at Minoru Arenas.

In January, the Sockeyes welcome in the new year with a home game Friday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. versus the Abbotsford Panthers. Then on Sunday, Jan. 5, the team hosts the North Vancouver Wolf Pack at 7 p.m. Both games are part of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League’s annual Winter Classic at Minoru Arenas. 

The Sockeyes resume their usual schedule against arch-rival Delta Ice Hawks Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at Minoru.

Richmond Devils Hockey

The Richmond Devils women’s hockey team plays its first home game of 2020 on Jan. 11 versus TWU Spartans. The 7:30 p.m. game is set for the Igloo at Richmond Ice Centre.

International Bantam Midget Hockey

Richmond Jets minor hockey hosts its annual Christmas holiday tournament, the International Bantam Midget Hockey classic, Dec. 26 to 30. Having gained a well-earned reputation as one of the best tournaments in Western Canada, the annual event draws teams from Alaska to Arizona and Vancouver to Saskatchewan and beyond. In previous years, teams from as far as Hungary have competed in the tournament. Free.

Hoop Time

The Young Ummah 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held Jan. 4 starting at 9 a.m. at the Richmond Olympic Oval. 6111 River Rd. 

Winter Wonderland Skate

Skate to festive music surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights, real snow banks, decorated holiday trees and more. On until Jan. 5 at Minoru Arenas. Call 604-238-8465 for times. 

Healthier You

Get a jump start on your “healthier in 2020” resolution with a workout in any of the city’s nine fitness centres. For more information and hours see website or call.

Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Rd., 604-238-8399,www.richmond.ca/cambie

City Centre Community Centre, 5900 Minoru Blvd., 604-204-8588, www.richmond.ca/citycentre 

Hamilton Community Centre , 5140 Smith Dr., 604-718-8055, www.richmond.ca/hamilton

Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Ave.—OPENS JAN 1., 604-233-6225, www.minorucentre.ca 

South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Rd., 604-238-8060, www.richmond.ca/southarm 

Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton St., 604-238-8080, www.richmond.ca/steveston 

Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Ave., 604-238-8422, www.richmond.ca/thompson 

Watermania, 14300 Entertainment Blvd.,  604-448-5353, www.richmond.ca/watermania 

West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No. 1 Rd., 604-238-8400, www.richmond.ca/westrichmond 

Regular drop-in rates apply.