The smell of Christmas trees and gingerbread is in the air, carols are being sung, and kids are eagerly anticipating Santa’s arrival: the holidays are here and the Township of Langley is set to celebrate.
Christmas in Williams Park returns for its 28th annual scenic drive with an extended run. Every night for three weeks, from Friday, Nov. 30 to Saturday, Dec. 22, guests can drive through the magical setting at 238 Street and 68 Avenue from 5:30 to 9 p.m. to view the park’s spectacular show of lights from the comfort of their vehicles. The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to help cover the cost of maintaining the displays.
Another Township tradition, Pioneer Christmas at the Langley Centennial Museum, will be held Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9135 King Street in Fort Langley. Enjoy pioneer and traditional crafts and toys, decorate a mini gingerbread house, and mail your letter to Santa at the historic post office. The event will include a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and a visit and photos with jolly old St. Nick. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and the cost is $10 for a family of four. Pre-registration is recommended. Call 604-532-3536 or visit RecExpress.ca.
Christmas is in the Air at the Canadian Museum of Flight, Hangar # 3, 5333 – 216 Street. On Saturday, Dec. 15, the new event will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and guests are invited to welcome Santa as he flies in from the North Pole. The celebration will include pictures in the airport hangar with Santa, a Christmas craft station, and holiday games. Admission includes entry to flight exhibits in the Museum. The cost is $10 for a family of four and pre-registration is recommended. Call 604-533-6106.
The gift shops at both the Museum of Flight and the Langley Centennial Museum will be open during the events and feature special holiday sales for those looking for unique and specialty gifts. Proceeds from the sales will help support the museums.
Little ones aged one to eight can enjoy crafts, cookie decorating, story time, games, and activities during the Holiday Family Fun Event on Sunday, Dec. 9, at West Langley Hall, 9308 – 208 Street. Sessions run from 10 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per child and registration is required at RecExpress.ca. Call 604-882-0408 for information.
Lace up your skates for a chance to take to the ice on the night before Christmas. A Christmas Eve Skate will be held Monday, Dec. 24 at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, 27032 Fraser Highway, from 1 to 3 p.m., and at the George Preston Recreation Centre at 20699 - 42 Avenue in Brookswood, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Regular admission rates and rules apply. See tol.ca/skate for details.
Kids can stay active and have fun over the holidays with skating, swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts during several Township of Langley Holiday Camps. Camps are available at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, George Preston Recreation Centre, W.C. Blair Recreation Centre, Walnut Grove Community Centre, and Willoughby Community Centre from Dec. 27 to 28, and Jan. 2 to 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit tol.ca/camps.
Township recreation and community centres will also host a number of festive special events for children, including Holiday Kidz Flip Out Friday, Holiday Tot Romp, and Holiday Family Pool Fun. Little ones aged 2 to 8 can dance their hearts out at the Winter Wonderland Jelly Bean Dance at the Willoughby Community Centre, Saturday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., and parents can finish their last minute shopping while the children enjoy Kids’ Night Out at the Walnut Grove Community Centre, on Friday, Dec. 21 and Friday, Dec. 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information visit tol.ca/events.
NEW YEAR’S EVENTS:
Children can celebrate the New Year by bouncing, jumping, running, and playing the night away at the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Bash. The event runs Monday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lynn Fripps Elementary School, and includes games, a dance party, a hot dog and water, and an early countdown. Cost is $10 per child. Visit tol.ca/events.
You can also glide into 2019 with Public Skate sessions at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre on Monday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Tuesday, Jan. 1 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Or skate at the George Preston Recreation Centre on New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or on Tuesday, Jan. 1, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.
Start a new tradition, be a part of local history, and dive into 2019 by taking part in the Township’s First Annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre. The all-ages event will be held Tuesday, Jan. 1 at noon. Cost is $3 and registration is limited at RecExpress.ca.