Christmas cocktails and holiday trains: Our guide to winter fun in the Tri-Cities
There’s hot drinks, bright lights, and classic stories on offer this holiday season in the Tri-Cities.
Below is our guide to some of the places you might want to go, gifts you might want to get, and ways to give.
Christmas cocktails pop-up on the train: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 21, 22
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PoMo Express is set to hold six food-and-cocktail pop-up events aboard the PoMo Museum train car this December, with the first event scheduled for Thursday evening.
Chefs Karl Gregg and Robert Belcham are set to cook up a variety of fare ranging from albacore tuna to smoked olives to ling cod brandade. A host of Christmas-themed cocktails including Blitzens Nog are also on the menu.
Built in 1921, the Venosta passenger car operated for about 20 years as a four-bedroom, 32-seat sleeper car.
To reserve a spot, click here.
Hot Chocolate Nights: Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Swing by the Evergreen Cultural Centre between 5 and 6 p.m. for intriguing art and a warm beverage.
Residents are invited to visit the art gallery to check out the exhibition 𝘙𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘉𝘦𝘦𝘳: 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘱 | 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 and then grab a free cup of hot chocolate, perhaps on the way to Lafarge. More info here.
Lights at Lafarge: ongoing
As the nights get longer, the lights get stronger.
Scheduled to run until the end of February, Lights at Lafarge features 1.2 kilometres of Christmas electricity. Click here to see the vendor schedule. More info here.
Parade of Lights: Dec. 14
The parade is only the beginning.
Port Coquitlam is inviting residents to check out the parade beginning at Port Coquitlam Community Centre at 5 p.m.
After a tour of the downtown, the city is inviting revellers to join in free family-friendly activities including a one-hour public skate at 6 p.m. and arts and craft in the main lobby outside Terry Fox Library.
Hot chocolate and festive treats are also on the menu. More info here.
Train time meets tea time: Dec. 8 and 15
POMO Museum is inviting residents to enjoy a hot cup on an old train.
Tea and baked goods are set to be served aboard the Venosta train car.
Tickets: $20 for guests 11 and older, $12 for children. More info here.
Season of giving
If you’re looking to share some holiday cheer this season, SHARE has you covered.
The community food bank and service provider recently announced plans to run a toy drive in an effort to collect 1,500 unwrapped toys, including for tweens and teens.
The SHARE toy kiosk is set to remain at Coquitlam Centre’s second level near Walmart and H&M until Dec. 24. More info here.
A pint of inspiration
If you have a beer drinker on your Christmas list, you may want to pick up this year’s Find the Perfect Pint Tour. For $50, your favourite ale afficionado can get a free drink at 10 breweries and one pub across the Tri-Cities.
Organized by the Coquitlam Rotary Club, the annual fundraiser supports mental health initiatives. More info here.
Aren’t we a pair?
For folks looking ahead to 2025, the Coquitlam Rotary Club is also offering tickets The Perfect Pairing – Wine & Dine.
The annual event features a multi-course meal paired with a variety of wines.
Tickets: $100. More info here.
Skits for Christmas: Dec. 12
Young performers are set to put on a holiday sketch comedy show with musical numbers at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Tickets $5. More info here.
Port Moody Winter Market: Dec. 13
Head to Site B on Murray Street to shop for a range of crafts and artisanal goods.
Food trucks are set to be on-site at the dog-friendly event, which is scheduled to run from 4 to 9 p.m.
Entry: $5. More info here.
A Prairie Christmas: Dec. 15
Harpist Janelle Nadeau is set to lead an ensemble through a range of classic, Celtic, and contemporary holiday music at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Tickets $41. More info here.
The Nutcracker: Dec. 17-19
The sugar-crusted Christmas fantasy is back again as Ballet Victoria performs The Gift of the Nutcracker at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Tchaikovsky’s will be brought to life by the Victoria Symphony.
Tickets: $43. More info here.
Holiday train: Dec. 20
Bright lights and live music are set to be in the air as the holiday train makes its annual stop in Port Moody.
The City of the Arts is set to celebrate the arrival from 5:20 to 7:30 p.m. The event is meant to support food banks.
SHARE Family and Community Services will accept cash or health food items at the event.
“If you’re able to contribute, your generous donation will stay right here in the Tri-Cities,” Mayor Meghan Lahti stated in a press release.
The evening is also set to include a roaring bonfire behind the Port Moody rec complex where visitors can sip hot chocolate while watching live entertainment including Newport Brass.
Folks who want to get out of the cold are invited to take part in cookie decorating and crafts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Civic Centre Galleria.
Coquitlam Christmas Night Market: Dec. 20-21
A host of vendors and artisans are set to sell their wares over two evenings at the Coquitlam Christmas Night Market at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Food and drinks are also on offer.
Admission: $2. More info here.
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