A list of Christmassy events coming up in Chilliwack

From craft markets to theatre performances, there are many festive events coming up in Chilliwack. Here is a list of some Christmassy events. To get your event added to this list at no charge, email jenna.hauck@theprogress.com.

Dec. 1 to 24 • Head to downtown Chilliwack for the month of December for free music, Santa visits, a kids’ parade, carousel rides and a chance to win $1,000 in gift cards at local downtown merchants. For more, check out the story online.

Dec. 17 • A Celtic Christmas is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $30 for youths, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 18 • A local brass band will be hosting its annual Christmas Carol concert service on Dec. 18. The Gospel Brass, a band composed of different Christian denominations, will be performing with the Ebenezer Ensemble, a stringed ensemble (plus piano) of students from the Ebenezer School of Music in Abbotsford. The Christmas Carol concert is Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Community Church (46420 Brooks Ave.). The concert is open to the public and there is no charge, but there will be offering midway through the evening.

Dec. 18 • The Zaniac Christmas is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 18 • Good Calm Dog Training is hosting its inaugural Christmas Photo Funday on Sunday, Dec. 18 where people can have their dog photographed with Santa. The event is at Good Calm Dog Training in Cultus Lake Plaza (4121 Columbia Valley Rd.) and starts at 10 a.m. Santa will be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for photos. Those who would like to have their dog pictured with Santa are asked to give a minimum cash donation of $5 or more (photos will be emailed to the recipient). All proceeds go to the Chilliwack food bank. They are also accepting non-perishable food items and selling soft drinks and cookies by donation for the food bank.

Dec. 18 • The Christmas Light Drive is back for its second year on Sunday, Dec. 18. The event is a free parade hosted by the Fraser Valley Off-Road Toy Run featuring vehicles decked out in Christmas lights and other decorations. Anyone can join the parade with their decorated vehicle, or watch along the parade route. People will meet at Tim Hortons (43971 Industrial Way) at 5:30 p.m. and the parade leaves at 6 p.m. and will make its way to Cottonwood Centre. The route will be posted at facebook.com/events/460223276042833.

Dec. 23 • Juno Award winning jazz trumpeter Bria Skonberg and her band will be at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $30 for youths, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

PAST EVENTS:

Nov. 25 to Dec. 11 • Starbucks is hosting its Christmas Book Drive. Bring in a new or gently used children’s book to participating Starbucks locations in Chilliwack from Nov. 25 to Dec. 11 and receive a free child’s hot chocolate. Books support Chilliwack Learning Society.

Nov. 26 • The Camp River Ladies Circle annual Tea and Bake Sale is Saturday, Nov. 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp River Hall (50246 Camp River Rd.). It includes a Christmas gift table, candy count game, raffles and more. Entry by donation (minimum $5).

Nov. 26 • The eighth annual Eats and Treats Christmas Market is on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Farm Store in Yarrow (4540 Simmons Rd.). There will be local artisans, food vendors, hot drinks, live music and more. For more: 604-798-9044 or www.FVSP.ca.

Dec. 2 to 4 • The Art from the Heart Student Art Sale is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre Dec. 2 to Dec. 4. Hours are: Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 4 from noon to 5 p.m.

Dec. 3 • The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 ladies auxiliary Christmas bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chilliwack-Vedder Legion (5661 Vedder Rd.). It is a cash-only event. Admission is free.

Dec. 3 • A fundraiser Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Oddfellows Hall (46008 Reece Ave.). Various vendors will be there, a refreshments lounge (food items and drinks for sale) plus 50/50 draws. The craft fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all proceeds go to charity. Admission is free.

Dec. 3 • The second annual Yarrow Farm Market Christmas is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Yarrow MB Church (41995 Yarrow Central Rd.).

Dec. 3 • Chilliwack Community of Christ Church (9845 Carlton St.) is hosting an angel display by donation on Dec. 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The money raised from this event will be going to supply Christmas gifts for Chilliwack Supportive Housing residents. The display of angels comes from private collections. There will be hot chocolate and music.

Dec. 3 • Former Chilliwack Secondary School teacher Gord Yakimow has released a children’s Christmas book ‘The Grod Family’s Christmas Lights’ and will be having a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 3. In the story, despite Papa Grod’s best efforts, the Grod family’s Christmas lights have always looked “scruffy” and “hodge-podgey” and “tacky” (according to Mama Grod). But now, with a fresh new set of high-quality Christmas lights, and an eager work-crew to help him out, Papa Grod is confident that this year’s Grod family light display will be the best ever in the Valley of the EverGreens. What could possibly go wrong? The story was first written for his children 30 years ago and has been read at every family Christmas gathering since then (now including grandchildren). At the encouragement of his now-adult children, he has finally had it published. Yakimow will be at the Coles bookstore in Cottonwood Centre for a book-signing session on Dec. 3 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more, go to thegrods.com.

Dec. 3 • Steve Elliott’s Christmas for a King concert featuring the gospel and seasonal songs from the Elvis Presley songbook is Dec. 3 at the Salvation Army Church (46420 Brooks Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 and partial proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army Food Bank. Coffee, tea and sweets at intermission. Tickets available at the church office. Fore more: 604-792-0311.

Dec. 4 • The Elements Casino Toy Drive (in partnership with Murray Honda and Art of Driving School) is Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Elements Casino (8180 Young Rd.). For more, go to murrayhonda.ca/toy-drive.

Dec. 5 • The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation’s fundraiser ‘It’s a Wonderful Breakfast’ is at White Spot in Chilliwack on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a drive-thru event. Tickets are $15 or $50 for a carload. They are once again collecting toys and toiletries at the event to give children and young adults in hospital over the holiday season. To buy tickets and for more info, go to fvhcf.ca/breakfast.

Dec. 8 • A Wonderheads Christmas Carol is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $28 to $44 and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 9 to 11 • The Christmas Gifts Expo, presented by All About Expos, is at Chilliwack Heritage Park Dec. 9 to 11 with more than 250 booths. Hours are: Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 cash only at the door. Free admission for kids aged five and under. Those who bring non-perishable items for the food bank will be entered to win a door prize. For more, go to allaboutexpos.com.

Dec. 10 • A special stocking stuffer donation day is set for Heather’s Hope Chest. They are looking for donations of household items like cooking utensils, kitchen knives, mops, brooms, cleaning supplies and food gift cards. Bring your items to Heather’s Hope Chest during the event on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 8989 Charles St. (Access Storage). They are also giving a tour to the public of the ‘free store’ plus there will be hot chocolate. Heather’s Hope Chest, a program run by Soroptimist International of Chilliwack, is a place where vulnerable women and girls venturing out on their own can shop for whatever items they need to make their new home as comfortable and functional as possible.

Dec. 10 • Skwah First Nation is inviting folks to come skate with the Grinch on Saturday, Dec. 10. The free public skate runs from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Coliseum. Skate rentals are available and Skwah will cover the cost. For more info, contact Beth Julian or Raylene Mumford at 604-792-9204.

Dec. 10 • The 29th annual Toy House, a toy drive hosted by Remax Nyda Realty, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 10. They will be collecting new toys and gifts for the Christmas Sharing Program put on by Chilliwack Community Services. This is a drive-through event at 1-7300 Vedder Rd. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Suggested items include: Lego, gift cards, books, make-up kits, sports items, craft kits, board games and puzzles, and watches. Cash donations are also accepted. Those who can’t make it on Dec. 10 can drop off items from Dec. 1 to Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 10 • Dog lovers can head to Mill Street in downtown Chilliwack on Saturday, Dec. 10 to have a photo taken of their beloved pooch with Santa. It’s all part of a fundraiser for BC & Alberta Guide Dogs and is put on by Fergie’s Doggie Delight Pet Bakery. People who head to the bakery (9372 Mill St.) to buy dog cookies that day will get a coupon for a photo with Santa. The man in red will actually be across the street at Flashback Brewing Company from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and people are to bring their camera or phone to take their own photos. Dog cookies will also be for sale at Flashback. Those who do not wish to buy dog cookies can have their dog’s photo taken by donation to BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. Santa will be handing out dog treats as well. Additionally, $1 from every beer sold at the brewery during that time will be donated to the cause.

Dec. 10 • Lisa Brokop’s Classic Country Christmas is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $42 for seniors and $40 for youths, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 11 • The Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra’s Christmas concert ‘Tis the Season: A Traditional Christmas is set for Sunday, Dec. 11. Guest vocalist Crystal Hicks will be performing, plus guitarist Stanley Tsang will be playing some rock pieces by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The event is at 3 p.m. at Salvation Army Church (46420 Brooks Ave.). Tickets $30/$35 and available at chilliwackmetropolitan.eventbrite.ca, or cash only at the door. For more, go to chilliwackmetropolitan.com.

Dec. 14 • Winter Harp is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $42 for seniors and $40 for youths, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Dec. 15 • The Kids in the Ball present ‘The Winter Ball Drag Show’ at Corky’s Irish Pub on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Non-reserved seating.

Dec. 16 • The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra’s annual Messiah in the Valley is in Chilliwack on Friday, Dec. 16. Paula DeWit along with Belle Voci and soloists Colleen Donnelly, Shane Hanson, Jonny Michel and Dave Rosborough will join the CSO and chorus for the concert at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre at 7:30 p.m. For more, including ticket information, go to chilliwacksymphony.com.

Looking for more events taking place in and around Chilliwack? Check out What’s happening Chilliwack in our community section.