Maple Ridge has a busy calendar of fun family events this holiday season.
It kicks off on Dec. 7 with the 21st annual Santa Claus Parade and Winter Fest being held in downtown Maple Ridge. Other upcoming events include the CPKC Holiday Train, The Nutcracker, and a new Share the Magic holiday photo contest.
“The holiday season is a special time in Maple Ridge, and I want to thank the event organizers and all our partners for their incredible work in bringing these celebrations to life,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy.
“These events are a great way to wrap up a wonderful year of celebrations for our City’s 150th. I encourage everyone to join in the festivities and create lasting memories with family, friends, and neighbours. If you snap the moment, share the magic with us and enter our photo contest.”
On Dec. 7, Memorial Peace Park will transform into a winter wonderland with the much-anticipated return of Winter Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features a variety of activities including Christmas in the Park, the Santa Claus Parade, seasonal crafts, and a Christmas market. It is hosted by the Christmas Festival Society, the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association and ACT Arts Centre.
Christmas in the Park features a tree lighting ceremony, family activities, live music, and photo ops with Santa and the Grinch. Donations for Friends in Need Food Bank and the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society are welcome.
The Christmas Market is where to shop for unique gifts, handcrafted items, and festive treats from local artisans and businesses.
The Santa Claus Parade will light up the streets from 6-7:30 p.m., with floats, decorations, and a visit from Santa. Residents are invited to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show.
The Nutcracker will come to the stage of the ACT Arts Centre on Dec. 14 and 15, at 3 p.m., inviting residents to experience the holiday classic performed by Ballet Victoria on the ACT Mainstage Theatre.
New this year is a ‘Share the Magic’ holiday photo contest, where participants can capture and share their holiday spirit. Starting Dec. 1, residents can submit photos at Engage.MapleRidge.ca/ShareTheMagic, and vote for their favourite photos, with $1,200 in gift cards and prizes on the line.
The top 12 photos win $50 in downtown business gift cards and city swag valued at $50. Winners will be announced on Jan. 6, and photos will be shared on city social media channels.
The CPKC Holiday Train Rolls into town on Thursday, Dec. 19, at approximately 7:45 p.m. near the Billy Miner Pub and West Coast Express Station, bringing free live performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara at 8 p.m.
With limited parking, the city invites residents to walk down 224 Street to enjoy this event, and bring a donation for the event host, the Friends in Need Food Bank.
There will be be Winter Wonderland Skating on Dec. 22, from 5:15 to 8 p.m. at Planet Ice, in a rink decorated for a holiday skating experience. Please note helmet and rentals are not included. Visit MapleRidge.ca/Skating for a list of other offerings during the winter break.
For more information on all Maple Ridge holiday events, visit MapleRidge.ca/Holidays.
