CHRISTMAS
Spirit of the Season is a multi-day celebration of Surrey’s multiculturalism in the form of a dance parade, Dec. 5 starting at 6pm along City Parkway from City Hall Plaza to Central City Shopping Centre Plaza. “You can drop by to watch after holiday shopping or you can come early because entertainment at City Hall Plaza begins at 2:30pm.” Praise TEAM and DRS Breakdance will be a part of the parade, at 13450 104 Ave., Surrey.
Big Rigs for Kids Lighted Truck Parade: “On Dec. 6, the trucks will parade along University Drive. They will be stopping in front of the Library for around an hour, from 7pm until just after 8pm, for everyone to enjoy.” This family-friendly event begins at 5:30pm and will happen rain or shine. North Surrey Lions Club will be selling hot chocolate and hot dogs, with all proceeds going to Surrey Christmas Bureau and the Food Bank. Live music and facepainters at City Hall Plaza (13450 104 Ave.). Info via Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, 604-580-2321.
Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 6 in downtown Cloverdale, from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring lighted trucks and other vehicles, food vendors, activities for kids, live music. Parade starts at 5 p.m. Event info: Call 604-574-9802 or visit CloverdaleBIA.com.
Winter Ice Palace: Cloverdale Arena is transformed into an “outdoor” pond for public skating sessions from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3. Open on Christmas Day and also New Year’s Day. Session times vary; for details, call 604-502-6410 or visit Surrey.ca/culture-recreation/16220.aspx?startDate=Nov-12-2015. Admission is $4.50 (free under 2 years old), skate rentals $3.25, helmet rentals $1.75. Arena is located at 6090 176 St., Surrey.
CONCERTS
Jazz Vespers at Northwood United Church: Hour-long concert events on second and fourth Sundays at church, 8855 156th St., Surrey, 4 p.m. start. Dec. 6: Mighty Fraser Big Band Christmas Special featuring Jennifer Scott and Steve Maddock; Dec. 13: “Love comes Alive”: A Christmas Jazz Vespers featuring Marcus Mosely Chorale and Trio and Langley Fine Arts Chamber Choir (Jim Sparks, director).
“A Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas” with Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band: Friday, Dec. 4 at Blue Frog Studios, White Rock. Tickets $38.50, Bluefrogstudios.ca, 604-542-3055.
“Guitarras Navideñas” concert featuring guitarist Doug Towle and his band De La Terra celebrates music of the Christmas season Latin style, on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Blue Frog Studios, White Rock. Info: Bluefrogstudios.ca.
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir: “Sounds of Christmas” concert on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Surrey Arts Centre. SOLD OUT. Info: 604-501-5566.
Classical Coffee Concerts series at Surrey Arts Centre’s studio theatre with host pianist Sarah Hagen. Morning events held monthly on select Thursdays starting at 9:30 a.m. “Socialize over coffee, tea, and goodies in the lobby, followed by a concert.” Concerts in series continue Dec. 10 (Hagen solo on piano), Jan. 14 (with Martin Chalifour, violin), Feb. 25 (with Nicolò Eugelmi, viola) and March 10 (with Søren Bebe, jazz piano). Series presented by Surrey Civic Theatres. Info: 604-501-5566, Tickets.surrey.ca.
Encore Peninsula Concerts: International classical musicians in White Rock in annual series, featuring Sunday-afternoon concerts on Jan. 31, Feb. 28, April 17 and May 15, 3 p.m. performances at White Rock First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave., White Rock. Show and ticket info: 604-541-2199, Whiterockcity.ca.
Christmas For Kenya Concert on Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. start at Delta Church, 7696 112th St., Delta. Admission by donation. Concert benefiting the St Elizabeth Children’s Centre in Kisumu, Kenya. “We will be featuring talented local musicians. All funds received will be used to support the orphanage.” Info: 778-239-9477, newhopesociety.org.
“Sounds of the Season” annual winter concert hosted by Surrey Symphony Society and its member orchestras (Surrey Youth Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra And Junior Strings Showcase), 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at Chandos Pattison Auditorium 10238, 168th St., Surrey. “A wonderful evening of music featuring Beethoven’s ‘7th Symphony.’” Tickets $18/adults and $12/seniors, students & alumni, reserve via email, Gm.surreysymphony@Gmail.com. Info: Surreysymphony.com.
The Lyric Singers: “Lyric at Christmas” concert Saturday, Dec. 12 at Northwood United Church, 8855 156th St., Surrey, 7:30 p.m., featuring Nancy Rahn, director, and Betty Suderman, pianist. “A programme of great variety that includes traditional and new Christmas music, instrumental accompaniment and a sing-a-long.Featured instrumentalists will include Jeremy Ferland & Alana Lopez, violins; Ben Goheen, cello, and a trumpeter, TBA. Tickets are $20, reserve by calling 604-340-4353 or email lyricsingersbc@gmail.com. Info: Lyricsingers.bpt.me.
“A Traditional Christmas” concerts performed by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and guests on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre, shows at 4:30 and 8 p.m. Featuring Christopher Gaze as host, UBC Opera Ensemble and EnChor. Info: Vancouversymphony.ca.
Gina Williams: “Christmas and Beyond” concert on Dec. 19 at Northwood United Church, 8855 156th St., Surrey, 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, partial benefit in support of the Syrian refugees through ADRA Canada. Artist info: Ginawilliams.com.
CULTURE
“TransFusion”: Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) Society hosts showcase of a myriad of culturally diverse forms of art and dance, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 Surrey City Hall’s Centre Stage theatre, 13450 104 Ave., Surrey. Bhangra is the inspiration for four local artists to create new works blending their experience of African dance, tap, flamenco, contemporary, and hip hop with the music, moves, and motifs of bhangra.” Tickets: $10 via Tickets.surrey.ca.
COMMUNITY
Newton Community Walk on Friday, Dec. 4: “Every movement starts with a passionate few that drive change in their neighborhood. As a result, 2015 is Newton’s year to take back its streets and galvanize the community. Newton must take ownership of its future and community. To this end, the Newton BIA has adopted streets through the Surrey Adopt-A-Street program. We will be walking to streets, picking up trash, reporting problem sites.” Event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., meet at Newton BIA, #200-7380 King George Blvd., Surrey. Info: Contact Nasrin Baji, 604-593-2294, newtonbia@gmail.com.
“Montreal Massacre” vigil: Fifth annual candle light vigil to remember Dec. 6 in efforts to end violence against women, on Dec. 6 at Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey) from 4 to 6 p.m. Info: email Jennifer Chieh Ho, chiehhj@psac.com.
OPEN MIC
Delta Arts Council open mic night at Firehall Centre for the Arts (11489 84th Ave., North Delta) on last Friday of each month. “Open Mic gives local talent the opportunity to share and showcase.” Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $4/person at the door. Info: Deltaartscouncil.ca.
WRESTLING
“Bodyslams for Toys”: All Star Wrestling presents wrestling event/fundraiser to benefit Surrey Christmas Bureau, on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ($10 value minimum). “Secret Santa Battle Royal” match means every wrestler will get a ‘Secret Santa’ gift when eliminated. Event info: Facebook.com/events/1460059887632599.
CLUBS
Donegal’s Irish House: Live music Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 12054 96th Ave., Surrey. Info: 604-584-2112, Donegalspub.com/events.html.
The Taphouse Guildford: Upscale music/sports bar, 15330 102A Ave., Surrey. Tuesday: Acoustic Night with Andrew Christopher, 8 p.m. Wednesday: “Almost Famous Karaoke”; Thursday: Duelling Pianos; Friday/Saturday: live cover bands. Info: 604-583-8828, Thetaphouse.ca.
Pancho’s Top 40 Rock Club: Live top 40 and classic rock. Tuesday karaoke, Thursday jam night. At 10768 King George Blvd., Surrey, 604-583-3536. Band and special-event info: Panchosnightclub.com.
Dublin Crossing: Live music four nights a week at 18789 Fraser Hwy., Surrey. 604-575-5470, Dublincrossing.com.
Olympia Pizza: Live music, comedy and more at venue in Whalley, 10257 King George Blvd. 604-584-1388, Facebook.com/olympia.resto. Tues. and Thurs. open-mic night.
Central City Brewing Co.: Live music on select nights at restaurant/bar, 13450 102nd Ave., at Central City, Surrey. Info: 604-582-6620, Centralcitybrewing.com.
DANCE SHOWS
“The Nutcracker” staged by Royal City Youth Ballet from Dec. 11 to 13 at Surrey Arts Centre’s mainstage. “This production delights all ages with its beautiful sets and extravagant costumes that illuminate the magic of the toy soldiers, Sugar Plum Fairy and a growing Christmas tree. Talented and enthusiastic young dancers perform to Tchaikovsky’s classic score with its favourites such as Waltz of Flowers and Dance of the Reed Pipes.” Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 1 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 1 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $38 for adults and $28 for children. Info: 604-501-5566.
Shiamak dance company’s “Winter Funk” student show Saturday, Dec. 12 at Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. Event gives students “an opportunity to learn and train in their favorite dance styles to their favorite songs and gain a wholesome perspective, working on costumes and properties.” Info and tickets: Bellperformingartscentre.com or call 604-507-6355. Company info: Shiamak.ca/vancouver.
THEATRE/STAGE
“Jack & the Beanstalk” panto staged by Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society to Dec. 6 at Surrey Arts Centre. “Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Surrey Christmas Bureau to place under the beanstalk and help us create some Christmas magic.” Tickets via 604-501-5566 or Tickets.Surrey.ca.
“Cinderella”: White Rock Players’ Club stages panto production at Coast Capital Playhouse from Dec. 4 to Jan. 2, featuring Sam Brealey in title role. All shows at 7:30 p.m., plus Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Info: Whiterockplayers.ca, 604-536-7535.
“Ellie King’s Puss in Boots”: Panto production staged by Royal Canadian Theatre Company at Surrey Arts Centre from Dec. 19 to 27 (select dates). For tickets and show info, call 604-501-5566 or visit RCTheatreco.com.
DANCES
Scottish Country dance classes are held on Wednesday evenings each week (from September to end of April) at Sullivan Hall, 6306 152nd St., Surrey, starting at 7 p.m. First class is free for newcomers. For info, call Maureen at 604-536-1367 or visit Wrscdc.org.
“Latin Friday Nights” on second Friday of each month at Amor Fitness, 8 p.m. to midnight at 8056 King George Blvd., Surrey. All ages, admission $10. “Spicy dance party featuring all night dancing with REAL Latin music. Dress to impress.” Info: 604-725-4654, 604-808-2311, Hotsalsadancezone.com.
Swing dance lessons: Drop-in sessions at Jump Joint Swing, #110-12332 Pattullo Pl., Surrey. For event dates, email retroswingkid@gmail.com, call 604-536-0195, visit Jumpjointswing.com.
Surrey Fiddlers Old Time Dance takes place at Clayton Hall (18513 70th Ave., Surrey) on the first Thursday of every month, except July and August, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $3. For info, call 604-576-1066.
TALKS/FORUMS
Women’s Interfaith Conference on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Baitur Rahman Mosque, 9570 River Road, Delta. Free admission, women only. “The Ahmadiyya Womens Auxiliary hosts interfaith event featuring speakers from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism and Hinduism on their respective religion’s founder. Info: Interfaithbc.weebly.com.
KIDS/FAMILY
Make Believe Birthday Parties: “Celebrate your birthday at Surrey Museum. Invite your friends and choose from themes like Pirates, Dinosaurs, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Ancient Egypt and more.” Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. $12.50 per child (birthday child is free). Must pre-book by calling 604-592-6956.
SENIORS
Music Jammers: Seniors (50+) invited to join in lively two-hours of music, dancing and fun, Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kennedy House Seniors Centre, 11760 88th Ave., North Delta. Drop-in fee 35 cents. “Call ahead to make sure we’re not cancelled that week.” 604-594-2717.
VISUAL ART
Surrey Art Gallery: “Views from the Southbank III: Information, Objects, Mappings,” to Dec. 13; “The Grove: A Spatial Narrative,” to Dec. 13; “Re:Source: A Living Archive 1975−2015“ to Dec. 13. Gallery is located at Bear Creek Park, 88th Ave./King George Blvd. 604-501-5566, Surrey.ca/artgallery.
AgentC Gallery: Art collective’s new “pop-up” space in Newton, at 137th Street and 72A Avenue. Info: AgentCprojects.com.
Thursday Artist Talk: Events hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) on first Thursday of every month at Bear Creek Park facility, 7:30 p.m. Info: 604-501-5566, Arts.surrey.ca. Dec. 3: Graphic artist and printmaker Tracy Hetherington on “Inked Up: Printmaking by Hand.”
Watershed Artworks gallery shop: Works by local artists featured at North Delta facility operated by non-profit Watershed Artworks Society, at 11425 84th Ave. Info: 604-596-1029, Watershedartworks.ca.
Newton Cultural Centre showcases works by local artists at 13530 72nd Ave. Info: 604-594-2700, Artscouncilofsurrey.ca. Featured during month of November: “Fibrescapes” by The Fibre Art Network (FAN), a co-operative of textile artists based in Western Canada (Fibreartnetwork.com).
Surrey Urban Screen: Digital art shown on screen on side of building at Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre, at 13458 107A Ave. To Jan. 10, “Salmon People” (by Julie Andreyev and Simon Overstall) “considers the shared ecologies of nonhuman and human animals through a depiction of the survivors of the salmon cycle of life, combined with video of the Surrey landscape taken from the surrounding waters of the Fraser River.” Exhibit can be viewed from 30 minutes after sunset until midnight. Info: 604-598-5898, Surreyurbanscreen.ca.
MUSEUMS
Surrey Museum: Located at 17710 56A Ave., Cloverdale. Info: Surrey.ca/heritage, 604-592-6956.
Historic Stewart Farm: Facility located at site of 1894 farmhouse and heritage gardens, at 13723 Crescent Rd., South Surrey. Info: 604-592-6956, www.surrey.ca/heritage.
Surrey Archives: Info: 604-502-6459 or archives@surrey.ca. 17671 56th Ave, Cloverdale.
HEALTH
Canadian Mental Health Association (Delta) offers an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group for individuals with OCD and/or friends and family, on first Wednesday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m., 11715 72nd Ave., North Delta (house). Call 604-943-1878 to register.
EDUCATION
Surrey English Language Centre provides free English language classes for new immigrants to Canada with proof of permanent residence, age 17 or older. “We offer full-time and evening LINC classes year-round, funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.” To register, call 604-582-7479, email selc@shaw.ca, visit 9801 King George Blvd. (suites #111 and #350), Surrey.
Free “English for the Workplace” classes at PICS in new Project Based Language Training Program (PBLT). “Students will learn and develop soft skills, job search, resume writing, interview skills, networking and much more.” Call 604-596-7722, ext. 138. Free childminding on site.
SPORTS/REC
Ace Volleyball Club tryouts on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 am at Fleetwood Park Secondary, fee $20. “Any female players between 13-16 looking to play club volleyball for the 2015/16 season can attend open tryouts. Teams will be chosen at this event so please make sure you are there.” Info: Acevolleyballclub.ca.
Newton Seniors Centre Tennis Club seeks experienced, senior (55+) tennis players. “We are not a teaching club, so you must know how to play, serve and score.” For information, call Al or Sue at 604-594-8783, or Jan, 604-502-7844.
CLUBS/GROUPS
North Delta Newcomers and Friends is a ladies social club. “Our fall activities are in full swing. If you are new to the area or would just like to meet some new people, please call and arrange to attend some of them (morning walks, coffee times, stitch and chat, card games, and par 3 golf, potlucks and our monthly dinners.” Info: call Kathy at 604-583-3691 or Pam at 604-597-7974.
Surrey Beekeepers Association meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. start at Honeybee Centre, 7480 176th St., Surrey. Contact Don or Fran Carter, 604-591-3262. “All welcome to attend and learn about bees.”
Seniors Singles Travel Club: “We offer group tours for solo travellers. Meet new friends, enjoy the security of group travel and avoid the costly single supplement.” Info: Singlestravelclub.ca, call Val 604-669-6607, ext. 304.
CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women) North Delta/Surrey is a club open to all women graduates, students and associates who support the mission and ideals of CFUW, which provides annual scholarships and bursaries to deserving female graduates who are going on to university. The club meets monthly from September to June. Contact Heather at 604-591-7678 or Eleanor at 604-589-3631.
BUSINESS
Transit and Transportation development in Surrey is the topic of Surrey Board of Trade luncheon featuring provincial Minister Peter Fassbender, on Thursday, Dec. 3 at Eaglequest Golf Course in Surrey. Admission: $40 each or $240 for a table of 6. Info: Businessinsurrey.com/sidebar-events or call 604-581-7130.
NETWORKING
Valley Women’s Network Luncheons held on last Wednesday of every month at Eaglequest Golf Club, 7778 152nd St., Surrey. Event fee $27, or $30 at door for non-members. “Come share your business successes, goals with us and let us help one another.” Info: Valleywomensnetwork.com, 604-940-9355.
LIBRARY EVENTS
“Maker Meetups” held on Friday nights at City Centre Library (6:30 to 8:45 p.m.), encouraging people to “learn arts and science concepts by making actual objects” in an open workshop format. Events held in partnership with Maker Cube, a non-profit organization that aims to create the first Makerspace in Surrey. Info: Surreylibraries.ca/programs-services/5798.aspx.
SALES/CRAFTS
White Rock Museum & Archives Annual Christmas Craft Fair to Dec. 22, open daily – weekdays from 10:30 am to 4:30pm and weekends from 11am to 4:30pm. More than 25 vendors. “Find wonderful Christmas gifts for every member of the family,” at 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock. Info: 604-541-2222, Whiterock.museum.bc.ca.
Trinity Lutheran Church hosts Christmas bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11040 River Rd., North Delta, starting at noon. “Los of wonderful baking (including Norwegian treats), gift baskets and a soup and sandwich lunch.” Info: 604-584-0111.
Colebrook United Church’s 14th Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Antipasto, jewelry, Pampered Chef and many more wonderful items! Our Kris Kringle Kafe will be serving soup, sandwiches & desserts, tea & coffee. Help us support those in need, locally & around the world. Donate a toy for The Christmas Bureau.” At 5441 125A St., Surrey.
MARKETS
The Cloverdale Market: “Your Weekly Treasure Hunt” in two buildings with 200 tables and 100+ outdoor spots, open every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cloverdale Fairgrounds, off 176th St. (Hwy 15) and 62nd Ave., Surrey. Info: call 604-837-1676 or visit Cloverdalemarket.ca.
North Delta Farmers Market: Events on Sundays at Sungod Recreation Centre, 7815 112th St., North Delta. Food trucks, live music, vendors, more.Info: Northdeltafarmersmarket.com. Winter hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS
Surrey RCMP’s Auxiliary Constable Program is recruiting volunteers who assist police officers with community-based policing and crime-prevention programs. Auxiliaries complete a basic training program that consists of 250 hours of classroom and practical instruction. A number of information sessions will take place in January. For dates, times, requirements and registration information, call 604-507-5984, email surrey_auxiliary_application@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or visit Surrey.rcmp.ca.
Surrey Hospice Society, which offers programs and services in hospice, palliative and bereavement care (all offered free of charge), needs volunteers and also donations to support its programs. Volunteers needed for resource centre (reception and general office work), palliative client care at Laurel Place and SMH and thrift store (retail, cashier, stocking, inventory duties). To help, call 604-584-7006, email admin@surreyhospice.com or visit #1-15243 91st Ave., Surrey.
Surrey Art Gallery Association seeks volunteers for its gift shop at its Bear Creek Park facility. “If you enjoy meeting new people and local artists, being around unique and finely crafted artworks by artists from around the Lower Mainland, this is the place for you.” Contact Joan Owen, 604-531-8118.
CALLS/AUDITIONS
Panorama Children’s Choir, under the direction of Dolores Scott begins their new semester with a focus on World Rhythms. No auditions. Ages K-7 New members welcome Tuesday afternoons at 14853 60th Ave., Surrey. “This is a place to share your voice with friends and shine as one!” Call 604 595-6718 to register. Info: Doloresscott.com.
Maple Leaf Singers: “Meet new people, have fun, and reveal the song in your heart. Join the Maple Leaf Singers, a unique show chorus that includes singers from all parts of Metro Vancouver and performs at a variety of events. Baritone and bass voices particularly needed, but all are welcome. Learn more at Mapleleafsingers.com. Ask Anne Baird about joining at via email, information@mapleleafsingers.com.
MOVIE THEATRES
Hollywood 3 Cinemas: 7125 138th St. (Newton Centre, near 72nd Ave., Surrey). 604-592-4441. Hollywoodcinema.ca.
Empire Studio 12 Guildford: 15051 101st Ave. 604-581-1716.
Strawberry Hill Cineplex: 12161 72nd Ave., Surrey. 604-501-9400.
