KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Start a new family tradition beneath the waves! This holiday season, dive into a festive feast at Vancouver Aquarium’s Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a delicious buffet spread surrounded by twinkling lights and aquatic wonders, as Santa himself makes a special appearance before diving in for a splashy underwater spectacle with his ocean friends. It’s a holiday experience that blends mouth-watering flavours, ocean charm, and unforgettable family fun. Soak up heartwarming memories that will last long after your last bite. Tickets are limited—reserve your table today!
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Set in 19th-century New England, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women follows the four March sisters—independent Jo, traditional Meg, shy Beth, and vivacious Amy —as they navigate love, loss, and the difficulties of young adulthood during the Civil War. Guided by their wise and nurturing mother, Marmee, the March sisters find the strength to forge their own paths. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is an enduring story of friendship, romance, and personal discovery that has charmed generations.
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This Panto is based on the Hans Cristian Anderson tale, except ours is about a boy, a girl, a cursed queen, Mama Milla, a summer fairy, a hobgoblin, laughs, singing, dancing, and a lot of other shenanigans.
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Steveston Village sparkles with festive charm, inviting you to enjoy twinkling lights, seasonal displays, and holiday cheer. Enjoy a variety of free family-friendly events, stroll through the waterfront, visit Santa, and soak in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this magical time of year.
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Celebrate the holiday season at the Roundhouse featuring photos with Santa, live music from Tom Lee student’s, cookie decorating, holiday craft, face painting, and fun festive lighting. Bring the whole family and enjoy hot chocolate while taking in this fun and festive event. Registration is not required.
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Step inside rustically decorated farmhouse with the aroma of gingerbread throughout. Enjoy live harp music with Leanne Page in the parlour as you snack on woodstove baked treats. Make a homemade lantern and then venture outside to snap a photo with Father Christmas in the pole barn. A perfect local Christmas activity for the whole family.
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The Festival presents four Saturdays of fabulously festive and absolutely free concerts on Dundarave Beach. With the support of our Festival Founders, the District of West Vancouver and the Government of British Columbia, the Dundarave Festival has become one of the principal funders of arts and culture in our community during the Christmas season.
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Get ready for a spectacular start to the holidays as the Port Coquitlam Parade of Lights returns for its second annual event! Join us in downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday, December 6 at 5pm for a magical evening of illuminated City vehicles and more. The parade will feature a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will bring up the end of the procession. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to make lasting memories and celebrate the Christmas season.
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The Mission Candlelight Parade is an annual event that celebrates Christmas and the community of Mission. It is a family-oriented parade where community groups and businesses showcase themselves and use the opportunity to inform residents of Mission about the varied services, activities and opportunities that exist within Mission. The parade is supported by the Council of the City of Mission and is considered one of the more important community events of the year, drawing in over 12,000 spectators.
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Step into a botanical wonderland this holiday season at VanDusen Festival of Lights. Explore 15 acres adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights, featuring a new interactive mycelium installation, and a display inspired by the Great Bear Rainforest of BC.
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We are so excited to be back at the PNE Forum, this time with a double weekend show! Join us to find the best handmade items to give and receive, while soaking up some holiday cheer. There will also be food trucks and a fun, lively atmosphere to be enjoyed by folks of all ages!
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Acclaimed theatrical imagineers the WONDERHEADS light up the stage with their extraordinary interpretation of Dickens’ holiday classic. This unforgettable experience brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s wondrous Christmas Eve journey to life with dazzling masks, 10-foot-tall puppets, a mesmerizing original score, and astonishing stagecraft. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be utterly spellbound this holiday season!
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We're excited for you to join us on Friday, December 5 from 4-8 pm for the Christmas in Pitt Meadows event! There will be holiday train rides, cookie decorating, games, crafts and so much more. Check back soon for more information.
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- Bright Walk in White Rock - Memorial Park, Marine Drive, White Rock, BC, Canada, December 5, 2025, dusk
- Cloverdale Christmas Tree Fest - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 5H8, Canada, December 5, 2025, during Museum hours
- Festive Village - Burnaby
Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6, Canada, December 5, 2025, 1-9 pm
- Lights by the Lake - Harrison Hot Springs - Tourism Harrison, 499 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0, Canada, December 5, 2025, dusk to 11 pm
- St. Paul’s Lights of Hope - St. Paul's Foundation, 178, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada, December 5, 2025, Dusk 'til Dawn
- Tsawwassen Springs Festival of Lights - Tsawwassen Springs, Springs Boulevard, Tsawwassen, BC, Canada, December 5, 2025, see website
- WinterFest at MOS - Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 5H8, Canada, December 5, 2025, varies, see website
- Christmas in Pitt Meadows 2025 - Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada, December 5, 2025, 4-8 pm
- Open House at Meadowridge School - Meadowridge School, 12224 240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1, Canada, December 5, 2025, 9-10:30 am
- Santa Claus Parade in Maple Ridge - Memorial Peace Park 22407 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 8T1, Canada, December
6, 2025, 6 pm
- Christmas in Memorial Peace Park - Memorial Peace Park, 11900 224 Street, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9, Canada, December 6, 2025, 4 - 8 pm
- Deck the Halls Christmas Drop-In - Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC V4P 1J4, Canada, December 6, 2025, 4-7 pm
- Dundarave Festival - Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver, BC, Canada, December 6, 2025, see website for
details
- Parade of Lights - Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, December 6, 2025, 5 pm
- Victorian Christmas
Evening at Historic Stewart Farm - Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC V4P 1J4, Canada, December 6, 2025, 4-7 pm
- Create & Connect: Monthly Family Fun - MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, Esplanade West, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, December 7, 2025,
11:00AM-2:00PM
- Christmas in Steveston Village - Steveston Merchants Association, 3811 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC V7E 3A7, Canada, December 7, 2025, 11:45 am
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Vancouver area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in and around Vancouver, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. There is LOTS more to do in and around Vancouver even beyond the Top 20...Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just
the starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more, and be sure to click on Everything That's Free.
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Wishing you and your family health and happiness!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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