KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which explained
why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time: Presence creates
the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them together. They don’t pile
up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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Hop aboard the Chanukah Bus-a-Thon as we deliver Chanukah-in-a box packages, sing at City Hall and join the menorah lighting at the Art Gallery.
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Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with the annual lighting of Canada's tallest Menorah, the Silber Family Agam Menorah! Donuts, treats, greetings from politicians and community leaders, and lots more fun.
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Join us for this FREE community event celebrating the holiday season with drop-in time slots for swimming and skating, plus pancakes and all sorts of magical activities!
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Holiday magic like you’ve never seen before! Watch in awe as Alex Zerbe – the Zaniac – move like a rubber band from one end of the stage to the other with energy of ten thousand suns! In this special holiday edition, Zaniac Christmas promises fun for the entire family! Beatboxing, juggling, dancing, singing, music and magic; he’s got it all. Jaws will drop, and eyes will pop as Alex juggles bowling balls and slices vegetables in half with a flying playing card. Let this high-energy, zany, family-friendly comedy show warm you up this winter!
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Celebrate the holidays and learn soccer essentials with Pedalheads! Join us on Saturday, December 13th for a 55-minute soccer session and holiday fun. Take pictures with Santa, unlock exclusive offers, and enjoy snacks and goodies! Spots are limited, register today!
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Join the Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association of BC for a fun-filled, free holiday celebration! Enjoy a day of festive activities including a cookie and Santa’s village, reading and crafts corner, face painting, lunch, prizes, and much more! Mandatory registration is required — spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot! Brought to you by the Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association of BC (JCCABC).
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Each weekend highlights a classic element of the holidays. Snack on woodstove baked treats, take in the holiday décor and watch some holiday heritage demonstrations. With a new theme each weekend, you can visit multiple times to fill your holiday cup!
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Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with RCYB’s annual full-length ballet. Featuring a cast of 100+ dedicated and enthusiastic dancers, The Nutcracker is under the direction of Artistic Director Keitha Campeau and Associate Artistic Director Sarah Sankovic. Performing to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, this traditional ballet has beautiful sets and extravagant, colourful costumes. There are magical soldiers, mice, a Sugar Plum fairy, and a growing Christmas tree, all danced to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score. This much-loved holiday classic also includes snowflakes, the Snow King and Queen, Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian, Spanish and other favourites.
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Step into the magic of the season at Winterfest at Museum of Surrey! This festive celebration is packed with holiday cheer, hands-on activities, enchanting displays, and family-friendly fun. Come explore, create, and celebrate the winter season with us – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
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This year's Holiday concert will journey through the swirling sounds of a wintery Viennese Ball then stir memories of fireside childlike nostalgia with the classics you know and love.
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The quaint lakeside in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs lights up every year from late November to early January in true holiday fashion. As you stroll along the promenade, delight in the warm glow of the lights, charming winter window paintings, and holiday cheer.
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When a freak atmospheric tsunami strands West Van influencer Holly, and her curling crew The Hurry Hards, deep in the wilds of East Van, she’s ready for disaster — but not the romantic kind. Enter Joes: charming, striking, and a proud member of The East Van Pets… their sworn enemies! As Holly battles the expectations of her West Van mega-developer motherfather, Boberta Rainy, she finds herself caught between two cities, two families, and one seriously unexpected romance. Will she follow her heart — and Joes — into a new world of love, dance battles, and civic resistance? Or will Boberta’s towers and renovictions crush everything in their path? This holiday season, come watch Holly and Joes try to Second-Narrows-bridge their differences and sweep each other off their feet. Love, laughter, and low-income housing — now that’s a triple takeout! Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto is back for its thirteenth (!) year — and this time, we’re switching it up. Say goodbye to the…
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break Camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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- Youth Dance Drop-In - False Creek Community Centre - 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8, Canada, Friday, December 12, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Breakfast with Santa and Elders (All ages) - Britannia Community Services Centre - 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4, Canada, Saturday, December 14, 2025, 11 am-2 pm
- Chanukah Bus-a-Thon -
Congregation Schara Tzedeck Synagogue - 3476 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2L8, Canada, Saturday, December 14, 2025, 1 pm
- Unite for Light - Vancouver Art Gallery - Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Saturday, December 14, 2025, 3:30 pm
- Winter Wonderland Babytime - North Vancouver District Public Library (Capilano Branch) - 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 2X4, Canada, Saturday, December 14, 2025,
11:00 am-12:00 pm
- Holiday Magic-District of Mission on the Fraser - Mission Leisure Centre - 7650 Grand St, Mission 1, BC, Canada, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 10 am-3 pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, United States, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1 pm-3 pm
- Toys Through The Decades: Capture Santa On Your Phone - Britannia Mine Museum - Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC, Canada, December 13-14, 2025, 10:00 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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