Port Coquitlam, BC – November 18, 2024… Port Coquitlam is pleased to announce a new Parade of Lights event, taking place on Saturday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m., in downtown Port Coquitlam.
The first-ever Parade of Lights in the Tri-Cities will feature a procession of illuminated City vehicles, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a special appearance by Santa Claus. Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities including:
- A public skate from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC),
- Complimentary hot chocolate, festive treats, and holiday-themed arts and crafts in the main lobby outside of the Terry Fox Library.
“As the first event of its kind in the Tri-Cities, it offers a unique opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate the Christmas season, and create lasting memories in our vibrant downtown.” said Mayor Brad West. “This is a special time of year and this new event will be a big hit with the kids as we prepare for Santa’s arrival.”
The Parade of Lights will begin at PCCC, moving along Kelly Avenue, then north on Shaughnessy Street, east on McAllister Avenue and finally returning south along Mary Hill Road to Kelly Avenue.
The Parade of Lights is the latest addition to Port Coquitlam’s Winter in the City programming, which offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to connect and celebrate the holiday season.
“This event demonstrates Port Coquitlam’s commitment to providing engaging and inclusive experiences for all our residents and visitors,” said Cllr. Paige Petriw, Council’s designate for community experience, celebrations, events, and inclusion. “The Parade of Lights will be a vibrant new addition to our Winter in the City lineup, reinforcing the City’s dedication to bringing people together and celebrating the holiday spirit.”
Traffic Information and Road Closures
Road closures will be in effect on Sat. Dec. 14 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
- Shaughnessy St. from Wilson Ave. to Elgin Ave.
- Leigh Square Pl. east of Shaughnessy St.
- Donald St. from Wilson Ave. to McAllister Ave.
- Whyte Ave. at Shaughnessy St.
- McAllister Ave. east of Shaughnessy St. to Mary Hill Rd.
- McAllister Ave. west of Shaughnessy St. to southbound alleyway
Detours available:
- Wilson Ave. open both ways at Shaughnessy St., Mary Hill Rd. and Maple St.
- Mary Hill Rd. open from Kingsway Ave. to Wilson Ave.
- Maple St. open from Kingsway Ave. to Wilson Ave.
- Kingsway Ave. open – Mary Hill Rd. to Maple St.
- Shaughnessy Underpass (southbound) open to Elgin Ave. West.
- Access to Marpole Ave., Whyte Ave., McAllister Ave. and Elgin Ave. via Maple St.
The City is encouraging participants to plan ahead and consider using transit, walking or cycling to the event. Free parking is available in several downtown locations:
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC)
- Gates Park
- Legion Branch #133 – Elgin Ave. and Kingsway Ave.
- Kingsway Avenue and Mary Hill Road
Other Winter in the City highlights include:
- Christmas in the Square and Winter Market – November 30 (12:00 – 8:00 p.m.):
Enjoy live entertainment, browse unique handmade gifts at the Winter Market, indulge in food and drinks from local vendors, capture holiday photos with Santa (by donation), write letters to Santa, and join the tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Free admission. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/christmas for details. - Christmas Tree Festival (Nov. 30 – Dec. 20)
Vote for your favourite tree in the 12th Annual Christmas Tree Festival, a fundraiser for PoCo Heritage. Details at downtownpocobia.com. - City Holiday Card Artwork Contest – Submission Deadline: Nov. 24
Children and youth are invited to submit holiday artwork for a chance to be featured on the City’s Christmas card. See portcoquitlam.ca/artwork. - 12 Days of Christmas Campaign – Starting Dec. 1
Residents can submit photos of their decorated homes for a chance to win a $100 gift card, fostering community spirit. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/brightenpoco. - CPKC Holiday Train – Dec. 20
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train stops in Port Coquitlam at Kingsway Avenue, featuring performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. More at cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain. - Holiday Skates (Dec. 21, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025) PCCC
Pre-registration opens two days in advance for residents (8:00 a.m.) and for non-residents (10:00 a.m.). Register at portcoquitlam.ca/register or call 604-927-7529. Day-of registration available if space permits. - Holiday Workshops and Activities – Nov. 23 to Dec. 21
Register for seasonal workshops including Clay Mug 101, Family Clayware, Holiday Wreath and Centerpiece workshops, Holiday Cookie Decorating, and more. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register for details and to sign up.
Sponsors
The City appreciates the generous support of:
- Tim Hortons for providing hot chocolate.
- GRiP Auto for contributing treats.
For more information on the Parade of Lights and other holiday activities, visit portcoquitlam.ca/winterinthecity.
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