Winter in the City will bring holiday cheer to downtown Port Coquitlam on Saturday, November 30, from 12:00 -8:00 p.m. offering a full day of family activities, entertainment, and holiday festivities at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.).
The annual event promises a festive experience for all ages, with highlights including the popular Christmas in the Square, an expanded Winter Artisan Market, a beverage garden, live entertainment, and new activities for 2024. Attendees can explore local artisan goods, enjoy seasonal treats, and take part in activities to mark the start of the holiday season.
Event Schedule and Highlights – November 30:
- Live Entertainment (12:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Enjoy performances from Collage Singers, Carmelina Cupo Trio, Beauty Shop Dolls, Phat Santa Swing, Legato Music, and roving entertainment by Buddy the Elf. - Winter Market (12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Browse unique handmade gifts, art, and crafts, and enjoy crepes and other refreshments. Admission is free, and attendees can enter to win prizes from market vendors. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/christmas for details. - Beverage Garden (12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Featuring local brewers Nice Life Co., Patina Brewing, PoCo Brothers Brewing, Taylight Brewing, and Tinhouse Brewing. - Food Vendors (12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Food from Dos Amigos, Cassandra Cake Co., Me N Ed’s, and Operation BBQ. - Photos with Santa (12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Holiday photos with Santa by donation to PoCo Heritage. - Write Letters to Santa (12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Children can send their holiday wishes directly to Santa with a special letter-writing station. - Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:00 p.m.)
Gather outside the front doors of the community centre lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree.
Additional Holiday Events and Activities
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)
Location: Port Coquitlam Community Centre
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.
- Public Skate – Lap skating for ages 8+, with wheelchairs and strollers permitted. Max 175 participants.
- Skate with Santa: Dec. 21, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- Regular Skates: Dec. 21 to 24, 27 to 31; Jan. 2 to 5 (various times)
- Family Play and Skate – Fun for families with young children across hockey, skating, and toy zones. Max 60 participants.
- Times: Dec. 21 to 24, 27 to 31; Jan. 2 to 5
- Ring, Stick, and Puck ($4) – Practice hockey or ringette skills (ages 4+). Bring your own sticks and gloves; rentals available. Max 24 participants.
Holiday Workshops and Activities
Register for fun, seasonal workshops and activities at portcoquitlam.ca/register.
- Clay Mug 101 – Holiday Edition: Ages 15+, Dec 6 & Dec 13, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., $45
- Family Clayware – Holiday Edition: Ages 6+ (parent participation), Dec 5 & Dec 12, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., $45
- Holiday Drop and Shop: Ages 6-12, Nov 23 or Dec 21, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., $30
- Holiday Wreath Workshop: Ages 16+, Dec 7, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., or Dec 13, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., $35
- Holiday Centerpiece Workshop: Ages 16+, Nov 29, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., or Dec 14, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., $35
- Holiday Cookie Decorating: Ages 12+, Dec 18, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., $40
Port Coquitlam invites the community to celebrate the season at Winter in the City on November 30, and to continue the holiday cheer throughout December.
Details for more Winter in the City in Port Coquitlam is available online at portcoquitlam.ca/winterinthecity.