Community comes first at the Dundarave Festival of Lights 2015

Dec 20 2017, 2:41 am

A beloved West Vancouver tradition returns this week with the Dundarave Festival of Lights.

An annual holiday celebration, taking place from November 28 until January 2, each Saturday Dundarave Park will be host to another unique holiday event.

On November 28 at the Christmas Fair enjoy a free afternoon of music at the Longhouse and Dundarave Nativity Pavilion. Once the sun goes down, the Christmas Tree Forest will be officially lit. Dubbbed “The Forest of Miracles” this collection of live, planted Christmas trees is locally grown by Valley View Trees, and decorated by hundreds of volunteers.

On December 5 come see the Dundarave Nativity, and Paddle Songs from Squamish Elders. Carved from old growth cedar, the origins of the Dundarave Nativity are still unknown. The original carvings feature the scene of Jesus’ birth portrayed by an Aboriginal Holy Family, complete with angel, shepherd, and kings. The carvings were restored by Master Carver Bill Seminoff, who added new carvings of his own design. Master Storyteller Wendy Charbonneau of the Squamish First Nation will also be on hand to present traditional paddle songs and dances.

Dundarave Festival of Lights

Dundarave Festival of Lights

On December 12, World Christmas celebrates the diverse cultural fabric of West Vancouver with a variety of free musical performances, from Celtic jaunts to Mariachi masters.

On December 19, the Christmas Wassail & Bonfire is the perfect way to celebrate the closeness and friendship the holiday season hopes to foster. The bonfire that night is presented by VPG Realty Inc. and is in honour of the work North Shore Rescue does to keep the people of Metro Vancouver and beyond safe, and for the loss of NSR leader Tim Jones earlier this year.

​”North Shore Rescue has always been about community,” said Mike Danks, NSR Team Leader in a press statement. “Everyone saw the reality of this at the beginning of the year — the way everyone rallied around us as we mourned the loss of our leader and inspiration, Tim Jones.  It means so much to us to end the year like this with the Dundarave Festival, because it allows us to celebrate the heart and strength and compassion that are deep in the DNA of our community.”

Dundarave Festival of Lights

When: Every Saturday from November 28 until January 2

Time: 12 to 6 p.m.

Where: Dundarave Park – 25th Street and Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver

Price: Free

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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