Things are starting to get festive with Christmas markets and light festivals taking over the Fraser Valley. Here’s a look into what’s going on in Chilliwack, Langley, Surrey and Abbotsford this November.
Chilliwack
Christmas Craft Market
Find one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, local vendors, sweet treats, and unique gifts at this annual Christmas craft market.
- When: November 20, 21, and 22
- Where: Chilliwack Heritage Park
- Website: chilliwackheritagepark.com
Bald Eagle Festival
Enjoy barbecued gourmet smokies before a walking tour around Kilby Park and the Fraser and Harrison rivers. Learn about the relationship between salmon and eagles, and don’t forget to bring your cameras and binoculars!
- When: November 21 and 22
- Where: 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills
- Website: kilby.ca/event
Jim Bauer/Flickr
Canadian Arenacross Championships
Enjoy family entertainment at this popular motocross-racing event. Last year featured pyrotechnics, freestyle backflips and a Santa appearance, with this year set to be bigger and better.
- When: November 27 and 28
- Where: Chilliwack Heritage Park
- Cost: Adult admission $20
- Website: futurewestmoto.ca/arenacross
Langley
Noel Vintage Market
Enjoy vintage faire, entertainment and holiday punch at The Eve of Noel. The event on Friday is an exclusive ticketed shopping party with discounts and sweet treats, while Saturday is an open vintage market.
- When: November 6 and 7
- Where: Little White House & Co – 9090 Glover Road
- Cost: Tickets from $8
- Website: littlewhitehouseco.com
Laurentmesphotos/Pixabay
Film Festival
Check out Trinity Western University’s talented filmmakers at this one-night film festival, featuring animated shorts, comedies and artistic films. Meet the artists and learn more about a career in filmmaking.
- When: November 3
- Where: Trinity Western University – 7600 Glover Road
- Cost: Contact samc@twu.ca to book tickets
- Website: tourism-langley.ca/event/film-festival
The Christmas Show
Experience three fun-filled days of festive food, fashion, décor, and holiday shopping at this year’s Christmas show. Visitors will be treated to guest appearances, and kids can grab a free picture with Santa.
- When: November 13, 14, and 15
- Where: Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 Street
- Website: thechristmasshowlangley.com
Surrey
Bear Creek Garden Light Festival
Watch Bear Creek come to life at this year’s light festival. Wander through the gardens, discover wildlife that you’ve never seen before and witness beautiful light displays across the gardens. The evening will also feature music, food vendors, and a guided nature tour.
- When: November 6, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Where: 13750 88 Avenue
- Info: Contact 604-501-5050
- Website: surrey.ca/culture-recreation
Diwali Downtown
Come together to enjoy Diwali Downtown, a fun event that brings together contemporary and classic Indian culture for the whole family. The day will include a number of musical and dance performances, South Asian crafts and amazing food.
- When: November 14, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Centre Stage at City Hall
- Cost: Free
- Website: diwalifest.ca
Confused_me/Pixabay
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Kick off the holiday season at Surrey’s annual Christmas tree lighting event. Enjoy local products, great food and fun festivities.
- When: November 21, noon to 7 p.m.
- Where: The Plaza at New City Hall
- Cost: Free
- Info: Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
- Website: www.surrey.ca/treelighting
Abbotsford
Valley Cross
Enjoy a fun day out at Abbotsford’s premier cyclocross event. The day features a number of short races with riders navigating a range of challenges, from muddy terrain, to off-camber grass sections to jumping barriers. It’s great for the family too with a kids playground and spectator vantage points.
- When: November 8
- Where: Mill Lake Park
- Info: Register before November 4 to take part
- Website: valleycross.ca
Melifiscentgirl/Flickr
West Coast Christmas Show
Get in the festive spirit at this year’s leading holiday season show. Stroll through the displays of elaborately decorated Christmas trees, listen to live music, and consult with holiday experts to help you with your cooking and Christmas décor.
- When: November 20, 21, and 22
- Where: TRADEX Trade & Exhibition Centre
- Cost: Admission $6
- Website: westcoastchristmasshow.com
Toys For Tots Christmas Breakfast
Share the festive joy this season and donate new toys or cash to help over 1,200 of Abbotsford’s children. Give your donations in person or at the drop-off point, and enjoy a free hot chocolate with live Christmas entertainment.
- When: November 27, 6 to 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
- Cost: Free
- Website: abbotsfordfoodbank.com/toysfortots