Christmas Bureau Urgently Needs Sponsors: Over 100 low income families, including children and seniors who rely on the generosity of the community families at Christmas and throughout the year do not have sponsors this year. There is till time to become a sponsor before the Christmas hampers are distributed on Dec. 13 and 14. The cost to sponsor a family is $80 per person consisting of a $50 grocery gift card plus a gift or toy. If you can help make a difference call 604-984-9627 or email christmas@familyservices.bc.ca. Info: www.familyservices.bc.ca.
Coats for Kids: The Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA) will hold its 16th annual campaign in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bu-reau until Dec. 9. North Vancouver drop-off locations: Dick's Lumber & Building Supplies, 160 Hanes Ave., Monday-Friday, 6: 30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Alchemy Construction Ltd., 1537 Welch St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4: 30 p.m. and Miccaro Designs, 3022 Markham Pl., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. West Vancouver drop-off location: G.D. Nielsen Developments Ltd., 2405 Bellevue Ave., Monday-Friday, 8: 30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Great Stuff: Giftable art by 35 local artisans, jewellers and craft artists will be for sale TuesdaysSundays, 10 a.m.6 p.m. until Dec. 17 at the Ferry Building Gallery, 1414 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. Late night shopping Fridays until 8 p.m.
Charity Tree Lot: Aunt Leah's will be selling Christmas trees at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 220 West Eighth St., North Vancouver. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 19 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aunt Leah's Place provides housing and support for aboriginal teen moms and foster kids.
Seymour Scouts Annual Christmas Tree Fundraising Sale will take place until Dec. 23 at Parkgate Village shopping centre at the corner of Mount Seymour Parkway and Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. All proceeds benefit various scout programs.
Dog Handlers' Christmas Donations Drive: Local dog walking companies will once again be collecting pet food and supplies, as well as funds until Dec. 24 for three Lower Mainland charities: Pacific Animal Foundation (PAF), Action for Animals in Distress and Cross our Paws, who will then distribute them to needy animals. Dog or cat food donations, as well as pet supplies such as blankets, food dishes, towels and kitty litter will be welcomed. For pick-up phone 604-990-9062, 604-986-3405 or 604-319-3647. Drop offs can be made at Village Pet Foods, 5323 Headland Dr., West Vancouver or Korna Natural Pet Supplies, 1174 Marine Dr., North Vancouver.
Parade of Trees: The public is invited to browse through the tree display in the Spirit Gallery on Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver until Dec. 24. Guests are encouraged to cast a ballot for their favourite tree. Admission to the gallery is free; however there is a suggested minimum donation of $2 for those participating in voting.
Holiday Hi-Light Festival: Park & Tilford will have a display of more than 50,000 lights at the community gardens until Dec. 31 at 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver. Donations will be collected at the garden entrance with net proceeds going to the Kiwanis Club.
Canyon Lights: View hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park, across the bridge and treetops adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver until Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m. (except Christmas day). There will also be gingerbread cookie decorating and sing-a-long carols with a Christmas band. Admission: $50 for a family (two adults, two children), $25 for adults and $5 for children ages six-12. Proceeds from admission will be donated to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Info: www.capbridge.com or 604-985-7474.
Christmas by the Sea - Parade of Trees: The North Vancouver Chamber will host an inaugural display of 30 decorated trees until Jan. 7 at Shipbuilders' Square, 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Harvest Project and Hollyburn Family Services - Youth Safe House.
Dundarave Festival of Lights: View a forest of decorated trees until Jan. 7 at Dundarave Beach in West Vancouver and make donations to support Lookout Emergency Aid Society's North Shore shelter. On Saturday evenings there will be free family concerts. Info: www. dundaravefestival.com.
Winter Gift Gallery: The Seymour Art Gallery will be selling a selection of holiday gifts by local artists until Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 4360 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver. Info: 604-924-1378 or www.seymourartgallery.com.
Mingle of the Jingles: North Shore Connexions Society will hold a holiday variety show and silent auction Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7-9 p.m. (doors open at 6: 30 p.m.) at Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. Admission: $12. Tickets: 604-913-3634 or www. kaymeekcentre.com.
A Soulful Christmas: R&B vocalist Dalannah Gail Bowen, pianist Michael Creber and bassist Laurence Mollerup will sing songs of the season at this fundraising concert Thursday, Dec. 8, 7: 30 p.m. at the Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. Admission: $20/$18 which includes a glass of cheer. Reservations: 604-925-7292.
Christmas Market: Montroyal elementary will have more than 30 tables of holiday gifts, treats, poinsettias, wreaths and more at their market Friday, Dec. 9, noon-4 p.m. at 5310 Sonora Dr., North Vancouver.
Christmas Pantomime - Aladdin: A pantomime version of this classic tale will run Dec. 9-11 and 16-18 with Friday shows at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m. at Theatre at Hendry Hall, 815 East 11th St., North Vancouver. Tickets: $10/$5. Reservations: 604-983-2633 or www. northvanplayers.ca.
Christmas Pottery Sale: The Capilano Potters Group will hold a sale Dec. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Maple Building at Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.
Family Holiday Concert: The Harpistry Harp Choir will perform a free concert with seven harpists and five solo singers Friday, Dec. 9, 7: 30 p.m. at the West Vancouver library, 1950 Marine Dr.
Festival of Lights: A display of 1.4 million lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver will take place every evening, except Christmas day, from Dec. 9 to Jan. 2, 4: 30-9 p.m.
Evenings prior to Christmas will feature community choirs and Santa. Admission: $31 for a family (two adults, two children age 18 and under)/$13.50/$10/$7.50. Tickets: www.ticketstonight.ca, at the garden shop or at the gate. Info: 604-257-8335 or www.vandusengarden. org.
Jamming for a Greater Cause: The Fairmont Pacific Rim will play host to the inaugural 12 Bands of Christmas Food Drive Friday, Dec. 9, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. at 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver. Musical guests will change every hour and Shore 104.3 will be doing a live broadcast. The community is asked to stop by the hotel with non-perishable food items or cash donations. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society will be onsite to accept donations. Listeners will be encouraged to get involved with telephone, text or online cash donations. Info: www.shore104. com/12bandsofchristmas.aspx.
Back to Bethlehem: Relive and participate in a stage recreation of West Vancouver Baptist Church's "Walk to Bethlehem" Dec. 10, 7 p.m. and Dec. 11, 8: 45 and 10: 30 a.m. at 450 Mathers Ave. Info: 604-922-0911 or www.westvanbaptist.com.
Candy-Land Christmas: There will be a variety of activities Saturday, Dec. 10 at Capilano Mall, North Vancouver. Holiday face painting, balloon candy cane and reindeer hats, bouncy castle, gingerbread men cookie decorating, candy crafts, a play dough station and a candy cane walk to Christmas music will be in the North Wing from noon to 4 p.m. Christmas carols by Danielle and Neil will be at noon in the Grand Court and 1: 30 p.m. in the Food Court. Students of Ava Music and Art Centre will perform throughout the day in the North Wing. Info: www.capilanomall.com.
Capilano Rugby Club will host their annual Christmas toy drive Saturday, Dec. 10, noon-5 p.m. at 305 Klahanie Court, West Vancouver. Bring unwrapped and unopened Christmas gifts which will be donated to the North Shore Christmas Bureau run by Family Services of the North Shore. More information available at 604836-1408.
Experience Christmas in Italy: The Pacific Baroque Orchestra will perform a concert of favourites and surprises Saturday, Dec. 10, 7: 30 p.m. at the West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave. Admission: $33/$28/$10. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/204334.
Luminous Voices: The Laudate Singers will be joined by the duo Couloir with harpist Heidi Krutzen and cellist Ariel Barnes for a concert of Christmas classics by candlelight Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. Admission: $30/$25/$10. Tickets: www.laudatesingers. com or 604-729-6814.
Pet Pictures with Santa will be available Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PetSmart, 1325 Main St., North Vancouver. Cost is $9.95 with a large portion of the proceeds going to Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association, to support their work in rescuing stray kitties.
