Winter Break
Saturday, December 21-Sunday, January 5
Keep active inside or outside all through the holidays with dozens of fun things to do with family and friends!
Swim, skate, take a winter walk through a park, work out at one of nine fitness facilities, take in an exhibition at the museum or art gallery, drop-in for a heritage tour and more. Find all of the details below.
One day activities
Holiday walk with Walk Richmond
City Centre’s Winter Carnival
‘Songs in the Snow’ community concert at Steveston Museum
Christmas trees and entertainment at Richmond City Hall
Cannery’s Farmer’s Market
Merry & Bright at the Richmond Olympic Oval
Christmas Eve movie matinee
Steveston Santa Claus Parade
Christmas Day at City Centre Community Centre
Resolution Walk with Walk Richmond
Winter Break Camps
Ongoing activities
Drop-in Open Gym Schedule
Festive lighting around the City
Letters to Santa
Steveston History Hunters Scavenger Hunt
Heritage Building Light Display at Britannia Shipyards
Dancing Trees Interactive Winter Lights
Christmas at the Cannery-Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Library break from the holiday hustle and bustle
Richmond Art Gallery’s “ArtRich 2019” exhibition
Discover public art in your neighbourhood
City’s 9 Fitness Centres
Wooden ornaments at Britannia Shipyards
Richmond Nature Park pedestrian boardwalk
Minoru Arenas’ Winter Wonderland skating
Drop-in to Family Storytime
Crafts at the Steveston Interurban Tram
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Gateway Theatre
Watermania swimming and activities
Richmond Museum’s “City at Work” exhibit
Snow Angels volunteer program
Trails and parks
Take a holiday walk with the Walk Richmond group
Saturday, December 14, 10:00am start
All ages
Stroll through Steveston’s historic fishing village to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard National Historic Site and back to the Steveston Community Centre for some light refreshments and winter cheer. Meeting Spot: Garry Point concession stand, 12011 7th Avenue.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/walk
Celebrate the season at City Centre’s Winter Carnival
Saturday, December 14, 10:00am-1:00pm
3-10 years and adults
Join this winter family event led by City Centre’s Youth Leadership team that includes fun activities, interactive games, arts and crafts, music performances, a photo with Santa and yummy treats. Parent participation required. Free for parents to attend. $10. Registration required. #2746416. www.richmond.ca/register, 604-276-4300 or in-person.
For more information: www.richmond.ca/citycentre, 604-204-8588
City Centre Community Centre, 5900 Minoru Boulevard
Watch or join in the ‘Songs in the Snow’ community concert at Steveston Museum
Saturday, December 14 and 21, 4:00-6:00pm
All ages
Gather friends and family to welcome the holiday season at this family-friendly holiday event with local musicians, Girl Guides carolling in vintage costumes, children’s crafts and hot beverages sponsored by G&F Financial, local vendors and more. This event is a partnership between Steveston Historical Society, the Richmond Arts Coalition and Steveston Museum
For more information: www.richmond.ca/stevestonmuseum, 604-238-8026
Steveston Town Square Park, 3811 Moncton Street
Celebrate the holiday season with beautifully decorated trees and live music at Richmond City Hall
All ages
Take in the beautifully decorated trees in City Hall while listening to live, seasonal music.
Free.
Saturday, December 14, 1:00-3:30pm
1:00-2:00pm – BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association, Richmond Branch
2:30-3:30pm – Richmond Music School
Saturday, December 21, 1:00-3:30pm
1:00-2:00pm – Jason Ng’s Studio
2:30-3:30pm – Emmanuel Music Group
City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road
Pick up some unique gifts at the Cannery’s Farmer’s Market
Sunday, December 15, 10:00am-3:00pm
All ages
This is the last market before Christmas! Shop at this unique market that features local food and artisan merchants, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days, with guided heritage tours by donation.
For more information: www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org, 604-664-9009
Gulf of Georgia, 12138 Fourth Avenue
Get Merry & Bright at the Richmond Olympic Oval
Saturday, December 21
10:00am-2:00pm
All ages
Kick off this Merry and Bright holiday season with loved ones. Enjoy a festive, family-friendly day that includes decking the halls and hitting the ice with Santa Claus himself. Take part in Zumba sessions on the courts or try your hand at basketball games and drills. Feeling crafty? Create a celebratory keepsake, or visit the Richmond Olympic Experience and meet an Olympian. If you’re feeling lucky, take part in our prize wheel for a bounty of cheerful prizes, and finish off the day by taking in a screening of the film “Frozen”.
For more information: www.richmondoval.ca/community
6111 River Road
Christmas Eve Movie Matinee
Tuesday, December 24, 1:00-3:30 pm
55+ years / all ages
Bring the grandkids to enjoy hot apple cider, cookies and the holiday classic “Home Alone”. The movie starts at 1:30pm in the Music Room.
Free. For more information: call 604-238-8450
Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Avenue
Bundle up for the Steveston Santa Claus Parade
Tuesday, December 24, 6:00-8:00pm
All ages
Come join Santa, Mrs. Claus and many friends around the streets of Steveston on Christmas Eve. This is a free and family-friendly event. Non-perishable food donations are appreciated and will be donated to the Richmond Food Bank.
Free. Steveston Village
Spend time at City Centre Community Centre on Christmas Day working out, letting the kids play and socializing
Wednesday, December 25
All ages
- Kids up to 5 years old can try different activity tables, play on fun equipment and join in a facilitator-led Creative Play session from 9:30 to 11:00am. Parent participation required.
- Work off those heavy holiday meals or treats with a workout in the 4,000 square foot Fitness Centre with top-of-the-line cardio and resistance machines, free weights and designated stretching and functional fitness areas. Open 10:00am to 3:00pm.
- Watch the family movie “Enchanted” that starts at 1:00pm.
- Read, relax and enjoy refreshments with others in the Community Living Room from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/citycentre, 604-204-8588
City Centre Community Centre, 5900 Minoru Boulevard
Take a new year’s Resolution Walk with Walk Richmond
Saturday, January 4, 10:00am start
All ages
Start 2020 off with a walk through a 30-acre urban park in East Richmond and explore the many amenities offered including a waterplay area and community gardens. Meeting Spot: Main entrance to the Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Road.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/walk
Winter Break Camps
From arts to sports, science to baking and swimming to youth camps, we’ve got great programs while school’s out. Learn more at www.richmond.ca/camps.
Drop-in gym
Find the Drop-in gym schedule here 
Drop-in Gym Schedule
Take in the festive lighting around the city
In addition to the almost 6,000 strings of lights in parks and median tree lighting throughout the city, check out the nine festive displays including:
- NEW! 9 life-size illuminated metal and wicker deer among the trees at City Hall on No. 3 Road
- Large 15’ walk through Christmas ball in the Cultural Centre Plaza, City Hall Plaza and Steveston Tram
- 3 illuminated metal deer in Japanese Memorial Garden, west of Tram Building
- 6 LED displays on lights poles and 3 illuminated metal deer in median
Letters to Santa at the Steveston Museum
9:30am-5:00pm (Mon-Sat), 12:00-4:00pm (Sun)
Daily until December 24
Do you have a special holiday wish that you would like to send to Santa Claus? Stop by the Steveston Museum to write your letter to Santa. Special letter head and envelope provided.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/stevestonmuseum, 604-238-8026
Steveston Museum, 3811 Moncton Street
Steveston History Hunters Scavenger Hunt
Steveston Tram, Steveston Museum, Britannia Shipyards
Through Monday, December 31, noon-5:00pm (closed December 25 and 26)
12 years and under
Children are invited to explore some of Steveston’s historic sites on a scavenger hunt across the village. Enter for your chance to win a prize at one of the participating locations once you have completed the hunt. Scavenger hunts can be picked up from the Steveston Tram, Steveston Museum and Britannia Shipyards.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/stevestonmuseum, 604-238-8026
Heritage Building Light Display at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Evenings
Bundle up and stroll through the Shipyards at night and be dazzled by the light displays.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/britannia, 604-238-8050
Britannia Shipyard, 5180 Westwater Drive
Dancing Trees Interactive Winter Lights
Town Square Park (Steveston Museum)
Through Monday, December 31, 3:00-9:00pm
Warm up the chilly winter evenings at this illuminated and beautiful interactive light display. Simply sing a song or clap your hand to make the lights dance to the sounds.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/stevestonmuseum, 604-238-8026
Steveston Museum, 3811 Moncton Street
Stroll through the Christmas at the Cannery “Festival of Trees” at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
10:00am-5:00pm
Find a forest of illuminated holiday trees inside the historic cannery decorated by local merchants and community organizations.
Regular admissions apply, except for Cannery Farmers’ Market Sunday, December 15. For more information: www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com. 604-664-9009
Gulf of Georgia Cannery Site of Canada, 12138 Fourth Avenue
Enjoy a break from the holiday hustle and bustle at the library
Are you looking for a place to escape the fast pace of holiday activities? Come in to any library branch during the school break to relax and recharge, browse and read, take part in family programs or connect with friends and family.
All branches open daily except as noted here: http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/holidayhours
Visit the Richmond Art Gallery’s "ArtRich 2019" exhibition
Daily from 10:00am-5:00pm until December 31
The Richmond Art Gallery is delighted to once again partner with the Richmond Arts Coalition for ArtRich 2019, our third bi-annual, juried exhibition. ArtRich celebrates artists with a strong connection to the Lower Mainland and their experiences of living in the region. 62 artworks were selected for this show and represent a variety of mediums, from painting to sculpture to textiles.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/artgallery, 604-247-8300
Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Discover public art in your neighbourhood
The City of Richmond is proud to be home to a wealth of public artworks and is dedicated to creating a vibrant city in which to live and visit. Use the 5 Public Art Neighbourhood Village brochures as a guide to explore public art in Richmond. You will discover public art integrated into parks, architectural facades, on the grounds of civic buildings and along the Canada Line skytrain stations
Free. Brochures available online at www.richmond.ca/culture/publicart/guides or pick up a Public Art brochure at the Richmond Cultural Centre, Steveston Visitor Centre and City Hall.
For more information: www.richmond.ca/publicart
Get a jump start on a ‘healthier you’ resolution with a workout in any of the City’s 9 fitness centres:
- Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Road
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/cambie, 604-238-8399
- City Centre Community Centre, 5900 Minoru Blvd
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/citcentre, 604-204-8588
- Hamilton Community Centre, 5140 Smith Drive
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/hamilton, 604-718-8055
- Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Avenue - OPENS JAN 1!
For more information and hours: www.minorucentre.ca, 604-233-6225
- South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Road
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/southarm, 604-238-8060
- Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/steveston, 604-238-8080
- Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/thompson, 604-238-8422
- Watermania, 14300 Entertainment Blvd
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/watermania, 604-448-5353
- West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No. 1 Road
For more information and hours: www.richmond.ca/westrichmond, 604-238-8400
Regular drop-in rates apply.
Decorate a wooden ornament at Britannia Shipyards
Through Tuesday, December 31, noon-5:00pm
Make a unique keepsake using provided felt pens on cross sections of locally sourced tree branches to take home for the holidays. The decorating stations are located in different buildings throughout the site during December. Closed December 25 and 26.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/britannia, 604-238-8050
Britannia Shipyard, 5180 Westwater Drive
Walk off those holiday meals and treats with a picturesque stroll through Richmond Nature Park
The Richmond Nature Park consists of 200 acres of the raised peat bog habitat that once covered large portions of Lulu Island. Four walking trails totalling 5km provide visitors the chance to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The shortest trail, an elevated boardwalk around the park pond, is wheelchair accessible. All other trails are soft-surfaced with wood chips and are well marked. A free trail guide is available in the Nature House.
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/naturepark, 604-238-6188
Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway
Lace up your skates and glide through the holidays at the Minoru Arenas’ Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 13-Sunday, January 5
All ages
Don’t miss this annual tradition of ice skating to festive music surrounded by thousands of sparking lights, real snow banks, decorated holiday trees and more.
Regular admission rates apply. For more information: www.richmond.ca/arenas, 604-238-8465
Minoru Arenas, 7551 Minoru Gate
Drop-in to Family Storytime
Children of all ages and their families are invited to share fun stories and songs at all Richmond Public Library branches. Program dates, locations and times may vary.
Call 604-231-6412 or visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar to view the most current schedule. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
Enjoy winter themed crafts at the Steveston Tram
Through Tuesday, December 31, noon-5:00pm (closed December 25 and 26)
Enjoy free daily winter themed crafts at the Steveston Interurban Tram
Free. For more information: www.richmond.ca/interurban1220, 604-238-8081
Steveston Interurban Tram, 4011 Moncton Street
Bring the whole family to the live musical of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presented by Gateway Theatre
Through Tuesday, December 31
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, this is one of the most well-loved musicals of all time. A joyous reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, Jacob, and the coat of many colours, this heartwarming hit promises to have your whole family humming along.
Tickets from $29. For more information: http://gatewaytheatre.com/dreamcoat, 604-270-1812
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road
Make waves, be active, have fun this holiday season at Watermania
Get splashed from the giant tipping bucket, take a whirl on the tot slide or giant water slides and play in the waves bobbing along in the wave pool. Play water basketball or take a plunge from one of the three diving board heights. For those looking for a work out, swim laps in the 57m competition pool followed with a visit to the steam room or sauna. On select days, walk on top of the water with the Log Runner or race a friend or family member down the water slides.
Regular admission rates apply. For more information: www.richmond.ca/watermania, 604-448-5353
Watermania, 14300 Entertainment Boulevard
Take in the “City at Work” exhibit at the Richmond Museum
Explore the invisible inner workings of the City of Richmond as urban myths are busted and have these questions answered: How do the pumping stations at the dikes work? Where does the water in our taps come from? Does the timing of traffic lights really change during rush hour? What happens to our recycled materials?
Free. For more information: www.richmondmuseum.ca, 604-247-8300
Richmond Museum, 7700 Minoru Gate
Be a good neighbour this winter (Snow Angels Program)
Heavy snowfall can create challenges for many residents. Help reduce the risk of injuries from slips and falls by assisting seniors and other neighbours-in-need by removing snow from sidewalks and drains.
For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit www.richmond.ca/winter.
Walk, run or cycle along any of the city’s trails and take in the scenic beauty
Enjoy Richmond’s beautiful parks, scenic recreational trails, cycling paths, community gardens and unique natural areas this holiday season.
For more information: www.richmond.ca/parks
