Burnaby Village Museum is again decked out in full holiday spirit, illuminated for the festive season. There are more lights, new hours, great entertainers, and lots of familiar favourites for the entire family to enjoy.
New lighting around the main parking lot will welcome visitors and set the atmosphere for an enjoyable visit. In addition to expanded lighting, special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre and marionette performances, choirs, and musicians.
Several family favourites are back, including children’s crafts, storytelling sessions, baking in the Farmhouse and visits with Father Christmas. A complete entertainment schedule will be available online throughout the season.
A stroll through the Village streets uncovers wreaths, cedar swags, and vintage-themed displays. The creative, fun menagerie of seasonally decorated Eco-sculptures has been revamped. The Ice Cream Parlour is also open for a seasonal treat or a special dinner out.
Don’t forget your cameras! There’s several photo-worthy opportunities with Father Christmas, in the old-fashioned sleigh on the Elworth lawn, and at the Royal Oak Garage—part of the Explore 150 fun.
Village Highlights
Visit Father Christmas
Father Christmas, a Victorian-Edwardian version of Santa Claus, will receive children in Stride Studios to hear their Christmas wishes (through December 23).
Free performance at Brookfield Hall
Presentations throughout the season include the original production Stealing Christmas by Forte Theatre Society, Rainforest Theatre’s Aladdin, and the Elwoodettes Marionettes’ Die Fledermaus & Max, the Ho Hum Husky.
Vintage Radios
Listen to the sounds of the holidays through vintage radios located throughout the Village.
Freshly-baked cookies at the Farmhouse
Every Sunday from 2 to 4 pm, a 1920’s recipe is selected, the wood stove in the kitchen lit, and the smell of cookies fills the room. Samples will be given out, but they won’t last long!
Children’s Card-Making Crafts
Press a stamp, place a sticker, and add some colour.
Scavenger Hunt
This is a great way to see the entire site! Complete the Twelve Days of Christmas scavenger hunt (answers are sure to surprise and delight). Clue sheets are available at either entrance or at the Stride Studios (on-site).
Create Your Own Light Show
Come make some noise! The lights adorning the Bandstand respond to sound — clapping, stomping, singing and talking all result in changing colours, tones, and vibrancy.
Burnaby Village Museum Heritage Christmas Dates and Times
November 22 to December 12: Monday to Friday, 1 to 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 9 pm
December 13 to January 2, 2015: Daily from 1 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
Gate admission is free; carousel rides are $2.50 each.
For more information, visit the Burnaby Village Museum online.
Photos courtesy of Burnaby Village Museum.
