Regardless of whether Dec. 25 is a day that represents a time of gift-giving and turkey-eating, celebrating faith, or is just another day in the neighbourhood, it is a day nonetheless, and odds are, there are more than a few people who will either plan – or find themselves looking for – something to do outside the walls of home.
Fortunately, there are options on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. Whether it's the excitement of catching a new movie with the family that appeals; or enjoying a meal without the work and chaos that comes with hosting, cooking or contributing to it; or simply taking in some fresh air surrounded by natural beauty, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
• Smell the salty sea air and enjoy views of Mount Baker or the North Shore mountains with a stroll along the White Rock and/or Crescent Beach waterfront;
• Visit Bright Walk in White Rock. Open 4-8 p.m. nightly till Jan. 12, the interactive display at Memorial Park on Marine Drive features more than 50,000 lights, a 20-foot tree, an LED light tunnel and photo opportunities;
• Take in one of the Semiahmoo Peninsula's most treasured natural areas: Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest. Carefully watched over by a dedicated group of volunteers, the forest – with free parking offered in the 14600-block 24 Avenue – spans around 140 hectares and boasts what some describe as “some of the most beautiful trees in the world," as well as a bounty of flora and fauna. Explore some or all of it via approximately four kilometres of nature trails;
• According to opentable.ca, there is one White Rock restaurant and a handful of Surrey-area establishments offering sittings on Dec. 25: Boathouse White Rock (14935 Marine Dr.); Spice 72 Indian Restaurant & Lounge (12025 72 Ave.); MIXT Lobby Lounge @ Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel (15269 104 Ave.); Dominion Bar + Kitchen (13475 Central Ave.); and Paratha 2 Pasta (8080 120 St.);
• The White Rock and South Surrey Community Christmas Day Dinner – open to anyone and everyone who would otherwise spend Christmas alone – will return to White Rock Baptist Church (1657 140 St.) on Dec. 25. Sign up before 6 p.m. Dec. 19 to participate, by calling 778-809-9984.
• If taking in a movie is a Dec. 25 tradition, Caprice White Rock theatre, at 2381 King George Blvd., will be open all day, promising "a lot of great new big family movies," including Sonic 3. Admission is $9.50 for all shows before 6 p.m. Regular pricing after that is $9.50 for children and seniors (65-plus years) and $10.75 for adults. Keep an eye on the theatre's Instagram page (@officialcapricetheatre) for a chance at four Christmas Day movie passes;
• Churches holding Christmas Day services, include: St. Mark Anglican Church (12953 20 Ave.), 10 a.m. Holy Communion; and Good Shepherd Church (2250 150 St.), 9 and 11 a.m. mass.
