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SURREY EVENTS: Tree Lighting Festival returns, plus concerts, comedy, more (Nov. 17 & beyond)

A weekly guide to Surrey-area events and attractions
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Surrey’s Tree Lighting Festival returns Saturday, Nov. 20 at Surrey Civic Plaza. The day-long festival runs from noon to 10 p.m., with immersive light displays, live music, a Holiday Market, food trucks, free hot chocolate and family activities. Admission is free, and all the details are posted to surrey.ca/treelighting. (File photo: City of Surrey)

CONCERTS

Tom Jackson: Stories, Songs and Santa Causes, Nov. 19 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage, 8 p.m. “Tom Jackson kick- starts the holiday season with grace, style, and quirky festivity that many have enjoyed for decades. Expect an evening of original music, sing-along tunes, and signature Christmas music from this master storyteller.” Tickets $39, 604-501-5566, tickets.surrey.ca.

Seniors Holiday Concert at Surrey City Hall council chambers on Nov. 26, 10:30 a.m. “Tap your toes to the sounds of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble and enjoy a holiday take away lunch, following the entertainment.” Free, register online at surrey.ca or call 604-5 98-5708. For info, email agefriendlyforseniors@surrey.ca.

“A Traditional Christmas”: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre, as part of a multi-date regional concert series that includes a stop at New Westminster’s Massey Theatre on Dec. 4. Host Christopher Gaze “brings the sounds and stories of Christmas to life.” Box office: 604-876-3434, vancouversymphony.ca.

Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir: “Sing We Now of Christmas” concert Dec. 7 at Surrey Arts Centre, tickets $29. A Surrey Christmas tradition for over 30 years, the choir returns to “lift your spirits and hearts with some seasonal cheer.” Info: 604-501-5566, tickets.surrey.ca.

Coffee Concert: “Music for 17 Pedals and 287 Strings” concert Dec. 10 at Surrey Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre, 11 a.m. start with pre-show social hour. “Spend a morning listening to the melodic sounds of the harp and piano.” Presented by Surrey Civic Theatres. Info: 604-501-5566, tickets.surrey.ca.

VSO’s Surrey Nights: Jens Lindemann: Canadian trumpeter to perform Leopold Mozart’s “Toy Symphony,” Haydn’s “Trumpet Concerto” and more with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Jan. 8 at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre. Box office: 604-876-3434, vancouversymphony.ca.

FESTIVALS

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival Saturday, Nov. 20 at city hall plaza, featuring live music and holiday-themed festivities. Info online at surrey.ca/treelighting.

COMEDY

Just for Laughs: Maz Jobrani: Iranian-American comedian brings his “Things Looking Bright” tour to Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre (6250 144 St.) on Saturday, Jan.15 and to Vogue Theatre in Vancouver on Jan. 16. Box office: 604-507-6355.

Snowed In Comedy Tour: Canadian comedians Debra DiGiovanni, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quinn and Paul Myrehaug perform at Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage on Jan. 27. Tickets $45, tickets.surrey.ca.

BARS/NIGHTLIFE

Donegal’s Irish House: At 12054 96th Ave., Surrey. Info: 604-584-2112, donegals.pub.

White Hart Pub: Live music at 8593 132 St., Newton. Info: 604-503-5735.

Dublin Crossing: Irish-themed bar, 18789 Fraser Hwy. 604-575-5470, online at Dublincrossing.com.

Mojitos: Latin music and more at The Turf Hotel, by bands and DJs, 12411 King George Blvd. Info: 778- 223-6936, facebook.com/mojitosurrey.

The Taphouse Guildford: Music/sports bar, 15330 102A Ave., Surrey. Info: 604 -583-8828, Thetaphouse.ca. DJ Paul the Wall (Fri./Sat.)

ATTRACTIONS

Bear Creek Park Lights: Free illuminated nature trail experienceruns from Nov. 5 to 19, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. “Bring your friends and family to experience nature by night at Bear Creek Park Lights. Follow along an illuminated nature trail where you’ll enjoy stunning light displays that enhance the natural landscape. Free ticketed event runs nightly. Reserve tickets via surrey.ca or 604-501-5100.

Surrey Holiday Lights: MRG Group’s new “Immersive Lights & Music Experience” at Surrey Civic Plaza (city hall) from Nov. 25 to Jan. 2. “Explore the Holiday Lights Tent to visit Santa and his Elves, the Gingerbread Village, the North Pole, Holiday Market, Lights Around The World, and more.” Tickets and info: surreyholidaylights.com.

Lumagica Surrey: An “outdoor/indoor global Holiday experience” features a one-kilometre light walk at Cloverdale’s Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, from Dec. 3 to 30, daily from 4 to 10 p.m. Adult ticket is $25, or $74 for a weekend family pass for two adults and two kids. “Required” parking pass is $5. Info: lumagica.ca.

Bear Creek Park Train and MiniGolf: Train rides through the forest at Surrey’s largest park, 13750 88 Ave. For hours and rates, call 604-501-1232 or visit bctrains.com.

MOVIES

Hollywood 3 Cinemas: 7125 138 St. (Newton Centre, near 72 Ave., Surrey). 604-592-4441. Hollywoodcinema.ca.

Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford: 15051 101 Ave. 604-581-1716, Landmarkcinemas.com

Strawberry Hill Cineplex: 12161 72 Ave., Surrey. 604-501-9400.

FLEA MARKET

The Cloverdale Market: “Your Weekly Treasure Hunt” in two buildings with 200 tables and 100+ outdoor spots, open every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cloverdale Fairgrounds, off 176 St. (Hwy 15) and 62 Ave., Surrey. Info: 604-837-1676, Cloverdalemarket.ca.

LIBRARIES

How to Care for Family Documents and Treasures: An in-person event at Cloverdale Branch, Surrey Libraries on Saturday, Nov. 27, 1-2 p.m. “Join Surrey Archives and Mus eum of Surrey Curatorial staff to learn how we care for Surrey’s historical items and how that can be applied to your family treasures at home. Discuss tips on how to care for old photos, papers, textiles and more.” Free, registration required: 604-598-7328 or familyhistory@surrey.ca, surreylibraries.ca.

Authors Among Us: Surrey Libraries hosts local authors for online Q & A sessions. For a detailed calendar of events/authors, visit surreylibraries.ca/events.

FUNDRAISERS

Gingerbread Village contest hosted by Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association (BIA) from Dec. 4-12 at Central City Shopping Centre. No-fee entry for gingerbread creations, for $10,000 in cash prizes and donations to Surrey Christmas Bureau. “We invite all schools, charities, service groups, faith-based organizations, non-profit organizations, community services, sports teams, families and all other individuals in the community to build a gingerbread creation representing what their December Celebrations look like – December celebrations from around the World.” Entry deadline Nov. 19. Email kat@downtownsurreybia.com or visit downtownsurreybia.com for an entry.

PARENTS

Empower Surrey parent workshops “to help keep kids safe from gangs,” during month of November. City of Surrey to host six interactive, in-person workshops across the city “to educate parents and caregivers about local gangs, minimize risk for youth gang involvement, and provide strategies for building protective factors.” Workshops will take place from 6-7:30 p.m on Nov. 8 (Panorama Ridge Secondary (conducted in Punjabi), Nov. 9 (Guildford Park Secondary), Nov. 17 (Earl Marriot Secondary), Nov. 18 (Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary) and Nov. 24 (Frank Hurt Secondary). To register, visit empowersurrey.ca.

KIDS/YOUTH

2021 Surrey Kids Conference: “The largest conference for kids in Surrey is back with health protocols in place. Have your child be a part of the Surrey Kids Conference, Nov. 18 to 20 at various locations. Children will learn new skills, have fun, and make new friends in their community.” Free, call 604-501-5100 for info.

MYzone After School Drop-In Program offers activities for children ages 8 to 12 at reopened recreation facilities in Surrey, from October to the end of June. “Play games, make arts & crafts, learn new things, take part in community projects, have quiet time for reading or homework in supervised and safe environment.” Info on surrey.ca, or call 604-501-5100.

Online Youth Nights hosted by City of Surrey: “Youth Leadership” session with members of the Surrey Leadership Youth Council (SLYC), a group of local youth passionate about helping youth speak up and having their voices heard, on Thursday, Nov. 18, 7-8pm, for ages 10-18. Also “Environmental Stewardship” session Thursday, Dec. 9, 7-8pm, ages 10-18. Free. Email youth@surrey.ca for info or visit surrey.ca.

THEATRE/STAGE

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol”: Physical theatre company, specializing in mask performance and visual storytelling, brings twist of holiday classic to Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage on Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Tickets $26 for 18 and under; $39 adults. Box office: 604-501-5566, online at tickets.surrey.ca.

“O Christmas Tea”: A British comedy hits stage at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 12, 8 p.m. “When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat.” Show info: 604-507-6355, bellperformingartscentre.com.

“Alice in Wonderland”: A pantomime production by Royal Canadian Theatre Company at Surrey Arts Centre’s main stage, from Thursday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 26, at 13750 88 Ave. “Written by Crystal Weltzin, the classic story of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is adapted to the well known standards of laughter and entertainment inherently required by a true panto. With original music, new characters and some of your panto favourites bringing you silly puns and terrible jokes you’ve never heard before.” Box office: 604-501-5566, tickets.surrey.ca.

ART/GALLERIES

Surrey Art Gallery: Gallery at Bear Creek Park, 88 Ave./King George Blvd. 604-501-5566, Surrey.ca/artgallery. Fall exhibits, to Dec. 11: “Sandeep Johal: What If?” plus “Phyllis Atkins: Divine Connection,” “PICS: Seven Stories” photographs, “Manuel Piña: Naufragios” and “Atheana Picha: Echoes.”

Thursday Artist Talk: Events hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) on first Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: 604-501-5566, Arts.surrey.ca. On Facebook.surreyartgalleryassociation.

Surrey Urban Screen: Digital art shown on screen on side of building at Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre, at 13458 107A Ave. Exhibit can be viewed from 30 minutes after sunset until midnight, from fall to spring (does not operate in summer). Info: 604-598-5898, Surreyurbanscreen.ca. This fall: Flavourcel’s “I Spy a City.”

MUSEUMS

Museum of Surrey: At 17710 56A Ave., Cloverdale. Info: Surrey.ca/museum, 604-592-6956. On view this fall: “Bees!,” a collaboration exhibit between MOS and the Honeybee Centre, to Dec. 19. Also this fall: “Chief Dan George” exhibit, plus “The Indo-Fijians: Surrey’s Pocket of Paradise,” a Community Treasures exhibit.

HERITAGE

Caring for your Family Treasures session at Cloverdale Library on Nov. 27, 1-2 p.m., at 5642 176A St. “Join Surrey Archives and Curatorial staff to learn how we care for Surrey’s historical items and how it can be applied to your family treasures at home. Share stories and swap tips on caring for photos, papers, textiles and more.” Free. Register in-person at any Surrey Library or email familyhistory@surrey.ca or 604-598-7328.

FOOD/DRINKS

Ukrainian “soul food” – perogies, cabbage rolls and borscht – available for sale on the last Friday of each month as fundraiser at Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 13512 108 Ave., Surrey, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Info: 604-531-1923, 604-581-0313.

MARKETS

Heart to Home Holiday Market: “Do your holiday shopping in person this year with Surrey Art Gallery Association’s fun and festive 2-day market,” Saturday, Nov. 27 (11am-5pm) and Sunday, Nov. 28 (12-4pm). “SAGA Gift Shop and their Art Rental Program is a great source of inspiration for gift giving, with items ranging from handmade silk scarves and original paintings to intricately designed jewelry, funky sculpture, well-crafted pottery, functional woodworks, homemade jams and jellies, and more.” Info: 604-501-5187, sagagiftshop@gmail.com.

CRAFT SALES

Northwood United Church Craft and Market Fair held every Saturday in November, featuring mixed crafts and market items, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 8856 156 St., Fleetwood. Concession, different crafters every Saturday. Masks and vaccine passports mandatory. Info: Call Marilyn, 604-839-4005, or email nanamom604@hotmail.com.

SPORTS

Surrey Eagles: Junior A hockey games at South Surrey Arena. For schedule and tickets, visit surreyeagles.ca or call 604-531-GOAL (4625).

Surrey Knights: Junior B hockey games at North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex, 10950 126A St., in PJHL league action. Home games are Thursdays, 7 p.m. Schedule: surreyknights.ca.

CALLS

Westcoast Harmony Chorus: Anne Downton-directed group rehearses in Surrey at Parkland Community Church (9574 160th St.), on Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m. “A group of women and people of marginalized genders who love to sing and are personally committed to excellence and lasting friendships.” New members sought. Email info@westcoastsings.com, or visit westcoastsings.com.

VOLUNTEERS

Fraser Health Crisis Line is marking 50 years of operation this year; that’s 50 years of 24/7 service delivered by volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, contact the Fraser Health Crisis Line: options.bc.ca/volunteer-at-options.

SENIORS

TALK (Third Age Learning at Kwantlen): Program promises “creative and stimulating educational activities” for the 50-plus age group in Surrey and surrounding cities, with a mix of in-person and online events. TALK courses are “ideal for retirees who want to continue learning.” Fees range from $15 to $30, plus $10 annual membership fee. Info: kpu.ca/talk, 604-599-3077.

Seniors Centre Without Walls: Join various presenters for telephone-based exercises, literature or coffee clubs, learning mindfulness or estate planning. View details for information about the Seniors’ Centre Without Walls initiative by Seniors Come Share Society and register by calling 604-531-9400 ext. 205 or scww@comeshare.ca.

BUSINESS

Surrey Women in Business Awards: Surrey Board of Trade is now accepting nominations for the 2022 awards, presented by Prospera Credit Union, “to recognize the fabulous women leaders that are making Surrey an opportunity city.” Deadline for nominations is Jan. 19. For info, email Rhona Doria at rhona@businessinsurrey.com.

NATURE

Releaf tree planting events: “Help plant at different parks each spring and fall.” Fall planting opportunities at various parks on select dates, until Oct. 30. “Help grow Surrey’s urban forest by planting shrubs and trees in Surrey parks and along boulevards. We provide the plants, shovels and instruction.” Visit surrey.ca or email stewardship@surrey.ca to get involved.

WALK/RUN

Surrey Walks Together: City hall initiative encourages residents to “reconnect with others while walking to improve both mental and physical health.” Meeting locations are posted to Surrey Walks web page (surrey.ca/parks-recreation/surrey-walks) along with other walking resources including trail maps, information on self-guided walks, walking groups, charity walks and more.

EDUCATION

READ Surrey/White Rock Society’s Partners Program offers free, one-to-one tutoring for adults who want reading, writing or math support. “If you or someone you know needs literacy help, call Shanti at 778-242-7323 or email readswrs@gmail.com.” Info at readsurreywhiterock.com.

HEALTH

Recovery International: “Feeling anxious or depressed? Join our virtual peer support group. Recovery International is a free, peer-led, self-help, cognitive behavioural support group for people experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. We think our virtual meetings could benefit individuals during this unprecedented and challenging time.” Call or email Gilles at (778) 872-8069 or gilber005@yahoo.ca for more info, or visit recoverycanada.org.



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
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