Seven things to do in Richmond this weekend

The holidays are fast approaching and this weekend is packed full of fun activities suitable for all ages. Here is a list of places to check out and things to do:

1.  Check out Richmond Music School’s annual winter concert

Richmond Music School will be holding its annual Winter Concert at Richmond Alliance Church tonight. The performance is free and no pre-registration is required. The non-profit music school recently upgraded its facilities and it’s excited to show off all the talented students.

Date and time: Dec. 9 (7:30 p.m.)

Place: Richmond Alliance Church at 11371 No. 3 Rd

2. Meet Hong Kong superstars Mirror and find out who will be representing Vancouver in the hit reality show King Maker

Members of the popular Hong Kong boy band Mirror, Lokman Yeung and Anson Kong, will be greeting fans at Aberdeen Centre on Saturday at a press conference organized by Fairchild Radio. Yeung and Kong arrived from Hong Kong last week to hold auditions for the fifth season of the hit Hong Kong reality show, King Maker, and successful contestants will finally be announced tomorrow.

Date and time: Dec. 10 (2 p.m.)

Place: Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way

3. Kickstart the holidays with St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church’s annual light show

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church is holding its third annual Reason for the Season event on Saturday. Richmondites are invited to watch them turn on their light display by flicking on a giant switch. Food, entertainment, crafts, games, Christmas movies and a live nativity scene will also be available for the enjoyment of all.

Date and time: Dec. 10 (5 to 8:30 p.m.)

Place: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 4451 Williams Rd

4. A dog parade and more at Steveston’s Winter in the Village

Steveston Village’s annual Winter in the Village event series continues, and visitors will get to participate and enjoy an adorable parade featuring Richmondites and their dogs in festive outfits this Sunday. Other events include Songs in the Snow performances, dog photos with Santa, Polar Express storytime on the Steveston tram, horse and carriage rides and performances by vocal ensemble musica intima.

Date and time:

• Festival of Trees – Dec. 1 to 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Holiday Display Contest – Dec. 1 to 31 (during business hours)
• Boat Holiday Light Contest – Dec. 1 to 31
• Songs in the Snow – Dec. 10 (4 to 6 p.m.)
• Dog Parade – Dec. 11 (11 a.m.)
• Dog photos with Santa at the Cannery (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Winter Tram Story Time (The Polar Express) – Dec. 11 (1 to 3 p.m.)
• Horse and Carriage Rides – Dec. 11 (1 to 5 p.m.)
• Musica intima vocal ensemble – Dec. 11 (2 to 4 p.m.)

5. Support local vendors at Lulu Island Winery’s craft market

Lulu Island Winery’s annual Christmas Market is back for the second year this Sunday, and will feature more than 40 local vendors. The free event is open to all (including pets) and visitors will also get to enjoy live music, food trucks and mulled wine.

Date and time: Dec. 11 (12 to 5 p.m.)

Place: Lulu Island Winery at 16880 Westminster Hwy

6. Spread the holiday cheer by helping out good causes 

For Richmondites looking to give back to the local community and give a helping hand, here are some suggestions:

7. Enjoy the free holiday light show at McArthurGlen outlet

A free holiday light show is being held at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet every night this week until Dec. 13. The show is a 3D projection show using store facades as its canvas, and will feature festive music.

Date and time: now until Dec. 13 (5 to 8 p.m.)

Place: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at 7899 Templeton Station Rd (near Aritzia and Starbucks)

If you know about any upcoming community events and wish to highlight them, email us at Editor@richmond-news.com with the subject line “Richmond community event.”