10 festive ways to celebrate the holidays in Metro Vancouver

Whether you're in the Fraser Valley, on the North Shore, or in and around Vancouver, there are plenty of activities to help get you in the spirit. Here's a quick glimpse at 10 events going on around Metro Vancouver.

1. Abbotsford:Check out the grand opening of the city's new open concept shopping centre HighstreetSaturday, Nov. 30. Features include a tree lighting at 5 p.m. PT, holiday parade, concert choir, and it's free for families.
2. Burnaby:Heritage and horses are the main attractions. New this year to the Burnaby Village Museum's Heritage Christmasare sound reactive lights at the bandstand watch the lights react to the different noises you make. Admission is free and carousel rides are very affordable. this Sunday, you can also check out the 12th Annual Christmas with the Horses. It runs from 10 a.m P.T. to 3 p.m.
3. Cloverdale:On Sunday December 8, check out the 8th annual Santa Parade of Lights. The fun begins at 5 p.m. P.T. at the Cloverdale Town Centre, rain or shine!
4. Coquitlam: Cookies and milk aren't the only things Santa likes to eat. Kids can enjoy pancakes and sausages at theBreakfast with Santa on Saturday December 7. Children can also sing carols and make festive crafts at this bilingual event.
5. Langley:Some of figure skating's best take to the ice at the Langley Events Centre on Friday December 6 at 7 p.m. P.T. The show will feature Canadian Olympic medallists Elvis Stojko, Kurt Browning and Joannie Rochette and jazz singer Holly Cole.
6. Maple Ridge:If giving back is the way you get into the holiday spirit, the Maple Ridge Christmas Festival needs your help. Both the city's Christmas in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade are in need of volunteers!
7. New Westminster:It's hard to think of the city without thinking heritage! On Sunday December 8, you can tour some of your favourite heritage homes that have been decorated for Christmas inHomes for the Holidays. Tickets are $20, and you can shop for Christmas gifts along the way withall proceeds going toQueens Park Care Centre.
8. North Vancouver: Love lights? Plenty to see atCanyon Lights and the World's Tallest Living Christmas Tree. The lights go on on Saturday and children under the age of six can enter for free.
9. Vancouver:A lot going on in the city for the month of December: Highlights are Santa ClausParade on Sunday, The Nutcracker two productions by the GohBallet and Ballet BC, and of course A Traditional Christmas featuring the Vancouver Symphony and the bard himself, Christoper Gaze.
10. White Rock: Not just a place to visit in the summer for fish and chips. There are plenty of things to choose from for Christmas on the Peninsula. Highlights include the Christmas Market and a candlelit carol singalong