Port Coquitlam will host the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train on Saturday, Dec. 20, as part of a packed schedule of winter events that also includes public skating, family programs and holiday workshops, according to the City of Port Coquitlam.
The 27th annual Holiday Train is scheduled to arrive at 6:35 p.m. on Kingsway Avenue between Mary Hill Road and Wilson Avenue. A live performance by the Barenaked Ladies will follow from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., the city said in an event notice.
Ahead of the train’s arrival, residents can take part in free holiday activities at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Activities include holiday arts and crafts, hot chocolate, popcorn and a family movie screening.
The Holiday Train began its three-week, 10,000-kilometre journey on Nov. 21 in New Brunswick and is visiting more than 150 communities before concluding in Port Coquitlam, according to the City of Port Coquitlam.
Public skating programs
Public skating sessions will run throughout the holiday season, with a maximum capacity of 175 participants per session. Pre-registration opens two days in advance for Port Coquitlam residents at 8 a.m. and for non-residents at 10 a.m. Registration is available online or by phone at 604-927-7529. Same-day registration may be available if space permits.
Participants must be at least eight years old to skate independently. Children under eight must be accompanied by a skater aged 16 or older. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted during public skate sessions.
Public skating will be offered on Dec. 20, including a special “Skate with Santa” session from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Additional daily sessions will run from Dec. 21–23, Dec. 27–30, and Jan. 2–3. Reduced schedules will be in place on Dec. 24, Dec. 31 and Jan. 4.
Family Play and Skate
Family Play and Skate sessions, capped at 60 participants, are designed for families with young children to play and skate together. The program includes play-based zones for skating, hockey-style activities and toys.
Children must attend with a family member. Individual skaters are encouraged to attend regular public skate sessions. Family Play and Skate runs from Dec. 20–23 and Dec. 27–30, with morning and evening time slots, and morning-only sessions on Dec. 24, Dec. 31 and Jan. 4.
Ring, Stick and Puck sessions are available for experienced skaters looking to practise hockey or ringette skills. The $4 program is capped at 24 participants per session.
Children aged four to seven must have 16-plus ice support. Goalies are not permitted. Participants must bring a stick and mandatory hockey gloves. Helmet and skate rentals are available. Sessions are scheduled on select mornings and afternoons between Dec. 20 and Jan. 4.
Holiday workshops and events
Holiday programming also includes the Christmas Tree Festival, running until Dec. 21, and a series of holiday workshops such as lantern-making, theatre sports, wreath-making and clay activities. Details and registration are available through the city’s website.
