Port Coquitlam will kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a full day of family-friendly festivities as Winter in the City returns to the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. According to a notice from the City of Port Coquitlam, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2150 Wilson Avenue and feature live entertainment, an expanded artisan market, food and beverage options, and the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.
The city says the celebration will include Christmas in the Square, a larger Winter Artisan Market, and new activities planned for 2025. Visitors can shop for local handmade goods, enjoy seasonal treats, and take part in activities marking the start of the holiday season.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day, featuring performances by Collage Singers, Carmelina Cupo Trio, Asi Somos, Phat Santa Swing and the Coastal Sound Choir, along with roving entertainment from Buddy the Elf. The Winter Market will offer free admission, handcrafted gifts, art, crepes and refreshments, as well as prize draws from participating vendors.
A beverage garden will feature local brewers Nice Life Co., Patina Brewing and Taylight Brewing, along with a festive mimosa bar. Food from Me N Ed’s and additional market vendors will be available throughout the day. Families can also take photos with Santa by donation to PoCo Heritage from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and children can write letters to Santa at a designated station open all day.
The City’s Christmas tree will be lit at 5 p.m. outside the community centre, concluding the day’s programming.
A series of additional holiday events will run through December. The 13th Annual Christmas Tree Festival begins Nov. 29 and continues through Dec. 21, allowing residents to vote for their favourite decorated tree in support of PoCo Heritage. Children and youth may submit artwork for the City Holiday Card Artwork Contest until Nov. 16 for a chance to be featured on the official city card.
Beginning Dec. 1, the 12 Days of Christmas Campaign invites residents to send photos of their decorated homes for a chance to win a $100 gift card. On Dec. 13, families can attend a free sing-along screening of Frozen at the Michael Wright Art Gallery from 2 to 4 p.m., with costumes encouraged. Pre-registration is required.
The CPKC Holiday Train will stop in Port Coquitlam on Dec. 20 at Kingsway Avenue, featuring a performance by the Barenaked Ladies from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Holiday Skates will run from Dec. 20, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Pre-registration opens two days in advance at 8 a.m. for residents and 10 a.m. for non-residents. Public skate sessions allow ages 8 and up, with wheelchairs and strollers permitted, and include a special Skate with Santa on Dec. 20 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Family Play and Skate sessions, with zones for young children, will be held from Dec. 20–24, Dec. 27–31, and Jan. 2–4. Ring, Stick and Puck sessions for ages 4 and up will also be offered for $4, with equipment available for rent.
The city will also host a range of seasonal workshops. Options include Theatre Sports for Families on Nov. 21; clay lantern and holiday vase workshops on Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 9 and 16; Holiday Elves programs for ages 6–12 on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13; wreath and centerpiece workshops on Nov. 28 and Dec. 2; and Vytynanka Ukrainian paper-cutting classes on Dec. 9 and 16.
In its announcement, the city invited the community to take part in Winter in the City on Nov. 29 and to continue celebrating through December. Full details are available here.
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