7 FREE Family activities to take in at the West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace

Whether you like it or not, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there.

And by look, I mean seem, because let’s be honest…

Winter in mid-November in Vancouver looks like this…

Despite the amazingly warm weather locals have been seeing as of late, many of our local ski hills are opening early this weekend. While I’m not quite ready to pull out the skis or snowboard just yet, I will be taking the kids out to the TRADEX in Abbotsford to get our fix of Christmas cheer.

The West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace is one of Canada’s largest holiday season shows featuring all kinds of holiday shopping items from books, food, toys, fashion and beauty to home decor steals.

Entrance to the Show is free for children and youth providing they are accompanied by a paying adult (general admission is a mere $6, or $5 for seniors) which makes for a very inexpensive family event. There are also a host of fun, free activities for children and families while at the show.

1. Santa’s Workshop
   Sponsored by the Fraser Valley Model Club, children aged 8 and over are invited to “Make and Take” their very own Blue Angel model plane. (While quantities last, Saturday & Sunday only)
2. Children’s Christmas Cookie Decorating
   Fresh baked by Santa’s Workshop Chef Nicole, kids can decorate and take home (or eat on the spot!) their very own free Christmas cookie. With a palate of sprinkles, colored sugar, and icing, creative minds can have a blast making their own edible Christmas art. (various times available, schedule posted next to the Home for the Holidays stage. Limit one cookie per child please)
3. Create Your Own Sand Art
   Children are invited to “make and take” their very own sand art picture using sand art kits. (available all three days, first come first served with limited quantities available)
4. Write a letter to Santa
   The Li’l Ol’ Crafts company will be on hand to provide children with free cards to write their very own personal letter to Santa. They can’t tell if you’re on the naughty or nice list, but they can help you post the letter right at the show in Santa’s Mailbox.
5. Get your picture taken with Santa’s elves at North Pole BC
   Be sure to visit with Santa’s elves at North Pole BC and get your free picture!
6. Visit the Empress Line Railroad
   Set up by Fraser Valley model train enthusiasts, come see the intricate Garden Scale model train layout complete with working trains on the huge track.
7. Ride the Trolley
   Hitch a free ride from your car to the main entrance at the TRADEX parking lot aboard a traditional Christmas decorated trolley from The Vancouver Trolley Company!

Make sure to stay in touch with the West Coast Christmas Show via Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube to get all the up to date going’s on!

Are you following on social media? Find BentoMomma on:
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube // Pinterest