Festive-minded visitors to Metro Vancouver’s most charming yesteryear Christmas attraction will find that a beloved Yuletide tune has been brought to life when they come a-leaping through the gates this year.

 

Running from November 24 to January 4, the richly nostalgic Burnaby Heritage Christmas transforms the 1920s-themed wooden buildings at Burnaby Village Museum into a glowing holiday hamlet of decorated stores, businesses and antique-lined homes. But bringing the family here isn’t just about communing with colourful Christmases past.

 

Throughout its run, the attraction is also hosting a special all-ages Christmas Scavenger Hunt based on the 18th-century sing-a-long carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. The idea is to pick up a scavenger card when you arrive, follow the clues around the village and then try to hunt down everything from Eleven Pipers Piping to Three French Hens and from Seven Swans-a-Swimming to Five Gold Rings.

 

And if you locate Four Calling Birds, get ready to ‘put yourself in the picture’ with a special selfie opportunity––social media postings (hashtag #HeritageChristmas) are strongly encouraged!

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The Scavenger Hunt is not the only reason to drop by at this time of year. With free entry for all––this is one of Metro Vancouver’s best-value Christmas activities––the village is at its sparkling finest during the festive season. It’s also a great spot to relax the pace on your busy holiday period and reflect on what yesteryear Yuletides used to be like.

 

Wandering around the village at your own pace, you’ll find wreaths, cedar swags, paper snowflakes, decorated trees and festive displays adorning the buildings and bringing the past to smile-triggering life. Twinkling lights and holiday-themed eco-sculptures add to the effect and (for just $2.65) you can also hop aboard a magical 1912-built carousel ride.

 

Alongside a restored tramcar and the village’s evocative heritage buildings––from a schoolhouse to a forge and from a bandstand to a print shop––a full menu of extra Christmas shenanigans is also planned for the festive period. That includes costumed performers, toe-tapping musicians, children’s craft activities, delicious festive baking and––of course––the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Looking for a new annual holiday tradition for you and your family? You might have just found it.

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If you go:

 

The free-entry Burnaby Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum runs November 24 to January 4. Hours are 1pm-5:30pm Monday to Friday and 1pm-9pm Saturday and Sunday (from November 24 to December 14), changing to 1pm-9pm every day (from December 15 to January 4). The site is closed on December 24 and 25. Activities and entertainment vary throughout the run––call 604-297-4565 for the latest details.

 

Time your visit for December 1 and you can also enjoy the attraction’s free-entry Bright in Burnaby launch party, including the 6pm lighting of the site’s sparkling Christmas tree.

 

Burnaby Village Museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Free three-hour parking is available, although limited. Transit buses #144, 123 and 129 also stop nearby.

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