FREE SKATE PARTY
Prospera Credit Union hosts a free community Skate Party on Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 3 p.m. at Abbotsford Centre, 33800 King Rd. Participants must supply their own skates. The event includes entertainment, a complimentary keepsake photo, and free cookies and hot chocolate. Donations will be accepted for the Abbotsford Food Bank.
OPENING THE HEART
Opening the Heart and Making Room, a reflective evening of sung prayers to celebrate Advent, takes place Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 2010 Guildford Drive. Features the music of Taizé, Iona and Cathy Hardy. The event is hosted by a local inter-church network and is open to everyone.
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Pet Pictures with Santa are offered Sunday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Homestead Nurseries, 31888 Marshall Rd., for a minimum $5 donation. All proceeds go to Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center.
SENIORS’ LUNCHEON
Abbotsford Community Services hosts a seniors’ Christmas luncheon on Monday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tradex (1190 Cornell St.). The event includes a turkey meal, entertainment, door prizes and a visit from Santa. Cost is $15. Info and reservations: 604-870-3764
CONNECT NOW
The Connect Now business network holds a “Lunch and Learn” event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Red 21 Restaurant at Chances Playtime Gaming, 30835 Peardonville Rd. Info: connectnowbusinessnetwork.com or 778-823-2421
CAROLLING AND MUSIC
Trethewey House Heritage Site (2313 Ware St.) hosts a free carolling and movie night on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Stroll around Mill Lake and then head back to Trethewey House to watch Miracle on 34th Street. Space is limited for the movie. RSVP at 604-853-0313.
LEARNING PLUS
Abbotsford Learning Plus presents two classes next week in its fall series. Both sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon at Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC), 2499 McMillan Rd. The topic on Tuesday, Dec. 8 is “Sand Dunes: A Clue to Understanding Long-Term Environmental Change.” The topic on Thursday, Dec. 10 is “Hosting the BC Summer Games 2016.” Cost per class is $5, plus the $2 ARC drop-in fee. Info: 778-808-7377 or learningplus.ca
BUSINESS WOMEN
The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Abbotsford holds a Christmas social on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Ballroom, 33780 King Rd. Participants are encouraged to donate art and sewing supplies for Peardonville House. Guest speaker Dionne DeJager shares her love for jewelry-making and will also be displaying her creations for sale. Tickets are $30 and are available online at bpwabbotsford.ca
CAROL SING-ALONG
The United churches in Abbotsford and Mt. Lehman hold a Christmas carol sing-along on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Memorial Church (33737 George Ferguson Way). Non-perishable food items will be collected for the food bank.
DINNER AND DANCE
The Abbotsford Social Activity Association hosts a Christmas dinner and dance on Friday, Dec. 11 at its hall at 33889 Essendene Ave. Music is by Sweetwater. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Tickets are available tonight (Dec. 4) at the hall. Info: Calvin at 604-746-7321