CONCERTS

"A Little Chamber Music": Surrey Symphony Society presents an evening of chamber music performed by the Microcosmos Quartet and Surrey Symphony Society chamber music students, 7: 30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 at Surrey Christian School auditorium, 15353 92nd Ave. Admission by donation.

Vancouver Symphony

Orchestra's Surrey Nights series: "Music of the Masters" concert 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, featuring violinist Elina Vahala. 604876-3434.

Rock 'n' Roll Christmas: Legends of Rock 'n' Roll tribute artists in concert Friday, Dec. 7 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, featuring the music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino and Roy Orbison. Tickets are $39.75, 604-507-6355. More info: www. LegendsofRocknRoll.com.

Yuletide Blues: Sixth annual benefit concert hosted by White Rock Blues Society 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at Rhumba Room bar, South Surrey (Pacific Inn Hotel, 1160 King George Blvd.), featuring Brandon "Yukon Slim" Isaak, Harpdog Brown, David "Boxcar" Gates, Jason Buie, Ellie Johnson Velvet Bulldozer, RockStar and special guests. Event collects money/food for food bank of Sources Community Resource Centre. Info: 604-542-6515.

CHRISTMAS

Ypres Chapter 48 Order of the Eastern Star's Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Amazing Grace United Church, 12740 102nd Ave, Surrey. Cost is $6 per person, free for kids under three.

Christmas Carnival fundraiser at Gracepoint Community Church, 3487 King George Blvd., Surrey, on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Second annual event, admission by donation; game tickets are 50 cents each and hot dog and drink for $3. Carnival games, bouncy castles, cotton candy, cupcake walk, cookie decorating, hair wrapping and more. All money raised will go to Home for Every Child Adoption Society and Change a Life Foundation. Info: www.ahomeforeverychildbc.ca, 778-549-5052.

Women's Advent Service: Crescent United Church, 2756 127th St., will hold annual Women's Advent Service on Monday, Dec. 3. Refreshments are served at 7 p.m. and service is from 7: 30-8: 30. "This is an all-women's service to calm our hearts and minds before the busy season ahead. Musical presentation is by the Spirit Sisters."

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne performs at New Year's Eve Blues Extravaganza event hosted by White Rock Blues Society, Dec. 31 at Pacific Inn Hotel's Rhumba Room bar, South Surrey. Tickets $100, 604542-6515, whiterockblues.com.

OPEN MIC/JAMS

Delta Arts Council's Open Mic: Singers, musicians, actors, poets and dancers are welcome to join event on Friday, Nov. 30 at Firehall Centre for the Arts (11489 84th Ave., North Delta). Patti McGregor is the emcee. Doors open at 7 p.m. Info 604-5816270.

SHOWS

Shrine Fantasy Show promises to "amaze, surprise and entertain the entire family" when it comes to Bell Performing Arts Centre, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, featuring magic, illusions, juggling acts, comedy and more. Performers include Damien James (ventriloquist), Greg Tarlinas (juggler), Shelson Casavant (a magician showcased during the 2010 Winter Olympics' opening ceremonies). A portion of show proceeds are given to charity via the Shrine organization. Tickets are $25 at www.iMarktickets.com.

For more show details, visit www. shrinefantasyshow.com.

DANCES

St. Andrew's Pub & Ceilidh night:

Friday, Nov. 30 at Sullivan Hall, 6306 152nd. St., Surrey, hosted by the Tam O'Shanters, with music by Braidwater band. Tickets $12, 604536-7660,604-535-8949.

Jump Joint Swing: Retro swing dance events held every Saturday night with host Kirk MacIntyre of Metro Kids Society, doors open 9: 45 p.m. at Jump Joint dance hall, #11012332 Pattullo Pl., North Surrey (next to Xcalibur Bowling). Admission fee $5, all ages, swing dance classes available. Net proceeds to Metro Kids Society, www.MetroKids.ca. For info, call Marie Welton (604-5360195), www.jumpjointswing.com.

THEATRE/STAGE

"Phantom of the Panto": Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society production on stage at Surrey Arts Centre from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9. Info: www.fvgss.org.

"Pinocchio": Panto production staged by White Rock Players' Club from Nov. 30 to Dec. 29 at Coast Capital Playhouse, White Rock.

Info and tickets: 604-536-7535, email wrpctix@uniserve.com, whiterockplayers.ca.

"The Nutcracker": Royal City Youth Ballet Company's annual show returns to Surrey Arts Centre from Dec. 14-16, 604-501-5566.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Winter Solstice Celebration of Light: Semiahmoo Arts stages event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, with parade of lanterns and live performances at Centennial Park, White Rock. Lantern-making workshops on Dec. 4 and Dec. 7 from 6 to 7: 30 p.m. on both nights. More info: www.semiahmooarts.com, 604-536-8333.

FILM EVENTS

White Rock Social Justice Film Society shows documentary movies with themes of social justice at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave., White Rock. Admission by donation. Info: whiterocksocialjusticefilmfestival.ca. Nov. 30: "Lesson Plan," described as "a shocking eye-opener about how the values of fascism are taught in the middle of a democracy."

Advent Film Festival on the Sundays of Dec. 2, 9 and 16 at Crossroads United Church, North Delta, at 6: 30 p.m. nightly. Admission by donation, at 7655 120th St. For film titles and more info, visit www.crossroads-unitedchurch.ca, call 778-593-1043.

VISUAL ART

Peninsula Art Tour: Third annual event involves 19 artists who live and/or work in White Rock/South Surrey area. Tour happens on weekend of Dec. 1-2 at eight locations, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, visit www. peninsulaarttour.com or contact Nicole Carrie, 604-536-4621.

South Surrey-White Rock Art Society/Semiahmoo Arts group exhibit at facility at Centennial Park, White Rock, to Jan. 3, with reception at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. Info: 604-536-8333, semiahmooarts.com.

Thursday Artist Talk: Events hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) on first Thursday of every month at Bear Creek Park facility. Info: 604-501-5566, www. arts.surrey.ca. Dec. 6 event features Comfort Ero, Surrey-based storyteller.

BOOKS/LIT

Prose and Poetry event hosted by Libros Libertad, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 at Pelican Rouge cafe, 15142 North Bluff Rd., White Rock, featuring Manolis (George Seferis' "Collected Poems") and Jan DeGrass ("Jazz with Ella").

"Local Author Sundays" events on select dates at Black Bond Books, 15562 24th Ave., South Surrey (604-536-4444, blackbondbooks.com). On Dec. 1, 1: 30 p.m.: Shelley Fralic, author of "Making Headlines."

LIBRARY EVENTS

Meet author and biologist Glen Chilton, Ph. D., at event 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8 at Semiahmoo Library (1815 152nd St., South Surrey). Chilton is an internationally-recognized ornithologist and author of "The Curse of the Labrador Duck," finalist for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Dr. Chilton visit Semiahmoo Library to talk about his newest book, "Attack of the Killer Rhododendrons." Info: www. surreylibraries.ca, 604-592-6908.

FUNDRAISERS

White Rock/South Surrey Hospice Society's annual Celebrate-A-Life event at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre, South Surrey from Dec.1-23, during mall hours. "This event is an opportunity for everyone to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one as well as a chance to discover and learn more about the programs and services the Hospice Society offers to their community. Visitors are invited to write their loved ones name on a paper dove ornament and hang this on the Memorial Tree. By donating $20 or more, they receive a beautifully crafted wooden dove, hand painted by local artists, to take home as a keepsake." More info: 604-531-7484, whiterockhospice.org.

BUSINESS

Surrey Board of Trade's Christmas Party ("Seasonal Sizzle"): Networking business reception on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152nd St.) from 5-8 p.m. This year's theme is "Christmas in Brazil." Dress is business attire. Attendees are encouraged to bring food/cash donation for Surrey Food Bank. Info: 604-581-7130.

SALES/CRAFTS

White Rock Museum & Archives 20th annual Holiday Market, to Dec. 20, featuring more than 24 local artists and crafters. Event times are Monday-Friday from 10: 30am4: 30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4: 30pm, at 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock. 604-541-2221.

Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) gift shop's annual Show & Sale held Saturday, Dec. 1 (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 2 (noon to 4 p.m.) at the studio theatre at Surrey Arts Centre, at Bear Creek Park. Info: 604-501-5187.

Watershed Artworks hosts Christmas artisan market ("Deck the Halls") on Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at North Delta Recreation Centre, 11415 84th Ave. "Unique and original artwork and crafts for gifts or home decor." Entry is by donation to Deltassist Food Hamper Program. Vendor tables still available. Email June for an application, june.bergen.holt@gmail. com.

Crafty Affaire hosts Holiday Market Dec. 1-2 at Elgin Hall in South Surrey. "Crafty Affaire is a juried market to ensure that there is a best mix of handmade vendors." For more information, visit www.craftyaffaire. com.

11th annual Colebrook United Church Christmas Fair: Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. at 5441 125A St., Surrey. Finger Labyrinth, woodwork, cards, Tupperware, hair feathering, jewelry and more, plus soup, sandwiches, coffee, cafe available at cafe.

Crescent Artists Exhibition and Sale offers the works of six local artists (Jan Albertin, Brian Hoyano, Adele Samphire, Lisa Samphire, Sid Samphire and Rich Schmid), on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beecher Place, Crescent Beach. The unique layout of art pieces in this annual show reveals a common aesthetic amongst these artists, featuring glass, stoneware, porcelain, paint, precious metals and wood.

Christmas sale presented by Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society's Aquarius Group, Thursday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hospital lobby. Christmas baubles, china, decorations, mugs, candles and stuffed animals.

Christmas Bazaar hosted by Semiahmoo House Society to benefit Surrey Food Bank, on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 13550 77th Ave, near King George Blvd. Event features more than 20 vendors. Info: Contact Teresa Randle, 604-592-1006, ext. 228, or email t.randle@shsbc.ca.

Paints 'n' Bloom show/sale presented by West Coast Gardens, Dec. 7-8 (from 10 to 4 p.m. daily) at 1420 172nd St., South Surrey, featuring artists Wendy Mould and Audrey Bakewell. Art demos Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and 1: 30 p.m. Event supports Alzheimer Society of B.C.

FOOD/DRINKS

Ukrainian Soul Food: Perogies, cabbage rolls and borsch will be available on Friday, Nov. 30 at a fundraiser from 4: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm at Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 13512 108th Ave, Surrey. "Eat-in, take away or ready for your freezer." Info: 604-531-1923 or 604-581-0313.

Boar's Head Madrigal Medieval dinner: Lyric Singers group hosts a "feast of food and song," 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at Bethany-Newton United Church, 14853 60th Ave., Surrey. Tickets are $40, 604-5996803, charlebois71@yahoo.ca. Group info: lyricsingers.ca.

KIDS/FAMILY

Norman Foote: Award-winning family entertainer performs Friday, Jan. 4 at Coast Capital Playhouse, White Rock, in event staged by Peninsula Productions. Tickets $10, whiterockplayers.ca or 604-536-7535.

"Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat!" show, with "Doodlebops Live!" on Jan. 26 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey, in latest production from Koba Entertainment. Tickets $27.50, StrawberryShorecakeOnTour.com.