CONCERTS

Second Annual Gospel and Blues Christmas Show: Concert on Sunday, Dec. 16 at First United Church (White Rock) is staged by Peninsula Productions, featuring music by John Lee Sanders and his five-piece band. Tickets are $25 in advance (at Tapestry Music, 1335 Johnston Rd., White Rock, also online, tickets.surrey.ca) and $30 at the door.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's A Traditional Christmas: Annual concerts feature Christmas music and carols, with host Christopher Gaze, UBC Opera Ensemble and EnChor, on Sunday, Dec. 16 at Bell Performing Arts Centre (shows at 4 and 7: 30 p.m.). 604-876-3434.

"Elvis Elite" Christmas concert featuring tribute artist Steve Elliott, 7: 30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 at Legion in Cloverdale. Members and guests are welcome. Tickets are $12, now on sale. For more information, call 604-574-5300 or see www. cloverdale.bc.ca/legion. Artist info: www.elviselite.com.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Lagerstrom 'Light-Up': Annual Christmas light display raises money for Camp Goodtimes of Canadian Cancer Society. Located at 15466 91A Ave., Surrey. Info: lightup.ca. Art and Lou's Christmas Lights: Display at 15097 90A Ave., North Surrey, features helicopter on roof, "walk-through/drive-by" display with nativity scene, more. Event on Dec. 22 from 6 to 9: 30 p.m. involves appearances by Santa and Frosty.

ACTIVITIES

Christmas train at Bear Creek Park: Ride on the train through the Christmas forest display and Santa's Golden Reindeer tunnel exhibit, open to Jan. 1, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices: Adults $6.50 +HST, children $6 +HST, kids under 2 years old $4.50 +HST, babies are free. Info: www.bctrains.com, 604-501-1232. Train station located at 13750 88th Ave., Surrey.

Winter Ice Palace: Cloverdale Arena is transformed into a winter wonderland for public skating sessions from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, at 6090 176 St. Info: 604-502-6410. "Polar North" at North Delta Recreation Centre arena from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4, with igloo, penguins and other features. Public skating sessions run all day, from as early as 10: 30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, with times of 1: 30 to 3 p.m.). Group rentals will be available from Dec. 28 to 30; bookings include room rental for three hours, access to a kitchen for the group and 50 admissions. Call 604-952-3000 for details, or visit delta.ca.

"Holiday Break Skates" at White Rock's Centennial Park arena (14600 North Bluff Rd.) from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6. Admission is $3 for each session, with themes. Also, family "stick and puck" sessions run daily from 11: 30 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m., with family skate times from 12: 30 to 2: 30 p.m. For details, including rules and regulations, call 604-541-2171 or visit whiterockcity.ca.

THEATRE/STAGE

"Pinocchio": Panto production staged by White Rock Players' Club, 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. Info and tickets: 604501-5566, tickets.surrey.ca.

"Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates": Ellie King's latest panto production for Royal Canadian Theatre Company is staged from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6 at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88th Ave., at Bear Creek Park. Tickets range from $14.95 to $23.95, or family pack of four tickets for $68. Info: 604-5015566, tickets.surrey.ca.

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.

FUNDRAISERS

Body Slams for Toys: All Star Wrestling hosts charity show on Dec. 18 at the Elks Hall in White Rock, 7 p.m. start. All donations to Christmas Bureau for White Rock/South Surrey. Info: 604-560-0091.