It just wouldn't be Christmas in Ladner without a myriad of festive events to kick off the holiday season.
Things get started at 7 p.m. on Friday with the Ladner Business Association's annual tree lighting in Ladner Village. The festivities include Christmas carols with the Ladner Gospel Assembly choir and the tree lighting at 7: 25 p.m.
Following the illumination of the tree, the annual children's parade will fill the streets of Ladner Village with holiday cheer.
Starting at about 7: 30 p.m., the procession of local youngsters will make its way along 48th Avenue (from Elliott to Delta streets) and then along Delta Street to Chisholm Street.
Children of all ages are welcome to participate by decorating their bikes, strollers, wagons or any other non-motorized vehicle. Anyone wishing to be in the parade this year is asked to meet in front of Pets-N-Us at 5076-48th Ave. at 7: 15 p.m.
The parade will lead the way to Ladner Harbour where the carol ships will arrive at the government wharf at the foot of Elliott Street at about 7: 45 p.m.
The procession, which has been a local Christmas tradition for more than 40 years, will make its way along the river to the harbour starting from Westham Island Bridge.
Delta Museum is also getting into the spirit with a special holiday event on Friday evening. The community is invited to A Victorian Christmas from 6: 15 to 8: 30 p.m. that will feature festive holiday displays, story-telling and crafts.
The holiday festivities continue on Saturday morning when the LBA hosts its annual Breakfast with Santa at the Ladner Community Centre from 8 to 11 a.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in style in a police cruiser with lights flashing and sirens blaring. There will be face painting, clowns and other entertainment for the kids while they wait for their visit and photo with Santa.
A pancake breakfast costs $4 and pancakes with ham costs $5.
The carol ships will return to the wharf on Saturday at 7: 30 p.m.
