Things to do in Metro Vancouver on the last weekend before Christmas

The CPKC Holiday Train is seen in this promotional image from the company's website. (cpkcr.com)

It’s the last weekend before Christmas. Whether you’re scrambling to finish holiday preparations or just looking to soak in the festive spirit, here are some events and activities you may want to check out.

CPKC Holiday Train

The CPKC Holiday Train makes its annual return to Metro Vancouver this weekend, collecting food and monetary donations in support of local food banks.

Barenaked Ladies will be performing four free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage, with stops scheduled for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on Friday and Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam on Saturday.

More information can be found on the CPKC website.

Last weekend for 2 big Christmas markets

The Vancouver Christmas Market in Jack Poole Plaza and the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District are each open through Dec. 24, when they will close for the season.

That means Saturday and Sunday are the last two weekend dates to stop by for mulled wine, seasonal treats and holiday cheer.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

The Shipyards Christmas Market is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Dec. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

For the 32nd year, the Secret Lantern Society is celebrating the winter solstice with light processions, music and drumming.

The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival will take place Sunday at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Yaletown and at various locations on the south side of False Creek, with processions from Leg-in-Boot Square and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre meeting in the middle on Granville Island.

The processions begin at 6 p.m. A full schedule of events and activities can be found on the society’s website.

VSO presents: Elf in concert

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be screening the modern classic holiday film Elf and playing the score live in two performances this weekend at the Orpheum Theatre.

The shows start at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and run 120 minutes with an intermission. Ticket information can be found on the VSO website.

Christmas with Chor Leoni

Chor Leoni’s annual Christmas concerts gets underway Thursday at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church on Nelson Street in Vancouver.

The choir has a total of six performances scheduled this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, featuring “traditional songs in bright new arrangements, world premieres and familiar musical guests” evoking “all the mystery, wonder and sparkling joy of the season,” according to organizers.

Schedule and ticket information can be found on the Chor Leoni website.

Goh Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Also opening Thursday is Goh Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Brought to life with “innovative artistry and classical grandeur” by more than 200 performers ages six to 77, the beloved Christmas ballet will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the show’s website for ticket information.

For the sports fans

The Vancouver Canucks are out of town this weekend, but their Abbotsford farm team is in action Friday and Saturday against the Tucson Roadrunners.

The Vancouver Giants will take on the Victoria Royals in Langley on Friday, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes are hosting the Montreal Victoire at the Pacific Coliseum on Saturday.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren