An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

It was a cold, rainy afternoon when I visited the Burnaby Village Museum but warm Christmas cheer greeted me and made the visit a pleasant winter’s outing.

From the blazing coloured lights to the Victorian Christmas decorations I was quickly transported into the spirit of the Season. Even though the weather wasn’t pleasant enough for the usual carol singers to perform on the street, there were plenty of other activities indoors to amuse and entertain.  I stopped into the little theatre and watched a delightful silent film starring Charlie Chaplin, set in the northwest wintertime.  And at Brookfield Hall, the Footlight Theatre presented two short Victorian era Christmas plays performed by some very talented youngsters.

The Village represents a heritage community along the old B.C. Electric interurban railway line.  A visit to the little heritage shops is always interesting and the docents will eagerly give you some background history. I particularly  enjoy visiting the 1920’s General Store, which for me is somewhat of a trip down memory lane to my early childhood on the Prairies.  Inside, the Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee Chinese herbalist shop, red paper lanterns are strung up for the holiday season.

There are various ongoing events throughout the season including blacksmith demonstrations,  a Twelve Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt, rug hooking demonstrations, children’s crafts  and even a visit from Father Christmas.  When you arrive at the ticket office, they’ll give you the day’s scheduled events and the location of where you can see them.

The 1911 home of bachelor Tom Irvine features the kinds of simple Christmas decorations of the past.  At the Elworth house it’s Christmas eve at the 1922 home of the Bateman family.  It gives you a real sense of stepping back into the past.  In the kitchen the docent was even baking Christmas cookies!   There’s also a replica of a log house decorated to resemble a Gingerbread House, straight out of Hansel and Gretel (no witch inside, though).  Traditional Christmas decorations including a tree decorated with handmade ornaments are displayed in the Jesse Love Farmhouse (circa 1893).

A ride on the vintage C.W. Parker Carousel is a must no matter what age you are.  This is my one of my favourites at the Museum.  The carousel originally operated at the PNE for many years and I remember riding it when I was a youngster.  It was later restored, with each pony or sled carefully painted and repaired by donations from various people or organizations.   Ride on the beautiful prancing horses,  accompanied by the tunes of an original Wurlitzer organ.  Great fun!

There’s also an Ice Cream Parlour where you can refresh yourself with a meal or a hot cup of cocoa and a gift shop where you can buy those last minute trinkets to fill the Christmas stockings.

Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel:  6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby (map)

Burnaby Village Heritage Christmas  runs to January 2, 2011

Times:  December 16 – January 2, 2011 : 12 noon to 8 pm Daily, closed on December 24 and 25.

Tickets:  Adult, $11.70 or $5.86 half-price Tuesdays.  Senior/Person with disability and Youth (13-18 years): $8.81 or $4.41 half-price Tuesdays.  Child (6 – 12 years): $5.86 or $2.93 half-price Tuesdays.  Child (5 and under with a guardian) Free

Carousel Ride:  $1.95 per ride, all ages

Note:  An complimentary admission ticket to the Museum was provided by the Burnaby Village Museum.  The opinions and experiences are those of the author.

Photo credits: W. Ruth Kozak