Monday - December 8 - Greendale's holiday magic

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Good morning!

How’s everyone holding up with all this rain? December in the Valley always keeps us on our toes.

Today we’ve got a feature on Greendale Acres, one of the region’s most charming winter destinations. If you’re looking for a festive outing—or just something to brighten a grey day—this one’s worth a read.

And yes… there are only 23 days left in the year. Sorry—I had to tell you.

– William

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News & Features

Greendale Acres brings new holiday magic to Chilliwack—here’s what it’s like to visit

Greendale Acres has added a huge slate of Christmas activities this year, from train rides through glowing lights to a market full of local makers. We went to see it for ourselves—rain and all—and came away charmed.

Here’s our full dispatch →

Need to Know

🎁 Chilliwack volunteer Jennifer Gore uses vacation days from her child protection job to assemble Christmas hampers for over a thousand Fraser Valley kids, personalizing each gift and often purchasing missing items for teenagers out of her own pocket. [The Province]

🐾 Hope Pet Food Bank is seeking donations of pet food, toys, and cash to help struggling pet owners from Seabird Island First Nation to Boston Bar, offering services including a "spay-it-forward" program to cover spaying and neutering costs. [Hope Standard]

🚨 Abbotsford police launched Project Disengage, an intervention program offering exit strategies for vulnerable people recruited into extortion violence, as the city attempts to address extortion-related crime at its roots. [CBC News]

🪲 Langley City council directed staff to investigate strategies for eradicating invasive chafer beetle grubs after the insects severely damaged grassy areas along city roads, with councillors warning that simply replacing sod won't solve the problem. [Langley Advance Times]

🏛️ Patricia Ross was re-elected as Fraser Valley Regional District board chair for a second term, pledging to tackle challenges through "collaboration, commitment, and creativity" alongside vice-chair Chris Kloot of Chilliwack. [Mission Record]

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SPONSORED BY ARCHWAY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Help Spread Holiday Cheer Across Abbotsford

For over 55 years, the Archway Food Bank Christmas Bureau program has transformed generosity into holiday magic.

Through festive hampers and gifts chosen with care, they bring comfort, joy, and the reassurance that no family is forgotten at Christmas.

Join them in making spirits bright—donate today.

In the Valley

Updated weekly: Your guide to Fraser Valley holiday events

Holiday magic is happening all across the Fraser Valley this season. From tree lighting ceremonies and festive markets to concerts, parades, and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. We've just updated this list with even more events—check out the new additions and keep sending us your community happenings to include!

What’s coming up →

🗓 Things to do

Christmas Tales - Bill Sample & Darlene Cooper: A jazzy Christmas evening on Thursday, December 12 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Bez Arts Hub (20230 64 Avenue, Langley) features jazz pianist Bill Sample, vocalist Darlene Cooper, seasonal stories from Russ and Sandy Rosen, Christmas treats, and carol singing, with tickets at $38.15.

Gingerbread Nights: Decorate a pre-built gingerbread house on Tuesday, December 9 at Sidekick Brewing (45330 Vedder Mountain Road, Chilliwack) for $35, which includes icing, candy, and a 60oz pitcher of beer to share, with the staff-voted favourite winning a $100 gift card announced December 23.

FVBIA Annual Christmas Tea & Silent Auction: A high tea event on Tuesday, December 10 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Cascade Community Church (35190 Delair Road, Abbotsford) features tiny treats, finger sandwiches, and a silent auction for holiday shopping.

Have an event to tell us about? Email [email protected].

Catch up

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