Maple Ridge is getting ready to officially kick off the holidays with festive fun for all, including holiday lights and décor, a self-guided tour, the 20th annual Santa Claus Parade and more.
 
The fun begins on Saturday, Dec. 2 with the launch of the Candy Cane Self-Guided Tour as part of this year’s Illuminate Maple Ridge event along with the return of the much-loved Winter Fest celebration in downtown Maple Ridge from 4 to 8 p.m. New this year, the six-storey City Hall office tower has been illuminated with festival lights and colour along with the trees in Memorial Peace Park and the iconic red bells in downtown.
 
Candy Cane Self-Guided Tour: Dec. 2 to Jan. 5,
 
Elves will be busy decorating local businesses starting Nov. 24 as part of this year’s Illuminate Maple Ridge festival. Support local businesses decked out for the holidays for a chance to win prizes in the Candy Cane Self-guided Tour.
 
Use the Candy Cane Tour map (available online or in print) to find businesses with an Illuminate Maple Ridge sticker in their window and enchanting storefront and interior displays.
 
For a chance to win prizes, take a picture at a participating business with their storefront decorations and the location clearly visible, then post it on social media using #illuminatemapleridge and @yourmapleridge and tagging the business. The more photos posted, the higher the chance of winning.
View a map and listing of participating businesses and more information at mapleridge.ca/illuminate.
 
LOTS MORE HOLIDAY FUN PLANNED
 
Watch for more holiday magic throughout the month with Winter Fest, the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train and more. 
 
Winter Fest: Dec. 2, 4 to 8 p.m.
 
Bundle up and head to downtown Maple Ridge on Dec. 2 for the free, family-friendly Winter Fest, featuring the Santa Claus Parade, crafts, a traditional Christmas market and other holiday favourites. The annual celebration is once again hosted by Maple Ridge Christmas Festival Society, the ACT Arts Centre and Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
 
 
Here’s what’s in store:
 

• Christmas in the Park – 4-8 p.m., Memorial Peace Park: Featuring a tree lighting, family activities, music, photos with Santa and the Grinch and more. Donations accepted for Friends in Need Food Bank and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.
• Christmas Market – 4-8 p.m., Memorial Peace Park: Local products, crafts and sweet treats.
• To Gather Together – 4-6 p.m., The ACT Art Gallery: A mixed media exhibit featuring 65 artists.
• Holiday Crafts – 4-6 p.m., The ACT Arts Centre: Winter-themed crafts and activities.
• Santa Claus Parade – 6-7:30 p.m., Downtown Maple Ridge: The 20^th annual parade with lights, decorations, Christmas cheer and a special guest. Bring a lawn chair.