Thinking about Christmas in July?
The , which the PNE hails as "the most unique winter celebration in B.C.," is returning for a second holiday season, featuring a twinkling walk-through light display, an ice rink with ice bumper cars, a meet-and-greet with Santa, an ice skating performance of the Nutcracker, and more.
The festive winter event will run on December 8, 9, and Dec. 14 through Dec. 23 in the evenings from 4 to 10 p.m.
Christmas trees and holiday lights will deck the festival grounds, from a mini forest of ornamented evergreen trees at the Festival of Living Trees to an enchanted land of glowing lights where visitors can trek through Candy Cane Lane and the Polar North.
Visitors can hop aboard the PNE Express Train which will chug through the carnival, passing through light tunnels that mimic the Northern Lights along the way. Electric robots and mesmerizing acrobats will be roaming the fair too.
For those craving a taste of the holiday season, there will be a food festival with traditional favourites like roasted turkey, seasonal beverages like mulled wine and spiced cider, and Fair classics like mini donuts and hot dogs.
Indoors, folks wanting to have some icy fun can skate on an frozen pond at the Agrodome or take a bumper car out for a slippery spin. Skate rentals and ice bumper cars cost $7.
For figure skating fans, an on-ice rendition of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker will be performed by world-class figure skaters at the Pacific Coliseum.
There will also be a holiday musical starring Skitter the Mouse who runs into Rudy the Polar Bear, Tinsel the Christmas Tree, the Rocking Reindeer, and Mrs. Claus on his journey to find his very own special Christmas wish.
Visitors can embark on their own journey to meet Santa Claus, but will have to solve puzzles, crack riddles, and overcome fun challenges in order to find him.
Folks can take a break from the fun at the cozy Winter Chalet, where live holiday music will fill the air, including classic carols and modern tunes, or catch up on some Christmas shopping at the festive holiday market inside the Pacific Coliseum featuring unique B.C. craft vendors and artisans.
Tickets can be purchased online or on-site. Adult tickets cost $25 online, $30 on-site, and $23 for a group. Youth tickets cost $19 online, $22 on-site, and $17 for a group.
