2024 Events & Activities
Please note, we have largely shifted our educational offerings to being online and will continue creating videos for our Instagram, TikTok and/or Facebook pages. This option allows more folks from a wider area to view the content and re-watch them if they’d like to see them again. Where we can, however, we’ll keep hosting fun and informative events in-store, so please check here throughout the year for details! Thank you!
In-Store Events
Chilliwack SPCA Pet Photos with Santa
November 23, 10am-3pm
This popular tradition is back! Photos are by donation (minimum requested donation is $20 please, tax receipts will be issued) and all proceeds go directly to the Chilliwack SPCA. Photos will be sent digitally after the event so that you can use them in many ways for the holidays!
Pet food donations are respectfully declined, but new pet toys are much appreciated. Please ensure all pets arrive attached to their owners (short, fixed length leashes only please) and a ‘Pet Potty’ area will be designated near the parking area for those needing a pit stop first. Thank you!
Festive Photo Ops
Until December 24, During Store Hours
Looking for a great backdrop for a family photo or quick post? We’ve made it a tradition to hang several professional quality photo ops in our Seasonal Plant area so that you can do just that! ‘The Enchanted Tree’, ‘Birch Forest’, ‘Bright Nights’ and ‘Santa’s Seat’ are placed now and ready for your close up!
Our ‘Snowville’ Miniature Village and Miniature Train Displays are also on during store hours Nov. 23- Dec. 24. Thanks to our team members and to Brent S. and Larry S. for putting them together beautifully!
Meet Gord Yakimow, Author of ‘The Grod Family’s Christmas Lights’
November 30 & December 1, 12-2pm
Gord Yakimow (whom many of us remember from his teaching years in Chilliwack!) has written a delightful Christmas story about the Grod Family, and he’s bringing his books in for purchase and for signing this weekend! Gord first wrote this story for his three children for Christmas 1992. It has been read at every family Christmas Eve gathering since then (now involving grandchildren) … for 30 years. Encouraged by his now-adult children, he has made the story into a charmingly illustrated book. Come and meet Gord, and consider purchasing this truly local story as a gift to your family too!
Chilliwack Academy of Music Christmas Choir
November 30, 1-1:30pm
The Chilliwack Academy of Music has a Christmas Choir – ‘Christmas Notes’ – will be touring our community spreading holiday cheer during the month of December, and on November 30, they will be here! Visit them near the flocked Christmas trees, but they may be strolling through as well, so follow the music when you hear it!
Minter Winter Bucket List
December 1-23, During Store Hours (Winner Drawn Dec. 24)
To help you get an extra dose of merry mojo this season we’ve come up with our very own holiday Bucket List! From Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, we invite you to come in and make some memories doing fun, friendly, crafty and wacky things.
Care to make it interesting?! Participate in at least 10 activities (and check them off!) and enter your sheet into our ballot box by 5pm Dec. 23, and you’ll be entered to win a $200 gift card to the store! Full details will be posted on the forms, and the winner will be chosen at random on December 24.
Penguin Snowball Fight
December 7-23, During Store Hours
It was a hit (pun intended) last year, so it’s back again this December! Pick up a snowball and try to knock the ball away from the penguin, it’s as simple and fun as that!
Chilliwack Hospice ‘Celebrate a Life’ Tree
December 7-23, times to be confirmed
Remember loved ones who have passed and support the Chilliwack Hospice Society by hanging a butterfly on their tree of celebration. By donation.
Chilliwack Harmony Chorus
December 7, 1-1:45pm
Listen to carols sung by a choir! Members of the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus will be singing popular holiday songs in the Seasonal Plant area… a great way to get in the holiday spirit!
Live Musical Entertainment with Jeff Bowman
December 8, 11:30am-3pm
Listen to holiday tunes and popular seasonal songs sung by local singer and guitarist Jeff Bowman, who is also a Jones Boy who plays regularly at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa!
Cascadia Wind Ensemble
December 14, 2-3:30pm
We’re thrilled to welcome members of the Cascadia Wind Ensemble back to the garden center this season! The band will be playing holiday tunes and classic favourites this afternoon so come on down and have a listen! There is no charge to attend but please dress warmly as the performance will take place in our Seasonal Plant area.
Live Musical Entertainment with Brittany Sovereign
December 15, 11am-2pm
Brittany is an incredibly talented local performer and member of ‘The Maybelles’ and we’re thrilled that she is returning this season! She will be singing holiday classics and playing her guitar too, and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
December 14-24, During Store Hours
Pick up a ‘Holiday Hunting Form’ near the Floral Department, search high and low for the items and, when you’re done, show your sheet to one of our cashiering team members to receive a goodie bag prize! There is no charge to participate. Please note, all items will be located under cover (no clues are outside).
Christmas Crafts & Reindeer Games: December 20-24, During Store Hours
Once the little ones are out of school we will have additional activities to take part in from Dec. 20-24, including our ‘Choose your own adventure’ Crafting Tables and Reindeer Games like ‘Five Golden Ring Pong’, ‘Wreath Toss’ and ‘Fruitcake Hockey Shoot’. These are perfect family and friend games to play… enjoy! 🙂
Live Musical Entertainment with Jeff Bowman
December 21 & 22, 11:30am-3pm
Listen to holiday tunes and popular seasonal songs sung by local singer and guitarist Jeff Bowman, who is also a Jones Boy who plays regularly at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa!
Raptor’s Ridge Brids of Prey
December 21 & 22, 11am-3pm
Owls and raptors live in our area but are hard to ever see up close, so this is your chance! Come and see the mysterious and majestic creatures from Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey, talk with their humans to learn more about them (bring your questions!), take photos and appreciate just how wonderful they are.
Coming Soon…
Pruning and Garden Knowledge Sessions are in the works!
We are currently finalizing details on a number of educational sessions for the new year, so please check back regularly as we will post events once they are confirmed. Pruning sessions are planned for Jan. 18, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, but again, please check back for date and time confirmations. Celestial Planting with Natalie Forstbauer is confirmed for 10am Feb. 22!
Private Functions
Looking for fresh ideas for you corporate get-together, team building activity or ‘Girls Night Out’? During select times of year (outside of our peak seasons) we host private planting parties, group-specific seasonal events and we’re open to your ideas too! Our 18-acre property is also an ideal setting for filming and photo shoots. For more information, please contact us!