Transit Update: New West + Habesha Christmas

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌦️ Weather - A few flurries

 😜 Rain Joke - What did the leaf say to the raindrop? 🍀 

 🗓️ New West Events - A slower start, but plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Heather P.!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Transit Update: New West + Habesha Christmas

 😆 Meme of the Day

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January 08, 2026

☕️ Waves Wednesday at Waves Coffee House – 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

❤️‍🩹 Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program – 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

📝 Resume Clinic with BCNSP – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🎥 Teen Dance Movie at Massey Theatre – 6:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Howe Sound New West Bingpot! Thursday Trivia – 7:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎭️ Comedy Exposed at Flapper Lounge – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

January 09, 2026

📖 Punjabi Storytime (All Ages) – 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Howe Sound New West Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🤝 Referral Networking Night & Dancing at Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Notorious Grey Fox Karaoke Friday Nights – 9:00 PM until Close

January 10, 2026

🍾 Charity Bottle Drop at Royal Towers – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🤸 Taoist Taichi Arts Open House – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

❄️ River Basin Days: Winter Weather Wonders – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎂 Galette des Rois – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🚲️ Youth Cycle Express: $2 Drop-in for Youth Ages 13 - 18 – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🎭️ Burning Mom at Anvil Theatre – 7:30 PM

💃 4th Annual Habesha Christmas Gala by Vanity Events & Gifts – 7:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Saturdays at Kelly O’Bryan’s – 9:00 PM

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

🚍️ More Buses, Less Waiting: Winter Transit Improvements Arrive in New West

New Westminster riders are already benefiting from increased bus service this winter, following TransLink’s latest service expansion across Metro Vancouver.

As part of the winter service changes that took effect earlier this month, New Westminster received more than 8,000 additional bus service hours across nine routes, placing the city among the top five municipalities to see the largest improvements. The added service is aimed at reducing overcrowding, improving reliability, and making everyday travel smoother for residents.

Across the region, TransLink increased service on 37 bus routes, targeting high-demand corridors and areas experiencing frequent pass-ups. For New Westminster commuters, this means shorter wait times, more dependable connections, and better access to jobs, schools, and essential services.

These winter improvements build on service increases introduced last fall and are funded through TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan. With these changes already in place, about one-third of planned bus service expansion has now been delivered, with additional improvements scheduled for April 2026.

Residents are encouraged to review route-specific updates and stay informed as service continues to evolve.

See What’s Changed on Your Bus Line

🎉 4th Annual Habesha Christmas Gala Brings Culture and Celebration to Queen’s Park

The holiday season will shine a little brighter this January as Vanity Events & Gifts hosts the 4th Annual Habesha Christmas Gala at Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park.

Taking place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the gala invites guests to celebrate Christmas in true Habesha style, honouring Eritrean and Ethiopian traditions through music, food, and community connection. Now in its fourth year, the event has become a beloved annual gathering known for its vibrant energy and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Guests can look forward to an evening filled with traditional music, cultural performances, and delicious cuisine, along with opportunities to connect with friends, family, and members of the wider community. Whether you’re deeply familiar with Habesha Christmas traditions or attending for the first time, the gala offers a joyful and immersive cultural experience.

The event is 19+, with free parking available. Tickets are available in advance, and early booking is recommended for this popular celebration.

Get Your Tickets for This Festive Night

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What did the leaf say to the raindrop? 🍀 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 “You’re my favorite splash buddy!” 🌊 

Meme of the Day

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