Looking for an activity to brighten this year's Christmas season?
Regardless if you are looking for a perfect family friendly activity or a boozy night out, John Lee's sixth annual Christmas Guide has your whole month covered. Broken into three catagories--attractions, events, and shows--the guide is easy to follow and can keep you busy and full of Christmas spirit for the next month and a half.
To get you started we've outlined a few highlights and Vancouver classics to get you going:
Attractions:
Vancouver Christmas Market:
At this Vancouver staple you can enjoy gourmet food, authentic German drinks, festive sweets, and beautiful gifts for the whole family. The offical site promises to 'keep your heart warm and belly full.' The market has over ninety European and local vendor huts offering something for everyone; from family Carousel rides to festive German drinks with a backdrop of live music.
When: November 12th - December 24th
Nov 12 – 25: open 4 pm to 9:30 pm (Fri-Sa open until 10:00 pm)
Nov 26 – Dec 23: open 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Fri-Sa open until 10:00 pm)
Dec 24: open 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: Adults from $17.99: seniors (65+) from $14.99; youth (aged 7 to 17) from $9.99; children 6 and under free. Season pass $35.99
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place
Click here for more details on the market and its attractions.
A Christmas Cocktail Story:
A Christmas Cocktail Story is a festive pop-up which will whisk you back to 1950s with the food, drink, and décor of the iconic middle-American holiday party. Along with modern interpretations of classic seasonal cocktails, guests will be treated to a sampler plate of iconic festive finger foods. The interior of Dalina on Main will be festooned with joyful holiday décor and guests can take snaps galore while they enjoy their cocktail and drink.
When: December 1 to December 23 (from 6:30pm every evening), 2022
Where: Dalina, 687 Main Street
Cost:$36.50 (includes welcome drink, a cocktail and party food)
Click here for more details on this throwback pop-up.
Events:
Candytown:
For one weekend a block of Yaletown transforms in to the ultimate holiday sweet lovers dream. Marketing itself as Vancouver's only free outdoor holiday festival Candytown is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The official site has this to say about the upcoming event:
"Lights and candy canes will adorn lamp poles and costumed characters will parade down the street. Holiday shoppers are welcome to start their seasonal gift buying in Yaletown with hundreds of local merchants as well as a specialty market carrying unique gifts and holiday treats"
When: December 3+4 (noon to 5pm)
Where: Helmcken Plaza and Bill Curtis Square, Yaletown,
Cost: Free!
Click here for all the delicious details.
Santa In The Country:
Glenda's Christmas cottage hosts a festive meet-anf-greet with Santa himself! Stocked with hot chocolate and other snacks, this is a fantastic way to start the holiday season with your family.
When: November 26 (11am to 3pm)
Where: 4557 Mt Lehman Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Free!
Click Here to learn more about the event & its surrounding attractions.
Shows:
Happy (Hectic) Holidays:
Granville Island's renowned Improv Centre has this to say about their 2022 offering:
"In this fun, festive and family-friendly show, you’ll follow our charming lead through the ups and downs of hosting loved ones for the holidays. What could possibly go wrong? Lead by your suggestions, our improvisors are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy (with a case of the giggles!)"
When: Thursday to Saturday from November 17 to December 23 (7:30pm); plus a December 24 matinee (2pm)
Where: The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau Street, Granville Island
Cost: Tickets from $21.50
Click here for more silly details about this side splitting good time.
A Winter's Twist:
A Christmas tale told through the lens of contemporary dance. A modern holiday twist on Romeo and Juliet perfect for the entire family. "This joyful show about being fascinated by love and promises will leave memories in our hearts this holiday season."
When: December 17 (7:30pm) and December 18 (4:30pm)
Where: Blue Shore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Tickets from $25
Click here for the full Christmas Guide with 80+ activites to keep you busy!