Holiday Season Guide

Let the festivities begin!

'Tis the season for ritual and celebration: winter festivals, parties, family get-togethers, fairs, fundraisers and other holiday festivities. Put some spirit in your step and some groove in your gift-giving by taking advantage of the many seasonal events happening around the Coast in November and December.

Sparkle and Spectacle

At this time of year our desire for light, warmth and tradition is matched only by our passion for spectacle. While your neighbour’s kitschy seasonal lawn display might be entertaining, it’s nice to get a fully festive experience at a public holiday event.

VanDusen Festival of Lights (Photo by Gil Gatchalian/
Tourism Vancouver)

Perhaps the Lower Mainland’s most magical display of light and colour is at the VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. With over 1.4 million lights, dancing light displays every half hour and choir concerts, it’s an incredible experience. Visit Santa’s Living Room to catch Scandinavian Elves, a magician and Santa himself. $11 for adults and various prices for youth, kids, seniors and groups. Dec 5–Jan 4, 2009, 4:30-9pm. Closed December 25. www.vandusengarden.org

Bright Nights in Stanley Park transforms the forest, train and Children’s Farmyard with more than a million twinkling lights. The woodland paths lead to enchanting animated displays complemented by holiday sounds. The train wends its way through the forest past Santa’s workshop and an international village. Visit Santa in his ‘Living Room’ at the Train Station and enjoy choirs and bands in the plaza on special nights. Admission to the plaza is free. Tickets required for Bright Nights Train and Children’s Farmyard: $8 for adults; $5 for children, youth and seniors. Nov 30–Jan 3, 2009.

The Carol Ships Parade of Lights features more than 80 Vancouver boats decorated with twinkling lights in a floating parade around the waterfront in Coal Harbour, accompanied by live or pre-recorded Christmas carols. Take a ride or just watch them pass.
Dec 1-23. 604.878.8999, www.carolships.org

Another seasonal waterfront wonder is Christmas at Canada Place. This time-honoured tradition helps to raise funds for a local charity, this year helping to feed children on the Downtown Eastside. Stroll amongst giant Gingerbread Men, a 47-foot high Christmas tree, animated Woodward’s Window characters, Dickens carollers, daily musical entertainment, a miniature train, an animated Christmas village and of course, Santa Claus. Admission is by donation. Dec 6–Jan 3, 2009, 11am-8pm daily. www.canadaplace.ca/christmas

Santa visits Vancouver on Dec 7, 1pm
(Photo by Greg Descantes)

The Fifth Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade showcases more than 60 festive floats, marching bands and community groups in the streets of downtown Vancouver, attracting more than 300,000 spectators. New this year is “Christmas Square” in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery—a winter wonderland hosting pre-parade entertainment including Christmas choirs, stage shows and a variety of family activities to get everyone in the spirit. Remember to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Dec 7, 1pm. Route: Georgia to Bute to Howe to Nelson.

On Vancouver’s North Shore, Canyon Lights brings a festive sparkle to the forest and parkland around Capilano Suspension Bridge with thousands of twinkling lights and carollers dressed in historical winter costumes performing every evening. Glass blower Malcolm Macfadyen will add extra twinkle, teaching guests how to blow glass icicle ornaments. Dec 6–Jan 3, 2009 from 5-9pm daily. www.capbridge.com

Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain

Snow, skating, sleigh rides and song! A general admission ticket gets you to the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain where a range of holiday happenings are on offer, from wandering reindeer and carollers to Santa’s workshop to skating on an 8000-sq.-ft. mountaintop pond. Nov 29–Dec 24. www.grousemountain.com

Watch or join the progression of handmade lanterns at Vancouver’s Winter Solstice Lantern Festival in late December. The parade starts from either Science World or Strathcona Community Centre at 6pm and makes its way over to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden. Admission is by donation. For date and information see www.secretlantern.org.

In December, the historic fishing village of Steveston lights up with family-friendly events including the Steveston Spectacle of Lights on December 5, which includes a procession of carollers headed for a tree-lighting ceremony at Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Ho, ho, land ho! The following day Santa arrives by Zodiac at the Fisherman’s Wharf. There are hayrides on December 12 and 13 and the Christmas Parade on December 21. www.steveston.bc.ca

Over on Vancouver Island, the Island Farms Santa Light Parade takes to the streets of Victoria on November 22. Be dazzled by the coloured lights illuminating over 50 entries in this wonderful evening holiday spectacle. Bring some non-perishable food items for donation to the local Mustard Seed Food Bank. Route: Legislative Buildings to Government Street to Discovery.

Butchart Gardens Gardenglow
(Photo by Jill Unwin/ Tourism Victoria)

Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens in Saanich is a visual and aural treat. Enjoy tens of thousands of lights, festive decorations, Twelve Days of Christmas displays, evening entertainment and ice skating on the 3,300-sq.-ft. outdoor rink. Dec 1–Jan 6, 2009. www.butchartgardens.com

Get seasonally spooked. Lead by local historian John Adams and his expert guides, the Ghosts of Christmas Walking Tours have become a seasonal favourite in Victoria. Choose from The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas in Old Victoria or Chinatown Walks. Adults $12; Students/Seniors $10. December 6, 13, 20, 27, 7:30pm, www.discoverthepast.com/Christmas

They don’t call Ladysmith, BC the “Light Up Capital of Vancouver Island” for nothing. The Ladysmith Festival of Lights sparks up on November 27, transforming downtown into a fairyland of over 200,000 twinkling lights. The evening promises entertainment, concessions, a visit from Santa, the Kinsmen Parade and a huge fireworks display. Nov 27–Jan 13.

Fairmont Empress Hotel's
Festival of Trees, Victoria
(Photo by Deddeda Stemler/
Tourism Victoria)

Every year, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria ~ 721 Government St. ~ becomes a wondrous forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital. The 17th Annual Festival of Trees promises to be as spectacular as ever. As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees—their creations ranging from wacky to wonderful. The trees are displayed throughout The Empress over the holiday season, beginning with the kickoff decorating gala on November 18. Until Jan 5, 2009.

Another darling spectacle is Bear Wear 2008, the signature fundraising event of the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children. The 50 best-dressed teddy bears in Victoria will be on display at the elegant Hotel Grand Pacific ~ 463 Belleville Street ~ throughout the holiday season and are available for purchase by silent auction. Bears are dressed and donated by local businesses and include many valuable extras like restaurant and activity packages, celebrity memorabilia, toys, recreational equipment and original art. Nov 24–Dec 17.

Gifts Galore

If the search for that perfect and unique gift seems like mission impossible and the thought of the holiday shopping rush at the mall gives you hives, you need a change of scene. Put the fun and originality back into holiday shopping by attending a local craft fair, market or gift show.

Work by Circle Craft Christmas
Market artists – Raplapla Mathilde

The 35th annual Circle Craft Christmas Market takes place under the sails of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre ~ 999 Canada Place Way. Gorgeous handcrafted work by over 260 Canadian artisans includes fine jewellery, designer clothing and accessories, home décor items, jams and chocolates, soaps and candles, toys and other unique items for children, and much more. Enjoy free glassblowing demonstrations by some of Canada’s top glass artists and daily entertainment ranging from ballet to piano ensembles. Admission: Adults $12; Students/Seniors: $8; children under 12: free. Nov 11-16. www.circlecraft.net

Creations by One of a Kind Christmas
Show and Sale Vancouver artisans:
Bettina Wong

A hit in Toronto for 33 years, the One of a Kind Show and Sale debuts in Vancouver this year at BC Place Stadium. Featuring more than 150 artists, artisans and designers from across North America, this event is not just about shopping; it’s about meeting the artists and learning about the story behind their creations. Be sure to visit all of the “Neighbourhoods” including: One of a Kind Flavours—delectable treats, gourmet preserves and savoury edibles; One of a Kind Fashion District—hot fashions and prêt à porter style shows daily; One of a Kind Rising Stars—the best of new Canadian talent, and One of a Kind Green—shop local and with a conscience. Nov 20-23. www.oneofakindvancouver.com

Vancouver’s elegant Heritage Hall ~ 3102 Main St ~ hosts two events that inspire great gift ideas. Women’s Winter Faire (Nov 29 & 30/ Dec 20 & 21) celebrates women’s creativity with unique quality crafts and artwork. People will be asking ‘Where did you get that?’ when they see what you found at the popular 12th Annual Christmas Craft Fair (Dec 6 & 7). Your $2 entry donation will fund a special purchase or project at Heritage Hall. www.heritagehall.bc.ca

Tradition, beauty, and great gifts and decorating ideas can be found at the 36th Annual Christmas at Hycroft ~ 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver. This annual fundraiser event for the University Women’s Club of Vancouver happens at Hycroft—a magnificent Edwardian mansion located in Shaughnessy. On the main floor, you will find The Christmas Shoppe and rooms exquisitely decorated by various local companies including The Natural Gardener, Divano, and the Flower Factory. The second floor Charity and Educational Boutiques will feature gifts from around the world presented by The Vancouver Aquarium, UNICEF, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Ten Thousand Villages, and more. There will be music in the Drawing Room, the Artisan Village in the Ballroom, and homemade culinary delights from pastries to soups in the Coach House. Deposit your entrance ticket for the opportunity to win a raffle prize or a “Mansion for a Day”. Nov 27-30. www.uwcvancouver.ca/christmas

Get inspired at the Magical Christmas Gift Show in Victoria. With all the overhead lights turned off inside Pearkes Recreation Centre ~ 3100 Tillicum Road ~ lighting comes from the glow of spotlights in the booths and all of the sparkling Christmas decor throughout the hall, making for an enchanting shopping experience. Vote on the best-dressed Christmas tree and win prizes from the Show Prize Wheel. Admission: Adults $3/$4 (show pass); Children under 12: free. Dec 5-7. 250.472.6410, info@atrshows.com

A community tradition in Victoria since the mid-70s, Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Fair at James Bay Community School Centre ~ 140 Oswego St. ~ features over 50 juried artisans presenting their finest seasonal offerings—from traditional and avant-garde knitting to unique pottery pieces to contemporary textile art. Tempt your taste buds with baked goods, tourtière, local honey and traditional and non-traditional Christmas cake. Dec 6, 10am - 4pm.

A little further north, you’ll find the Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair in Beban Park, Nanaimo ~ 2300 Bowen Road ~ which not only packs in some of BC’s finest artisans but also offers refreshments, hourly door prizes and a Grand Prize. Nov 7-9.

Showtime!

Certain holiday performances have enduring charm. Check out these stellar shows and concerts, from classic to contemporary.

Todd Talbot and Jennifer Lines
in It's a Wonderful Life
(Photo by David Cooper)

While watching Frank Capra’s film version of It’s a Wonderful Life on TV or DVD is lovely, there’s nothing quite like experiencing this holiday heartwarmer in person. Head to Vancouver’s Granville Island Stage to catch this unforgettable tale about George Bailey whose guardian angel swoops in to remind him that faith, hope and family make life truly wonderful. Nov 20–Jan 3, 2009.

The Vancouver Chamber Choir presents Handel’s Messiah at The Orpheum ~ Smithe at Seymour ~ with the Vancouver Cantata Singers, the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, soprano Shannon Mercer, countertenor Robin Blaze, tenor Frédéric Antoun, and Joshua Hopkins on bass. Dec 12 & 13. Tickets: 604.280.3311.

Moscow Ballet performs Nutcracker
(Photo by David Cooper)

The world-renowned Moscow Ballet performs the classic fairy tale ballet Nutcracker at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre ~ Hamilton at Dunsmuir. With its all-Russian cast, choreography by Artistic Director Anatoli Emelianov and spectacular scenic design by Valentin Fedorov, it’s a must-see. Dec 28-30, 7:30pm/ Dec 29-31, 1:30pm Tickets: 604.732.5003 ext. 207.

The pairing of the Vancouver Island Symphony with the harmonious voices of the British Columbia Boys Choir at Evergreen Christmas—an evening filled with favourite Christmas carols at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo—promises to be nothing less than heavenly. Dec 19 & 20, 7:30pm.