December is approaching quickly, snow is to be expected as of early next week, and soon holiday season will be in full swing! Now’s the time to begin planning out which festive events you’ll be attending, and I have a list of my favourites to get you on the right track!
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Image courtesy of The Peak of Christmas
The Vancouver Christmas Market is Vancouver’s original German-themed outdoor holiday market. It’s home to dozens of artisan vendors and food stalls selling a wide range of festive products. Located at Jack Poole Plaza beside the Convention Centre, it also features a carousel ride and live entertainment.
If you are looking for an outdoor market with interesting knick-knacks to see while enjoying mulled wine or cider with friends, then this can be a great place to be. I’ll be making my annual visit this weekend and can’t wait for all the festivities!
Dundarave Festival of Lights
Image courtesy of Vancouver Christmas Guide
Get ready for a shimmering multitude of 130 outdoor Christmas trees (aka The Forest of Miracles) on the West Vancouver waterfront, each fully illuminated for the season by local groups, schools and businesses. The largest outdoor tree display in the region, it’s part of the Dundarave Festival of Lights which also includes three successive Saturdays of “Entertainment and Merriment” starting from December 3 with a tree-decorating party and light-up and concluding with a wassail and bonfire night on December 17. Keep in mind that this festival helps raise much-needed funds for local homeless programs and initiatives. The festivities begin as of December 3rd and run through January 7 2023 and entry is free!
Canyon Lights
Image courtesy of Capilano Bridge Suspension Park
Canyon Lights is included in the price of admission. Click here to buy your tickets.
See the Nutcracker
Image courtesy of Goh Ballet’s The Nutrcracker
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is retiring to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for December 15 to 18 and I can not wait to see the show! Dancers will have the opportunity to work in-studio with world renowned choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes and perform to Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet score performed live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Tickets are now on sale! Click here to find out more and purchase your tickets now before they sell out.
I hope you’re as excited as I am for the holiday season, hoping you enjoy some of these activities with your loved ones!