The holiday season is here, and there are celebrations happening all around Vancouver. From returning annual favourites to new festive events, from Christmas markets to live theatre, there are many ways to get holly jolly and spread cheer this year.
Cornucopia
Whistler’s food and drink festival, Cornucopia, is always one of the first events of the season. Cornucopia was originally created to highlight B.C. wineries and Whistler’s world-class dining scene. However, now it celebrates the full spectrum of culinary and beverage artistry. Alongside the fascinating and educational drink seminars and culinary stage demonstrations, my favourite events are the special one-night-only winemakers’ dinners at some of Whistler’s best restaurants.
Polar Plunge
For the outdoorsy and adventurous, Fairmont Waterfront is offering a guided Polar Plunge Experience. Guests are guided by the hotel’s “CEO” (Chill Experience Officer), Jodi Francks. You can truly embrace the chill and savour the winter season surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Journey to the shores of Third Beach for a refreshing and invigorating cold plunge followed by warm towels and tea. Back at the hotel, enjoy a hot toddy. Also, you receive access to the hotel’s Health Club and ARC’s impressive Bottomless Brunch.
The Nutcracker
It’s hard to find a more heartwarming holiday activity than Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker because of the number of children who make up the cast. While some lead roles are danced by professionals, more than 250 dancers from age 6 to 77 work together to tell this Christmas classic. Running from December 18 to 21, this marks the 15th year of Goh’s Nutcracker. “Every year we find new ways to bring imagination to life in this beloved holiday tradition,” says Chan Hon Goh, Executive Producer and General and Artistic Director of Goh Ballet.
Lumière
The Lumière Festival of Light is illuminating Vancouver again this year from November 13 to 16. Founded in 2014, Lumière transforms public spaces through light, art, music, and performance. Presented in partnership with the West End BIA, Downtown Vancouver BIA, and Gastown BIA, Lumière lights up the winter streets of more than just one neighbourhood, sparking imaginations with their glowing works of art.
The Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back at its harbourfront home of Jack Poole Plaza from now to December 24. The city’s longest-running Christmas Market is perhaps known most for its festive food and holiday drinks. Although it also includes dozens of artisans selling their wares from wooden huts, light displays, and a charming carousel. Brand new this year is Santa’s Workshop, where little ones can find St. Nick for storytelling or photos.
Little Women
A trip to the theatre is a holiday tradition for many families, and this year, Arts Club Theatre Company brings to life a Christmas classic: Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. The play follows the lives of the March sisters as they grow from childhood into womanhood. By sharing their joy and grief, from homecomings, weddings, and Christmas celebrations, to illness and even death, audience members will feel a part of the March family for a few transportive hours.
The Gingerbread Men
For a more rocking and raucous theatre event this season, Vancouver’s celebrated singing quartet is back from December 17 to 21 at the Olympic Village Stage. The Gingerbread Men: Yet Another Holiday Cabaret is a spirited cabaret of timeless seasonal favourites sung by Brennan Cuff, Brandyn Eddy, Jeffrey Victor and Jonathan Winsby. They’ll have you tapping your toes and dancing in your seat.
Southlands Nursery
For the first time, Southlands Nursery is hosting a Christmas Market in collaboration with cookbook author, baker, and gardener Rosie Daykin. Southlands is owned by the renowned gardener, florist, and author Thomas Hobbs. On November 29th and November 30th, the historic greenhouse will be filled with a little something for everyone on your list. They’ll have a selection of vintage items, holiday baking, Christmas decor, and handmade jewellery.
Kitsmas
4th Avenue celebrates its own special version of Christmas every year with Kitsmas. As well as sharing stories from beloved neighbourhood shop owners, Kitsmas includes a bunch of fun and festive holiday giveaways, including free parking on Sundays for stress-free shopping. The Kistmas Crew will also be roaming the street on Sundays, spreading cheer and giving away $3,000 worth of gift cards. And, Kitsmas extends online as well with 24 Days of Giveaways on 4th Avenue’s Instagram from December 1st to 24th.
Christmas at the VSO
Everyone loves to watch a good Christmas movie. However, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra offers an enhanced way to watch. Catch your favourite with the soundtrack performed live by talented symphony musicians. This year, you can watch Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz fall in love in The Holiday as the symphony plays the film’s lively Hans Zimmer score. Or, watch Kevin’s antics in Home Alone with its famous John Williams score performed live.
