» New & Coming Soon - Holidays 2004
Where can you get the best view of the city? What's coming up in the underground arts scene? What festivals are running next month? If you're looking for an insider's perspective on what's going on in Vancouver, and need a good hook for a story, we've got the scoop.
Get a detailed schedule of what's happening in Vancouver. View Plans for future accommodation in Greater Vancouver.
HOLIDAY SEASON IN VANCOUVER
Always an exciting place to be, Vancouver becomes even more alive during the holiday season. From the tops of our local mountains to the bottom of your decadent desserts, you're guaranteed to be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive scents, inviting flavours and the sound of carols.
12 DAYS OF VANCOUVER
12 Granville Island vendors (www.granvilleisland.com)
11 Eggnog lattes
10 Kilometres of seawall
9 Robson Street Christmas shoppers
8 Festive ways to serve wild salmon
7 Treetop bridges (www.capbridge.com)
6 French manicures
5 Olympic rings (www.winter2010.com)
4 False Creek ferries (www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca)
3 North Shore mountains
2 Grizzlies on Grouse (www.grousemountain.com)
1 Spectacular holiday in the city
THE "BACHELOR PACKAGE" - A PERFECT GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE...
Fans of ABC's hit show "The Bachelor" can get their own slice of reality at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where Bachelor Byron courted one lovely bachelorette during the November 3 episode. This romance package includes a one-night stay in a courtyard suite, sparkling wine, chocolate dipped strawberries and a final rose in room upon arrival. Also included is a catered in-suite dinner, breakfast in bed and complimentary valet parking. This package is priced from $820 CAD (approx. $631 USD) and is bookable at www.tourismvancouver.com.
Info: 604.682.2222
www.fairmont.com
VANCOUVER'S FIRST SANTA CLAUS PARADE SET TO ROLL
November 21, 11:00am
Santa Claus will make an early stop in Vancouver when the Rogers Santa Claus Parade marches down Georgia Street in the centre of downtown for the first time on Sunday, November 21. The 70-minute parade, with "The Spirit of Giving" as its theme, is scheduled to start at 11:00am. It is expected to attract some 50 different bands, floats and community groups, and an audience of over 100,000. Grab a warm coat, a hot chocolate, and bring your family to this free and festive celebration.
Info: 604.646.3573
www.rogers.com/santaparade
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO... BREAKFAST
November 21
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is joining the inaugural Rogers Santa Claus Parade by staging "Breakfast with Santa," a holiday feast for the entire family. On the morning of Sunday, November 21, Santa will make a special guest appearance at breakfast before taking his place atop the final float. Cost is $25 CAD per adult (approx. $18.50 USD) and $12.50 CAD for children 5 - 11 (approx. $9.25 USD); children five and under eat free.
Info: 604.647.0520
www.fairmont.com
CAROL SHIPS PARADE OF LIGHTS
December 1 - 23
This annual Christmas tradition began over 43 years ago with one boat decorated with Christmas lights in Coal Harbour. On peak evenings, this holiday tradition has grown to more than 80 decorated boats gliding through False Creek, over 150,000 twinkling lights and more than 45,000 singing voices. Hop aboard a boat charter - or even the little ferries in False Creek - to watch the show. The events are free on shore while boat cruise reservations range from $20 - $60 CAD (approx. $15 - $45 USD).
Info: 604.878.8999
www.carolships.org
CAROL SHIPS DINNER CRUISES
What better way to get in the Christmas mood than aboard one of the carol ships during the Parade of Lights? Add a delicious buffet dinner and a glass of wine or cider, and you've got a recipe that even Scrooge couldn't refuse. Try one of the following companies that offer a cruise, dinner and entertainment.
www.boatcruises.com
www.accentcruises.ca
www.vancouvercharters.com
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT ADDS SPARKLE
December 10 - 31, 5:00pm - 9:30pm Closed Christmas Day
The central acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden are transformed into a holiday magic wonderland. The festival delights young and old alike with seasonal displays and close to a million twinkling lights wrapped around trees and trellises. Over at the garden's Shaughnessy Restaurant, Chef Bill Grimshaw is offering a three-course table d'hôte menu priced at only $32 CAD per person (approx. $24 USD) from 5:00pm - 6:00pm December 10 - 30 (excluding Christmas Day). Admission to the festival is $6.70 CAD for adults (approx. $5 USD) and $3.30 CAD for children (approx. $2.50 USD).
Info: 604.878.9274
www.vandusengarden.org
BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK
December 3 - January 2, 3:00pm - 10:00pm Closed Christmas Day
Nights of magic and illumination await visitors in the middle of Stanley Park. The Stanley Park holiday train has been a Christmas tradition for over 20 years with more than 750,000 twinkling lights transforming the forest, train and children's farmyard. The train winds its way through the forest while the aroma of hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts brings back childhood memories. Admission to the plaza is free. Tickets are required to ride the train and visit the farmyard - $7 CAD for adults (approx. $5 USD) and $4 CAD for children (approx. $3 USD).
Info Line: 604.257.8531
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TROLLEY TOUR
December 11 and 12, December 16 - 24
Looking for a way to combine karaoke, Christmas tunes and spectacular holiday lights? Well grab the mic and lead the chorus as Vancouver Trolley offers a unique holiday journey. The evening begins at Canada Place and heads through the streets of Vancouver to the 'Festival of Lights' at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The second stop is at Stanley Park for 'Bright Nights in Stanley Park'. It's enough holiday cheer to last you all the way to spring, and you don't want to miss it! Cost is $25 CAD for adults (approx. $19 USD) and $20 for children (approx. $15 USD).
Info: 604.801.5515
www.vancouvertrolley.com
YULETIDE TRADITIONS ON GRANVILLE ISLAND
December 3 - 31
Capture the wonder and enchantment of the holidays on Granville Island. Every Friday in December, climb aboard a horse-drawn trolley for a ride around the island. All of the Christmas festivities kick off on Friday, December 3 with 'Yuletide Traditions on Granville Island' - when 15,000 lights will be switched on. Enjoy trolley rides, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts along with a visit from Santa.
Info: 604.666.5784
www.granvilleisland.com
THE PEAK OF CHRISTMAS
November 26 - December 31
What better way to enjoy a 'White Christmas' than 3,700 feet up in the mountain air? During the month of December, Grouse Mountain comes alive with a multitude of festivities. Visitors can take sleigh rides through the forest, catch a Christmas classic at the "Theatre in the Sky", pay a visit to Santa or listen to carols in the chalet. You can also lace up skates - bring your own or rent them there - and go for a glide on their 8,000 square-foot ice skating pond - the only one of its kind on the West Coast. Warm up afterwards with some hot chocolate in Altitudes Bistro. Admission to Grouse is $26.95 CAD for adults (approx. $20 USD) and $9.95 CAD for children (approx. $7.50 USD).
Info: 604.984.0661
www.grousemountain.com
CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE
December 12 - 23
Christmas at Canada Place is a Vancouver tradition. Share in the wonder of the season with a stroll along the 'Avenue of Trees', a visit to the holiday window displays (with more than 200 animated characters) and a ride on the miniature train that chugs alongside the displays. This event has raised more than $400,000 for local charities over the years. Admission is by donation in support of children's charities.
Info: 604.775.7200
www.christmasatcanadaplace.com
DECK SOME REALLY TALL HALLS
December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, and 18 & 19, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Beginning December 4, elves will be on-site at The Lookout! in Vancouver telling stories, doing crafts and playing games. The Lookout! also has a winter exhibit: 'Reflections: A Look at Vancouver Winters Past', from November 23 through January 4. 'Reflections' takes a closer look at winter traditions like the Carol Ship Parade, early days of skiing on Grouse Mountain, and the Polar Bear Swim. Admission is $10 CAD for adults (approx. $7.50 USD) and $7 CAD for children (approx. $5 USD).
Info: 604.689.0421
www.vancouverlookout.com
SANTA VS. THE SNOWMAN
The IMAX plays host to Santa vs. The Snowman again this year! A lonely Snowman who is at first swept away by the magical wonders of Santa's Village, ultimately wages war because he's jealous of all the attention Santa gets during Christmas. An epic-scale polar war develops, and this amusing battle uses hot chocolate squirt guns, giant Igloo Robot Walkers and a 50-foot tall toy soldier manned by Santa himself. Ticket price is $11 CAD for adults (approx. $8 USD) and $9 CAD for children (approx. $6.50 USD).
Info: 604.682.IMAX
www.imax.com/vancouver
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT MAPLEWOOD FARM
December 11 and 12
Songs of the season spill out of the doors of the livestock barn, while farm animals watch from their stalls and farm visitors sing along from straw seating. The farm is decorated in the spirit of Christmas, with carols and performances beginning at 10:30am and continuing throughout the day. Admission is $5 CAD for adults (approx. $3.50 USD) and $4.40 for children (approx. $3 USD).
Info: 604.929.5610
www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
12 DAYS OF FREE CHRISTMAS FUN
December 21 - January 2, 10:00am - 5:00pm
For the fourth year, admission to the Vancouver Maritime Museum is free for children under 18 years for twelve days. There will be plenty to see and do with fun activities for kids, giveaways and family craft activities (1:00pm - 4:00pm each day).
Info: 604.734.8914
www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
NUTCRACKER BALLET
December 17, 18, 19, Matinees December 18 and 19
Clara is given a magical nutcracker by her godfather Drosselmeier. She falls asleep and dreams that her nutcracker is transformed into a handsome young prince ready to battle the fierce Mouse King. Don't miss this holiday classic performed by Ballet British Columbia and the Alberta Ballet at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
www.balletbc.com
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS AT BURNABY VILLAGE
November 20 - January 2, 12noon - 5:30pm Closed December 24 and 25
Experience a traditional Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. The village (circa 1925) is decorated with lights and traditional ornaments. Visit with Father Christmas and tour the historical buildings. Visitors can also enjoy crafts for kids, schoolhouse story time, Christmas baking, and carolers. Admission is $8 CAD for adults (approx. $6 USD) and $4.85 for children (approx. $3.50 USD).
Info: 604.293.6500
www.burnabyparksrec.org
CHRISTMAS CULINARY TRAIN
This December, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations invites you to experience a winter wonderland in luxury, onboard a two-day train journey through the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy outstanding regional cuisine, award winning BC wines and postcard-perfect winter scenery outside your window. On board, award-winning Executive Chef Mark Jorundson presents his passengers with a menu featuring regional cuisine. A special holiday menu features sugar pumpkin soup, maple glazed duck breast, oven roasted Fraser Valley turkey breast and warm sticky date pudding. Prices start at $529 CAD per adult (approx. $390 USD) and $249 CAD per child (approx. $185 USD) with four December departures.
Info: 604.606.7245
www.rockymountaineer.com
TASTY HOLIDAY MOMENTS...
Restaurants around town are gearing up for the season, and tasty scents are spilling out onto the streets from restaurants buzzing with happy shoppers, Christmas tunes and holiday cheer! Stop in at one of Vancouver's many eateries for a simple hot spiced drink or an elaborate Christmas feast. Here are a few suggestions of restaurants spreading holiday cheer the season.
Tea Time at Bacchus Restaurant
After spending a day in the hustle and bustle of Robson Street, stop by the Wedgewood Hotel's Bacchus Restaurant for traditional afternoon tea by the fire. The Wedgewood's indulgent atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy a variety of infused loose-leaf teas, decadent pastries, delicate finger sandwiches and homemade scones. Tea is served Saturdays and Sundays, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and costs $25 CAD per person, excluding tax and gratuity (approx. $18.50 USD).
Info: 604.689.7777
www.wedgewoodhotel.com
Diva Turkey To-Go
Diva at the Met (in the Metropolitan Hotel) is offering up a 'home-made' holiday turkey dinner (a brined and spiced Fraser Valley turkey) with all the trimmings. With creamy apple and celeriac salad, chestnut-nutmeg velouté, Vidalia onion and fresh sage dressing, tangelo-scented cranberry sauce, truffled Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and lots more, who's going to know you didn't cook? Cost is $325 CAD (approx. $250 USD) and feeds 10 - 12 people.
Info: 604.602.7788
www.metropolitan.com/diva
Christmas Dinner at The Sutton Place Hotel
December 25, 5:30pm - 10:00pm
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy Christmas dinner with your family, look no further than the Sutton Place Hotel's Fleuri Restaurant. For just $72 CAD per adult (approx. $53 USD) and $35 CAD per child (approx. $26 USD), you can enjoy a five-course festive dinner while listening to live piano music. Mains include sablefish, beef tenderloin or traditional roast turkey. Top it all off with ginger blueberry soufflé, and you've got a good recipe for holiday merriment.
Info: 604.642.2900
www.vancouver.suttonplace.com
Raincity Grill Open for Holiday Lunch
December 13 - 24, 12:00noon - 3:00pm
Come one, come all and celebrate the upcoming holiday season with Raincity Grill. Raincity will open its doors for lunch during December, so take a break from the holiday madness and grab a seat in the restaurant's cozy dining room with a glass of wine and "totally local" seasonal dishes.
Info: 604.685.7337
www.raincitygrill.com
Carols at Le Gavroche
Owner Manuel Ferreira adds festive harmonies for Christmas diners. Beginning in December, the Classic Carolers will drop by Le Gavroche to entertain dinner guests with carols in English, French, German and Latin, as well as some multi-national greetings during dinner. While you're there, why not try the cider-steamed mussels and clams, and the wild mushroom ragout - guaranteed to ward off the winter blues.
Info: 604.685.3924
For further information, please contact:
Kate Colley Lo
Manager, Travel & Trade Media
Tourism Vancouver
Phone: 604.631.2870
Emily Armstrong
Travel Media Specialist
Ph: 604.631.2873
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