Holiday Happenings: A Guide to YVR’s Best Events

By VITA Daily

With the most wonderful time of the year upon us, here are 10 magical events that are bringing the holiday’s to life. Get lost in lights, the music and the spirit of Christmas. —Aurea Dempsey, Alexander Harris and Kelsey Klassen

• Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market, Nov. 25 – Dec. 31.

  By VITA Daily

  The world’s largest Christmas Light Maze, Enchant is nothing short of magical.  Along with 55,000 sq. ft. of brilliantly illuminated sculptures, there’s also 40 local vendors onsite, tasty bites from 12 food trucks and a licensed eating area to enjoy a holiday drink or two. 1st Ave. & Crowe. St.

• Vancouver Christmas Market, Nov. 26 – Dec. 31.

  By VITA Daily

  Now open and already getting tons of buzz for its new seaside location, the 7th annual Vancouver Christmas Market makes its German return. Along with yummy fare (Hungarian chimney cakes!), shop a variety of vendors for unique gifts, kids activities, plus take a ride on Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel.  Jack Pool Plaza.      

• TOQUE, Dec. 2 – 4.

  By VITA Daily

  Western Front’s annual fundraiser and craft fair, TOQUE’s holiday show is where BC’s top 25 local artists, artisans and designers come together for two days only. From books and cards to jewellery, textiles and ceramics, there’s tons to shop and explore. Tickets are by donation with proceeds in support of Western Front’s art and music programs.      

• Carol Ships Parade of Lights, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 18.

  By VITA Daily

  A sailpast parade featuring over 50 boats decorated in-excess of 100,000 lights, it’s a holiday festival of the brightest, merriest kind. Whether from aboard or on shore, throw on a few layers and watch as the parade visits a different marine community each night. From False Creek to the Burrard Inlet, Coal Harbour to Deep Cove.      

• Got Craft? Holiday Edition, Dec. 10 – Dec. 11.

  By VITA Daily

  If you’re looking for pine cone art, think again. At the Got Craft? Holiday Edition, you’ll find Vancouver’s best hand-crafted creations from over 75 BC local designers. An ideal spot to spend an afternoon browsing for unique gifts, there’s also workshops, tasty treats, free swag bags and more. The Pipe Shop.    

• Goh’s The Nutcracker Goh Ballet, Dec. 15 – 20.

  By VITA Daily

  Talk about a Nutcracker performance of the highest level. Combining the superb talent of principal dancers from The National Ballet of Canada, with music performed by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, audiences are in for a special treat. Playing for just five nights, we recommend you get your tickets before they’re gone. Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts.    

• Early Music Vancouver: Festive Cantatas – J.S. Bach Magnificat, Dec. 18.

  By VITA Daily

  Music lovers on your mark. For one night only, enjoy J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in a performance led by Alexander Weimann and the Pacific Baroque Orchestra. The programme also includes Telemann’s Concerto for Three Trumpets in D major and Bach’s beloved Cantata 140.    

• NYE 2017 Waterfront Gala Ball, Dec. 31.

  By VITA Daily

  Because keg parties are so last year, enter the Waterfront Gala Ball. Hosted by the Fairmont Hotel and Grey Goose Vodka, dress to impress while enjoying appetizers throughout the evening, prime fireworks viewing, midnight Champagne toast, dancing, DJs, and onsite photo booths. Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.  900 Canada Place Way.    

• Winter’s Dance, Dec. 10.

  By VITA Daily

  You can never get enough renditions of The Nutcracker over Christmas, and here’s one more to add to your list. Put on by Robson Street Style, this performance will be projected onto six, eight-by-eight foot screens lining the middle of Robson Street between Burrard and Bute. Shops and restaurants will also be offering special promotions and in-store experiences.

• Winter Sips, open now until Dec. 30.

  By VITA Daily

  Reflections—one of the city’s favourite summer patio spaces—has gotten into the festive spirit with the launch of its first ever Garden Terrace winter pop-up. From its stately courtyard on the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the chic outdoor space has been transformed into an idyllic winter wonderland, complete with twinkling trees, posies of mistletoe and cosy holiday décor. The menu will reflect the season (pun intended), with festive additions ranging from Braised Beef Cheek Crousillants to Georgia Cheese Fondue. Meanwhile, Christmas-inspired cocktails like the rum- and eggnog-forward Little Helper will be warming spirits all month long from the elegant al fresco bar. Open now until Dec. 30 (4pm to 10pm, daily), 801 West Georgia St.