Vancouver is a large city with a diverse population. It is also a place where dancing, art and theatre are enjoyed immensely. Bring together the different ethnic backgrounds that share in cultural excellence, and you have the making of a great holiday time. Here are 7 of the most popular activities to enjoy during this festive season.
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola Spirit of Christmas Event runs from December 4th through January 3rd. Snow tubing, snow shoeing and winter walking along the trails is a perfect way to view the majestic mountains. The Summit Lodge keeps the mood festive with Christmas carol singing, visits from Santa and holiday concerts.
Gingerbread Lane
Located in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency, from December 4th through December 27th, gingerbread houses of creativity, are built before your eyes. Chefs, artists and amateurs try their hand in designing centerpieces.
Heritage Christmas
The annual Heritage Christmas gets underway at the Burnaby Village Museum from November 21 through January 1. In addition to the carolers, lights and theatre performances, an 18th century carousel offers rides.
The Nutcracker in Ballet
The Alberta Ballet performs to Tchaikovsky’s Christmas rendition of live toy soldiers, dancing mice and more in this traditional favourite. Shows from December 29 through December 31 and take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The Goh Ballet can be seen earlier from December 17 through December 22 at the Centre in Vancouver.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
The joy of Christmas will never be greater than during this event on December 21st. A lantern tour that celebrates the longest day of the year combines many neighborhoods in tours, interacting with other neighborhoods.
Vancouver Winter Wonderland
This yearly Christmas Festival has over 100 vendors, food and drink, under a 3-story facility at the PNE Forum from December 11 to December 20. It is the largest indoor Christmas festival in Canada and features a snow globe that can be walked through.
Festival of Lights
Van Dusen Garden is turned into a Festival of Lights with performances and story-telling activities that are wrapped around Christmas. From December 1 through December 31, you can enjoy the gnome performance, have pictures taken with Santa, and enjoy the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake.
There are many more sights to see during this festive season. Vancouver makes a tradition of highlighting the Christmas season by bringing residents and visitors together for this joyous occasion. For a Calendar of Events, visit http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/calendar-events/holiday_events_in_vancouver/. There is something for everyone in this amazing town.