Christmas in Vancouver

I adore the Christmas season. I look forward to the hot chocolate and baileys, festive lights and gingerbread house construction. Every year I try to attend as many Christmas events as possible. It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit in Vancouver because there is rarely any snow unless you venture to the mountains. The decorations make up for the lack of white sprinkling around town.

Canyon Lights

Capilano Suspension Bridge, the imaged I posted above, is a magical place.The twinkle lights on the Capilano Suspension Bridge are one of the highlights of my holiday season. On a clear night it is the perfect attraction.For some reason it reminds me of Peter Pan, because the tree houses are decorated as well, and all the suspension bridges that connect them. It reminds me of Never Never Land. The vendors sell hot chocolate and baileys, they play Christmas music and there is an area with Santa’s sleigh and crafts.

It is a little bit pricey, but admission for British Columbia residents includes a seasons pass to the bridge. Hopefully if I go again this year, I will be able to use my same season’s pass.

Festival of Light

The Festival of Light is another event that has become my winter tradition. I go with the same group of friends every year. We wait for a clear, moderately cold night. A few times we have had to put up with a little drizzle. Vandusen Garden is completely transformed, with Christmas lights set to music and mulled wine. I go every year even though the displays don’t usually change. I would highly recommend going early in the season, because the line ups get crazy once you get closer to Christmas.

Gingerbread Houses at the Hyatt

Not much of any activity but still cool to check out. If you are in the neighborhood, grab a hot chocolate and take a poke around.The Gingerbread Houses at the Hyatt blow me away. I posted one of them on my Instagram and so many people commented on how impressed they were with my Gingerbread making skills. I wish I could produce something half as creative and beautiful as these Gingerbread houses.

Skating at Robson Square

Skate is another activity that I always tie in with Christmas time. Robson Square is fairly small and can get very crowded but it nice to get some fresh air and skate outside, with all the decorations. The area is covered, so you can still go skating rain or shine. There are skates there that are available to rent or you can bring your own. I usually go to Cafe Crepe after and get a Polar Bear to help warm up.

St.Paul’s Lights of Hope

The Christmas Light display outside of St.Paul’s Hospital is amazing. They have a light up every year and all the money from the event goes to charity. This year they are having fireworks, food trucks and entertainment on November 19th. I am hoping for nice weather, because this is the first Christmas Event I am planning to attend this season. I want to start it off on a high note.

Christmas Market

Nothing says Christmas like a German Christmas Market. There is always a million Groupons, LivingSocial, Smarty Betty (whatever else coupon site) for this event , which makes it is fairly inexpensive. They usually include a mug and a warm apple cider. I look forward to the carousel ride, the German hot dog and all the pretty Christmas decorations.

I love this season. The decorations and lights everywhere just put me in a good mood. Vancouver has so many fun events to check out. I have gone to the Christmas Train in Stanely Park but it is more of a family attraction. These are my top picks of things that I enjoy doing during the Holiday season.