Some Christmas origin stories suggest that the candles or lights used to decorate Christmas trees are meant to resemble the way that starlight filters through the dense evergreen branches of a forest during winter’s nights, bringing small patches of warmth and light to an otherwise foreboding environment. In reality, Christmas time rarely yields such serenity and yet, when I am out preparing for the holidays amongst the hoardes of tired (and often aggressive) shoppers, I tend to think of this imagery to understand and justify why we tend to put ourselves in such prickling situations. The more time has passed since my childhood and my former focus on the material aspects of Christmas, the more I come to see those short shared moments with my family or communities as guiding and comforting beacons, bringing me back to the familiar – back to my home in an otherwise desolate time of the year. To help share this feeling with everyone, I have compiled a list of free (and by-donation) cozy community or family friendly holiday things to do in Vancouver.
1) Participate in a winter solstice lantern festival at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in Chinatown
The festival will include the warmth and glow of any participants’ lanterns, as well as lantern artists’ creations in the intimate setting of this classical Chinese garden. The festival starts at 6.00pm on December 21st and admission is by donation. There will be a lineup of musical acts to complement the sites, and tea and warm snacks will be available. Other neighborhoods also hold their own lantern festivals in Vancouver, such as Granville Island and Commercial Drive!
2) Visit the Hyatt Regency’s Gingerbread Lane
Tour through over 40 amateur and professionally-made gingerbread houses. Admission is free, but the event is a fundraiser if you wish to donate. You can stop by from now until December 27th. I recommend that you follow up this event by going home and making your own gingerbread houses in the company of family or friends!
3) Enjoy the sites of a heritage Christmas, at the Burnaby Village Museum with an array of brightly decorated trees and buildings. A new feature this year is being able to be a part of the light show with sound reactive lights! Additionally, there will be eco sculptures to explore, and of course, the traditional carousel to enjoy. The event runs from now until December 13th, between 12:00 and 4:30 pm. Gate admission is free, but carousel rides cost $2.21 each.
4) Come to my home community of Deep Cove for the Carol Ships!
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ships while keeping warm by a bonfire! The ships will pass by Panorama Park on December 21st at 8:00 pm, but there will also be music, warm refreshments and tons more to enjoy. Admission is free, but you can bring donations in the form of food for the Harvest Project. Alternatively, the ships will pass by many other Vancouver communities between December 6th and December 23.
5) Attend Vancouver’s tree lighting celebration at the Jack Poole Plaza
There will be live music and tons of tasty treats to enjoy! This event is a fundraising effort to help benefit many of Vancouver’s charities. It will take place between 5:30-7:00 pm on December 6th.
6) Lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice at Robson Square
Take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy this frozen oasis in the heart of downtown (it’s also great for date night!). Admission is free, but skate and helmet rentals run from two to four dollars each. The venue will be open until February 28th. Hours run from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from Sunday till Thursday, and from 9:00 am until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Well, if none of these events appeal to you because you’re cheap and lazy, I’m sorry friend, Christmas time must just be beating you down. Don’t worry I empathize, so here is some advice on the house:
YOUTUBE ALCOHOLIC EGGNOG MAKING TUTORIAL + THE FRIENDS YOU STILL HAVE LEFT OVER AFTER NOT HAVING EVEN MADE THEM IMPROVISED CHRISTMAS CARDS. Here you go:
And that’s as good as it’s going to get. Happy Holidays!
Photo credits:
cartinafinland.fi/en/picture/68787/Fantasy+winter+forest.html
http://0.tqn.com/d/vancouver/1…
http://vancouvercityphotoimage…