The holiday countdown is officially on. Just in time for family festivities to begin, Vancouver’s more than come alive with events, openings and seasonal happenings guaranteed to see you out and about on the social scene. Check out what’s going on around town in this edition of our Notable Weekender…
Friday, we’re hoping you score an early exit from work and are able to make your way down to one of our favourite new watering holes, The Blackbird Pub. Tucked amidst the hustle of downtown, you’re inches away from all the action (and guaranteed some decent people watching). Grab a seat in their lower lounge area or head upstairs to the wraparound bar that serves up the city’s finest selection of Scotches.
Next, grab tickets to either or both of the following festive options. Friday night marks the return of the 12th Annual The Official Ugly Sweater Party set to take over the Commodore with the city’s tackiest array of festive knitwear. Grab family and friends and head down for a night of dancing, live entertainment, contests and fun.
Alternatively, you can make your way to the Rio Theatre and enjoy a little nostalgia with a screening of the always-hilarious “Elf” that’s lighting up the big screen.
For those of you who’ve left shopping until the last minute, fear not. There are still plenty of unique ways to find gifts for everyone on your list by hitting up the Vancouver Christmas Market, or checking out the Eastside Flea Alternative Holiday Market (at the Wise Hall). Both are open on Saturday, so make a day of it and head over to support local vendors and artists. You’ll score one-of-a-kind-gifts, vintage collectables, crafts and more (without the crowds to contend with).
Grab a bite at the recently opened The Stable House Bistro to fuel up post-shopping. Our favourite spot has to be the bar (where all the real action is). Nosh on charcuterie, tartlets, artisanal cheeses and more fresh offerings while you sip a nice glass of vino.
Post-eats, make your way down to The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. In celebration of 20 years, there are plenty of activities going on around town worth noting, including a few last minute lantern workshops (False Creek Community Centre) and the grand lantern procession (at 6pm). Also taking place on Granville Island as part of this celebration is the Labyrinth of Light featuring 700 pure beeswax candles. Experience it for yourself and order a timed ticket online in advance here.
If you’ve got out of town visitors and are looking for something with shock value to add to the weekend mix, take them to the Penthouse Nightclub on Saturday night for a festively fabulous (and provocative) cabaret Christmas performance. This show, titled ‘The Perfect Christmas Night’, features plenty of Christmas cool with more than 20 different performers – guaranteed to entertain. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.
For the remainder of your weekend, we expect you’ll be running around doing last-minute errands, nabbing those final gifts, stocking stuffers and more. But if you do have time and haven’t done so yet, be sure to head to either the VanDusen Gardens’ Festival of Light (starting at around 4pm daily) or Capilano Suspension Bridge to check out their Canyon Lights. Both are perfect options that’ll get you in the holiday mood.
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Top photo courtesy The Blackbird