‘Tis the last weekend before Christmas and all through the streets, YPs are yearning for events bound to keep them from sleep…
Okay, that was bad…we know, but we had to try. In celebration of our YVR Holiday Weekender, we’ve still got plenty of noteworthy options for the agenda.
We’re hoping most of you have managed to score an early start to the weekend, thanks to uber-cool bosses, and are able to enjoy a bit of early holiday cheer.
With that in mind, make your way down one of these favourite last minute watering holes for a toast (or two) with colleagues. Tuck into pub grub in a relaxed, cozy setting that calls for boisterous conversation at Steamworks Brewing Company in Gastown. Alternatively, head to group-friendly Cactus Club Cafe on Burrard or scoot across the street to Joey Bentall Wine Room. Also on our list for convenient stops offering plenty of options for holiday-ready group gatherings is Rodney’s Oyster House (if you can find a spot!) and UVA Wine Bar, where your crew can all but take over their cozy lounge.
If you do have a bit more Christmas shopping to do, meander your way over to take in the final day of the Vancouver Christmas Market (open December 23rd until 9pm) and scout out those last minute gifts guaranteed to add a little sparkle under the tree.
If you’re not up for shopping, make your way to The Waldorf Hotel and get ‘leid’ as part of their Hawaiian Xmas party. The Mele Kalikimaka is their way of saying ‘Merry Christmas’ and the perfect excuse to break out your best grass skirt, get down at the Tiki Lounge (and snapped in their custom Tiki photo booth), while shakin’ your bootie to The Kurt Dahle Band after you’ve taken part in the limbo contest.
Not feeling island stylin’? Trade in the tiki for an ugly sweater and head to the Beaumont Studios for their Twisted Christmas Ugly Sweater Party. It’ll host a slew of DJs spinning beats in two decked-out festive spaces until late.
Saturday is all about final preparations. Wake up and squeeze in a quick run or ride around the Seawall (current forecast is looking a bit soggy) and lighten up before feasting. Grab a cup of custom roasted Stumptown Coffee and quick bite from Everything Cafe in Gastown. We can almost taste their oven-fresh chocolate croissants writing this!
Next, head down to Granville Island and stock up on all the fresh fixings for your holiday feast in advance of afternoon crowds. Grab extra vino to-go from Liberty Wine Merchants and don’t forget to add a festive fix with a few bouquets from Granville Island Florists before heading home.
If you are able, swing by Blim Gallery and grab your art-savvy fix before settling down for the night. We loved the whimsical imaginings courtesy of Kaori Kasai, part of her Chotto Motto series of creations. Her show runs until late next week and the gallery is open until 6pm on Saturday. Catch it while you can.
Grab a holiday-themed flick and lighter fare to go; it doesn’t get more fresh than Freshbowl’s take on Malaysian cuisine. Find your fix at either of their downtown locations (Yaletown and Gastown), and you’re Ho! Ho! home in a flash.
Sunday, we hope you’ll be starting the day off late, celebrating Christmas Day with family and friends and taking time to relax and enjoy.
Merry Christmas!
Image courtesy Liberty Wine Merchants