Vancouver Weekender: December 4 through 7, 2014

Would we ever lie to you?

Come on, you know the answer to that; only if it brought us tremendous gain and we were totally sure you’d never find out. And that’s what friends are for right?

Well we told you it would happen and it did; you wiped off November and now you’ve got December all over you. And doesn’t it feel glorious?

The only thing standing between you, a mountain of gifts, and a bunch of days off is a few measly weeks filled with office parties and awkward mistletoe moments. But there’s a lot going on in this fine city. Between those aforemtnioned parties, gift shopping, and quarter-end work-rushes, calendars are filling up faster than a reindeer’s litterbox. Lucky for you, we’re here to help separate the cash from the coal.

Your weekend starts now, Vancouver…

THURSDAY
Now becoming one of the largest fairs for one-of-a-kind goods, The Make It Show features local artisans, crafters, and designers under one roof at the PNE Forum.

Make It-goers will have the chance to shop from hundreds of vendors and local indie businesses that support green movements. That homemade style pie you crave so much? How about that artsy friend of yours that you wish could just paint you something? Chances are you’ll find both of those hidden gems here. 

Pop by the Terminal City Club as the city unites for the annual CKNW Orphans’ Fund Pledge Day. From local athletes, personalities, business leaders, firefighters, and many more – CKNW is aiming to beat last year’s fundraising milestone of $1.9 million to help kids with special needs. The crew will be broadcasting live from 7am–7pm; with special on-air guest interviews and some of the people mentioned hanging out to take calls. 

Taking over Venue Nightclub is the Searching for Beauty Tour with artist Phutureprimitive and ritual dancer Caeli La. Not just your typical house beats; this show incorporates art – making the entire night a visual delight. With very few Canadian stops, you’ll want to catch this crew on stage while you can.

FRIDAY
With the white stuff on the ground, heading over to view the Jack Poole Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting might just seem extra magical. With Home Alone playing on TV 24-7 already, it’s time to give in. It’s a first time event in Vancouver – but also the best tree in the downtown core. There’ll be food trucks, music and jolly old Saint Nick. Grab a seat on one of the restaurants heated patios for some after-work drinks and watch the tree light up starting at 530pm.

Haven’t been a to a park jam on the local mountains before? Tonight is the night. Grouse Mountain Jam Over The City brings a new format for their Friday night shred sessions. A photographer, videographer, and MC will all be on hand to announce the best boarding tricks and prizes will be up for grabs.

If you’re headed to Whistler for the weekend, be sure to catch a film – our list of top picks will guide you through the best of Whistler Film Festival taking place now.

And if a movie isn’t what you’re in for, don’t worry, the festival has plenty of other cultural events definitely worth checking out.

SATURDAY
Get excited for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 coming to Vancouver in just a few months. Spend your afternoon hanging out with Team Canada at the Official Draw Viewing Party. It starts bright and early, but for soccer enthusiasts this will be a cool opportunity to meet the players and join in on the anticipation.

Chinatown Mall is a pop-up marketplace that takes place seasonally for one day at the Chinese Cultural Centre. As one of the most vibrant and largest pop-up shops around, at Chinatown Mall, you’ll find only the coolest imports. Think rad beauty products and services like henna tattoos, tons of deadstock from Nike, and featured vendors like Vancity Original – and don’t even get us started on the food. Let’s just say it’s going to be drool-worthy. Top notch DJs will also be spinning all day long, making sure you have a soundtrack for your shopping spree. 

If an intensive Twerkshop hosted by Jasmine Spice is up your alley, get your booty there on time – it starts at 1pm.

The ice cream craze in Vancouver is real. And not only reserved for kids. Bella Gelateria is arguably one of the best spots to grab a scoop of gelato in Vancouver. And, they’re ready to share their secret. For $60, Gelato 101, will give you the chance to take part in all the steps is takes to churn out their award-winning gelato. Getting your hands dirty has never tasted so good. The Gelato 101 classes are Bella Gelateria’s newest offering and tickets are selling out fast – but if you can’t make it this Saturday, there should be more dates coming up.    

SUNDAY
It’s the last Social Concierge event of the year – the Candlelight Club Dinner. The Winter Feast and Candlelight Lounge will take over Chambar this year to present fares from the award-winning restaurant and Absolut Elyx. This special dinner is about socializing; but the menu and drinks are created with a prominent focus on preserving the environment.


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