Thousands of Vancouverites are expected to kick off the Christmas season on Saturday at the city’s sweetest family festival – but this year there’s a little more for adults to enjoy too.
CandyTown is making its seventh annual return to Downtown Vancouver, transforming the heritage district of Yaletown into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes will adorn lamp poles and costumed characters will parade down the street as the area comes alive with holiday cheer for one special day.
More than 15,000 revellers packed Mainland Street for the free outdoor bash last year, but there’s a few new additions to the festive event you might want to know about.
Firstly, CandyTown will be even bigger. It’s expanding onto Hamilton and Davie streets.
Secondly, adults will have their own set of attractions to choose from on Hamilton Street.
Festivalgoers can dance the day away at an interactive public disco decked out with a glitter station, take a stroll through a life-sized inflatable igloo, or enjoy live ice sculpture demonstrations.
Also on-site will be Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Lot pop-up, and environment enthusiasts can check out the Vancouver Aquarium AquaZone Program and Science World’s ‘Science on the Spot’ demonstration station.
If you want to have a cocktail...
If you’re 19 plus you can eat, drink and be merry with a self-guided CandyTown Cocktail Tour, kicking off at the Vietnamese hot spot, House Special.
There are 13 Christmas cocktails to enjoy at participating restaurants and bars along the tour – you can look forward to sipping on the Candy Fizz, Tipsy Toffee, and S’More Please!
If you’re hungry…
Hearty appetites can flock to a diverse array of food trucks that will satisfy every craving, including Gary's Kettle Corn, Sable Shortbread, Cannoli King, Damien’s Belgian Waffles, Sweet Thea Bakery and more.
If you want to start Christmas Shopping…
The excitement continues onto Davie Street, where there will be an extension of artisan vendors and gift tents.
There’s more…
The list of things to do and see is almost as long as most Christmas wish lists. There’ll be lots of crafts and gifts, a life-sized Santa sleigh ice carving, dancing gingerbreads, live music, and roving musicians. Kids can create their own candy kebobs at the Candy Hut or visit jolly old Saint Nicholas and the Ice Queen. Plus, guests can enjoy visits to Engine 374 – Canada’s most historic steam locomotive – decked out in twinkling Christmas lights for the holiday season.
Or you can really get in the Christmas spirit and embark on a magical horse-drawn carriage ride outside the Roundhouse Community Centre Turntable for a suggested $2 donation to the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
One things for sure, CandyTown definitley has something to ignite the festive spirits of even the most stubborn of scrooges...
Featured events:
- “All I Want for Christmas” Gift Market
- CandyTown Cocktail Tour (19+)
- Food Trucks
- Live Ice Carving
- Horse Carriage Rides by donation (in front of Roundhouse Community Centre)
- Visits with Santa and the Ice Queen
- Live Music
- Candy Making at the Candy Hut
- Christmas Tree Lot
- Inflatable Igloo
- Public Disco
- Vancouver Whitecaps Cruiser
- Vancouver Puppet Theatre
Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for donations that will benefit BC Children’s Hospital, Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Rotary Club.
Donations will be accepted for horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa and the Ice Queen.
When: November 24, noon – 7 pm
Where:1152 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
