Whether you’re travelling home for the holidays or just want to get out of the city for the day, here are some highlights of the many events taking place beyond Vancouver.
Christmas at Sea to Sky Gondola
Dec. 1 to 21
Squamish
The Sea to Sky Gondola will transform into a scene straight out of a snow globe starting Dec. 1, with swirling snowflakes and festive decorations set against a backdrop of evergreens and a warm and cozy lodge decked out as Santa’s alpine getaway. The Jolly Old Elf will be in residence at the Summit Lodge daily from Dec. 1 to 21 so families can get their traditional pictures taken with Santa in a gorgeous alpine setting and participate in special, interactive experiences taking place each day, including Christmas forest walks and crafting reindeer treats.
To make a day of it, enjoy a pancake breakfast and photos with Santa Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. With a first-come, first-served system that announces your number when it is your turn for photos, families can wander the Sea to Sky Gondola’s winter wonderland at the summit, enjoy pancakes and make crafts while waiting instead of standing in line. Breakfast is $5 per person, and photos are $15 for one picture or $20 for two. An additional pancake breakfast with Santa will also take place Dec. 15 and 16.
Note: The Squamish Connector (24 seats) offers roundtrip shuttle service from three downtown Vancouver locations to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Guests can enjoy three hours at the gondola before returning to downtown Vancouver by 4 p.m. Learn more at seatoskygondola.com/visit/shuttle.
The Christmas Store at Potter’s
Now through Dec. 24
19158 48th Ave., Surrey
potters.ca/christmas
Potter’s Nursery has once again been transformed into Western Canada’s largest Christmas store, boasting more than 28,000-square-feet devoted to all things yuletide. The buyers at Potter’s shop the world for the Christmas Store, including decorations you won’t find elsewhere. Their extensive line of themed ornaments — more than 50,000 — includes everything from fishing to skiing, ballerinas to cowboys and a whole lot more.
The Potter’s team aims to wow shoppers from the moment they walk into the store and, to that end, this year the entrance has been transformed into an English country garden. The theme continues inside with rock walls and flora and fauna, including bunny decorations, a talking reindeer and even a full-size unicorn. The garden area also features more than 3,000 felt-mice tree ornaments.
Canyon Lights
Now through Jan. 27, 2019
Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
The annual Canyon Lights event transforms the Capilano Suspension Bridge into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights decorating the park, which includes the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon.
What’s more, Treetop Adventure features the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, as well as seven suspension bridges attached to eight, 250-year-old Douglas fir trees with viewing platforms that reach up to 110 feet above the forest floor.
Glow Christmas Festival
Now through Jan. 19
6690 216 St., Langley
This year’s festival is back and set to be bigger and brighter than ever before with an estimated one million lights across 4,000 square-metres, creating an immersive and interactive experience for guests as they explore this year’s “Glow Around the World” theme. The popularity of this annual event can be attributed to the unique setting, allowing for families to be immersed in the Christmas spirit without having to brave the unpredictable weather that can be a common deterrent for other holiday festivals.
Families can enjoy the Magic Castle playground, LED swings, and even pay a visit to jolly Old St. Nick. Blank Canvas Catering will be serving up holiday-inspired cocktails in the signature “Glow Cup.” Shaped like a lightbulb, the cup illuminates and has become a key feature of the event. The playgrounds and interactive features of Glow will entertain the kids for hours, while adults can kick back at the licensed bar and enjoy some seasonal beverages and live music. Glow’s illuminated sculptures are the perfect backdrop for selfies and holiday family photos. The Christmas Market showcases local artisans and boutique businesses, alongside delicious options from local food trucks. And don’t forget to look for the floor-to-ceiling piñata.
Ultimate shopping weekend
Now through Feb. 1 (with some restrictions during the holidays)
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Begin the day enjoying breakfast in Oak Bay Village and then stroll down Oak Bay Avenue to discover the perfect Christmas gifts for Santa’s entire list. Take a break and enjoy a complimentary gallery tour, a cozy matcha latte and check out gifts for the kids and grandkids in the candy shop. Then finish your successful shopping spree by being chauffeured back to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel where front desk staff will take care of all that gift-wrapping as you make your way to the Snug Pub or the dining room to enjoy a delicious dinner using complimentary credit from the hotel. Finally, make your way to the seaside Mineral Baths to relax and enjoy the wintry views of the Salish Sea.
(I enjoyed this package last year and the best part was definitely having a chauferred driver drop me and my sister off in Oak Bay for breakfast and shopping and then return to pick us up when we were done.) #noparkinghassles
North Vancouver
Christmas Festival
Dec. 1: 4 to 7 p.m.
The Shipyards
The North Vancouver Christmas festival kicks off the holiday season and the Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with music and twinkling lights. This family-friendly event has lots of free activities, including ornament/lantern making, story time, gingerbread decorating, balloon creations and face painting. The mayor will officially light the city's Christmas tree at 4 p.m. and Mrs. Claus will stop by for a visit and photos.
Fall for Local Holiday Market
Dec. 8 & 9: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way
Fall for Local Market is a one-of-kind 'shop local' event, that prides itself on featuring independent brands. Not only can you shop from more than 95 vendors, but you can enjoy the free do-it-yourself workshops, indulge in a food truck and more. Bonus: the first 50 guests will receive a free canvas tote bag filled with local goodies on both days. Tickets $3 online, $5 at the door and kids 12 and under are free.
North Vancouver Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 1 and 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Vancouver Community Centre
2121 Marine Dr., West
This popular North Vancouver holiday event has been moved this year to the West Vancouver Community Centre. Admission is free.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
