Friday, November 30, 2012

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm Nov 28 - Dec 27th 
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
From November 28, 2012 - December 27, 2012, guests of the hotel can enjoy a walk through Gingerbread Lane, which features over 40 gingerbread houses that have been created by various partners. View them all and then select your favorite to win this year's People's Choice award! Make a donation to Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon along with your vote, and be entered to win a free night stay at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. See photos from last year here.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $10 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm 
Sunday to Thursday- 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Friday and Saturday - 3:00pm to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $10, Matinee $5.50. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Free XBox Live Gold Weekend
"If you haven’t had a chance to check out the latest entertainment experiences on Xbox, this weekend is a great chance to give it a try. From Thursday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 2, we’re unlocking Xbox LIVE Gold in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States."

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair
10:00am - 4:00pm
Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Join us at the Annual Kensington Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday December 1, 2012, from 9:00am-4:00pm. Public Admission to the event is free.

Baker's Market
11:00am - 3:00pm (Oct 6 - Dec 8)
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
Selling sweet and savoury baked goodies to the local community.

Christmas in Steveston Village
12:00pm - 4:00pm
1:00pm - Santa's Arrival by boat
Steveston Village, Richmond, BC
The afternoon begins with the arrival of Santa, Steveston-style, by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf. Santa will walk over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery where parents can take a photo of their child with the jolly old elf. Adding to the charm, old-fashioned horse drawn carriage rides circle Steveston throughout the afternoon, and Musically Yours, a trio of carolers, roam the streets.  Watch for elves who will be handing out candy canes and special offers. Adding to the festivity, a stiltwalker and juggler will entertain audiences. Have your photo taken with one of the three Christmas mascots.  Visit village businesses decked in holiday style and stocked with unique items for the holiday season. Make an evening of it and dine out in Steveston.

Imaginarius Fantasticus
12:00pm - 7:00pm Sat & Sun
International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
BC’s largest indoor and FREE Fantasy Christmas Market Faire- in the middle of downtown Vancouver, at International Village Mall, center atrium. The Imaginarius Fantasticus at International Village Mall in downtown Vancouver offers you a Truly Magical and Entertaining ‘Fantasy Christmas Market Faire’! We will transform the center atrium of International Village Mall into 6000 square feet of fantasy themed entertainment with BC’s finest artisans offering you the most unique and enchanted gift solutions to be found anywhere- Imaginarius Fantasticus has the power to charm the fussiest people on your list, and to suit every size pocket!

Introduction to Home Coffee Roasting
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Homesteader's Emporium, 649 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC
If you’ve ever wondered how coffee goes from fruit to beverage, stop in for this informal session on coffee roasting! After a brief presentation on drying and green bean preparation, Emporium owner Rick Havlak will demonstrate several ways to roast coffee at home ranging from low-tech improvised methods to slick purpose-built appliances.  Come with any questions, anecdotes, or problems you’ve encountered; go home with a sample of coffee roasted before your eyes!  $5 suggested donation. Registration not required.

Christmas on the Drive
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Grandview Park, 1657 Charles Street (@ Commercial Drive), Vancouver, BC
The Commercial Drive Business Society's Christmas on the Drive Event at Grandview Park is on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 2pm to 7pm. We'll be lighting the 60' tall Christmas Tree, and will have choirs, carolers, kids activities, seasonal beverages, and baked goods!

Light up the Heights
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Heights Fountain Square (Hastings & MacDonald), Burnaby, BC
To kick-off the festive season, the Heights Merchants Association will be hosting a community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heights Fountain Square (Hastings & MacDonald) on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but the donation of a new and unwrapped toy to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau would be most appreciated.  Our community will come together under a beautifully lit tree to enjoy music, warm drinks, sweet treats, kids activities, and a visit from some special guests!

Child’s Play Gamepalooza! - $5
3:00pm - 11:00pm
Magic Stronghold, 5558 Lane St, Burnaby, BC 
Games night with board games, trading card games, and light PC/Console gaming.  There will be 50/50 draws, raffles, silent auctions, and tournaments.  All proceeds will be going to Child’s Play Charity.

Lower Lonsdale Christmas Festival
4:30pm - 7:30pm
The Shipyards at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue
Annual Christmas Festival. Enjoy family fun entertainment and activities including complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. For a small donation to the North Shore Neighbourhood House decorate a gingerbread man or make a bug lantern with the North Vancouver Museum & Archives plus festive crafts by North Vancouver Community Arts Council. See Santa Claus, reindeer, carolers and the official lighting of the city Christmas Tree.

Crafts for a Cause - $2
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Rhizome Cafe, 317 East Broadway, Vancouver
Now in its 5th year, Crafts for a Cause is a fundraiser that supports social justice struggles. Community groups working for social justice sell art and crafts to support their organizing work.

Sunday, December 2, 2012