From the traditional to one of the city’s best kept not-so-secret annual traditions, we’ve put together a list of festive fun for date night to keep you on the “Nice” list. Whether you’re looking for a distraction from packing up before the big move, or a new Vancouver homebuyer, here’s some of the best ways to celebrate the season in the city.

Get a Christmas Tree

Nothing says Christmas like a fresh cut tree. True, some stratas don’t allow the real thing, but it’s still fun to grab a hot cocoa and wander through the lot ogling towering firs. Run by volunteers, Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots around the Lower Mainland have been providing Vancouverites with their trees for 20 years, all in the name of charity. 100% of their profits this year will go to foster youth at risk of homelessness and mothers in need. For locations and hours, check out AuntLeahs.org.

7th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market

Get into the spirit with a mug of traditional Glühwein, the mulled wine beverage of choice for the holidays, as the Vancouver Christmas Market returns for its 7th year on November 26th until Christmas in its new seaside location at the Jack Poole Plaza under the Olympic Cauldron. Shop for edibles and artisanal goods from home and abroad.

VSO’s A Traditional Christmas

Go classy and get tickets for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual Traditional Christmas concerts, hosted by Christopher Gaze and featuring EnChor and the UBC Opera Ensemble lead by VSO’s new Assistant Conductor, William Rowson. Concerts start December 8th.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Celebrate the solstice as a community Wednesday, December 21st. Starting at 6pm with a lantern procession in Yaletown, Granville Island, and Chinatown/Strathcona, there will be multicultural performances and activities in each of the neighbourhoods to follow. Each celebration is unique to its neighbourhood, reflecting the community by illuminating the darkest night of the year.

The Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Grant a wish for a child with a life threatening illness by taking your dearest to the ugliest party in town. Friday, December 23rd the Commodore Ballroom hosts the 15th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party  in benefit of the Children’s Wish Foundation. Featuring live music, DJ, contests, carollers and more.

What’s your favourite way to celebrate the season? Share with us on Facebook!

 

Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market