The countdown is on! Although this time of year can be very stressful it is so important to focus on the happiness rather than the madness. Here are a few Christmas activities Mama, we hope you enjoy with your families! Cherish this special time of year. Check back with our weekly Around Town posts as there will be many other Christmas activities posted throughout December!

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

Now until December 31
Carousel Theatre
www.carouseltheatre.ca/production/james
Enjoy the story of young James Trotter who discovers a magical giant peach inhabited by fantastical creatures. Create Christmas memories with live theatre.

POLAR EXPRESS

December 1^st – 14^th
39645 Government Road Squamish
www.wcra.org
Come ride the Polar Express to visit Santa at the North Pole.

VanDUSEN GARDEN CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY

December 7 – January 1
VanDusen Gardens
www.vandusengarden.org
Vancouver’s award-winning botanical garden transforms into sparkly eye candy every year as gardeners deck the boughs with thousands of strings of coloured lights.

LUMINESCENCE AT VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Now until January 22
Vancouver Aquarium
www.vanaqua.org
Perhaps the most creative display of lights this holiday season, come and discover an aquatic light show featuring the incredible world of fluorescent and bioluminescent ocean light.

LIGHTS OF HOPE AT ST.PAUL’S

Now until December 12
St Paul’s Hospital
www.helpstpauls.com
Every year, Vancouver’s downtown hospital is decked out in 10 kilometres of Christmas lights. The volunteer-built display aims to inspire hospital donations.

CHRISTMAS AT THE BURNABY VILLAGE MUSEUM

Now until January 2^nd
Burnaby Village Museum
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Stroll through the streets of the Village to enjoy the traditional sights and sounds of Christmases past-wreaths, cedar swags and seasonal displays. There’s something for everyone-festive entertainment, a craft for children and a special Scavenger Hunt based on The Twelve Days of Christmas.

WINTER FARMERS MARKET AT NAT BAILEY

Every Saturday
10:00am-2:00pm
Nat Bailey Stadium
www.eatlocal.org
Shop locally grown produce and enjoy food trucks, live music and more!

VANCOUVER FESTIVAL OF TREES

Now until January 4
Four Season Hotel and Pacific Centre Mall
www.bcchf.ca
View decorated trees and vote for your favorite in support of BC Children Hospital.

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET

Now until December 24
9:00am–11:00pm
www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Come and shop in an authentic outdoor German Christmas market.

BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK

Now until January 4
Stanley Park
www.burnfund.org
Ride the train to view 3 million lights, see amazing Christmas displays, and enjoy live performers all in support of the Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

PEAK OF CHRISTMAS

Now until December 24
Grouse Mountain
www.grousemountain.com
Outdoor skating, reindeer, a gingerbread village and sleigh rides all on top of Vancouver.

CAPILANO LIGHTS

Now until January 3
Capilano Suspension Bridge
www.capbridge.com
250,000 sparking lights, music and a winter wonderland.

ROBSON SQUARE SKATING

Now until February 28
Robson Square
www.robsonsquare.com
Skate the open air rink – it’s free if you bring your own skates.

GINGERBREAD LANE

Now until January 1
Hyatt Vancouver
www.vancouver.hyatt.com
A fabulous display of gingerbread houses all supporting the Make a Wish Foundation.

CHRISTMAS AT FLY OVER CANADA

Now until January 4
Canada Place
www.flyovercananda.com
Join Santa on a magical flight to the North Pole! Enjoy a Christmas themed pre-show, pre-boarding experience, the ride FlyOver Canada, and the new magical flight with Santa to the North Pole!

CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE

December 13 – December 31
Canada Place
www.christmas.canadaplace.ca
Enjoy the historic Woodward window’s, Christmas crafts and the Avenue of Christmas trees!

photo credit: Nikos Koutoulas