Vancouver shines during the holidays and this month’s event list will help you and your family enjoy the best lights, sights, sounds, and activities in communities across the region. The list below will be updated daily so be sure to bookmark it and check back often for ideas.

Photo credit: qasic on Flickr

Jump to: Sunday, December 1st to Sunday, December 8th, 2013
Jump to: Sunday, December 9th to Sunday, December 15th, 2013
Jump to: Sunday, December 16th to Sunday, December 22nd, 2013
Jump to: Sunday, December 23rd to Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Holiday Activities in Vancouver

Light Displays
VanDusen Festival of Lights, St Paul’s Lights of Hope, Festival of Trees at the Four Seasons, Home For The Holidays A Sutton Tree Pageant, Bright Nights in Stanley Park, 12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square, Park & Tilford Holiday Hi-Lite Festival, Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, Park Board Lights at Elm Grove in English Bay, Lost Lagoon, and George Wainborn Park in Yaletown.

Family Fun
Ice skating at Robson Square, Winter Waterfront District, North Pole BC at Lynn Valley, Heritage Christmast at Burnaby Village Museum, Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre, Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley.

Live Shows/Performances
It’s Snowing on Salt Spring (until December 28), The Santaland Diaries (until December 21), Mary Poppins (until January 5), Christmas Pantomime Red Riding Hood (December 18 to January 4), Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen (December 11-15 & 19-21), Cavalia: Odysseo (until January 2014), Vancouver Theatre Sports Christmas Queen (until December 21), Jack & the Beanstalk: An East Van Panto (December 4-21), Christmas Presence at Pacific Theatre (December 11-21), Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya (starts December 26), Ballet BC’s Nutcracker (December 28-31), Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker (December 14-15 & 20-22).

Multi-Day Events

Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green below. The following list of events (mainly submitted by readers) is updated daily so be sure to bookmark this post and check back often.

December Events in Metro Vancouver

Sunday, December 1, 2013
Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Christmas with the Bach Choir
Great Canadian Craft Christmas Edition
West End BIA Shine, Shop, and Dine
Pet Photos with Santa at Willowbrook
Kids Help Phone Homes for the Holidays
Vancouver’s First Kale Drive
Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After
ArtStarts Workshop at River Market
Winter Craft Market at River District
Make-It Vancouver
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Vancouver Christmas Market
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Monday, December 2, 2013
Pet Photo Night at Capilano Mall
World AIDS Day at the Carnegie Centre
The Stanfields at The Railway Club
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Giving Tuesday
International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Roundhouse
Vintage Collection Pop Up Shop at Shangri-La
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wedding Industry Night Out
Shopping Event at Raspberry Kids Warehouse
Corporations in Our Heads: Theatre for Living
Authors Among Us at Surrey Libraries
Heart of the Corporate Warrior: What Does Yoga Have to do with Business?
Home Alone: Family Holiday Movies at Wesbrook Welcome Centre
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Luncheon – How Vancouver is Creating the Digital City
Vancouver Letter Writing Club
Taste the Holidays at Whole Foods Market
18th Annual Seasonal Celebration at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
In the House Festival Performance Series
Tickets on Sale for the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic
Big Ridge/South Fraser Beer Club Tweetup
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Opening Reception: Toys ft. Toys by Colin Johnson and Friends
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Friday, December 6, 2013
Sponsored by Miss604: Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre
Candlelight Vigil for Nelson Mandela in Front of Vancouver Art Gallery
Downtown Vancouver Tree Lighting Ceremony
The SFU Choir Presents: Video Games In Concert
Holiday Festival on Ice at Langley Events Centre
A Baroque Christmas Musical Celebration
CKNW Orphan’s Fund Pledge Day
Open House and Food Bank Day
Park and Tilford Hi-Light Festival Family Day
TOQUE 2013: Western Front Annual Fundraiser and Craft Sale
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Heritage Christmas at Stewart Farm
Vancity Good Money Mob
West Coast Express Santa Train
Celebrating Accessibility at the Vancouver Aquarium
Shine, Shop, Dine Trolley Tour in the West End
Holiday Launch Party at La Movida Design Studio
Annual Christmas Festival at Lonsdale Quay
Thornhill Artisan Fair, Maple Ridge
Cookie Decorating and Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Dancers at Capilano Mall
Winter Crafternoon with Surrey Libraries
Kensington Craft Fair
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
TOQUE 2013: Western Front Annual Fundraiser and Craft Sale
Portobello West Holiday Market
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Central City’s Big Rigs for Kids
Crafty Affaire Market
Let’s Walk to End Bullying
L’Arche Christmas Benefit
10th Annual Faraday Science Show at UBC
Amanda Wood Christmas Concert
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Thornhill Artisan Fair, Maple Ridge
Sausage Making Class at The Modern Pantry
Portobello West Holiday Market
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Monday, December 9, 2013
Pet Photo Night at Capilano Mall
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tasting Plates Burnaby
Pan Pacific Christmas Wish Breakfast
VanDusen Festival of Lights Opens
Elf: Family Holiday Movies at Wesbrook Welcome Centre
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Blackstick CD Release Party at Rhythm City Strut
Olive Oil Tasting at The Modern Pantry
Vancouver Public Space Network Holiday Party
BAH! HUMBUG! 2013 – A Woodward’s Seasonal Tradition
12 Days of Christmas at Leigh Square
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Friday, December 13, 2013
Sponsored by Miss604: Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre
Opening Reception: Nothing About Us Without Us
Christmas Angel Gala in Support of Beauty Night Society
Park and Tilford Hi-Light Festival Family Day
BAH! HUMBUG! 2013 – A Woodward’s Seasonal Tradition
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Evening Carol Sing at Historic Stewart Farm
Walk for Pandora at Kits Beach
Blim Holiday Market
Whitecaps Clearance Sale at BC Place
Merry Fishmas at River District
DIY Daniel: LEGO Build Day at Museum of Vancouver
Shine, Shop, Dine Trolley Tour in the West End
Bach Choir: The Messiah
West Coast Express Santa Train
Jingle Off Caroling Competition at Capilano Mall
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy (SFM) 2013
Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey
18th Annual Holiday Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre
Breakfast with Santa at West End Community Centre
Breakfast with Santa at Kensington Community Centre
Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
4Cats: Winter Family Portrait Night
Got Craft? Holiday Market
Holiday Artisan’s Fair at River Market
Holiday Fun at Wesbrook Village
BAH! HUMBUG! 2013 – A Woodward’s Seasonal Tradition
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker
Christmas with the Coastal Sound Youth Choir
Vancouver’s Ugliest Christmas Carol Singalong at the Vancouver Christmas Market 11:30am
JRG Annual Charity Fundraiser
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Got Craft? Holiday Market
Holiday Artisan’s Fair at River Market
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Monday, December 16, 2013
Chocolate Tasting at The Modern Pantry
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Harlequin Hypnosis Show on Granville Island
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Family Holiday Movies at Wesbrook Welcome Centre
Christmas Candle Lighting Service
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Violet Cameron Fundraiser at Anza Club
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Friday, December 20, 2013
Sponsored by Miss604: Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre
VSO Tiny Tots: Holiday Hooray!
Happy Non-Denominational Holiday Spectacular
Winter Solstice at West End Community Centre
Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker
Park and Tilford Hi-Light Festival Family Day
VSO A Traditional Christmas
Christmas Candle Lighting Service
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas at Urban Digs Farm
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Free All Ages Short Films at The Cinematheque All Day
Sing it Fwd at the Vogue Theatre
Coenpalooza at the VIFF Theatre: Barton Fink
Coenpalooza at the VIFF Theatre: The Big Lebowski
Coenpalooza at the VIFF Theatre: Raising Arizona
Explore Christmas Customs from Pioneer Times at the Surrey Museum
Shine, Shop, Dine Trolley Tour in the West End
Final Artisan’s Fair at River Market of 2013
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Polar Express at City Centre Library Surrey
Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Royal City Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker
Fashionistas For Philippines – Shop for Hope
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Last Chance Christmas Fair
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Monday, December 23, 2013
Graze Holiday Feast
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver Christmas Market
North Pole BC at Lynn Valley
Christmas at Lougheed Town Centre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas Eve Gala at Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
See What’s Open on Christmas Day in Vancouver
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Friday, December 27, 2013
Sponsored by Miss604: Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Ballet BC’s Nutcracker
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Stanley Park Secrets Historical Walking Tour
Weekend Holiday Entertainment at Brentwood
Ballet BC’s Nutcracker
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Monday, December 30, 2013
Ballet BC’s Nutcracker
Heritage Holiday at Fort Langley
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Patrick Maliha’s Naughty Little New Year’s Eve at The Rio
Coenpalooza at the VIFF Theatre: The Big Lebowski
Ballet BC’s Nutcracker
Heritage Holiday at Fort LangleyVanDusen Festival of Lights
Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

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One of the best ways to get to know a city, in particular your own, is through its food scene and Michelle Ng from Vancouver Foodie Tours has been linking locals and visitors to Vancouver’s culinary heartbeat since 2010. It’s a great time of year to not only experience a tour for yourself but to consider the gift of a food tour experience — for the foodie in your life.

Vancouver Foodie Tours run two scheduled tours: The World’s Best Food Truck Tour (#WBFTT) and the Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour (#GPGT) and they have recently been added to the Canadian Tourism Commission’s Canadian Signature Experience Program.

Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tours Giveaway

You can win a spot for you and a guest on an upcoming Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour:

Our gastronomic adventure begins with savoring dim sum from none other than Kirin Chinese Restaurant – Winner of Vancouver’s Best Dim Sum for sixth consecutive years by Vancouver Magazine. You’ll visit Vancouver’s gourmet specialty grocer where you will taste award winning cheese and chocolate paired with a local wine.

Next, we take you to Vancouver’s most popular Italian Restaurant where you’ll savor their Signature Meatball and fresh burrata paired with 2012 Tinhorn Gewurztraminer. We then take you on a short stroll along Vancouver’s gourmet restaurant street and trendy shopping neighborhood.

Then we hop across the street to Hubbub, creator of Vancouver’s top 10 sandwiches for their Pulled Pork Sandwich and beer pairing. You’ll learn how this amazing sandwich is made and experience firsthand the magnetic appeal of this majestic sandwich.

Finally, happy bellies are treated to a sweet ending with the best gelato and sorbetto on the continent at Bella Gelateria, winner of North America’s best gelato.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow Vancouver Foodie Tours on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I will draw one winner (must be 19+) at 12:00pm on Friday, December 6, 2013.

Update The winner is Ana!

Iconic Vancouver attractions have joined forces to create a fun, festive, family-friendly holiday destination this season. Port Metro Vancouver, Canada Place, FlyOver Canada, the Vancouver Convention Centre and Burrard Landing at Convention Centre West make up the new Winter Waterfront District.

Winter Waterfront District in Vancouver

The District spans Canada Place Way from the foot of Howe Street to Thurlow Street at the foot of Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Activities along the waterfront include:

Christmas at Canada Place
Christmas at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver is celebrating your favourite Canadian Christmas memories. Enjoy the free, family fun at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal from December 1st to December 31st. Skate under the Northern Lights, ride the holiday train, tour the historic Woodward’s Windows and more. Drop off food donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank at the giant “present” located on the front plaza at the entrance of Christmas at Canada Place.

Christmas at FlyOver Canada
Christmas at FlyOver Canada will run from November 29th through January 5th every day from 10:00am until 9:00pm. Rudolph is lost and Santa needs your help to find him and save Christmas for all. Christmas at FlyOver Canada will include a Christmas themed ride fun for all ages and will also feature a free outdoor Christmas Plaza which will host a variety of live music performances, Santa’s Artic Art Workshop featuring live ice carving demonstrations, seasonal favorites’ served up hot and steaming from onsite vendors, Leonida’s Chocolate Café and Swiss Style Nuts, plenty of decorations and Christmas lights and much more.

Photo credit: MikeWu on Flickr

2013 Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration Presented by Amacon
Enjoy the 7th annual Vancouver Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th from 5:30 pm to 7:00pm at Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This free public event benefitting local charities will feature the lighting of a 50-foot tree. Hosted by Steve Darling of Global TV, the celebration will feature performers and celebrity appearances by the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, the BC Lions, Trevor Linden and Santa. The area will be lit until January 3rd.

Visit the Winter Waterfront District website for more information.

This Sunday Santa Clause will arrive to welcome the holiday season to downtown Vancouver and to help collect donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

I browsed the Vancouver Public Library and City of Vancouver Archives to see if I could spot Santa around town throughout the years. As it turns out, he used to attend many events such as Board of Trade luncheons, visit at Woodward’s and Hudson’s Bay Company stores, and stop by the Children’s Hospital to visit with patients.

1948: Attorney General’s Christmas party at Woodward’s. VPL# 80726. Photographer: Art Jones.

1948: Santa handing out presents. VPL# 80768B & 1966: Santa at Children’s Hospital. VPL# 42344. Photo: Gordon F. Sedawie. Photographer: Art Jones.

1942: Children receiving gifts from Santa (and a clown…) Archives# CVA 1184-1552. Photographer: Jack Lindsay & 1900s VPL# 18052. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.

1942: Filming a family with Santa. Archives# CVA 1184-1555. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.

1950 & 1952: Universal Lumber and Box Co. Christmas party. VPL# 81488A & 82046A. Photographer: Art Jones & Doug Cronk.

1943: Hudson’s Bay Santa. Archives# CVA 586-1750 & 1942: Christmas party. Archives# CVA 1184-1553. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.

1945: Santa doing a “Man on the Street” radio broadcast. Archives# CVA 1184-2229. Photographer: Jack Lindsay.

Read more “Archive Photos of the Day” and “Vancouver History” posts.

The 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic will take place March 2, 2014 at BC Place as the Vancouver Canucks take on the Ottawa Senators in an open-roof stadium match. Teams unveiled their jerseys for the event this morning, both using inspiration from early club sweaters.

Image provided by the Vancouver Canucks social media team.

The Senators will wear jerseys celebrating the early-NHL era Senators, four-time Stanley Cup® champions in an eight-year span from 1920-27. The sweaters feature historical elements interpreted in a modern look, balancing past with present. The large “O” logo on the front that stands for Ottawa is reminiscent of the design prior to 1934. The red and black stripes on a cream background, borrowed from the ‘Barber Poles’ of past jerseys, is used across the chest, arms and socks.

The Canucks will pay homage to the Vancouver Millionaires by wearing their commemorative Millionaires jerseys. First worn by the team last season, the jerseys celebrate 100 years of hockey on the West Coast and include a large “Victory V” logo front and center, maroon and cream striped sleeves and a large cream stripe on maroon socks. The franchise will wear the special jersey at the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in honour of Vancouver’s original hockey heroes. [Source: Press Release]

The 2014 edition of the NHL Heritage Classic follows the 2003 game in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, and the 2011 contest in Calgary between the Flames and Habs. The will Canucks become the first NHL team to host a game in a retractable-roof facility and just the third Canadian NHL team to host a regular season game outdoors.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 10:00am (Pacific) via Ticketmaster.ca/NHL or 1-855-985-5000. The game will be broadcast live on CBC and RDS in Canada and NBCSN in the U.S. beginning at 1:00pm (Pacific).

As a supporter of the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, the 37 downtown hotel members of the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association will be featuring great prices on their booking site at BeVancouver.com. Official fan packages for all NHL signature events will be available from Global Event Forum, the Official NHL Events™ Fan Package Partner.

1920s – VPL Number: 17996 & 17995. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.

The NHL Heritage Classic in Vancouver will be just shy of the 99th anniversary of the Vancouver Millionaires defeating the Senators to win the Stanley Cup at Denman Arena in Vancouver in 1915. Check out some archive photographs of early Vancouver Canucks teams in this post.