The second annual CandyTown, downtown Vancouver’s only free outdoor Christmas festival, is back on November 23. The festival is being hosted and produced by the merchants of Yaletown through the Yaletown Business Improvement Association, which sees Vancouver’s heritage district transformed into a winter wonderland.
On November 23, 2013, from noon to 9 p.m., CandyTown will draw on the seasonal theme of candy to deliver a fun, memorable day for kids of all ages—from families with young children to groups of adults who want to get in on the holiday spirit.
Little ones will delight in visiting Santa at the North Pole (from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.), taking a horse-drawn carriage ride from the Yaletown Brewing Company station (the 15-minute ride circulates Mainland and Hamilton streets) and participating in crafts, face painting and balloon twisting at the Starlight Children’s Foundation tent. Watch ice sculpture in the making at Bill Curtis Square (from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), pose for a photo op with Santa and any of the roaming street characters, and enjoy holiday music courtesy of roaming musicians, street buskers and music tents. And because it just wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration without festive trees, guests may view decorated Christmas trees in Bill Curtis Square and pick out a tree to take home from the Yaletown Rotary Club lot.
A popular attraction last year, the All I Want for Christmas Gift Market will brim with tempting treats and gorgeous gifts. Food vendors will include Big Red’s Poutine, Coquettish Cupcakes, Maple Sugar Shack, The Pie Hole, BeaverTails Pastry and many more. The market is the perfect place to get a head start on holiday shopping, thanks to Discolemonade Designs, Fine Finds, Missy May Bags, Ildiko Jewellery and 3H Craftworks. Candy Hut will be selling beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, and the Yaletown BIA will be distributing free shopping bags filled with deals and steals.
“As downtown’s only free winter festival, CandyTown is for anyone with a sweet tooth, a hankering for shopping or someone who just wants to come and play outside,” says Annette O’Shea, Executive Director of the Yaletown BIA. “It’s a great place to have some fun, and support the many charities that need help at Christmas. Where else can you enjoy a CandyTown cocktail and a free horse-drawn carriage ride?”
CandyTown attendees are invited to donate to the B.C. Children’s Hospital, Vancouver Food Bank and Starlight Children’s Foundation. The Donnelly Group returns with their charity toy drive tent and will make a donation on behalf of The Donnelly Foundation. 3H Craftworks joins in on the spirit of giving by offering a by-donation gift-wrapping station and holiday gift bags available for purchase.
CandyTown 2013
When: Saturday, November 23
Time: Noon to 9 p.m. on Mainland Street in Yaletown
Cost: This outdoor Christmas festival is free and open to the public
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