Glowing trees and giant mistletoe are coming to Gastown this month

Please note: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officials, gatherings of any kind and non-essential travel in the province is not recommended at this time. Please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing and frequent handwashing. If you are sick, please stay home.

Gastown’s cobblestone streets are being transformed into a festive holiday wonderland featuring glowing trees and giant mistletoe.

Created by the Gastown Business Improvement Association (BIA), the outdoor, seasonal displays are sure to raise spirits while still being COVID-19 safe.

For the second year in a row, large mistletoe will spring up throughout the neighbourhood as part of Kiss Me In Gastown.

The instillation invites people to (safely) “walk the streets while spreading the love” with their bubbles.

The mistletoe can be found at 10 spots, including Maple Tree Square and Water Street Café until January 3, 2021.

Through Glow Up Gastown, visitors can step into a world of mystical glowing trees using augmented reality. The interactive installation was created in partnership with the Vancouver Mural Festival.

From December 9, 2020, until January 2021, visitors to Gastown will be able to scan a QR code with their smartphone and watch as trees magically sprout from the streets.

The AR experience will be featured at three locations around the neighbourhood, including Maple Tree Square and the Steam Clock.

Visitors are encouraged to share photos on social media with the hashtag #glowupgastown for a chance to win one of four $200 Gastown Gift Cards.

The festive installations are the perfect addition to a day of local holiday shopping.

The BIA says they “stand united” to ensure that visitors, diners, and shoppers stay safe in Gastown, and that they’ve implemented contactless shopping options, mandatory masks, and social distancing signage throughout the neighbourhood.