5 things to do in Vancouver to get into the holiday spirit

Christmas is more than a month away, but Vancouver is already bustling with a variety of events in anticipation for the holidays.

This season Shop The Neighbourhood, a local shopping initiative from Yellow Pages, is encouraging Vancouverites to share some festive spirit with the local businesses that make our city special.

To help you take advantage of everything Vancouver has to offer, while supporting small businesses, we’ve teamed up with Shop The Neighbourhood to bring you some of the best local holiday activities.

Canyon Lights

Check out the hundreds of thousands of lights surrounding the suspension bridge, cliffwalk, treetop adventure pathways, rainforest, and canyon at Canyon Lights. The entire area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with holiday activities for the whole family. Necessary adventures for Canyon Lights include seeing the world’s tallest living Christmas tree, going on a Snowy Owl Prowl, decorating gingerbread cookies, and making your own Christmas card in the Winter Pavilion.

When: November 24 to January 8, 11 am to 9 pm

Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Price: $39.95 for adults. Buy tickets online

Vancouver Christmas Market

The annual Vancouver Christmas Market is a German-inspired tradition that will get you in the holiday spirit. The market offers traditional German food, drinks, entertainment, and attractions – it’s not often you can play on a merry-go-round during a Christmas market. A variety of unique items can also be purchased from local vendors for one-of-a-kind gifts, which is the perfect way to support your local artisans this holiday season.

When: November 26 to December 31, 11 am to 9 pm

Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place

Price: $8 for adults. Buy tickets online

Shop The Neighbourhood

Shop The Neighbourhood was created by Yellow Pages to encourage Canadian shoppers to shop locally during the holiday season, as well as the rest of the year. It aims to show off the benefits of supporting local businesses – and to urge Canadians to shop local, especially during the holidays when online shopping and large scale events drive dollars away from our local economy.

On November 26, Shop The Neighbourhood is challenging Vancouverites to make a difference in their local economy. By shopping local this holiday season you’ll not only be making responsible, sustainable purchases, but you’ll also be helping Vancouver thrive by putting your money back into the local economy.

When: November 26

Where

• West End – Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute Street
• Kitsilano – sidewalk area outside of 2177 West 4th Avenue

Robson Skating Rink

The Robson Skating Rink is a classic Vancouver Christmas tradition for all ages. The outdoor skating arena at Robson Square allows locals and visitors to get into the holiday spirit, while surrounded by downtown Vancouver’s bustling beauty. You’ll be able to strap on a pair of skates and take a much-needed reprieve from the holiday shopping.

When: December 1 to February 28, Sunday to Thursday 9 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 11 pm

Where: Robson Square, 800 Robson Street

Price: $4 for skate rentals

Make It Show

One of the largest craft fairs in Canada, Make It Show is a mecca for local shoppers who can’t wait to get their hands on the latest handmade items. This biannual show tours in Vancouver and Edmonton in the spring, and then again at Christmas time. The abundance of unique gifts found here will make it easy to find something special for anyone on your list.

When: December 8 to 11, Thursday and Friday 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Where: PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings Street

Price: $7 at the door. Kids under 12 are free

---

There are so many great reasons to enjoy the holidays locally – and supporting local businesses is one of the best ways to do so.

You can show your support for local businesses by taking the Shop The Neighbourhood Challenge on November 26, and keeping your holiday shopping local this year. To find out how you can support local businesses year-round, simply follow Shop The Neighbourhood on  Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.