10 things to do in Vancouver this week: December 7 to 13

Please note: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officials, gatherings of any kind and unessential 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. 

---

We’re officially in the holiday season, and while things may look different this year, there are still plenty of ways to get in on the festive fun.

We’ve compiled a list of things to do to get you in the mood for all things merry and bright.

• See also: 
  • Canadians can catch The Nutcracker online or in select cinemas this December
  • Massive Van Gogh projection art exhibition coming to Vancouver Convention Centre
  • An enchanting light dome is shining bright for the holidays in Vancouver

Here are 10 things to do this week in Vancouver.

Kiss Me In Gastown

What: For the second year in a row, large mistletoe will spring up throughout the neighbourhood as part of Kiss Me In Gastown. The installation invites people to (safely) “walk the streets while spreading the love” with their bubbles.

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.

When: December 9, 2020, until January 2021
Where: Gastown, Vancouver
Price: Free

BC SPCA pet toy donation drive

What: The BC SPCA is looking for new pet toy donations at its East Vancouver location until December 20 as part of a toy drive to support pet owners living on the Downtown Eastside.

“The individuals we support in the Downtown Eastside love their pets so much, but they don’t have the disposable income to treat them at Christmas the way many of us do with our own pets,” said Kim Monteith, manager of animal welfare for the BC SPCA.COVID-19 has prevented the animal organization from hosting its annual Charlie’s Christmas event, so instead, staff and volunteers will make individual gift bags to distribute personally to the DTES pet owners they serve.

When: Donations are being accepted until December 20. Items should be marked with “for Charlie.”
Where: BC SPCA’s Vancouver Branch, 1205 E 7th Ave
Time:  Open noon to 5 pm on weekdays and noon to 4 pm on weekends

The Shipyards District Holiday Gift Guide

What: Step outside and step into The Shipyards District Holiday Gift Guide! Support local small businesses by shopping The Shipyards District Holiday Gift Guide this season, virtually from the comfort of your couch at shipyardsdistrict.ca or in-person in the neighbourhood by making the most of the free evening and weekend parking in the ICBC Parking Lot.

When: Throughout December
Time: Get your gifts virtually 24/7 at shipyardsdistrict.ca or enjoy free evening and weekend parking in
the ICBC Parking Lot at 151 Esplanade W, North Vancouver
Where: The Shipyards District – Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
Tickets/Admissions: Free

Go skiing or snowboarding at one of Vancouver’s local hills

What: All three of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains are now open for the winter season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders who make advance reservations. Check out Cypress Mountain with excellent views of the water, Grouse Mountain, which is transit-accessible, or Mt Seymour, the highest elevation of the three.

When: Now until the snow melts
Where: Cypress is at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, Grouse is at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, and Seymour is at 1700 Mount Seymour Road
Time: Times vary by mountain, but they typically open between 9 and 10 am, and stay open for the evening until 9 or 10 pm
Admission: Varies by mountain

Check out a new show

What: There’s nothing but time these days, so it’s a perfect time to catch up on your must-watch list. Binge away on  Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ — and don’t forget the popcorn.

When: Any day
Time: Any time
Where: Your phone, tablet, computer, or television
Cost: $10 to $12 or a free trial

Try an online fitness class

Although fitness studios have been temporarily closed across the province, it doesn’t mean British Columbians need to stop working out.

A number of local studios and businesses have begun to offer online classes, giving you the perfect opportunity to keep your body moving and your mind active.

Here is a list of several online workouts and classes to try in Vancouver while supporting local businesses.

Artisan Winter Farmers’ Market

What: This festive market will capture the magic of the season by featuring local farmers, artisans and craft makers, each offering a selection of handmade seasonal gifts, gourmet goodies and one-of-a-kind items. Holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to connect with a curated lineup of independent vendors at the outdoor beach-front setting of Grosvenor Ambleside.

When: Until December 20
Where: 1340 Marine Drive (between 13th and 14th Streets) in West Vancouver.
Time: Friday: 2 to 6 pm / Saturday and Sunday: 12 to 4 pm

Christmas at Hycroft

What: Christmas at Hycroft is online this year, running until December 13. Shop the virtual marketplace and get into the festive spirit, with decorations from the Christmas Shoppe, Boxed Gift Collections packed with local artisan goodies, Artisan Marketplace with some of your favourite products for individual purchase, a Silent Auction with lots of unique products and experiences, and delicious meals from Hycroft’s Bistro.

When: Until December 13
Time: Online Marketplace with select pick-up dates
Thursdays and Fridays 2 to 7 pm / Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Hycroft — 1489 McRae Avenue
Tickets/Admission: Online

Check out Vancouver’s massive 75-foot-tall  Christmas tree

What: While events around the city have been cancelled, the holiday cheer has not been. If you’re looking for something to cheer you up, check out Vancouver’s massive 75-foot-tall Christmas tree, which is now lit up in the heart of the downtown core. Snap a few pics and bask in the glorious, glowing lights.

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza — 750 Hornby Street
When: Until January 4

Walk along Vancouver’s free floral trail

What: If you could use a little cheering up this holiday season, there’s no better way to do that than with hundreds of gorgeous flowers.