Posted on

5 Hotel Restaurants to find Christmas Dinner To Go

There’s just one week until Christmas Day. On top of all the hustle and bustle of the season, you might not want to spend Christmas day prepping and cooking.  Why not leave the work to someone else and order your Christmas feast?

Here’s a few locations around Vancouver that will prepare your Christmas dinner for you, so you can just reheat, eat and enjoy the company of family and friends…plus the eventual turkey coma.

Globe at Fairmont Vancouver Airport:  $399 (8-10 guests)
Available December 24 & 25, deadline to order Friday December 21, 2018.
Turkey To Go includes:
Fraser Valley Slow Roasted Turkey
Sage Infused Gravy
Local Cranberry Relish
Traditional Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Orange Essence
Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls & Creamery Butter
Saje and Cranberry Stuffing
Pastry Chef John’s Pumpkin Pie with Candied Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberry Chantilly
Visit fairmont.com/vancouver-airport-richmond for details and ordering information

Notch 8

Notch 8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: $399 (8-10 guests), including $25 gift certificate to Notch 8
Available December 24 & 25, deadline to order Thursday December 20, 2018.
Notch 8 Christmas Dinner Turkey To Go includes:
Whole Roasted Fraser Valley Turkey
Date & Turkey Sausage Stuffing
Honey Glazed Heirloom Carrots, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Orange Relish
Pan Gravy
Artisan Bread, Creamery Butter
Spiced Pumpkin Pie & Madagascar Vanilla Chantilly
Visit notch8-dining.com for details and ordering information

Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver: $395 (10-12 guests)
Available December 23-26, deadline to order, noon Thursday December 20, 2018, while supplies last.
Sutton Place Christmas Turkey To Go includes:
18 lbs roasted turkey (whole or sliced)
Herb stuffing
Seasonal vegetable medley (baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, zucchini)
Traditional mashed potatoes
Cranberry sauce and gravy
Assorted dinner rolls (12)
Cranberry cheesecake
Visit suttonplace.com for details and ordering information

H2 Restaurant

H2 Restaurant at Westin Bayshore: $200(6-8 guests) / $275(10-12 guests)
Available December 22-26, deadline to order, Thursday December 20, 2018.
Festive Turkey Take Out includes: 
Slow Roast Rossdown Farm Free Range Turkey
Fig & Brioche stuffing
Honey roasted winter vegetables
Buttered carrots and spouts
Buttermilk pomme purée
Sage pan gravy & house cranberry sauce
optional festive sweets are also available to add-on
Visit h2restaurant.com for details and ordering information

Copper Chimney at Executive Le Soleil Hotel: $32 / person
Available for pick up December 24, deadline to order Thursday December 20, 2018
Holiday Turkey-To-Go Package includes:
Turkey Roulade
Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Wild rice stuffing
Heirloom carrots
Whipped potato
Cranberry gastrique
Bourbon barberry gravy
Wild mushroom velouté with crème fraiche
Pear & Ginger spiced pudding
Visit Copper Chimney on Facebook for details and booking instructions

Posted on

Picks of the Week – December 12, 2018

With just days left in 2018, let’s be sure to fill the last weeks with plenty of entertainment picks

Life: Look in on the life of George Bailey as Gateway Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life, a new musical adaptation featuring tunes from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, running until December 31st

Pride: Catch the follow up to Pride & Prejudice with Miss Bennet : Christmas at Pemberley at The Arts Club Granville Stage until December 30

Date: Until December 30, spend your date night watching Blind Date at The Arts Club Goldcorp Stage, each night is a unique show as a new audience member is the date in each show.

Craig Erickson as The Wicked Witch of the West
East Van Panto – Wizard of Oz
photo: Emily Cooper

Wiz: Take off to see the Wizard as The Cultch and Theatre Replacement present East Van Panto: The Wizard of Oz at the York Theatre until January 6th.

Shopping: Find those fine handmade finds for your holiday gift shopping (or for yourself) at the Make-It! The Handmade Revolution Holiday Show  Christmas Craft Market happening at PNE Forum this week.

Choir: Making Spirits Bright  with The Vancouver Men’s Chorus’ annual holiday music spectacular at St Paul’s Anglican Church in the West End tonight, Thursday and Friday

Drama: Seven Tyrants Theatre presents John Patrick Stanley’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama Doubt : A Parable closing this Friday, December 14

Improv: Vancouver Theatresports presents Merry Kiss-mas – an improvised holiday comedy, parodying all the inane clichés and funny, awkward moments you’d expect to see in a holiday TV special or film at Improv Centre until Christmas Eve

Ladies Dancing at Burnaby Village

Lights: Light up your nights by visiting some of the Festival light displays around the city like; Bright Nights, Van Dusen Festival Of Lights, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Canyon Lights, Glow Langley, Christmas at Canada Place and many more

Puppet: You’re in for some madcap marionette merriment as Ronnie Burkett’s Daisy Theatre presents Little Dickens, a take on the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, at The Cultch Historic Theatre until December 22nd.

Pageant: Havana Theatre on Commercial Drive is the location of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever...or is it? Find out yourself until December 16th

Celtic: Find holiday cheer with celtic ensemble, Winter Harp, Wednesday and Thursday at BlueShore Financial Performing Arts Centre, Capilano University,
December 15th at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver, and
December 16th & 17th at The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge

Maureen Washington with Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir

Noise: Spread the cheer a Good Tidings with Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir, on December 14-15, 2018 at Christ Church Cathedral and again on
December 17, 2018 at St John’s Shaughnessy

Mumbai: The acclaimed play Bombay Black, by Anosh Irani, features a poetic text, bold theatrical imagery and a gritty twist.  returns to Vancouver with a run at The Firehall Arts Centre until Saturday.

Belle:  Join your favourite characters as a tale as old as time, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, returns to the Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage,  until January 6, 2019

Market:  The Vancouver Christmas Market celebrates its 9th year as it returns to Jack Poole Plaza, with dozens of food sellers and shopping vendors, until December 24, 2018

Festival: Aurora Winter Festival, Canada’s Largest Winter Festival, brings a a skating rink, a tube park, light displays, Christmas Market, amusement rides, food gardens, and many more activities to Concord Pacific Place November 23 – December 30

Lions: Join the lions of Chor Leoni as they perform their annual Christmas with Chor Leoni concert at December 14th, 16th, 17th at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver and on December 15th at West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver

Ice: The Vancouver Canucks take to the ice twice this weekend, hosting Philadelphia on Saturday and Edmonton on Sunday

Posted on

12 Festive Light Displays for the 2018 Holiday Season

With less than a month until Christmas, Metro Vancouver is ablaze with lights as people and places put up light displays all around. Some of the brightest and most festive displays are now open or opening soon to the public, here’s a list of light displays to enjoy the twinkle of the Holiday Season:

Aurora Winter Festival

Aurora Winter Festival – downtown Vancouver’s newest addition to the Holidays, guests can explore the beautifully illuminated mystical worlds of Aurora Festival, at Concord Pacific Place until December 30th, 2018, 4-10pm. Once you’ve explored the mystical worlds’ lights, hit the Tube Park, strap on your ice skates to glide along the Frozen River, ride the Ferris Wheel, listen to Stories with Santa, shop the market, eat and drink in the Entertainment Tent. Admission (online): Adult $19.99, Family: $59.99 (2 adult/3 children)

Bright Nights, Stanley Park Christmas Train– Millions of lights twinkle throughout the plaza and Miniature Train. Ride the train, watch the dozens of festive displays as you stroll around the plaza sipping a hot cocoa, from November 29, 2018 to January 5, 2019 opening hours vary for Matinee and Night Trains. – Matinee Train tickets are $6 for all ages, Night Train tickets are $12(Adults) or $8(Children/Seniors). Admission to Bright Nights Train Plaza only, is by donation (proceeds to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund)

Canyon Lights

Canyon Lights Winter Festival at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park runs until January 27th, 2019 (closed Christmas Day) 11am-9pm. Thousands of lights spread throughout the Park, the bridge, Treetops Adventures, with 8 of the tallest living Christmas Tree. – All-day Adult park admission is $46.95, or $14.95 children, includes the holiday activities, crafts and entertainment begin at 4pm each day.

Chanukah in the City – Join the Jewish Community and celebrate the 8 Days of the Chanukah Festival Of Lights with music, latkes, hot cocoa, doughnuts and entertainment as the Silber Family Agam Menorah, Canada’s tallest, lights up the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza  on December 6th, 2018 at 5pm

Christmas at Canada Place – Port Metro Vancouver presents the annual Christmas at Canada Place holiday event, from December 7th, 2018 to January 3rd, 2019. Make your way along The Canadian Trail (west promenade) to see the Canada’s North light display at the North Point of Canada Place, keep your eye out for the historic Woodward’s department store holiday windows, take in the Christmas fun at Fly Over Canada and don’t forget to look up to the Canada Place Sails of Lights. – Free Admission

Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden run December 1st, 2018 to January 6th, 2019 gates open at 4:30pm. Over a million lights turn the botanical gardens into twinkling winter wonderland.  Carolers, dancing gnomes and the popular Dancing Lights show (on the half hour) make this one of the city’s most popular Christmas Light displays – Adult Admission $18.50 (in advance) or $20(at gate)

Glow Langley brings the warmth of the season indoors to Milner Village Garden Centre in Langley, until January 19, 2019, from 4-10pm daily. Themed “Glow Around the World” explore the Christmas Light Gardens, find Food Trucks & Bars, shop the Craft Market and more, November 23rd to December 30th, 2017 – Admission online – Adults: $22.99, Family: $69.99 (2 adults/3children)

Seven Swans at Burnaby Village Heritage Christmas

Heritage Christmas presented by Concord Pacific at Burnaby Village Museum – Celebrate a Heritage Christmas with the Holiday traditions of a century ago at Burnaby Village. Explore the illuminated Village looking for clues on the 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt, November 25th 2017 until January 4th, 2019 – Free Admission / Carousel Rides $2.65

Lights at Lafarge – Until January 20, 2019, Coquitlam’s Winter Light Festival brings back Metro Vancouver’s largest free Christmas light display, Town Centre Park is illuminated with hundreds of thousands of lights, with roving performers, hot chocolate & cookies, a Holiday Market and of course Santa are all just steps from Lafarge Lake – Douglas Skytrain Station – Free Admission

Lights of Hope

Lights of Hope at St Paul’s Hospital – 100,000 bulbs illuminate St Paul’s Lights of Hope, on Burrard Street, in the West End helping to raise much needed funds for the hospital. The 2018 Lights Of Hope support the St Paul’s Hospital Foundation and the thousands of British Columbians who make use of the hospital throughout the year. Stroll past, admire the lights, look for the sponsor’s stars, and, perhaps, make a donation of your own – Free Admission

Lights on the Lake brings the waterfront of Harrison Hot Springs Village alive with a Sasquatch-Themed light display, until January 13th 2019.  See what the Saquatch gets up to in the winter.  Check out the “Whoville” style Christmas trees and light displays will adorn the village, stay for storytelling time, or other entertainment. Visitors can also follow the Christmas Tree Trail to find other Christmas displays and have a Happy Harrison Holiday

Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – the 12th Annual Christmas Tree lighting takes place Friday November 30th at Robson Square. Four Christmas Trees up to a grand 76 feet tall will be shining over the centre of Vancouver throughout the Holidays.  Guests at the tree-lighting event can enjoy live entertainment and music from Side One and the Soul Gospel Choir plus free cookies and hot chocolate.

Posted on

Vancouver Christmas Market returns for 2018

Celebrating its 9th anniversary, the Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza. Surrounding the Olympic Cauldron the Vancouver holiday tradition runs November 21 – December 24, 2018. This year, the yuletide celebration amplifies and expands its festive offerings with more than 80 huts stuffed with sweets, treats, trinkets and much more alongside an expanded lineup of activities and live entertainment.

“Every season, families, couples, and friends make their annual pilgrimage to feast upon festive delights, warm themselves with mulled wine, shop for unique treasures, and share the Christmas cheer,” says Malte Kluetz, Founder and President of the Vancouver Christmas Market. “This year, we are thrilled to present even more engaging holiday experiences for visitors of all ages to create lasting memories with their loved ones. Whether gathering to indulge in traditional German delicacies, shopping together for that one-of-a-kind gift, or meeting with friends to take in a wide range of special events including Children’s Wish Weeks with an exclusive visit and on-site activity with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson, Deluxe Date Night, Kids Day, Club Christmas Thursdays, or Carousel Fridays, we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to celebrate this joyous time of year!” 

As always, the market vendors offer a great shopping experience, and the traditional German-style food and drink, especially Glühwein to keep you warm on a winter’s night. The bigger and bolder Christmas Market will offer visitors an abundance of new local vendors, as well as new attractions and events. Some of the highlights include the new Winterdeck located beside the Alpine Lounge, featuring a charming entrance arch, a giant lit up picture frame, and stunning views of the North Shore. Couples will want to stroll down Lovers’ Lane – an Instagram-worthy 30-foot long tunnel adorned with 10,000 twinkling lights and mistletoe. A Love Lock Installation will be placed near the tunnel to which lovers can attach a ‘Vancouver Christmas Market Love Lock’, serving as a touching symbol of love and partnership over the holiday season. Families will enjoy a multitude of holiday activities including the market’s new Kinder Kraft Igloo, featuring a market-wide Christmas scavenger hunt for children, plus free arts and crafts.

 The Vancouver Christmas Market will also offer expanded holiday activities for 2018 visitors of all ages.

Photo: Lindsay Elliott

New events and highlights at the 9th annual Vancouver Christmas Market include:

Children’s Wish Weeks : November 23 to December 7
The Vancouver Christmas Market is honoured to work with and support its charitable partner the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Free Carousel Fridays : November 23 & 30 + December 7
Enjoy carousel rides on the Christmas Carousel offered by donation to Children’s Wish.

Shopping Day : November 25
Get your Christmas shopping done early at the Vancouver Christmas Market! This special day will feature one-day-only deals at gift vendors throughout the market.

Foodie Tuesdays : November 27 & December 4
A chance to try more for less featuring bites and beverages from select vendors that are $4 and under.

Club Christmas : November 29, December 6,  13 & 20
Every Thursday, join us for some after-work drinks, and enjoy our new, later market hours as you bust-a-move with Vancouver’s coolest DJs at the Christmas Pyramid or belt out a tune at karaoke in the Alpine Lounge.

Kids Day : December 1
Join Holly & Jolly, the Market’s Gingerbread mascots, for a day of family fun! Youth (13 and under) will be able to enter the market and enjoy rides on the Christmas Carousel by providing a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation.

Deluxe Date Night : December 5
Romance is always in the air at the Vancouver Christmas Market, but we’re hanging a little extra mistletoe for this special night of love! Enjoy 2-for-1 Entry at the gate as well as ‘deals for duos’ including 2-for-1 carousel rides, pretzels, ciders, and other paired discounts at select vendors.

Canucks Defenseman Erik Gudbranson Visits the Market : December 7
In support of Children’s Wish Weeks, Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson will visit the Market to help make a child’s wish come true. Visitors who make a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation will have the chance to go head-to-head with Erik as they try to score against him.

Tickets for Vancouver Christmas Market are on sale now:
Adult $12, Seniors $11, Youth Age 7-12 $5, Children Age 0-6, FREE.

Posted on

13 Holiday Markets & Christmas Craft Fairs for 2018 Gifts

Did you visit the Circle Craft Fair this weekend? Perhaps it got you in the spirit to find handmade Christmas gifts this year. Skip the malls, and find something unique and handmade at one of the many fun and festive Christmas Craft Markets around Metro Vancouver. 

Here’s a baker’s dozen Christmas Craft Markets to get you in the festive spirit.

Christmas at Hycroft : November 15th – 18th – Three floors of the Edwardian Hycroft Manor are filled with the spirit of the season as Christmas at Hycroft plays host to decor, artisans, family fun, entertainment and Santa. Admission $15

Crafty Affaire: November 17 (Ocean Park Community Hall, South Surrey), November 24 (Harris Barn, Delta), December 1 (Croatian Cultural Centre) The Holiday Markets from Craft Affaire spreads three different markets around Metro Vancouver to share their artisan’s wares to the communities. Admission by donation

Vancouver Christmas Market : November 21st – December 24th – A Vancouver tradition, the German-style Holiday Market brings 80+ huts filled with vendors of authentic German sweets, treats, trinkets and more to its waterfront location at Jack Poole Plaza for the 2018 season. Admission $10

West End Holiday Craft Fair: November 24th – 25th – West End Community Centre hosts 55 carefully curated artisans and vendors selling only handcrafted gifts.  Admission: Free

Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair : November 24th, the 36th anniversary edition of Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair, finds 140 hand-selected artists and vendors at Dunbar Community Centre with crafts, edible gifts, and entertainment, everything you  need for your holiday shopping. Admission $5 at door / $4 presale online

Portobello West Handmade for the Holidays Market : November 30 – December 2nd – Portobello’s annual market moves to Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown for an expanded three day market with live music, photos with Santa, food trucks and vendors for all your local shopping needs. Admission $5

Toque: November 30 – December 2nd – The Western Front Annual Community Fundraiser and Craft Sale has curated designers and artists for your holiday shopping as you support for the Wester Front’s year-round arts & music programs. Admission by donation

Kensington Community Holiday Craft Fair : December 1st, the 11th annual fills Kensington Community Centre with 60+ vendors selling toys, art, clothing, jewelry, home decor, children’s and baby handmade items from 10am – 4pm. Admission: Free

Strathcona Winter Fair : December 1st – The Annual Strathcona Winter Fair  brings 50+ neighbourhood artists and non-profit vendors to Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood at the Strathcona Community Centre at 601 Keefer – Admission $2 / Kids under 12, Free

Vancouver Foodster Holiday Market : December 5th – the 2nd Annual Holiday Market curated by Vancouver Foodster is an evening of tasting and shopping with multiple vendors at a selection of location around Vancouver. Admission: $50, early bird tickets $35 including food & beverage tastings at each location

Got Craft? Holiday Market : December 8th – 9th – returning to the Maritime Labour Centre, Got Craft? is the place for DIYers, crafters and handmade enthusiasts to come together. Admission $5 at the door / $3 online in advance

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy : December 8th – 9th – Heritage Hall on Main Street welcomes The Arts Collective’s annual Holiday Show and its crafters, vendors, artists and collaborators. Admission $4

Make It! The Handmade Revolution Holiday Show: Five Days of Finds, December 12th – 16th at PNE Forum, join the handmade revolution with over 215 makers, crafters, artisans and more. Admission $8 / Kids under 12, Free

Get crafty, get shopping and have fun! Happy Holidays! 

Posted on

Vancouver Foodster 2nd Annual Holiday Market December 5th

The Vancouver Foodster 2nd Annual Holiday Market is coming to neighbourhoods near you on December 5, 2018.  Building on last year’s Holiday Market, Vancouver Foodster market locations bring tastes, gifts and more to different corners of Vancouver.

At the Market locations – Main Street Honey Shoppe, Be Fresh Market & Cafe, Espressotec, and Silk Road Tea – multiple vendors, introduce participants to their products, goods and services.  Find out from producers, crafters, and vendors first hand what goes into their products or flavours.  The Vancouver Foodster Holiday Market is a perfect night for your holiday gift shopping, learning about what’s new on the shelves, shops and online, and mingling with your friends while meeting new ones.

Guests will register at Main Street Honey Shoppe to collect their Holiday Market Passport.  Then, they’ll set off to explore the market locations.

Espressotec, 1015 Clark Drive, will feature local food, baristas, coffee-roasters and coffees, along with general gift items including; Bean Around The World, East Van Roasters, Nutmeg Mylk, and Porchlight Press Cards.

Be Fresh Market & Cafe, 2951 W Broadway, will feature multiple vendors showcasing local foods and beverages.

Silk Road Tea, 2066 West 4th Avenue, presents their imported & custom blended organic, premium loose teas, as well as their organic skincare, haircare & bodycare products.

Tickets for Vancouver Foodster 2nd Annual Holiday Market are on sale on Eventbrite now:

Ultra Early-Bird: $29 per person until November 8, 2018
Early-Bird Tickets: $35 per person November 9 – November 28, 2018
Regular: $50 per person after November 28, 2018 until December 5, 2018
Note: Eventbrite fee and GST is extra on all tickets purchased online.
Ticket price includes food and beverages tasting at each of the participating markets throughout the evening.

 

 

 

Posted on

Vancouver 100th Anniversary Remembrance Day Ceremonies

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…

This year, Remembrance Day takes on added significance as it marks the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice to end WWI, signed on November 11, 1918.

Here’s some of the locations around Vancouver to observe Remembrance Day ceremonies:

Victory Square (West Hastings & Cambie): Vancouver’s largest event, drawing upwards of 15,000 in attendance, gets underway at 9:45am with Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande before the arrival of veterans arrive for the ceremony starting at 10am, a parade will follow the 11am two minutes of silence, 21 gun salute, RCAF fly past.

Other ceremonies around Metro Vancouver include;
Commercial Drive/Grandview Park (Charles Street at Commercial): 10:45 Ceremony
Memorial South Park Cenotaph (41st Ave & Windsor): 10:30 Ceremony
CRAB Park at Portside (Waterfront Road at Main St): 10:30 Ceremony and Gun Salute
Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park: 10:40 Ceremony
Chinatown Memorial (Keefer & Columbia Streets): 12:30 Ceremony

Burnaby North: Confederation Park Cenotaph, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #148 1045 Parade (starting from Safeway at 4440 Hastings St)
Burnaby South Bonso Park Cenotaph: (Corner of Imperial Street and Nelson Avenue) 1030 Parade (starting from Firehall #3 6511 Marlborough Ave & Bennett Street)

New Westminster (Sixth St & Queen Ave): 9:45 Ceremony at Royal New Westminster Armouries & Cenotaph

North Vancouver (3205 Institute Rd): 10:30 Ceremony at Veterans Plaza

Richmond (6911 Minoru Blvd): 10:00 Ceremony at Richmond City Hall

West Vancouver (Marine Dr at 20th): 10:30 Parade and Ceremony

For more information and to find a Remembrance Day ceremony near you visit Royal Canadian Legion BC / Yukon online

Whether you attend a Remembrance Day ceremonies in person or watch on TV, take a moment to remember and honour the dedication, commitment and sacrifice those who serve our country.