With just days to go until Thanksgiving Dinner, it’s hard to juggle a busy work and home week as well as plan to cook a bit meal for friends and family. Why not take some of the pressure off? Leave the cooking to someone else so you have more time to spend giving thanks for those gathered around the table.
Here’s a few places that will do the preparations for you this year;
Sutton Place Hotel : Thanksgiving Turkey To-Go Dinner for 10-12 $375 (plus optional add-ons) Order by noon October 8th by phone 604-682-5511 ext. 34 Pick up October 11th to October 14th
Hendricks Resto-Lounge at Westin Grand : Thanksgiving Turkey Take Out Dinner for 4 $240 / Dinner for 8 $450 Order by October 8th by phone 604-647-2521 Pick up October 12th to October 14th
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
Christmas and music go hand in hand; carols, hymns and cantatas, bring spirit to the Season. Home calendars are filled with school and church concerts. To help you get in the spirit of song, here’s a list of concerts around Vancouver to make your season bright;
Winter Harp Celtic Ensemble: December 12-13, 2018 at Blue Shore Financial Performing Arts Centre, Capilano University, North Vancouver December 15, 2018: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver December 16-17, 2018: The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge
Maureen Washington with Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir
Christmas with Chor Leoni: December 14, 16, 17, 2018 at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver December 15, 2018 at West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver
VSO Traditional Christmas Concerts: December 13, 2018 at Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver December 14, 2018 at Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver December 15, 2018 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey December 16, 2018 at Michael J. Fox Theatre, Burnaby December 20-22, 2018 at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
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.
James & Jamesy – O Christmas Tree
Whimsy: The award winning duo, James & Jamesy’s O Christmas Tree brings their physical comedy to Massey Theatre on December 1st, with a Christmas cuppa brimming with holiday cheer, and much more.
Enemy: The Enemy at The Firehall Arts Centre is a topical, contemporary interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, running until December 1, 2018
Jazz: Tyrant Studio’s Friday Jazz enjoy the New Orleans style sounds of Marc Lindy and Guests at the Tyrant Studio Lounge upstairs from The Penthouse
Merry Kiss-mas VTSL
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
Lights: Friday night, catch the 12th annual light-up of the 76ft tall Vancouver Christmas Tree at Robson Square, and Saturday the annual Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens opens, plus enjoy many other Festival light displays around the city
Gold: The Vancouver Canucks play host to Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday at Rogers Arena
Pi Theatre’s Hir Jordan Fowlie and Victor Dolhai Photo: Emily Cooper.
Gender: Pi Theatre presents the Canadian premiere of American playwright Taylor Mac’s Hir, exploring the dynamics of a family dealing with PTSD, gender politics & more, from November 22–December 8, 2018, at Vancouver Civic Theatre’s Annex.
Drama: Seven Tyrants Theatre presents John Patrick Stanley’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama Doubt : A Parable from November 23 – December 14
Laughs: Saturday nights Tyrant Studio’s Comic Strip brings stand-up comedy to the Studio Lounge Stage with Byron Bertram, plus James Hammond and Alex Sparling
Market: The Vancouver Christmas Market celebrates its 9th year as it returns to Jack Poole Plaza, until December 24, 2018
Couture: The Vancouver Art Gallery presents Guo Pei: Couture Beyond is the first Canadian exhibition devoted to the work of Guo Pei, China’s preeminent couturière until January 20, 2019
Shopping: From the West End, to Dunbar, and Delta, Visit one of the many Christmas Craft Markets happening around Metro Vancouver this weekend
Aurora Winter Festival
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
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 Plazaon 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.
‘Tis the season to gather the family together and enjoy the fun of live theatre.
Align Entertainment started the season off with their, just ended run of, A Christmas Story : The Musical. This holiday season finds theatre offering something for everyone in the family, from romance, to drama, comedy to fantasy.
Check out the list of 10 plays to find something that’s sure to please you and your family or friends this season.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley – November 15 – December 30, 2018 Arts Club Theatre Company Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver In this modern follow up to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, take another trip to Pemberley as romance and comedy mix with Christmas festivities.
Merry Kiss-mas
Merry Kiss-Mas– November 21 – December 24, 2018 – Improv Centre, Granville Island, 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver ‘VTS Channel’ 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.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr – November 24 – 25, 2018 – Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association presents this children’s production of Disney’s musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale.
East Van Panto – Wizard of Oz
East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz – November 28, 2018 – January 6, 2019 – The Cultch York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver East Van Panto returns for its sixth year, finding Dorothy and Toto flung to the Land of Oz in the depths of East Van
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast – December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019 – Arts Club Theatre Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver Disney’s tale as old as time comes to life, with a song as old as rhyme, lavish costumes, lush sets and great casting in this remount.
James & Jamesy – O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tea – Various Locations including; December 1, 2018 -Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster // December 10 – 11, 2018 – Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver The award winning duo, James & Jamesy bring their physical comedy to the regioni with a Christmas cuppa brimming with holiday cheer, and much more.
Little Dickens – December 4 – 22, 2018 – The Cultch Historic Theatre – 1895 Venables, Vancouver Ronnie Burkett’s Little Dickens, finds the cast of The Daisy Theatre take on the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, in the merriest marionette mash-up ever.
It’s a Wonderful Life – December 6 – 31, 2018 Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond Take a trip to Bedford Falls and watch George Bailey come back from despair to realize that it is a wonderful life.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – December 6 – 16, 2018 – Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver In this lively Christmas classic, the six Herdman kids, “the worst kids in the history of the world”, take over the annual Christmas pageant, much mayhem and fun follows in this hilarious and heartwarming story.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr– December 7 – 8, 2018 – Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster Children’s Theatre of Richmond Association presents this children’s version of Disney’s beloved musical
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.
Celebrating its 9th anniversary, the 