Vancouver's 50-foot Christmas Tree moves to the Jack Poole Plaza for 2011. Photo: Amacon
One of the top Christmas Events in Vancouver—and one of the best free Vancouver Christmas events—is the relatively new (2011 is its fifth year) tradition of lighting a huge, 50-foot-tall, Rockefeller-style Christmas tree in the heart of downtown Vancouver. For the last four years, the tree was in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery; this year, it will be at the Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre (where the Olympic Cauldron is).
Called the Vancouver Tree Lighting, the ceremony and free party to light the huge Christmas tree has fun for all ages, with live performances from the acapella group Aliqua, the Vancouver’s Children’s Choir, and Christmas soloists, plus special guest appearances by the BC Lions, the Felions and Bro Jake from Rock 101, and, of course, Santa Claus.
The free Vancouver Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 9, between 5:30pm – 7pm; Rick Hansen will light the tree around 6:55 p.m.
Bring an unwrapped gift for a child between ages 1 – 18 and your toy will be collected at the site, to benefit the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society.
If you can’t make the lighting ceremony, you can still see the tree: Dubbed the “Shaw Holiday Tree” for 2011, the Christmas tree will be shining its lights through New Year’s 2012.
10:50 am
So sad that the City Christmas tree has moved to the watefront. The tree was really the only major decoration we have on Georgia at the downtown shopping core. It was always lovely to take a evening stroll for us over 60 growd and enjoy the tree while we do we a little shopping. It seems unless you are lucky enough to live at the Pacific Rim the tree lighting is out! Everything seems to have moved to the Jack Poole Plaza. Why??!! The 12 year old Mayor?! May i also add coming from an american family i am tired of laughing everytime they say, Oh, living in the City it must be beautiful on the Holiday’s, just like New York. HA!!
1:55 pm
The location of the tree (as well as the change in the Santa Claus parade route) was due to the Occupy Vancouver tents at the Art Gallery. Although they have now left, the location had to be determine and set in advance, to late to return to the Art Gallery.
5:55 pm
It’s amazing that no matter what this city does, someone has to complain. Jack Poole Plaza is not that far from the Vancouver Art Gallery if you are out for a stroll. Also, if you walk around that area it is rather beautiful. I work close by and walk alot and I am always in awe of what a beautiful city we live in…no matter the time of year. The tree lighting can’t really be that important to you if you are not willing to walk or take a bus the extra few (yes few) blocks to it new home. Sorry, but I don’t see anything to complain about here. Oh and by the way… I am close to being a part of the ‘over 60 crowd’ myself.
7:04 pm
I LOVE VANCOUVER <3 every season!!! it alwayyysss makes me go awhhhh!!! :D
7:05 pm
But I still Prefer the old location on Georgia St. the center or the heart of downtown Vancouver. How about next year, bring it back there. I love the original place. Close to Robson and Ice Skating.