Inside Vancouver

Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast 2011 This Wednesday, December 7

by Dana Lynch in Events on December 5, 2011

Thousands bring donated toys to the annual Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast.

Get ready to bring joy to a child in need and leave with a very full belly: it’s time for the annual Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast, the largest toy fundraiser in the Lower Mainland.

Now in its 24th year, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast is an epic toy drive that attracts thousands. On December 7, between 6am – 9am, guests bring an unwrapped toy or cash donation to the Pan Pacific Vancouver and receive a free festive breakfast, courtesy of the luxury hotel’s acclaimed Cafe Pacifica Restaurant. Last year, the event collected 26,000 toys and over $25,000 cash from 5,000 visitors, all benefiting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, an organization that helps make Christmas special for families in need.

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Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast 2011 This Wednesday, December 7

Nautical-Themed Christmas in Steveston Festival: Dec. 3

by Remy Scalza in Events on December 1, 2011

Photo credit: Chung Chow, Richmond News

Dozens of holiday events are happening this month in Vancouver, from Carol Ship cruises to Bright Nights in Stanley Park (Check out Dana’s great post for all the details). But downtown Vancouver doesn’t have a monopoly on the holiday fun.

This Saturday, Dec. 3, catch a quirky, nautical-themed Christmas celebration in the seaside fishing village of Steveston. Located in Richmond, not far from the airport, Steveston is perhaps best known for its Fisherman’s Wharf – where you can buy fresh salmon in the summer months.

That same wharf is where Santa will be making an appearance on Saturday as part of the Christmas in Steveston Festival. Instead of arriving by sleigh, however, he’ll zip into port aboard a decorated whale watching boat. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the unusual fun happening on Saturday:

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Nautical-Themed Christmas in Steveston Festival: Dec. 3

Bright Nights in Stanley Park 2011 – A Magical Ride Through A Holiday Wonderland

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on November 30, 2011

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

When it comes to holiday attractions for families and kids, Stanley Park’s Miniature Train always provides the perfect venue. At Halloween, the train, forest and grounds transform into the spooky Ghost Train; for Christmas and the winter holidays, the train and its environs transform again—courtesy of over two million twinkling lights—into the delightful holiday wonderland of Bright Nights.

Now in its 14th year, Bright Nights in Stanley Park is one of the top Vancouver Christmas Attractions for kids and their parents. Visitors hop aboard the Bright Nights train for a holiday-music-filled journey through the brightly-decorated woods, passing by animated and live action tableaux from the incredible Mortal Coil (the same folks who perform at the Ghost Train).

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Bright Nights in Stanley Park 2011 – A Magical Ride Through A Holiday Wonderland

Canyon Lights Returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge

by Remy Scalza in Family Friendly on November 29, 2011

Photo Credit: Capilano Suspension Bridge

Now, there are lots of great light displays in Vancouver this year, Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Festival of Lights in VanDusen Garden, even the floating Carol Ships Parade of Lights. But no display combines beautiful illumination with terrifying heights quite like Canyon Lights out at the Capilano Supension Bridge in North Vancouver, running from Dec. 2-Jan. 1.

The bridge itself is 136 metres (446 feet) long and is suspended 70 metres (230 feet) above the rushing Capilano River. Every year some 800,000 people from around the world work up the courage to dart across the swaying, rocking span. And, believe me, it’s no easy task – especially if you have any fear of heights.

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Canyon Lights Returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Rogers Santa Claus Parade 2011 This Sunday, December 4

by Dana Lynch in Events on November 28, 2011

Photo: Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Vancouver’s Christmas and winter holiday season gets its official kick-off this weekend with one of the city’s best and biggest Christmas events: the 8th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 4, 2011.

Back with a new route through downtown Vancouver (route details below), the annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade is a fabulous free event for all ages. Not only will the 300,000+ spectators enjoy a host of marching bands, Christmas dancers, elaborate floats, and—of course—an appearance by Santa himself, there are free festivities at the Coast Capital Christmas Square, too, including kids’ activities and live music on the outdoor entertainment stage.

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Rogers Santa Claus Parade 2011 This Sunday, December 4

Pan Pacific Vancouver Christmas Wish Breakfast 2011 This Wednesday, December 7

Nautical-Themed Christmas in Steveston Festival: Dec. 3

Bright Nights in Stanley Park 2011 – A Magical Ride Through A Holiday Wonderland

Canyon Lights Returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Rogers Santa Claus Parade 2011 This Sunday, December 4

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Vancouver photo essays