Light Up The Heights in Burnaby 2012

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Over the last few years we’ve found a special place in our hearts for Burnaby Heights, a neighbourhood crossing North Burnaby with spectacular city and mountain views and local merchants who care about their community. Burnaby Heights will be hosting “Light Up The Heights” this weekend with a tree lighting ceremony and more, all free for the public.

north burnaby: swinging in the heights
Photo credit: just_jeanette on Flickr

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 1st from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Height Fountain, located at Hastings and MacDonald. The event is free but a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau would be appreciated.

Entertainment will be provided by the Scrooge Horns, activities will include gingerbread cookie decorating, and refreshments like warm drinks and sweet treats will be served. McGill Public Library’s children’s librarian will do a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 4:15pm and the event will happen rain or shine, with tents and heaters to keep everyone comfortable.

The following few Saturdays December 8th and December 15th will see carollers along the Heights and visits from Santa from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Featured merchants include 4Cats Arts Studio, Chickadee Boutique, G&F Financial Group, Making Memories with Scrapbooking, Plush Floral Studio, Starbucks, Valley Bakery, and Vancity.

Follow Burnaby Heights on Facebook and Twitter for more information about their merchants and community events.

Vancouver Trolley Company Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour 2012

Comments 105 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Vancouver Trolley Company will once again combine tours of the city with holiday carols and light displays with their Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour. From December 7th to December 31st you can join a trolley tour at the Vancouver Christmas Market starting at 6:30pm.

vancouvertrolleychristmas
Photo courtesy of Vancouver Trolley Company on Facebook.

Once on the iconic Vancouver Trolley, guests will sing their way past the city lights of downtown before arriving at Bright Nights at Stanley Park where they can get out and look around. Since this event benefits the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Burn Fund, a donation is included in your Vancouver Trolley Company Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour ticket.

The tour will then continue on to VanDusen Botanical Garden where guests can enjoy the Festival of Lights. The tour will wrap up by returning to the Vancouver Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza.

This combination tour, complete with carol singing on board, is $40 for adults, $35 for students and seniors, and $25 for children. Family packs are available (2 adults, 2 children) for $110. See all of Vancouver’s best holiday attractions in one go! Book your tour by calling (604) 801-5515.

The Vancouver Trolley Company is also offering up an Ultimate Christmas Tour Experience with mix-and-match attraction options and two day Hop-On Hop-Off tours for the price of one. Find out more about this custom package online.

If you would like to check out the Vancouver Trolley Company Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour, I have a pair of tickets to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment naming your favourite holiday tune (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets for the @VanTrolley Company Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/fEXAd

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012. Follow the Vancouver Trolley Company on Facebook and Twitter for more information about seasonal tours and everyday experiences.

Update The winner is Rachel!

Vancouver North Pole Express

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Vancouver North Pole Express combines two things that evoke nostalgia and memories: trains and the holidays. In true Polar Express style, families are invited aboard a train at the VIA Rail Station (Pacific Central Station at 1150 Station St) to enjoy some hot chocolates and a half-hour Christmas Magic Show by Matthew Johnson. Upon disembarking they will receive a souvenir ticket to Believe in the magic of the season.

northpoleexpress

Starting December 6th, showtimes are Thursdays between 4:00pm and 7:30pm, Saturdays between 10:00am and 7:00pm, and Sundays between 10:00am and 7:30pm until December 23rd. Tickets are available online now for $15 (adults) and $7.50 (children) plus service fees. Group tickets are available for $33 (for 3 people) and $60 (for 6 people). Check the event ticketing website for exact times and fees.

The event is a fundraiser for the National Railroad Historical Society of BC which is a non-profit organization that is restoring 1930’s passenger cars — like the restored rail car where the show will take place. Follow the society on Facebook for more information.

Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker 2012

Comments 167 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker will be dazzling audiences of all ages in Vancouver this Christmas, set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score performed by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.


Photo courtesy of the Goh Ballet.

Experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice. This heart-warming production is sure to delight audiences of all ages with more than 200 glittering costumes, dramatic sets and valuable lessons.

Performances will take place at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer St) December 19th to December 22nd, 2012 at 7:30pm, and December 22nd and December 23rd, 2012 at 2:00pm. Tickets are on sale now for $30 to $95.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is offering up Nutcracker package deals and you can enter the Nutcracker Raffle to support community arts and the Goh Ballet.


Photo courtesy of the Goh Ballet.

Last year I took my niece to the ballet for the first time. Gathering under the marquee with tickets in hand, cheeks rosy red from the cold and coats buttoned to our chins, we entered the theatre with a sense of wonder. By the end of the first act we were both enchanted by the performance. If you would like to experience this magical holiday show for yourself, I have a pair of tickets to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
  • Re-Pin this pin on Pinterest (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets to @Goh_Nutcracker Ballet from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/fCYWN

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012. Prize tickets are for opening night, December 19, 2012. Follow the performance on Twitter and Facebook for information about the Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker this year.

The Goh Ballet Youth Company was established in 1979, by Principal Dancers of The National Ballet of China, Choo Chiat and Lin Yee Goh. Its objective is the pursuit of technical and artistic excellence in conjunction with raising cultural awareness in the community. This performing group reflects Vancouver’s cultural diversity. It serves as a magnet to attract talented dancers locally and abroad, and helps to ease the transition from student to professional dancer.

Update The winner is Hillary!

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden 2012

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Covering 55 acres, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a year-round destination for those looking for a peaceful stroll or natural photo opportunities, attending fundraising events, taking in the beauty of spring and summer foliage or the colours of fall, and especially basking in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights during the annual Festival of Lights.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights - 2011 VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights - 2011
Photo credit: Vancouver4Life.com & Vancouver4Life.com on Flickr

Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden at 37th Ave and Oak St in Vancouver
When: December 7, 2012 to January 1, 2013 from 4:30pm to 9:00pm (closed Christmas Day)

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights - 2011
Photo credit: Vancouver4Life.com on Flickr

Favourites each year include Community Choir Concerts, the Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake. Every half hour on the half hour, the show bursts to life with thousands of lights. Kids also love meeting Santa in his loving room (December 7th to 24th) and spotting the jolly Scandinavian Christmas Gnomes. There’s also the Make-A-Wish Candle Grotto and the Make-A-Wish’s Room of Joy, located in the Visitor Centre along with a display from the Vancouver Lego Club.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights - 2011
Photo credit: Vancouver4Life.com on Flickr

Truffles Café inside the Visitor Centre will be serving up treats along with three satellite locations around the garden, Dr. Waffle, and the Shaughnessy Restaurant.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights - 2011
Photo credit: Vancouver4Life.com on Flickr

Tickets are currently on sale through Tickets Tonight online, by calling (604) 684-2787, or stopping by the service desk at the Visitor Centre. Tickets are also available at the gate every evening. Prices are adult (19-65): $14.25; senior (65+): $10.50; youth (13-18): $10.50; child (3-12): $7.75; children under age 3 are free. Family passes (2 adults + 2 children age 18 and under) are $32.50.

Follow VanDusen Garden on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates and information about the Festival of Lights.