Close your eyes and imagine the scene from “The Lion, the Witch, and
the Wardrobe” when the wintry land of Narnia is first discovered. Shimmering
snow surrounds tall pines with glistening icicles, scarlet cranberries beam
under the rays of sunshine streaming through the trees, and the only thing
missing is Christmas. But you don’t need Narnia to capture the essence
of winter (Christmas included!) at the real life wonderland of Grouse Mountain.
Bring your family to Santa’s Workshop and meet his famous reindeer or
take a sleigh ride through their mystical alpine forest and feel the spirit
of Christmas all around. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating
on the 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped
trees, all at the Peak of Christmas. Visit www.grousemountain.com.
With the invention of the condo, Santa had to think about new methods to deliver
all those gifts, as the chimney doesn’t quite cut it for many households.
Cat doors are a great help, in addition to a kindly left unlatched window or
door, and his latest venture is largely unknown to many … Santa the Scuba
Diver! You don’t believe me? See it for yourself at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Santa will be swimming with the fishes in their Strait of Georgia exhibit running
in December. There will also be plenty of special holiday crafts and activities
for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it! Visit www.vanaqua.org for
more details.
Not only a Christmas reality (but often also a Christmas parody!), it is not
uncommon for one of your neighbour's homes to be the one with 5,000 Christmas
lights, a waving Frosty the Snowman in the front yard, and Santa with all eight
reindeer “ho ho ho-ing” from the rooftop of the house. Whether
you join in the neighbourhood decoration battle or not, imagine what it must
have been like the very first year that electric Christmas lights were introduced
to the masses. The awe, beauty, and coziness that the twinkle of Christmas
lights invoke today is miniscule compared to the feelings of those who saw
this in the 1920’s. Now you can relive that experience, at the Burnaby
Village Museum, and celebrate a heritage Christmas that will leave you truly
appreciating every light you see. See www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca for
details.
Go back to the days of yore with a trip on the 2006 Christmas “North
Pole Express”, at the Bear Creek Park Train. This inventive train tour
is celebrating its 10th year of carrying delighted guests through a plethora
of Christmas displays, showcasing the best of the holidays. Check out all your
favourite Christmas scenes and characters, including the Winter Queen’s
residence, Old Man Winter’s Entourage, Mouse Choir, Penguin’s Fishing
Hole, Frosty’s Field of Snowmen, Gingerbread’s Christmas Greetings,
Peace on Earth Nativity, Tunnel Festival of Trees and Santa’s Stop-Over
Display. See www.bctrains.com for more
information.
You know you have felt it before, the intense stress as you try to match gifts
with that special person you are buying for, terrified that your poor gift
choice will make them think you have learned nothing about them in the past
20 years. Worry no further! Instead of waiting in line and looking for parking,
take a drive to the winter wonderland of Whistler and revel in the stunning
scenery, frolic in the snow and visit the Bizarre Bazaar, Whistler’s
original artisan market. Find totally unique and artistic gifts, avoid the
overcrowded malls, support BC artists and have a little vacation for yourself!
With live music, holiday edibles and over 100 vendors selling thousands of
one-of-a-kind items, why would you go anywhere else? See www.whistlerartscouncil.com for
more details.
For something a little unique (not to mention, it is completely sold out year
after year!), celebrate the season listening to the 100 voice Welsh Men’s
Choir, which has sung in concert halls worldwide, including the famous Moscow
and St. Petersburg Conservatories and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Their
annual Christmas concert is happening December 12 and features carols, seasonal
songs, readings from Dickens’ classic, and a sing-a-long. See www.surrey.ca for
more information.
Not long ago, there was a time when children’s eyes would brighten at
the magical moving displays in the Woodward’s store windows, filling
their heads with wishes and hopes, delights and dreams. Now a time-honoured
tradition, the animated Woodward’s Window Displays are a part of Vancouver’s
history that you can re-live this Christmas at Canada Place. This annual community
event is celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, and will include a visit
from Santa Claus, strolling carolers and a multitude of festive activities.
Admission is by donation, with event proceeds going to support charitable organizations
(after all it is the true spirit of giving that makes the holidays fabulous!).
Visit www.canadaplace.ca for details.
Who needs a sleigh when you can travel in locomotive style? This winter “it’snow” time
to hibernate – not when you can experience an unforgettable winter tour
aboard VIA Rail’s famed Canadian train, journeying back to a time when
the prospect of snow was eagerly awaited. John Steel makes it easy to embark
on your own sentimental journey, where you’ll rediscover the warm side
of winter. Inclusive Snow Train packages offer a range of itineraries - from
coast-to-coast to just overnight. Visit www.johnsteel.com for
details.
So eloquently put by Ebenezer Scrooge! Live the life of a Dickens character
at the First Annual Victorian Christmas Parade down the quaint main street
of Fort Langley. On November 18, enjoy hot roasted chestnuts (okay, maybe Tiny
Tim didn’t have this opportunity), gingerbread, hot chocolate or hot
apple cider as you finish up your Christmas shopping at the wide variety of
eclectic shops in the Village. The Celtic Christmas Craft fair adds some spice
to the event, and the day ends with a spectacular lighting of the Village.
