What to do this Christmas here at Vancouver!!!

Christmas is round the corner and everyone is busy with their shopping and holiday plans! You look down the street and see people hustling between malls and shops trying to get best deals available. In the middle of all this deal searchs we tend to forget to enjoy the little pleasures of the festival season. What I want to talk about in this blog is about the festitvities here in Vancouver this year which you wouldnt want to miss.

Bright Lights- Stanley Park

At Stanley Park's Bright Nights, over a million twinkly lights transform the forest and the famous Miniature Train into a winter wonderland. Ride the train, visit Santa, see the Parade of Trees, and more at this top Vancouver Christmas attraction for kids and families. It's open from December 2- January 2 but closed on December 25th. From Sunday to Thursday the trains run from 3 pm to 10 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays they run from 3pm to 11 pm.

VanDusen Gardens

VanDusen Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights is a dont miss holiday event that's fun for everyone, especially kids. At the Festival of Lights , VanDusen transforms itself from a serene botanical oasis into a winter wonderland. Millions of colourful lights are strewn around flower beds, trees, shrubs and decorations, combining to create an awesome spectacle. Visitors to the Festival of Light can stroll through brightly-lit pathways--including the Gingerbread Walk and Candy Cane Lane--watch the Dancing Lights show (lights around Livingstone Lake "dance" to holiday music), enjoy hot chocolate and other snacks, and--most importantly for kids!--visit Santa and his elves.When: 4:30pm - 9pm nightly, December 9, 2011 - January 2, 2012 (closed December 25).

Peak Of Christmas

Located just north of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is an easily accessible winter wonderland, complete with outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, reindeer, breakfasts with Santa, live entertainment and more.

Santa's Workshop (12-8pm): Meet Santa in person to share those holiday wishes.

Outdoor Ice Skating (9am-10pm): Enjoy the crisp mountain air as you glide atop our magical 8,000 square foot skating pond.

Reindeer Interpretive Sessions at the Habitat (2pm & 4pm): Visit a real reindeer and learn reindeer facts from our Wildlife Rangers.

Live Entertainment (Weekdays 6-8pm/Weekends 1-3pm): Listen to carolers & choirs celebrating the season.

SOS Children's Village Parade of Trees (Dec 2-24, 9am-10pm): Witness this spectacular display of lights and decor.  Vote for your favourite to win prizes.   

Mountaintop Sleigh Rides (9am-9pm weather permitting): Huddle together under gently falling snow as you tour our mountain trails. 

Christmas Favourites (9:30am-9pm on the half hour): Watch fun family Christmas movies on the big screen in our mountaintop theatre.  

Skate with Champions (Dec 3, 10, 17; 1-2pm & 4-5pm): Learn to skate with world champion Karen Magnussen & friends.  Photos and autographs available.  

Ice Show with Karen and Friends (Dec 17, 5:30-6:15pm): Be wowed by Karen Magnussen and other top local and international skaters as they show their skills.

The Nutcracker

Can it be December without The Nutcracker, arguably the most famous and beloved ballet of all time? It's a beautiful way to make memories, dress up in your holiday best and support local arts all at the same time. Alberta Ballet’s magical version of the delightful Christmas story returns with riveting storytelling that will usher young and old alike into a rich and festive holiday mood. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, with spectacular sets and costumes by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, this production takes place in the opulent grandeur of turn of the 20th century Imperial Russia. Danced to the glorious Tchaikovsky score, played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, this production displays every cent of the $1.5 million budget through the stunning sets and elaborate costumes. With scores of dancing children, mice dressed as soldiers and snowflakes dressed as princesses, this ballet is pure entertainment for the whole family and a great addition to your holiday traditions.

Tese are just a few of the attractions that is availble here for Christmas. Hope to see you here for one of these christmas events.