Christmas is practically here, Chanukah starts tomorrow and the winter solstice happens this week. The holiday season is at its peak! If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver to celebrate, look no further. We have the scoop on holiday markets, light displays, shows, festivals and a whole lot of family fun until the New Year. So read on, and have a very Vancouver holiday season. And remember to look back at our previous posts outlining what to do in Vancouver over the holidays, because many of the events we told you about are still running:

• November 19-27
• November 28 – December 4
• December 5-11
• December 12-18

Gingerbread House Making

Where: 3696 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
When: December 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The scoop: Make the most incredible gingerbread house, decorated with the most incredible candy. Each student will make their own traditional full-sized house with real gingerbread. Share some holiday stories and hot apple cider. Please make arrangements to transport your gingerbread creation home at the end of the evening.
Cost: $45 + HST
More info: www.christiannehayward.com

Solstice Lantern Festival

Where: Five locations around Vancouver
When: December 21 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
The scoop: Join the Secret Lantern Society as they light up the longest night of the year in various locations across Vancouver, with lantern processions, candle labyrinths and fire performances. In the event of severely inclement weather, head to the indoor venues.
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted)
More info: www.secretlantern.org

Solstice Celebration Lantern Festival

Where: Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
When: December 21 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
The scoop: For the cool suburbanite who doesn’t want to make the trek downtown. Expect caroling, crafts, dance, meditation, a lantern procession, cookies, soup and tea. Bring your own mugs (BYOM) and bring your own lanterns (BYOL). Please note this is an outdoor event, dress magical but dress for the weather.
Admission: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/events/292759244078731/

Bach Cantata Project: Festive Bach Cantatas for the Holiday Season

Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC
When: December 21 at 8:00 pm
The scoop: The innovative Bach Cantata Project continues with another program of Christmas Cantatas at the Chan. This December, feast your ears on some of Bach’s most glorious music. The program will include cantatas with two natural horns and three oboes, as well as Part Five of the beloved Christmas Oratorio.
Admission: Tickets $32 and up, $3 discount for students
More info: earlymusic.bc.ca/CC2-BachCantatas.html

Chanukah on Ice

Where: Sunset Ice Rink
When: December 26 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
The scoop: Wondering what to do in Vancouver for Chanukah? This event features live ice Menorah carving and lighting, hot dinner, laktkes and donuts, dreidels for the kids, music entertainment and a whole lot of family fun.
Admission: $5 per person, includes skate rental
More info: www.chabadeastvan.com/chanukah

Now you know what to do in Vancouver for the rest of the holiday season. Have a great – and festive – time!

*Image credit – Skyco on Flickr

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About the Author: Lisa Corriveau

Lisa Corriveau is our East Side Contributor. When not writing, she can often be found at the park chasing her little boy, sewing clothing, cycling, reading just about anything, performing on stilts, eating chocolate or drinking craft beer. (Sometimes several of the above simultaneously.) Lisa lives car-free in East Van, with toddler, husband and a few bikes. You can also find her on her blog, The Sprog.

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