CANDYTOWN CASTS ITS MAGIC OVER YALETOWN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Santa and the elves are busily sprinkling magic dust over Yaletown, transforming the neighbourhood into an enchanted land filled with palate-popping treats, Yuletide music and cozy carriage rides. That’s right: CandyTown is here again, and with it comes a fresh crop of experiences that invite holidaymakers to indulge in the sweetest surprises of the season.

Small tykes whose list of seasonal must-do is topped by a visit with the jolly man himself can make a beeline for the North Pole (Bill Curtis Square at the Canada Line Station), where Santa Claus will be carefully listening to holiday wishes. Prepare for a visit by the Ice Queen as well, who will share her surprisingly warm-hearted story and pose for photos. Santa will be on-site at 12pm – 3pm, and the Ice Queen will make her appearance at 3pm – 7pm. The photo opp is free, though donations will be accepted for B.C. Children’s Hospital (suggested donation is $5 minimum per family). After the excitement of meeting their favourite Christmas characters, tired tots (and parents) can take a rest during a picturesque horse-drawn carriage ride. The carriage departs from Pacific Boulevard and trundles along Pacific, Hamilton and Davie streets for a relaxed cruise, with a suggested $2 donation to B.C. Children’s Hospital to help spur on the horses.

CandyTown’s tasty theme will pervade throughout the festival with interactive candy-making demonstrations and sweet treats available for purchase. Visit the Candy Hut for DIY candy kabobs, and take the adults only self-guided cocktail tour to sip special holiday cocktails from Opus Bar, the New Oxford, WildTale, The Distillery and much more. Have a sweet tooth? You won’t want to miss the tantalizing array of goodies offered by such purveyors as Bluebird Cakery, The Good Chocolatier and Boulangerie La Parisienne. Heartier appetites can flock to food trucks REEL Mac and Cheese, Old Country Pierogi and Tacofino, as well as restaurant favourites offered by Earls Kitchen + Bar, Zend Conscious Lounge and more.

Of course, Christmas isn’t complete without an artisan street market – after all, handcrafted goods make the best gifts. Visitors can stock up on clothing, décor, pet accessories, jewellery and flora at the “All I Want for Christmas” market, featuring local vendors like 3H Craftworks (handmade sock puppets, stockings and tea cozies), Standout Boutique (exquisite jewellery), Divine Vines (gorgeous flowers arrangements), Woo To See You boutique and others.

Kids of all ages can make crafts, get their faces painted and learn how to twist a balloon animal at the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Rotary Club tents. In keeping with the seasonal spirit, both charities will gratefully accept donations – because the only thing better than Christmas fun is Christmas fun that gives back to those in need. New this year, guests can swoon over professional firefighter models featured in the 2018 Hall of Fame Calendar. Now in its 31st year, the calendar supports the B.C. Professional Firefighters Association Burn Fund and Vancouver General Hospital, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund and Vancouver Firefighter Charities’ Snacks for Kids program for underprivileged children in Vancouver.

Visitors can also view live an ice sculpture demonstration on Helmcken Street (between 1pm and 7pm), and NEW THIS YEAR we’ve expanded the festival to Yaletown Park (Nelson and Mainland). Warm up as you browse the exhibition Together, which explores how Canadians are helping to drive global change (displayed at Yaletown Park); play some free Canada-themed games while enjoying live music and performances by roaming musicians and stilt walkers.