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Nothing beats being home for the holidays. Fresh baked food, great conversations and so many amazing family traditions to be had. Everything from different Christmas Markets to Light festivals, each family has their thing. If your home is in Vancouver, I have put together a list of must do’s this season. Tradition or not, these events will put you in the holiday spirit and get you excited for the weeks to come.
Starting november 23rd, canyon lights will be open at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. These hundreds of thousands of lights will fill the canyon and the forest. Everything from the bridge, treetop adventure and the cliff walk will be lit up. The great thing about this place, other than the amazing holiday spirit, is that after going once you get a yearly pass to the bridge. Think of it as a fun family investment!
Downtown Vancouver is already filled with decorations and lights, and to top things off the Robson square ice rink opens soon! As of December 1st you will be able to experience free skating in the heart of our downtown. It will be open 7 days a week ranging from times of 9:00am-9:00pm. If skates are not something you acquire, you can rent them at the rink, but cash only! Make a day of it, go grab a coffee and check out the beautiful holiday store windows and then head down for a skate.
Another amazing event this year that will be held on Robson Street is Winter’s Dance on Robson. This event is short whimsical story about a Snow Queen and her magical kingdom. It will be projected onto the John Robson building, 1115 Robson street. This show will happen on December 1st and 2nd and will go till 9:00pm on both days. This is put on by Small Stage dance group and the Robson Street Business association. For all the attendees there will be free hot cocoa and sweets to warm everyone up. This is a can’t miss!
Glendas Christmas Cottage has become a tradition for many throughout the years. Located at 4557 Mount Lehman Rd, Glenda’s is filled with rare christmas decorations and items in every room of the house. If this seasonal boutique doesn’t put you in the christmas spirit, I don’t know what will.
If you are looking for some fun family christmas activities, look no further then Abbotsford. Holiday events are already up and running, from Winter Jubilees to Christmas Markets and even some Christmas tree lightings! Abbotsford is only a 40 minute drive from vancouver, so there are no excuses to not bundle up and check it out. For more information on all these amazing events, go check out Tourism Abbotsford!
- Movie Nights (or days)
If you are more interested in the “at home” traditions, one of my favorites is getting cozy on the couch with a cup of hot coco and binge watching Christmas movies. Some days going out is just too much effort and I believe everyone needs those lazy stay at home days. I can’t wait to curl up on my couch in my new house and watch my favorite movies, The Santa Clause,It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, and obviously National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!
- Entertaining at Home
As we all know, holiday season isn’t always about going to events and outdoor activities.It’s also the time for seeing as many people as you can in a two week span. Which, don’t get me wrong, I love, but has the potential to get a little overwhelming. A couple tips on hosting family I have gained over the years include:
- Make sure your guests RSVP. Knowing exactly how many people are coming will leave no surprises and limit the stress of having enough food or snacks.
- Declutter your house of all un needed knick knacks. It will be easier to clean and will make your house look more organized, which will impress the grandparents.
- Use all white sheets on beds as well as table cloths. Why you ask? Ever heard of bleach? When something gets stained, you can bleach the heck out of it and it’s ready to go for the next dinner or next house guest.
- Lastly, stalk a guest cart. This cart can be filled with toiletries, magazines, towels and even some snacks. It will save your guests from asking you where everything is. OH, and don’t forget to put up the WIFI username and password, that question can sure get old.
Natalie’s Home for the Holidays Contest!!!
We have not 1 but 2 Fraser Valley Hotel Overnight Stay Giveaway’s for two lucky listeners!!
1.We have a one night stay in a private cottage and includes breakfast for two to Rowena’s Inn! And a fresh, tree to bottle Taves spiced cider, perfect for holiday entertaining!
Value is $250!!!!
2. And we also have ANOTHER overnight stay that includes a gourmet breakfast and you can experience all of what the Christmas festivities have to offer at Brookside Inn!!!
Value is $200!!!!
Good luck!
n xx
Contest is now closed congratulations to Deb Paskall and Kevin Corstorphine who’ve won stays at Rowena’s Inn & The Brookside Inn!
**Contest Rules & Regulations**
The winner agrees to abide by the rules and regulations outlined here http://www.jrfm.com/contestrules/ for pick up at #300-1401 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1C9. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
All prizes must be claimed within 60 days at the offices of CJJR-FM and are non-transferable. After 60 days, prize becomes the property of CJJR-FM, to do with as it may determine, including awarding it to another contestant, and CJJR-FM shall be released and discharged from any liability or responsibility in this regard.
Only ONE member of the household will be eligible to qualify or win in any single Contest.
By entering the Contest, all persons are deemed to have read and to have accepted these rules and regulations.