Coal Harbour
For many Vancouverites, checking out the Christmas-themed windows at the Woodward’s department store on Hastings Street was a much-loved tradition.
But when Woodward’s closed almost 20 years ago, those holiday windows became a thing of the past and the tiny toy trains and animated snowmen were packed away apparently for good.
But then 10 years ago the iconic windows were resurrected and put back on display at Canada Place, where they’ll be again from Dec. 1 to 31.
Christmas at Canada Place, presented by Port Metro Vancouver, is celebrating everyone’s favourite Canadian Christmas memories with the Woodward’s Windows, skating under the Northern Lights, a chance to ride the holiday train and more.
Visit the Canada Place cruise ship terminal with a food bank donation dropped in the giant “present” located on the front plaza. Christmas at Canada Place is free, family fun and part of the Winter Waterfront District. For detailed hours and performance schedule, visit canadaplace.ca.
Mount Pleasant
The 20th annual Women’s Winter Faire takes place from Friday Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St., and launches with a concert to celebrate the anniversary.
Celebrating Women’s Voices includes performers such as Kate Reid, Sandy Scofield (who performed during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics), Clara Shandler: Sidewalk cellist, and JB the First Lady. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For the past 19 years, the Women’s Winter Faire, formerly known as the Women’s Winter Arts & Crafts Faire, has presented many of B.C.’s most talented female artisans and craftswomen.
This year shoppers can browse through more than 50 booths of “creative, funky, beautiful, ecologically-sound and diverse gifts.”
The faire is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Entrance is by a suggested $3 to $5 donation to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. For more information, visit soundsandfuries.com.
Citywide
The Vancouver Rock Climbing Group has organized the Climb for Kids Christmas fundraising project, with proceeds divided equally between with the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Climb and Conquer Society of Canada.
The non-profit group provides affordable access to climbing for low-income youth from Vancouver and their parents or guardians.
With the support from three climbing gyms, and donations, 137 children or youth, as well as 75 parents or guardians have enjoyed 56 drop-in sessions since 2011.
As well, more than 100 climbers are volunteer mentors and have introduced climbing to youth. The Christmas Climb for Kids fundraiser asks all climbers and non-climbers to challenge their limits, have some fun along the way and raise money for a good cause.
The project week begins Dec. 16 and is followed by the Cliffhanger and Hive parties Dec. 20 and 21 respectively. Visit vrcg.ca/Christmas for more details.
Mount Pleasant
The Vancouver Welsh Society presents Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Dec. 12 and 13 at the Cambrian Hall, 215 East 17th Ave.
The holiday-themed evenings include live original music and favourite Christmas carols, but patrons must be 19 years of age or older. A Child’s Christmas in Wales features Russell Roberts, Brian Tate, Colleen Winton and Gower Roberts. For ticket information visit WelshSociety.com or call 604-294-4332.
Grandview-Woodland
Got Craft? Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair has found a new home, just in time for its 14th show, which is an opportunity to shop from a wide variety of handmade goods ranging from jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationery, housewares, plush toys and more.
Enjoy tasty treats including homemade baked goods and artisan chocolate, while making your own craft project to take home with one of the do-it-yourself workshops being offered. Be one of the first 50 people each day to receive a free swag bag filled with goodies from the show’s vendors and sponsors.
Got Craft? takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph St. For more information visit gotcraft.com.
