Santa may be known for his penchant for cookies and milk on Christmas Eve, but judging by his girth, this man loves his food all year round.
Thats probably why he accepted the Yaletown Business Improvement Associations invitation to drop by the restaurant-laden neighbourhood on November 23 (YaletownInfo.com).
From noon to 9pm that day, Yaletown is transforming itself into CandyTown, a free outdoor Christmas festival.
Drawing on a candy theme, the merchants are creating a day for young families and adults of all ages to get in the holiday spirit.
Festivities include:
visiting Santa at the North Pole from 1pm to 6pm.
15-minute horse-drawn carriage ride from the Yaletown Brewing Company station.
crafts, face painting and balloon twisting at the Starlight Childrens Foundation tent.
ice sculpture in the making at Bill Curtis Square from 2pm to 7pm.
photo ops with roaming street characters.
holiday music courtesy of roaming musicians, street buskers and music tents.
getting inspired by a display of decorated trees before picking out a tree to take home from the Yaletown Rotary Club lot.
the All I Want for Christmas Gift Market featuring Discolemonade Designs, Fine Finds, Missy May Bags, Ildiko Jewellery and 3H Craftworks.
food vendors including Big Reds Poutine, Coquettish Cupcakes, Maple Sugar Shack, The Pie Hole and BeaverTails Pastry .
and, of course, a Candy Hut that sells beautifully decorated gingerbread houses and distributes free shopping bags filled with deals and steals from the Yaletown BIA.
As downtowns only free winter festival, CandyTown is for anyone with a sweet tooth, a hankering for shopping or someone who just wants to come and play outside, says Annette OShea, the BIAs executive director. Its a great place to have some fun, and support the many charities that need help at Christmas. Where else can you enjoy a CandyTown cocktail and a free horse-drawn carriage ride?
Attendees are invited to donate to the BC Childrens Hospital, Vancouver Food Bank and Starlight Childrens Foundation. The Donnelly Group returns with its charity toy drive tent and will make a donation on behalf of The Donnelly Foundation. 3H Craftworks joins in on the spirit by offering a by-donation gift wrapping station and holiday gift bags available for purchase.
