Its all Christmas all the time at the Courier these days, what with Joan from accounting in yet another festive holiday sweater and, well thats about it.
But despite the lack of holiday spirit from some staff (you know who you are) here at the Courier, readers are more than making up for it by dropping off gifts to Directions Youth Services through our office on West Sixth Avenue near Granville Street.
Directions Youth is a non-profit association that helps homeless kids and youth living in high-risk situations. Their needs are simplewarm clothes, including socks and underwear, and toiletriesmaybe a little makeup for the girls. Its nice to see the handmade gifts readers have made specifically for our gift drive, including a couple of beautiful knitted scarves. The Courier is accepting gifts for youth until the end of the day Dec. 16.
Now until Jan. 4
For decades the Christmas displays in the Woodwards windows, back in the day when Woodwards was still a department store and not a haven for urban hipsters, were a holiday favourite. And now theyve returnedjust not at Woodwards.
Sections of the much-loved displays have been resurrected across the city, including Canada Place, London Drugs at Hastings and Abbott streets, the Vancouver Christmas Market at Cambie and Georgia and Bentall Centre locations, including Burrard and Dunsmuir, Burrard and Pender and Dunsmuir and Thurlow. For more information go to christmas.canadaplace.ca.
Now until Feb. 29
Free ice skating is ongoing at the Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson St. The open-air rink is the only spot in the city for outdoor skating. Skaters can enjoy the rink from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The rink is covered by a clear dome so skaters can enjoy the lights from downtown while being protected by the rain. Skating is free, skate rental is $4 and helmets and ice cleats are $2.
Dec. 16
Tis the season to get your reggae on.
B.C. Dancehall is hosting a fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank with performances by Juno Award winner Elaine LilBit Shepherd, Zukie Joseph, Wassawa and of course E-Spliff. Dunk the DJ will also be on hand at the Royal Canadian Legion, 2205 Commercial Dr. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the Dec. 16 show.
Dec. 18
St. James Community Square is the location for the yuletide fairytale play Silkas Gift.
The fairytale follows the story of a young girl who travels through an enchanted forest while gathering holly for her mother. During her journey, Silka meets a mysterious gnome, talking animals and the Frost Queen among other fantastical characters. Children can meet the characters following the play. Tickets at the door, $5 for adults, $2 for children five years and older. Kids under five are free. The play takes place Dec. 18 at St. James, 3214 West 10th Ave. from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information visit northlight.blog.com.
Twitter: @sthomas10
