Five Holiday Attractions Around Vancouver
LINDSAY ELLIOT/VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
As winter approaches, Vancouverites may be wondering what festive activities are open this year. COVID caused a dull holiday season last year, because many of Vancouver's holiday attractions were closed. This article will go over events that are reopening for the 2021 winter season, and what precautions organizers are taking to protect their guests.
The Vancouver Christmas Market (November 13 to December 24) is an outdoor German-themed market that opens for the holidays. It is located in Downtown Vancouver, in the Jack Poole Plaza. The market includes a wide variety of vendors that sell anything from food to small Christmas gifts. It is perfect for family photos since it has a large walk-in Christmas tree that would be the perfect backdrop. There are fun activities for children like the scavenger hunt and carousel. It is open between November 13 and December 24. On the Vancouver Christmas Market website, it is stated that the event will follow the Vancouver Coastal Health protocols, which includes showing a vaccine passport before entering.
The PNE Winter Lights (December 9 to December 29) is an attraction located in Vancouver’s PNE. Guests don’t have to leave their cars as the show is a drive-through look around of the Christmas lights. The venue is full of lights, with themed statues like reindeers and polar bears. Exclusive this year is the Festive Forest and Snow Globe Village according to the PNE winter Light's official website. Multiple food trucks will be open with hot drinks and sweets. Tickets must be reserved, and range from $37 to $42. COVID shouldn’t be a concern to attendees, because the majority of the attraction takes place inside the attendant's vehicle.
FlyOver Canada’s Christmas Special (December 9 to January 3) is an immersive VR experience that takes you around the wonders of Canada. To increase the reality of the experience, wind and mist are used to make it feel as if you are really flying. For the Christmas special Santa Claus and his elves will escort you through Canada, while they prepare for Christmas day. Tickets cost around $30 for adults and $20 for people 15 and under. Fly Over Canada requires proof of vaccination before entering the facility, and hand sanitizers are spread out throughout the area to enhance safety.
VanDusen Festival of Lights (November 26, 2021 to January 3, 2022) is located in VanDusen Botanical Gardens. The lights spread across 15 acres according to the City of Vancouver. The lights are wrapped around all the plants and trees creating a magical feel as guests venture through the garden. The festival is open between November 26 and January 3. Tickets cost between $17 to $23; it varies per date. It starts at 4 PM and ends at 9:30 PM. Vaccination passports must be shown before entry, and social distancing is recommended when walking through the festival.
Canyon Lights at Capilano (November 20, 2021 to January 23 2022) will be reopening this Christmas season. The Capilano suspension bridge is one of Metro Vancouver's most famous attractions. The bridge is lit up with multicolor lights that light up the sky when it's dark. Once past the bridge, guests can adventure among the treetops of the forest which are also full of Christmas lights. The jaw-dropping Arc De Lumina light tunnel is located on portions of the cliff walk. The tickets cost $54 for adults and $30 for youth. According to the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s official website, vaccine passports are not mandatory to enter the park.