A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Things To Do December 3-10

Things we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week…

WRITE A LETTER
The Regional Assembly of Text is a wonderful Main St. store with a brilliant collection of books, paper, cards, stamps, chalkboards, boxes and yes, even clothing. On the first Thursday of every month they host a Letter Writing Club. It’s free, open to everyone, and supplies are provided (the photo in our main page carousel is some of their wrapping paper I just purchased).
Dec 4 | 7:30 pm | Regional Assembly of Text | FREE

GRANVILLE ISLAND YULETIDE MARKET
In addition to the exciting, seasonal gathering of artisans to booths in the Market proper, each weekend from now until Christmas will also see an outdoor market in adjacent Triangle Square complete with heated tents and hot chocolate (don’t drive all the way in, ride those cute little ferries). Oh, and did you know that Lee’s has gingerbread donuts now? They are only available during the month of December.
Weekends | 9:00 am – 5pm | Granville Island Market | FREE

CAMPAGNOLO OPENS ON MAIN
The new restaurant from West 4th’s Fuel crew has now opened on Main beside the Ivanhoe Hotel. Looking mighty swank, too.
1022 Main Street | Campagnolo.ca

LLOYD KHAN LECTURE
From Marin County, California, Lloyd Khan is the author of Shelter and Home Work: Hand-built Shelter (for a taste of what Khan is all about, visit his blog). I stumbled across his work about six months ago and immediately developed a huge crush on him. He takes great photos of unique homes and structures and seems to float around the world from one interesting situation to the next. He strikes me as the kind of guy capable of filling an hour and a half easily with anecdotes and the kind of hippy sunshine that only alights on the hills of Marin County.
Dec 5 | 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Central Branch – Vancouver Public Library | Free

WINTER FARMERS MARKET
SATURDAY December 6 | 10am – 2pm | WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street at Victoria Drive

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Take an invigorating walk through a 15 acre garden festively lit by more than a million dazzling lights.
Dec 5 – Jan 4 | 4:30 pm to 9:00 |VanDusen Botanical Garden | Adults – S11 Children – S8

RETRO DESIGN AND ANTIQUES FAIR
Over 175 vendors of jewelery, decor, linens, textiles, kitchen collectibles, accessories, dolls, toys, period lighting, and pottery.
DEC 7 | 10 am–3 pm | Croatian Community Centre | Admission – $4

SHINY FUZZY MUDDY
The annual Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show and sale put on by a collective of savvy Vancouver Artists grows bigger and better this year.
DEC 5 – 7 | Various hours – check website | VIVO – 1965 Main Street | FREE

GOT CRAFT
From the Got Craft blog: “…because MALL is a four-letter word…As fellow crafters and indie craft lovers, Got Craft is dedicated to showcasing the best crafts Vancouver has to offer!” They’re not kidding – take a look at the line-up of exhibitors here. I’ll be checking it out right after breakfast at Little Nest. Mmmm…rice pudding and crafts.
Dec 7 | 11:00 am – 6pm | Royal Canadian Legion | Commercial Drive | Admission – $2.00

STANLEY PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
To get yourself into the holiday spirit grab a hot chocolate and a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts and take a ride on the Stanley Park Christmas train. Cuddle up with a loved one as the tiny train chugs its way through a heavily decorated forest while Christmas carols get cranked through speakers dotting the surrounds. Afterward, walk over to the farmyard to savour the smell of a manger from way back when (the kids love the bunny rabbits too). It is recommended that you buy tickets in advance.
Today – JAN 3 | 3:00 – 10:00 pm | Stanley Park |Train Ride: $8 Adults / $5 Kids Walk through: FREE

SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Over 60 bands, floats and community groups will participate in the fifth annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade through downtown Vancouver streets this Sunday. Just remember to take your coffee and hot chocolate with you in your stainless steal thermos – Nearby coffee chain joint line-ups grow unbearably long before, during, and after the parade.
Dec 7 | 1pm | Down Town Vancouver | FREE

FRANZ FERDINAND
Rock quartet from Glasgow plays tunes from upcoming CD.
Dec 9 | Doors 8 pm, show 9:15 pm | Commodore Ballroom | Tickets – $35

LISTEN
Mellow out with with The Great Outdoors, Weathered Pines, D. Trevlon and Eldorado at the Biltmore.
Dec 6 | Doors at 8:00 | Biltmore Hotel