Tis' the season to be in Vancouver

Are you planning to take a trip this weekend? Skip Black Friday in the States and enjoy a relaxing time in Vancouver instead.  The beginning of the holiday season is officially upon us and that means festivals and lots of food. If you are heading to the coast this weekend get your fill of both by visiting these local events and restaurants.

 

Candytown Yaletown Family Festival

Want some good family fun for free? Check out Candytown: A Yaletown Family Festival.  On from November 23 – 24 the two day event includes fun for the whole family offering free outdoor ice skating, A Christmas street market, Reindeer barn, Horse drawn carriage rides and for the adults a Candytown cocktail tour. The market will also feature a meet and greet with Santa, live music, street performers, local artisans, and an appearance by former Vancouver Canucks Superstar Trevor Linden on Saturday.   

Location: Mainland Street between Davie Street and Nelson Street Downtown. For more information and event time’s visit:  http://yaletowninfo.com/events/candytown/

Vancouver Christmas Market

If one Christmas themed event is not enough to satisfy your holiday cravings, head on over to the third annual Vancouver Christmas Market, opening this weekend. On from November 24- December 24 enjoy a traditional German Christmas Festival filled with the scents, sounds, sights and tastes of the season. With 55 wooden huts housing a variety of handmade, one of kind gifts and treats you will feel like you are wandering a small village in Germany. Favorites of the market include Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, spiced apple cider, freshly roasted chestnuts and downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. The market is a great place to spend a few hours with family and friends.

Location: Outdoor plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. For more information visit: http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

Photo: Contributed

Photo: Contributed

Chai Lounge

Warm up after a day outdoors with a visit to the Chai Lounge on Main Street. With a rustic Middle Eastern/Indian vibe, live music, and spicy tea blends, Chai Lounge does not disappoint.  Offering up traditional Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern dishes, this is a great restaurant for a date night in the city. The décor complete with Persian carpets, throw pillows and wooden tables are reminiscent of a Hookah lounge of old. In order to skip the lineup that always seems to be at the door, call ahead/go online and make a reservation.

Location: 4413 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R2. For more information/make a reservation visit: www.eastiseast.ca/

Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna

If you are looking for a great bang for your buck then you need to try Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna. With large portion sizes and very reasonable prices, this place is a Vancouver favorite. Attracting people from all over the Lower Mainland, Stepho’s is busy all the time. While they don’t take reservations for groups under six, the lineup does tend to move pretty fast.  On the menu you will find all your Greek favorites including Souvlaki, lamb and calamari. Make room for this meal or you will definitely leave with leftovers.

Location: 1124 Davie Street  Vancouver, BC V6E 1N1 (604) 683-2555 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.