Happy Holidays! (with some ideas for wintertime public space fun)

With the solstice now behind us, we’ve crossed into winter. The changing of the seasons means longer, more light-filled days. But of course, there’s some frosty months to contend with first! A good time to get cozy, but also a good time to explore some of the city’s many parks, plazas, high streets, and other public spaces.

As we transition calendar years, we want to take this opportunity to wish each of you the very best for the holiday season and the upcoming year. We’re looking forward to more public space fun and collaborations in 2022.

In the meantime, for those of you searching for some holiday-themed fun, be sure to check out the festive light displays found at Granville Island, St. Paul’s Hospital, and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza). There’s also magic to be had in discovering the many individual examples of seasonal placemaking that adorn homes, businesses and streets throughout Vancouver.

Fancy a little more adventure? The outdoor skating rink at Robson Square is now open!

There are also a number of ticketed activities taking place, including:

• The Vancouver Christmas Market (through December 24)
• VanDusen Festival of Lights – (through January 3) – More than one million lights decorate the 15 acre VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Stanley Park Bright Nights – through January 2, 2022 – The Bright Nights train chugs through the sparkling magically-lit forest of Stanley Park. (Note: The City’s webpage says this is sold out, but tickets are still available through 3rd party ticket agents.
• PNE WinterLights (in partnership with TransLink) – Ride the reindeer shuttle through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights, special characters and festive performers along the way.

Lastly, a chance to usher in New Year’s Day with a modified take on the annual Polar Bear Swim (January 1, 2022). As with last year’s event, the 2022 polar bear swim is online. You can find out details on this year’s “digital dip” by checking out the Park Board webpage.

Whatever it is that you get up to this holiday season, please stay safe, take good care, and look out for one another,

- Your friends at the VPSN

Photo: Holiday lights wind across the sidewalk of West 11th Avenue, between Yukon St. and Alberta St.