Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for November 29 to December 5

New Menu at Bambudda

Chef Cutis Luk (if the name sounds familiar, he was a contestant on the second season of Top Chef Canada) has brought an all-new menu to Gastown’s Bambudda. Luk has reimagined the restaurant’s fare, with dishes that are West Coast inspired with touches of Cantonese influence. Our favourites include the Salt & Pepper Humboldt Squid (seriously, make sure you order this) and the mouth-watering Pork Belly. For an added bit of yumminess, be sure to order one of Bambudda’s imaginative and playful cocktails prepared by bartender Tarquin Melnyk.
 

Holidays at the Vancouver Aquarium – November 27 to January 4

Dive into the spirit of the season with the Vancouver Aquarium’s one-of-a-kind holiday experience. They’ll have Christmas trees galore in their Christmas tree maze, along with “a kaleidoscope of colourful aquatic-themed decorations.” You can catch Christmas classic The Polar Express in 4-D and immerse yourself in the magical world of the North Pole. Learn more about all of their festive events online.

Holiday Cheer in the Heart of Wine Country – November 29 and 30

Pour yourself a cup of happiness with Holiday Cheer in the Heart of Wine Country. This event is the perfect chance to sip your way through 12 Okanagan Falls wineries and pick up the perfect gift for the sommelier on your list. Participating wineries include Blue Mountain Estate and Vineyard, Noble Ridge, Stag’s Hollow and more. They’ll be offering up wine samples, tasty treats and special holiday discounts.

Gold Rush Murder Mystery Dinner – November 29

Immerse yourself in a murder mystery for the ages at the Gold Rush Murder Mystery Dinner at historic Fort Langley. The adventure is set in 1858, just after B.C. became a colony. In the middle of a celebratory dinner a murder takes place forcing you have to solve the mystery and clear your name. The event will include a delicious meal, period costumes and prizes for the best performance and best costume.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Puppet Show – November 30

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a story beloved by kids (and kids at heart!) around the world, and now it’s coming to Vancouver. This classic story (along with Little Cloud and The Mixed Up Chameleon, also by author Eric Carle) will be performed at the Kay Peek Centre in West Vancouver with black lights and puppets to create a magical live version of these classic tales.

Closet Crows Fill a Bag – Fill a HeartEvent – November 30

Stock your closet with the trendiest holiday-party worthy threads in town at the Closet Crows Fill a Bag – Fill a Heart event. You can browse the carefully curated selection of pre-loved high-end fashion like Michael Kors, BCBG, Max Mara and more, plus take home a tote bag with as much as you can fit in it. A third of the ticket sales will be donated to BabyGoRound, a charity that helps provide baby gear for babies in need. 

Robson Square Ice Skating – December 1 to February 28

Taking a (bladed) spin on the Robson Square Ice Rink is a Vancouverite winter must-do. Your first chance to test the ice comes on December 1st, and the rink will be open every day until February 28, including Christmas and New Years. Access to the rink is free if you have your own skates, and rentals are only $4 per pair. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink or snack from the rink concession stand for the perfect winter evening.

Whistler Film Festival – December 3 to 7

There’s more to Whistler than just picturesque snow-capped mountains, laid-back boarder vibes and luxury spas. On December 3, the village will be studded with film industry stars for this year’s Whistler Film Festival. The festival will run for five days and screen 84 acclaimed films. You can find the screening schedule on the official website, and learn about other special events. Also, check out our interview with Whistler Film Fest ambassador Jason Priestley.

Friends of the VPL: Used Books Christmas Sale – December 4 to 6

As grey skies roll in and the temperature drops, there’s nothing like curling up in front of the fire with a good book. You can fill your bookshelves with bargain finds from the three-day Friends of the VPL: Used Books Christmas Sale. It’s also the perfect place to pick up presents for the book lovers in your life, or even grab CDs and DVDs. For an even better deal, wait until Saturday to hit the sale and you’ll save 50 per cent on everything you buy. 

Christmas Tree Lighting – December 5

Light up the night at Jack Poole Plaza for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. You can watch them illuminate four majestic trees, which will stay lit all through the holiday season. The event will include an outdoor concert with stars like singer-songwriter Cody Karey, local band These Kids Wear Crowns and more. If you’d like to help raise money for a good cause, buy a bulb with donations going to Kids Help Phone. 

The Skoah Holiday Facial – Until December 24

Vancouver-based spa and skincare line Skoah has decked the halls with its limited edition holiday product collection – and until Christmas Eve, they’re also offering up a seasonal facial. Just in time for all your festive events, take some time out to relax and get that holiday glow with an indulgent treatment that includes a hand, arm, neck, shoulder and scalp massage as well as masks that are personalized to your skin’s needs.

Book your appointment at one of Skoah’s six Greater Vancouver locations.