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This month enjoy a Vancouver pasta club, a festive holiday pop-up in Whistler and crazy-good brats at a free Christmas market in North Van.
I’m writing this guide to December food events in B.C. just as we are graced by Her Swiftness. Tay-Tay, I hope you manage to get out and eat and drink some of the many, many delicious things in the city and soak up the festive spirit that’s in the air. Happy holidays to you all, don’t forget to support small local business this gifting season, the big box stores can take a downturn… the smaller spots that you love so much can’t.
VANCOUVER The first rule of La Mano Pasta Club is that you should tell everyone about La Mano Pasta Club, because superb hand-made pastas and delightfully cheffy sauces delivered to your door once or twice a month is something everyone needs in their lives. Each delivery serves two people, and there are simple cooking instructions included. Buy a subscription for the carb-lover in your life and support a delicious lil’ business!
VICTORIA I adore the twinkling lights of the Empress at any time of year, but you know that the Fairmont is gonna ramp it up for the holidays. Head for the Terrace for a festive experience to roast marshmallows, enjoy cheese or chocolate fondue and festive drinks under heaters and with cozy blankets. Walk-ins only, Thursday to Sunday from 12-7pm, and then daily from December 20 to 31.
NORTH VANCOUVER I’m sorry, when did we decide that it was a thing to pay to shop? I didn’t like it when food truck festivals did it a few years back and I definitely don’t like it (unless it’s going to charity) over the holidays. That is why you will find me nipping over the water on the seabus to Shipbuilders Square for the awesome free Christmas market which has some 70 different vendors, an ice rink, Champagne tent (hello!), Santa’s chalet and the best damn bratwurst you’ve ever had from the North Shore Bratwurst Haus. It’s on every day till late.
TOFINO There are few things I love more than a trip to Tofino and a Hot Chocolate Trail, so imagine my glee at the combination of the two this year. Some 15 different businesses around town will be whipping up frothy festive hot cocoa specials. The ‘Blood of the Goddesses’ from the LoveCraft gallery sounds amazing, and Ombré’s Turin has a splash of flor de Caña rum infused with a cardamom, orange peel, star anise, clove and cinnamon. The festival runs through December, and you can sign up for a free pass. #GottaDrinkEmAll
VANCOUVER On your marks, get set, snap up those event tickets!! Tickets are on sale now for the 23rd edition of Dine Out Vancouver and some of the events this year sound terrific: there’s a four-course longtable dinner with Paella Guys and Dageraad Brewing featuring live music, a Chinatown cocktail showdown at Chinatown Storytelling Centre and a grand mezcal tasting and food pairing at Alimentaria Mexicana. There are more than 400 restaurants participating in the 2025 festival offering fixed price point menus ranging from $20 to $65 per person, plus a new $100 category for an exclusive pair of Michelin-starred restaurants.
VANCOUVER Yup, you can also get tickets now for the fourth annual Vancouver Cocktail Week, a full line-up of seminars, tastings, master classes, dinners and parties running from March 2 to 9. Heads up, you can get a great deal on early-bird tickets this year ($20 off a regular ticket and $25 off a VIP ticket) for the Black & White Gala at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Spanish Ballroom with live music, DJ, cocktail-inspired food and a truly wild array of incredible premium-brand cocktails.
WHISTLER Get some jingle with your après this year at the Raven Room’s festive “Miracle” pop-up bar until January 4. It offers more tinsel and kitschy décor than you can shake an eggnog at. Order up festive favourites such as the Christmapolitan and Rudolph’s Replacement from the themed menu and snap selfies with santa hats.
