Some of my favourites from the Festival of Trees at the Empress Hotel, a fundraiser for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
This one very pretty and colourful; from The Market on Yates.
Probably my most favourite; from Tilley.
A lovely and traditional tree in the lower lobby. One can also find a beautiful display of vintage photos from the early history of the hotel and the city.
And the tree in the main lobby, this year in white and silver.
TC impersonating the crazy-eye expression of some of the shoppers downtown today.
Centennial Square, Victoria BC
Always two of my favourite festive windows every year are at Rogers Chocolates on Government Street.
Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria
Beaconsfield Inn, Victoria
The front window at Fan Tan Gallery.
Festive vignette.
Cole the Christmas cat.
Our little branches and glass ornaments illuminated in blue-whit light.
For the next week or so, I will post photos of Holiday cheer from around my city; just for the Joy of it. Sending love and best wishes.
A little festive embellishment in the entryway of our home.
Our last full day in Vancouver began early with another delicious breakfast at the Central Bistro with I and M. They were also staying at The Sylvia. Then we hopped aboard a bus to UBC and spent most of the day at the Museum of Anthropology. There were some new exhibits to explore since our last visit. In the late afternoon we headed back downtown to Chinatown where we wandered a bit waiting for Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie to open. This was our second time there and what a treat. Since we were so early, we were seated at a great table. Every dish was superb and the desserts were divine. Best to go early or quite late, but also well worth the wait. As we ate so early, we were back at the hotel just after 7 so decided to walk through Stanley Park to see the Bright Nights display. This event is a fundraiser for the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund. Entrance to see the lights is by donation, but there is a fee to ride the Christmas Train. We didn’t ride the train, but it was still really fun! The strangest compilation of lights and displays I’ve ever seen, most looking like they had been donated from the long-forgotten corners of garages. The children there that evening were so loving it. There were great snacks for sale, live music and Santa was on hand for photos until 9 pm. Another fabulous day, perfectly festive!
One of my favourite little bits of MOA.
Many decades of Yuletide decor represented. If I had more time in Vancouver I would love to research all the pieces to see how far back they go!
These beautiful vintage reindeer were tucked away in a quiet part of the display.
This sweet little miniature village was one of my favourite vignettes.
Upon returning to the west end, we took a short walk along the sea wall then back to the hotel to prepare for our evening out under the grand chapiteau for Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna. We had a lovely walk through the west end and ate a very delicious light dinner at ShiZenYa on Hornby Street. Nice sushi, a lot of vegetarian options, organic greens and brown rice, and Ocean Wise fish. The night was crisp and dry so we decided to walk to the venue which is at Concord Pacific Place at the old Expo site. Along the way we watched people skating on the outdoor rink on Robson Street, just below the Art Gallery. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the smell of popping corn, the buzz of excitement, and the beauty of other patrons who had adorned themselves in Cirque-worthy outfits. Our Victoria friends M and I met us there and we all enjoyed the show so much. A quick sky train/bus ride back to the hotel just in time for last call at the Sylvia lounge. I had a boozy hot chocolate; the perfect end to a perfect day!
Late afternoon light plays with clouds and reflections on English Bay.
Photo does no justice to the wonderful meal at ShiZenYa. We will definitely eat there again.
Absolutely magical outdoor skating right downtown.
Festive, warm and friendly in the lounge at The Sylvia.
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