On November 22, 2014, the third annual CandyTown festival will set up shop once again, as downtown Vancouver’s only free outdoor Christmas celebration.

The festival, which drew around 15,000 visitors last year, is hosted and produced by the merchants of Yaletown through the Yaletown Business Improvement Association. CandyTown will draw on a seasonal candy theme to deliver a fun, memorable day for kids of all ages-from families with young children to groups of adults who want to get in on the holiday spirit. Visitors will experience Vancouver’s heritage district of Yaletown transformed into a winter wonderland.

Little ones will delight in visiting Santa and the Ice Queen at the North Pole (from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bill Curtis Square), taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, sponsored by Concord Pacific, from Salsa and Agave on Pacific Blvd. (the 15-minute ride circulates Pacific, Hamilton and Davie streets) and participating in crafts, face painting and balloon twisting at the Starlight Children’s Foundation tent. See ice sculptures created live at Bill Curtis Square, pose for a photo op with Santa and other seasonal characters, craft unique candy necklaces and jewellery, and enjoy holiday music courtesy of roaming musicians, street buskers and music tents. The Grey Cup Festival will also pay a visit to hand out candy, mini footballs and other treats. And because it just wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration without festive trees, guests can pick out a tree to take home from the Yaletown Rotary Club lot.

A popular attraction last year, the All I Want for Christmas Gift Market will brim with tempting treats and gorgeous gifts. Food vendors include Damien’s Belgian Waffles, Half Baked Cookie Co., Mancakes Bakery, Maples Sugar Shack and many more. The market is the perfect place to get a head start on holiday shopping, thanks to Vancouver Candle Company, Standout Boutique, Elana Lauren Designs jewelry, and 3H Craftworks. Lindt will also have a piñata to launch their seasonal Lindor chocolate line.

CandyTown attendees are also invited to donate to the BC Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

CandyTown will take place on Saturday, November 22 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mainland Street in Yaletown. This outdoor Christmas festival is free, open to the public and promises to ignite the Christmas spirit in guests of all ages. Visit the YBIA website for a full schedule of activities.