From a seafaring Santa to bountiful benevolent initiatives, Richmond is bursting with yuletide spirit throughout December
Forget the North Pole – when it comes to holiday spirit, Richmond’s got it covered. December is a magical month within this unique West Coast city, and from the moment visitors arrive at the Vancouver International Airport (located on Richmond’s Sea Island), they are welcomed with festive cheer straight from Santa’s workshop. From December 12 to 23, Santa Claus is dropping by the airport to spread some cheer and will be belting out an assortment of Christmas carols. Should travellers fail to catch a glimpse of this singing St. Nick, they’re still likely to bump into one of his elves roaming around the terminals. Working with Tourism Richmond to distribute seasonal joy, Santa’s Helpers will hand out candy canes, snap photos with passengers and provide helpful information on Richmond attractions. From there, visitors can go on to explore the plethora of other fun holiday events on offer around town:
Nautical Noel
Arrgh, season’s greetings matey! Within the historic fishing village of Steveston, visitors can experience quirky, unique twists on classic Christmas traditions. This scenic seaside community annually hosts a Christmas in Steveston festival, slated this year for December 3, which features horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus himself – who arrives in true nautical style on a whale watching boat. The maritime merriment continues until dusk with the lighting of a giant Sequoia tree in Fisherman’s Park. The village’s Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (www.gulfofgeorigiacannery.com) -the only remaining trace of a thriving industrial quarter once nicknamed “Cannery Row” – also boasts plenty of festive kid-friendly fun. From December 3 to 23, the working museum will display dozens of colourful Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and on December 10 and 17, the Cannery will screen the beloved holiday flicks Home Alone and White Christmas free to the public. Over at the nearby London Heritage Farm, Christmas teatimes, complete with seasonal homemade goodies, are on offer in the historic farmhouse’s dining room on December weekends. Be sure to drop by on either December 17 of 18 when the farm hosts a living manger in its barn. Kids can pet a donkey, horses, goats, a sheep and rabbits in a Christmas stable manger display. Be sure to stick around afterwards for some boisterous sing-a-long caroling.
Charitable Cheer
It’s not just the season to receive, but to give as well. Which is why a number of Richmond’s local businesses and organizations are generously providing both time and resources to ensure those less fortunate can enjoy a happy holiday. BC’s commercial fishing community is joining forces in Steveston December 3 and 4 for a herring sale along Fisherman’s Wharf in which 100 per cent of the proceeds benefit the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Moving forward, the province’s big-hearted fishermen hope to make the fundraising initiative an annual event. Then on December 8, the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel is accepting drive-through donations for the Richmond Christmas Fund – a charitable initiative that distributes gifts and grocery vouchers to low-income residents. In return for any contribution, the hotel will hand out piping hot cups of coffee to beat the winter chill. A few days later, music-lovers can enjoy a stirring seasonal performance from the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus Association on December 11, which is being presented in conjunction with the Richmond Food Bank. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or to make a cash donation for the Food Bank at the concert. And for those clumsy with wrapping paper, both Richmond Centre and Lansdowne Centre are providing gift-wrapping services in exchange for a donation to the Richmond Christmas Fund.
Festive Feasts
Take a break from turkey trimming this year and let someone else do all the work. With stunning seaside views, a cozy maritime-themed interior and four mouth-watering holiday group menus to choose from, the acclaimed Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant is the perfect place to host a yuletide get-together. The Steveston eatery’s innovative seasonal dishes this year include a hearty apple cider and cheddar soup, a cider-braised chicken breast with dried fig crepe and a sweet pear, apple and walnut strudel for dessert. Meanwhile, workplaces across the Lower Mainland are sure to appreciate the special seasonal lunch promotion on offer from The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel – from December 12 to 16 and 19 to 22, the hotel’s Globe @YVR Restaurant is hosting gourmet holiday office buffet lunches from $45 per person. The best part? The hotel is offering complimentary shuttles to and from the office with a reservation of 10 people or more. For those on a layover or away from home, the Fairmont is also dishing up sumptuous feasts on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – everything from roasted turkey to traditional Chinese dim sum is on the menu. And at the Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport, a varied Christmas Eve buffet is served alongside live entertainment.
Win A Richmond Shopping Spree
To help spread some seasonal joy and prosperity, Tourism Richmond is currently running a Shop and Stay Giveaway. From now until the end of December, an array of amazing prize packages – which include everything from luxury accommodation to gift certificates – will be given away every two weeks. For more information, visit tourismrichmond.com/shop-stay.
