7 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Vancouver

Holiday to-do list have you feeling less than jolly about the season of folly? Here are seven ways to celebrate the season in Vancouver.

The festival is a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, joyful music and the glowing smiles of happy people. From December 10 to January 4 (closed on Christmas Day), meet Santa Claus in his living room and enjoy the Dancing Lights.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a breathtaking view as thousands of lights decorate the bridge, rainforest and cliff-walk. Guests can take part in gingerbread cookie decorating and glass ornament blowing while enjoying seasonal music from the Holiday Band.

The festival supports the BC Children's Hospital. Different trees are decorated by corporate sponsors, raising money for children's health care.

Volunteers of the hospital build the light display every year, using donated materials. Running until January 12, this year marks the 17th anniversary of this inspirational celebration.

Featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts, community candle lighting and special programs for children, this year, the second of the eight days of Chanukah might just be the best one.

Vancouver's unique Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is a community-wide celebration of the end of darkness on the longest night of the year. Organized by the Secret Lantern Society, the festival encompasses five different Vancouver neighbourhoods: the East Side, Yaletown, Granville Island, Chinatown and S.E. False Creek. Happening simultaneously, the festivals in each community have their own special flare, giving us plenty of choice.

Find a local charity that resonates with your family this holiday season and give some time, money or even some of your no longer needed belongings. The smiles on the faces of those you help is guaranteed to improve your spirit.