Holiday cheer
Acollectionof festivecontentto help jumpstart yourholidayspirit
Aspecial sectionofthe
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
It’sbeginningtolookalotlikeChristmas, Ev’rywhere yougo, Take alookinthefive-and-ten, Glisteningonce again, With candy canesandsilverlanes aglow.
It’s beginningtolookalotlikeChristmas, Toysin ev’rystore, Buttheprettiestsighttoseeisthe holly Thatwillbeon your ownfrontdoor.
Apairofhop-alongboots Andapistolthatshoots IsthewishofBarneyandBen, Dollsthatwill talk Andwillgo for a walk, Isthehopeof JaniceandJen, AndMomand Dad canhardly wait Forschooltostart again.
It’s beginning to lookalotlikeChristmas, Ev’rywhere yougo, There’satreeintheGrandHotel, Oneintheparkas well, Thesturdykind Thatdoesn’t mindthesnow.
It’s beginning to lookalotlikeChristmas, Soonthebellswillstart, andthething Thatwillmakethemring Isthe carolthat yousing, Rightwithin yourheart.
❉ 2cupswhitesugar
❉ 1½cupsshortening
❉ ½cupmolasses
❉ 2eggs
❉ 4cupsall-purposeflour
❉ 4teaspoonsbakingsoda
❉ 2teaspoonsgroundcinnamon
❉ 2teaspoonsgroundginger
❉ 1teaspoonsalt
❉ 2 tablespoonswhitesugar, orasneeded
❉ Gathertheingredients. Preheat the ovento 350degrees F (175 degreesC).
❉ Beat2cupssugar,shortening, andmolassesinthebowl ofastandmixerfittedwith thepaddleattachmentuntil
Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
uniform,makingsurenotto overbeat. Add eggs;beat for 30 seconds.
❉ Whiskflour,bakingsoda, cinnamon,ginger,andsalt togetherinaseparatebowl; beatintosugarmixtureuntiljust combined anddoughisstiff.
❉ Pour2 tablespoonssugar in a shallowbowl. Roll doughinto 1-inchballs; rollinsugar,making surenottoflatten.Placeon ungreasedcookiesheets.
❉ Bakein thepreheated oven untilcookiescrackleontop for “lace”design,6to8minutes. Cooloncookiesheets for 5 minutes;transferto a wire rack tocoolcompletely.
TotalTime:30 min| Yield:5dozencookies
Joinusatthe ShipyardsChristmasMarket inNorth Vancouver foradelightful holiday experience.Elevate your festiveexperience andimmerse yourself in holidaycheer.
Weaveyour waythroughthesparkling lightsand aislesof 100+ woodenstallsselling uniqueartisanal gifts, enjoy festivemusic,skate ontheicerink,admire the City’s Christmas tree, appreciate community entertainment, andindulginginseasonaltreatslike bratwursts,mulledwine and hotcocoa.
Come hungry!Our vendorsare bringing thefinest European cuisinetothe CityofNorth Vancouver. shipyardschristmasmarket.com Nov28 11am-10pm Nov29 –Dec21 SuntoThurs11am –9pm |FridayandSat11am –10pm Dec22 –Dec23 11am –10pm| Dec24 11am –8pm
Anew ‘Wildlight’ viewing adventure awaits at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s Canyon Lights event
HILARYANGUS CONTRIBUTINGWRITER
Theholidayshavesnuckuponus onceagain,andnothingmarksthe returnofthe festiveseasonmore prominentlythan twinklinglights.
Thoselooking foraparticularlydazzling displayofluminosity canhead overto CapilanoSuspensionBridge Park,starting onNov. 21, forthereturnoftheirannual CanyonLightsholiday eventwherethe famouscanyonwillbeilluminated by no lessthanamillionlights.
“We’ve beenlightingsince probably the middleofAugust,” saidStacy Chala, theCapilanoGroup’s directorof communicationsand events.
Theluminous yearly eventhasbecome a holidaytradition formanylocal families, Chalasaid,andparkemployeeslove seeing regularsreturntocheckoutwhat’s new each year.
Anyonewhomakesthelightshow a regular featureoftheirholidaycalendar canlook forwardtoanewinstallationthis year. Wildlightwill feature West Coast forestcreatureslike thegreathorned owl,
blackbear, andDouglassquirrelprojected in3Dintotherainforest.
ReturningfavouritesincludetheNorth Polephotospot,mulledwineand eggnog attheTheCliffHouse Restaurant& Bar, andanilluminatedwinter wonderland experienceonthesuspensionbridge, cliffwalk,andtree tops adventure.
Partialproceedsfromadmissionsto
CanyonLightswillbedonatedtotheBC ProfessionalFireFighters’BurnFund (BCPFF)insupportoftheirfireandburn educationprogramsinschoolsacrossB.C.
TheCapilanoGroup’s relationship withBCPFFrelatesbackto2006,when adevastatingwindstormrippedout thousandsoftreesaroundthesouth coast anddroppeda 46-tonne DouglasFiron
thesuspensionbridge,leadingtothe closureofthat year’s CanyonLights event.
Whentheparkreopenedinthespringof 2007, theystagedaphotoshootwith “as many firefighters as we couldonthebridge toshowthatitwasstrongandreadyto go,” Chalasaid.
“Eversincethen, we’ve beenreally attractedtothatcharity,” Chalasaid. “Theydoalotofgreatthings forburn survivors.”
To date,CanyonLightshasraisedmore than$550,000 fortheorganization.
B.C.residentswithproofofresidency canbuyanannualpasstothe Capilano SuspensionBridge Park forthesameprice asadaypass,enablingthemtocheckout CanyonLightsand other yearly events suchasLove LightsinFebruaryandthe Raptor’sRidgebirdsofpreyprogram throughoutthesummer.
CanyonLightsrunsfromNov. 21,2025 toJan.18,2026,andguestsareencouraged tomakereservationsinadvance. ❄
Hilary Angusisa Vancouver-basedjournalist writingfortheNorthShoreNews.She canbe reachedatinfo@hilaryangus.com.
Canyon Lights runs from Nov. 21 to Jan.18.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Onthefirstday ofChristmas, Mytruelove sent tome, Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthesecondday ofChristmas, Mytruelove senttome, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthethirdday ofChristmas, Mytruelove sent tome, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthe fourthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove sent tome, Four callingbirds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthe sixthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four calling birds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthe seventhday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four callingbirds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthefifthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove senttome, Five goldenrings, Four callingbirds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Ontheeighthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Eightmaidsa-milking, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four calling birds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthe ninthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Nineladiesdancing, Eightmaidsa-milking, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four calling birds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Onthe tenth day ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Tenlordsa-leaping, Nineladiesdancing, Eightmaidsa-milking, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four calling birds, Three Frenchhens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeinapeartree.
Nineladiesdancing, Eightmaidsa-milking, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four callingbirds, Three French hens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeina peartree.
Onthetwelfthday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Twelvedrummersdrumming, Elevenpiperspiping, Tenlordsa-leaping, Nineladiesdancing, Eightmaidsa-milking, Sevenswansa-swimming, Sixgeesea-laying, Five goldenrings, Four callingbirds, Three French hens, Twoturtledovesand Apartridgeina peartree.
Onthe eleventhday ofChristmas, Mytruelove gave tome, Elevenpiperspiping, Tenlordsa-leaping,
Come Home to PARC This HolidaySeason
Ourfestive gatherings,friendlyfaces and joyous spirit make everyday, includingthe holidays,extra special.
Indulgeindelicious cuisinepreparedbyour award-winning chefsevery day.
Live confidently with 24-hoursafetyand security measures that protectyouaround theclock.
Take advantageofa vibrant andactive lifestyle. Tapintoyourpassions,foster friendshipsand bringhealthy funintoyour dailylife.
There’snoneed to spendanother
HolidaySeason
Art exhibition andgiftsale hits West Vancouver gallery
ABBY LUCIANO LOCALJOURNALISMINITIATIVEREPORTER
Abeloved annualholiday exhibition and gift saleismakingits wayback toa West Vancouver gallery.
Morethan40artistswillsoonshowcase their workattheFerryBuilding Gallery’s Great GiftsHoliday ExhibitionandGiftSale.
Starting Friday, visitorscan explore a collectionofhandmadecreationsatthe gallery shop likepaintings, ceramics, home decor, jewelry andbodycareitems.There willalso be creationsthattieinto the festiveseason, likeornaments andcards.
“It’s a reallyimportant,belovedholiday tradition forthe community,” said LeighAnneNiehaus, community artsupervisor forthe FerryBuilding Gallery. “Weget a positiveresponse fromthe community, they reallyenjoythefactthat it’s on every year. We find quitea few visitors coming backtwoorthreetimes.”
Niehaussaidthedisplay isrefreshed every few days with work from different artists.Thegallery’sholiday exhibitionhas been running for24 years.
This year’smarket will featurereturning artists,as wellas some new faces.Someof thepiecesattendeescan expectthistime aroundare feltedhatsandgoodsmade out of leather.
“It’s goingto be areally good, vibrant sort ofvariedmix,” Niehaussaid “Andit gives agoodsortof overview ofthecreative challenge in our community.”
OneoftheartistsparticipatingisLorna Moffat, whohas beenspecializingin textilesand stitchingsincethe1980s Moffatoftenusespillowsashercanvas, butisn’tafraidtouse other mediumsas shecreatesherpieces insideherNorth
Vancouverstudio.
Moffathascraftedeightstitchedpieces fortheshow, includingpillows,printed velvetteacup coastersandChristmas stockings.
Anotherpieceinher collectionarewhat shecalls “shelfies” – vase-shaped wood blockswitha collagefrontandfaux foliage ontop.
“It’s art for yourshelf,” Moffatsaid. Moffathasbeenparticipatinginthe exhibition forthelast four years,andsays she’s beenhappytobepartofthewarm, festiveatmosphere.
“It allowsvisitorstoseeandbuy work, butit’s morethanthat,” shesaid. “It’s wheretheycanactuallymeetthemakers behindthe work.”
Theshowbringsanintimate experience forMoffatasanartist.
“It’s personal,fullofcreativeenergy, but it’s theabsolutepolaroppositetobuying somethingthat’s manufacturedoffashelf orscrollingonline,” shesaid.
Peopleareincreasinglymindfulofbuying local,Niehaussaid.
“There’s definitelyasortofgrowing appreciation forthislocal, handmadestuff andtosupportartistswholiveandcreate herein VancouverandontheNorthShore,” shesaid. “The communityistakingpridein this,andIthink Great Giftsreallyreflects that.”
TheFerryBuilding Gallery’s Great Gifts Holiday Exhibitionand GiftSaleruns duringgalleryhours(11a.m.to 5 p.m.) untilDec.14. ❉
AbbyLucianoistheIndigenousandcivic affairsreporterfortheNorth Shore News. Thisreportingbeatismadepossiblebythe LocalJournalismInitiative.
ArtistLornaMoffat and West Vancouver CommunityArt supervisorLeigh-Anne Niehausarrangegiftideas forthe Ferry Building Gallery’s24thannualGreatGiftsHolidayExhibition and Gift Sale, featuringmorethan 40 localartists.
Peppermint White Russian
Acreamy andindulgentholiday twist on aclassic,perfect for a cozygathering.
❉ 2 oz vodka
❉ 1.5 oz coffeeliqueur(like Kahlúa)
❉ 2 oz creamorhalf-and-half
❉ Adashofpeppermintextractor a peppermintschnapps
❉ Crushed candy canes forrimming (optional)
❉ Rimtheglasswithsimplesyrup and thencrushed candy canes if desired.
❉ Fillaglasswithice and addthe vodka,coffeeliqueur, andcream/halfand-half.
❉ Addasmalldashof peppermint extract.
❉ Stirgentlytocombine andenjoy.
Irish Cream Liqueur
❉ 2cupsheavy creamorhalf&half
❉ 14ouncessweetenedcondensedmilk
❉ 11/3cups JamesonIrishwhiskey
❉ 4 tablespoonsChocolatesyrup
❉ 1teaspoon vanillaextr
❉ 2 tablespoonsinstantcoffee
1 teaspoon nilla extr blespoons instant coffee
❉ Placeallthe ingredientsinthe ofablenderandblenduntil smooth, forabout
ingredients in the canister of a blender and blend until for about 30 seconds. ansfer the Baileys Irish cream to a glass bottle, and store in the for
❉ TransfertheBaileysIrish creamtoaglassbottle,and storeinthe refrigerator upto3months.
well before use and
❉ Shake wellbeforeuseand enjoy.
Approx.51/4cupsperbatch
Approx. 5 1/4 cups per batch
FreeShipyardsChristmasMarketis coming back,now with belovedBavarian-stylepork
HILARYANGUS
CONTRIBUTINGWRITER
TheShipyardsChristmasMarket is returningtoNorth Vancouver’s LowerLonsdaleneighbourhood laterthismonthwithmore vendorsand morelights, followingthesuccess oflast year’sinauguralfestival.
Around250,000visitorsshowedup to partakeinlast year’sfestivities,according to estimates byevent founderJohnvanRij. Van Rij,whoisoriginallyfromThe Netherlands,foundedthemarketwithhis girlfriendErinChamberlaintoemulate the spiritofEuropeanChristmasmarkets, whicharefreeto enter andtakeplace in manytownsaroundnorthernEurope throughouttheholidayseason.
“It’s notlikewe’refanaticsonChristmas,” van Rijsaid,but everytime theyvisitedthe Europeanmarketsthey questionedwhya free,accessiblemarketwasn’tpossibleat homeinNorth Vancouver.
Solast year,hesaid,theydecided– “you knowwhat, we’lldoitourselves.”
TheyleasedthespaceattheShipyards
Whilevan Rijsaidhewas very grateful for thesuccess oflast year’smarket,especially consideringtheirlowmarketing budget, hewasn’tentirelysurprisedatthe large crowdsthatcametocheckitout.
“Ithinkwhathappenedis we hit apain point,”hesaid. “Alltheentertainment inthe LowerMainlandisgettingtoo expensive….Ifyou’reasingleparent, if you’resenior,ifyou strugglewith disability andtherefore your budgetisverysmall, youbasicallyare being pushedout to celebrateChristmas.Thefactthat we were free, Ithink,wassomethingthat really was needed.”
said theydecidedtojump ship tothe Shipyards marketafternearly13 yearsat the Vancouver ChristmasMarketbecauseit aligns morewiththeir ethos.
Evren,who runsthe businesswithher husband, said the spiritof the Shipyards market reminds themofhomein Germany, whereanyonecan participatein thepreChristmas festivities regardless oftheir abilitytopay.
“You wantto celebratewith your family,” shesaid. “You wantto be abletogooutand do somethingnicetogether,and we just felt thatthatwasnotpossible foreverybody at the Vancouver ChristmasMarketanymore.”
andsoughtoutsponsorships. Currently theyare coveringtheremainderofthe costs fromtheirpersonalsavings.
Inaddition tolivemusicand entertainment,this year’smarket will featuremorethan140 vendors, upfrom 90last year,andinclude avarietyof uniqueholidaygifts,artisanalitems,and comforting food and beverageoptions.
Onemajornew highlight,van Rijsaid, is theinclusionofHaxenHaus, afamily-run foodbusinesswhichhasearned adevoted followingintheLowerMainland fortheir Bavarian-stylecrispypork knuckles.
HaxenHaus co-founderDonnaEvren
In additiontothenewvendors,vanRij said theyare committedto improving each yearandwill be adding morelights and music this year,based on community feedback from last year’sevent.
The market officiallyopensonNov. 28 and runs untilDec.24.
Atree-lighting festival run by the City of North Vancouverwill takeplace in the spacefrom4p.m. to 8p.m.on Nov. 29, afterwhich normal marketactivitiesand entertainmentwill resume. ❄
Christmas cheeris in peak format Vancouver’s own
‘North Pole’
HILARYANGUS CONTRIBUTINGWRITER
Sleighrides,skatesandSanta himselfreturnto Grouse Mountainthismonth,as “Vancouver’s ownNorth Pole” preparestohostits annual Peakof Christmasholiday event.
Themountain-top festivitieswill featureavariety offamily activities, includingareindeermeet-and-greet, figureskatingshows,Christmasthemedcraftsintheelfheadquarters, andanilluminatedlightwalkaround BlueGrouseLake.
Familiescanreserve limitedtickets for abreakfastwithSanta onselect
dates,andGrouseMountainwillbe donatingallproceedsfromtheirdaily Santa photostoFamilyServicesof theNorthShore.
“Theannual Peakof Christmasis a celebrationofjoy, togetherness, andholidaymagic,” statedGrouse Mountain’sEmilyLeakinapress release.
“We’rehonouredtosharethat spiritwithgenerationsofguestswho makeGrouseMountain part oftheir traditions,whilealsogivingback toour communitythroughFamily ServicesoftheNorthShore.”
The PeakofChristmasruns from Nov. 21to Dec.24,2025.
SantaClauseiscoming back toNorth Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain Resort for theirannual PeakofChristmas festivities.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “Glorytothenewbornking; PeaceonEarth,andmercymild, Godand sinners reconciled!”
Joyful,all ye nationsrise Jointhetriumphoftheskies; Withthe’angelichostsproclaim, “ChristisborninBethlehem!”
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “GlorytothenewbornKing!”
Christ, by highestHeav’n adored, Christ,the everlasting Lord, LateintimebeholdHimcome,
Offspringofthe favouredone. VeiledinfleshtheGodhead see, Hailthe’incarnateDeity! Pleasedasmanwithmanto dwell; Jesus,ourEmmanuel!
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “GlorytothenewbornKing!”
Hailtheheav’nly Princeof Peace! Hail,theSonofrighteousness! Lightand life toall He brings, Ris’nwithhealing inHis wings. Mild Heleaves Histhroneonhigh, Bornthatmannomoremay die; Bornto raisethesonsofearth;
Borntogivethemsecondbirth.
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “GlorytothenewbornKing!” Come,Desireofnationscome, FixinusThyhumblehome; Oh,toallThyselfimpart, Formedineachbelievingheart!
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “Glorytothenew-bornking; PeaceonEarth,andmercymild, Godandsinners reconciled!”
Hark!Theheraldangelssing, “GlorytothenewbornKing!”
Carolersreturn on November 29! 11:30 -12:15 in Dundarave and 12:45 -1:30inAmbleside on Bellevue.
Wrap yourholiday inlocalcheer —shopthe boutiques, cafés, and makersthatmakeour villages shine. Everygiftyou buysupports neighbours andkeeps ourcommunities bright.
North Vanstudentsshowspirit ofNorthShoreinwinning Christmas card designs
ABBY LUCIANO
LOCALJOURNALISMINITIATIVEREPORTER
Not one,buttwoNorth Vancouver studentshavebeenselected winners forthis year’sLionsGate HospitalFoundation Christmascard design contest.
ClaireTippett,aGrade10student fromLionsGateChristian Academy, and two-timewinnerLauren Yung,aGrade 11studentatHandsworthSecondary, nowhavetheirdesignsoncards forsale atNorth VancouverSave-On-Foods locationsandatLionsGateHospital.
Thewinningdesignscaptureiconic NorthShorescenes.Tippett’sdesign featuresaredandwhitetugboatwith aChristmaswreathonitsbowmoving through BurrardInletwaters.
“Iwas very happy, Ididn’t expectto win,” Tippettsaid,addingthatitwas trickyto comeupwithathemethat celebratedboththeNorthShoreand Christmas. “OnceIgotontotugboat,Iwas like ‘Okay, Icandothis.’”
Tippettsaidhermomhelpedher brainstormthetugboatidea,which evokes childhoodmemories.As a childherfamily wouldtake hertothe Shipyardstoseethetugsand other
vesselsinthebusy harbour.
Yungwantedto captureanother iconicelementofthe NorthShore – the GrouseMountain gondola.
Yung describes herdesignasthe gondolafrom GrouseMountain inthemidstof Christmastreesand forest,showcasing theNorthShore mountainsinthe background.
“Ireallywanted alocationthat resonateswith people,” shesaid.“I wentuptoGrouse Mountainasakid a lot,andIreallyjust liketo rideinthe gondola,because yougettoseethe beautifulviewthat overlooksNorth Vanand Vancouver.”
Thismarks Yung’ssecondtimewinning thecard contest,her firstvictory coming in2023witha drawingofEdgemont Villagedeckedoutin festivelightsand trees.
TheLionsGateHospitalFoundation holdsanannualChristmascard contest forstudentsinGrades4to12,inviting themtosubmit colourful,creative designsshowcasingtheNorthShore.
Nowinits10th year, the foundationsaid allproceedsfromthecharitycardswill benefitthe Re-Imagine RehabCampaign, whichaimstorevitalizerehabilitation servicesatLionsGateHospital.
“The LGH Foundationteamwas inspired by thedesignsthatcaptured twoNorthShoretreasuresclosetoour hearts,” saidLouiseCampbell,vice presidentatthe LGH Foundation. “From payingtributetoourlocalseafaringand industrialheritagetoshowcasingour stunningNorthShore mountains,both designsbeautifullyreflectthe place we callhome.”
Inadditiontohavingtheirdesigns featuredonthecards,bothTippett and Yungreceiveda$100 Park Royalgiftcard fortheirwinning work.Thecardsare beingsold for$15 fora10-pack. ❄
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Oh! Youbetter watch out, youbetternotcry, Youbetternotpout,I’mtelling youwhy: Santa Clausiscomingtotown!
He’s makingalist, he’scheckingit twice, He’sgonnafind out who’s naughtyor nice. Santa Clausiscomingtotown!
Hesees youwhen you’re sleeping, Heknowswhen you’re awake. Heknowswhen you’vebeenbadorgood, Sobegood for goodnesssake!
So...Youbetter watch out, you better not cry Youbetternotpout,I’mtelling youwhy Santa Clausiscomingtotown.
Littletinhorns,littletoydrums. Rudy-toot-tootandrummytumtums. Santa Clausiscomingtotown.
Littletoy dollsthatcuddleandcoo, Elephants,boatsanddiddie carstoo.
Santa Clausiscomingtotown.
ThekidsinGirlandBoyLand Willhave a jubilee. They’re gonnabuildatoylandtown Allaroundthe Christmastree.
Oh....You better watch out, You betternot cry. Youbetternotpout,I’mtelling youwhy.
Santa Clausiscomin’, Santa Clausis comin’ Santa Clausiscomin’totown.
Lauren Yung(left)and ClaireTippettholdtheirwinning designs from theLionsGateHospital Foundation’s Christmas cardcontest,showcasingNorthShore’s beauty.