Vancouver Christmas - Richmond Centre Mall

The Richmond Centre Mall is located just south of Vancouver in the suburb of Richmond.

This mall is going through some updates inside but is still shopper friendly. Check out the School for Christmas display.

The Sights of Christmas

Beautiful displays of Christmas can be seen all over the city. Some displays are large like the huge Christmas tree at Broadway church and some are small and intricate like a Christmas village display.

Take some time to visit and enjoy the sights of Christmas in Vancouver.

Did You Know - Vancouver

Did you know that Vancouver's climate is considered oceanic or marine west coast and its summer months are dry (mostly dry). The average July high temperature is 21 C. The winters in Vancouver are usually rainy and the average low temperature in January is 5 C.

The truth be told we have tons of rain in the winter time. Our consolation is that we don't get much snow. I guess that will have to do!

Vancouver Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for the its 3rd festive year.  This market is conveniently located on the Plaza at the QE Theater. Take some time to stroll through the Christmas Village and check out all the vendors offering European Seasonal wares. Take time to savour the European flavours of Christmas. The mulled wine is tasty and and warms you up nicely.

The Vancouver Christmas Market runs from November 24 to December 24.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Wishing For A White Christmas

Somehow it doesn't seem like Christmas without snow. Vancouver has so much rain during the winter holidays. Every so often we get a white Christmas and when that happens the city comes to a quiet stand still.

Other than the fact that we can't drive worth a darn in snow, it still is beautiful. Here's to wishing for a white Christmas and a safe Christmas.

Vancouver Christmas - European Delicatessen Warehouse

For me the tastes and smells of Christmas originated with my mom busily baking and cooking for our family and guests. That was a long time ago and traditions are hard to keep up.

Vancouver has lost much of its European flair and Christmas traditions. Many stores that used to cater to the European population have gone the way of the Dodo bird.

One business which still provides European delicacies is the European Delicatessen Warehouse on 220 Prior St. Here you'll find wonderful Christmas Stollen, Marzipan and chocolate. Their Baby Belle cheeses are going for song! We're making this place a Christmas tradition.

Vancouver Christmas - Metrotown Mall

Metrotown mall is located in Burnaby but is part of the Metro Vancouver district. This huge mall could put a little more effort into decorating for the Christmas Season. Although, the main glass covered wing has beautiful hanging decorations, the rest of the mall is somewhat parse.

I'm finding myself drawn more to traditional Christmas displays than the sterile commercial ones. At this time of year I'm missing the beautiful festive old Woodward's Christmas displays.

Vancouver Christmas - International Village

The International Village was once also known as Tinseltown. Since Cineplex Odeon took over the cinemas the Tinseltown logo has been dropped.

Personally I miss the beautiful neon Tinseltown signage. The boring Cineplex Odeon sign now dominates the outside.

The main floor lobby has a nice colourful Christmas display. Be wary of the security guards...they will make sure you only take pictures of the display and NOT the rest of the mall.

Libby's Cafe is a Great Secret in Vancouver

Just yesterday my wife and I went to Libby's Cafe for brunch. Yet again we weren't disappointed. The coffee, panini and soup were excellent. I personally enjoy the eclectic feel of the cafe.

Libby's has expanded to another location just across the street in the new Trout Lake Community Centre. This location is similar in style to a regular coffee shop but with the same great food.

Libby's gets a solid 8.5 out of 10.