Want to get our stories Straight to your inbox (see what we did there)? Sign up for our newsletter here.

Need something to do this weekend? Here are five of the best Christmas activities to do in the Lower Mainland

Nothing says festive spirit like markets. Vancouver is obviously a city of artisan markets: fresh produce from late spring to early fall, artist pop-ups all year round, even university events or anime conventions providing table space for local creatives to hawk their wares. But Christmastime markets have something special about them. Obviously the downtown German-styled market that sets up annually in Canada Place is the behemoth (and kind of worth it solely for the funnel cakes), but all around town there’s smaller, cosier shopping to explore. 

The Eastside Flea, running every weekend from December 3 to 18, is just one of the countless options to explore. Last year’s mix of thrift clothing, artwork, fancy soaps, cute candles and handcrafted chocolates enticed me to buy not just gifts for others but a few neat treats for myself. Plus, it’s held in Eastside Studios, a queer-owned venue that hosts everything from markets to dance nights and film screenings. 

Tinseltown Bar, Vancouver Alpen Club, 4875 Victoria Drive

Just like a lot of people, what helps me get through the holidays is: you guessed it, alcohol. And what’s a better place to pregame your second cousin’s half-removed sister-in-law’s…