very best of 2009

Filed Under Events | December 30, 2009

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Amongst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s also a time for appreciation and reflection. For us it’s been a big year as we’ve had lots of growth and juggling and possibly even a titch of sibling rivalry with the birth of yoyobelly.ca last February.

Who do we appreciate? You! Our smart, funny, inquiring and inspiring readers.

And what are we reflecting upon? Your favourite stories from the past year.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote and without further ado, here is your top pick overall for 2009:

We aren’t surprised really that your all out favourite is our weekly what to do, what to do?. We get great feedback on this feature that keeps you updated on all the goings on around town.

Here are a few select, festive happenings and don’t forget Bright Nights, the Festival of Lights and Canyon Lights are all ongoing.

New Year’s Eve Countdown for Kids at GE Plaza at Robson Square
Thursday, December 31st, 4:30 pm – 7 pm, GE Place at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Sorcerers, wizards and magicians will lead a children’s countdown to the New Year in a magical land. There’ll also be live Cuban salsa music and skating and skate and helmet rentals for the under 12 set are free: www.yougottabehere.ca

Family New Years Eve
Thursday, December 31st, 2:30 pm – 7 pm, Lilli’Q Café and Playhouse, 1268 Pacific Blvd,  Vancouver
At Lilli’Q they’ll be turning forward time and midnight will happen at 7 pm so your kids can still celebrate and get to bed in time. There’ll be arts and crafts, food and champagne for you and champagne “lite” for your kids and you’ll still have time to make it to more grown up festivities later on. Tickets are $18.50: lilliq.com

90th Annual Polar Bear Swim
Friday, January 1st, 2:30 pm, English Bay, Vancouver
You can dip your big toe into the Bay or go all out and take part in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim. You can preregister from 1:30 pm onwards at the English Bay Boathouse and by clipping a coupon out of the Province newspaper. Don’t forget to wear your button with pride post swim: vancouver.ca/parks/events/polarbear

A New Year of Movies for Mommies
Wednesday, January 6th, 12:30 pm, The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway (@ Commercial), Vancouver
Kick off the new year with a very adult movie that’s baby-friendly. The first showing of 2010 is the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. There’ll be door prizes, stroller parking, a baby change table, free wipes and more: www.moviesformommies.com

Farther Afield:

New Year’s Eve Skate
Thursday, December 31st, 1 pm – 4 pm, Recreation Complex, 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam
Enjoy games, music, skating, crafts, hot chocolate and apple cider. And who knows what their staff will ask you to do while skating, so be prepared: www.portcoquitlam.ca

Whistler First Night
Thursday, December 31st – Friday, January 1st, 6 pm onwards, Village Stroll & Telus Conference Centre, Whistler
There’s lots to see and lots to do at this alcohol-free, family-friendly event that is all about the Arts with live music, art workshops and street entertainment for all. The Kids Zone in the foyer of the Telus Conference Centre includes mascots, trolls and a 9 pm countdown: www.whistlerfirstnight.com

Annual Teddy Bear Skates and Swims
Friday, January 1st, various times and locations in Delta, Ladner and South Delta
If an icy dip in English Bay isn’t quite your thing, drop by one of the participating recreation facilities for a free swim, skate or weight room workout but be sure to bring a non-perishable food donate for the local food bank: www.corp.delta.bc.ca

We look forward to finding more great family-friendly events to share with you in the New Year. Till then, happy holidays and all the best for a healthy, fun 2010!

And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!

 

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