Now that Taylor-mania is coming to an end, it’s time to focus on what’s really important this month: all the great eats in Vancouver.
Thankfully, there are plenty of great food events going on to satisfy your cravings (or to fill that Taylor Swift-sized hole in your heart).
From gingerbread house decorating to a holiday pop-up inside an antique rail car, here are some can’t-miss food events happening in and around Vancouver.
One-time-only
Chinatown BBQ Dongzhi Festival
Chinatown BBQ and chef William Lew of Pacific Reach are curating a tasting event for the community. Highlights of the menu include salted egg yolk pork belly, BBQ lamb ribs, fresh local seafood, and tang yuan — a classic Chinese dessert of glutinous rice balls, which symbolize unity and harmony.
When: December 9
Time: 11 am to 8:30 pm
Where: Chinatown BBQ — 130 E Pender Street, Vancouver
Cost: Lunch is $39 per person with three seatings at 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm. Dinner is $58 per person with two seatings at 5 and 7 pm.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Put your gingerbread house decorating skills to the test at this fun event at Honey Salt. You’ll be able to construct and decorate your very own gingerbread house and also enjoy some tasty bites and sips. Adult tickets are $38 and include a choice of spiked cocoa or a glass of bubbles plus one item from Honey Salt’s special gingerbread lunch menu, while kids’ tickets (for ages 3 to 12) include hot cocoa and one item from the kid’s menu, alongside some extra sweets from the complimentary candy cart. Gingerbread House Kits start at $36.
When: December 15, and 22
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Honey Salt — 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Reservations: Online
Jazz Night Fundraiser
Sopra Sotto will be hosting a live Jazz music fundraiser for Camp Goodtimes, which gives kids with cancer a safe space to experience summer joy. Limited spots are available, so be sure to reserve your seat by emailing [email protected].
When: December 30
Time: First show is 5 to 7:30 pm, second show is 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: Sopra Sotto — 1510 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $10
PoMo Express @ the Venosta Train
PoMo Express
The PoMo Museum will be transforming a 1920s antique rail car into a special holiday pop-up featuring plenty of holiday-themed food and drinks.
When: December 12, 13, 21, and 22
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: PoMo Museum — 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody
Reservations: Available online
Cookie, Community, and Cheer!
Assembly Cookies is hosting a holiday pop-up on December 14 for cookie lovers to pick up some tasty cookies like its Crowned Classic (which it claims to be the ultimate chocolate chip cookie) alongside some limited-edition holiday cookies. A portion of all proceeds will support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
When: December 14
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Revival Store — 2408 Main Street, Vancouver
Recurring
The Jingle Bar
Get into the festive spirit at this holiday-themed pop-up bar, featuring festive cocktails and nibbles in a space decorated for the holidays.
When: December 1 to 29
Where: Hotel Le Soleil — 597 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online
Elf Bar Vancouver
This magical elf-themed pop-up Christmas bar invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season. Hundreds of festive elf figurines of all shapes and sizes will be on display alongside other holiday decor and elf-themed food.
When: December 4 to 22
Where: 920 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $14.50 per person
Surf and Turf Sundays
Visit The Sandbar every Sunday in December for a special three-course dinner for two for just $129. Menu highlights include a choice between Sandbar’s classic clam chowder or Caesar salad, a surf and turf platter featuring a 10oz prime New York striploin, lobster tail, grilled garlic prawns, seasonal vegetables, roasted potatoes, and salsa verda, and Sandbar’s signature Belgian chocolate pudding for dessert.
When: Every Sunday in December
Where: The Sandbar — 1535 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Cost: $129 for two, or $105 for one
Cirque-Inspired Pre-Show Menu at The Victor
Before heading to the big top, you can stop at The Victor for a Cirque-inspired pre-show menu featuring vibrant flavours and creative presentations. You can enjoy your choice of appetizers and main courses, including options like Columbia River Steelhead Salmon, Center Cut Ribeye, and Myca Farms Mushroom Risotto.
When: Until December 15
Time: 5 to 6:30 pm
Where: The Victor — 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Cost: $75
Vancouver Christmas Market 2024
With festive live entertainment, unique holiday vendors, and a beautiful Christmas carousel, this event, happening from November 13 to December 24, is one not to miss.
And you’ll want to bring your appetite with you because the market is serving up delicious German-style food and drinks. Visitors will find everything from traditional Glühwein to mini syrup-filled pancakes, gulasch, and so much more, creating an unforgettable visit.
When: November 13 to December 24
Time: Various timeslots
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online