Events

The Holiday Food Events You Don’t Want to Miss

By Vancouver Magazine /

Your guide to the best Vancouver has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.

December is already a favourite month for many, and why not? From the family gatherings, holiday gift shopping (that’s meant to be fun, right?), and overall holiday atmosphere in the city, there’s a feeling to the year’s finale that the other 11 just can’t replicate. But with our extensive list of the must-attend food and drink events in the city, an enjoyable month will hopefully become that ”most wonderful time of the year” for you.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Credit: FacebookThe holidays are all about tradition—and nothing says the holiday season is upon us in Vancouver quite like the annual Vancouver Christmas Market. So whether you’re craving the world famous Mr. Pretzel, Canadian Hotcakes, or a savoury German pork shank (Haxen Haus), there are some holiday traditions in Vancouver you simply shouldn’t miss.When: November 21-December 23—11:30 am to 9:30pm (December 24th, 11:30 am to 6 pm).Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Coal HarbourCost: Adult $12, Seniors $11, Youth Age 7-12 $5, Children Age 0-6 FREE. (Special Family Deals are also available).

Granville Island’s Christmas Classics Market Tour

Source: Vancouver Foodie ToursThe more Christmas markets the merrier? A true delight for foodies, the Granville Island’s Christmas Classics Market Tour will not only include a walk-around of the holiday-decorated island, but opportunities to dive into some of our favourite foods. From duck prosciutto to gingerbread doughnuts, and chocolate truffle cookies, this one deserves a visit.When: December 1st—31stWhere: Granville IslandCost: $60 (general admission) $49 (12 & under)

Eastside Flea Holiday Market

Credit: InstagramYou don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy the Eastside Flea Market, though with the many vendors who attend their events (think the Rolling Cashew and Come Arepa) it certainly doesn’t hurt. What makes the Eastside Flea Market fun is the multitude of options you have. Whether you’re there for the vendors, the novelty buys, or the live-performances, the Eastside Flea Market will make sure your holiday event planner is never lacking (or disappointing).When: December, 1,2,8,9,15, and 16Where: The Ellis Building—1024 Main Street, VancouverCost: $3 ($5 for entire weekend)

Vin Van Sunday Roast Pop-up

Credit: Tracey KusiewiczStart off the holiday season with a British-inspired Sunday roast dinner hosted by Vin Van. Serving a collection of comfort food from the Brits, this is the perfect event to prep you for all the meals and big family dinners you’re sure to encounter throughout the holidays. From stuffed prochettas, roasted potatoes, and (thankfully) Yorkshire pudding, Sunday dinner doesn’t get much better.When: December 2nd, 2018.Where: Dock Lunch 152 E 11th Ave Vancouver, BCCost: $55Meet & Eat with Mark Singson Credit: Mark SingsonThere’s an old saying that if you can eat with a celebrity chef you should (or maybe that wasn’t’ quite it). Regardless, on December 2, Top Chef Canada runner-up Mark Singson will be hosting an event where he will create a five-course dinner for attendees to try. The event will feature a bar and a Q&A with the chef (there will also be a special treat that attendees can take home).When: December 2, 6:30 pm.Where: Iron Keel at the Whole Foods Market—120 E 13 Street, North VancouverPrice: $120 (tickets are purchased online)

Nk’Mip Cellars + Vikram Vij’s my Shanti Restaurant

Credit: Western Living-Vikram Vij & Meeru DhalwalaInclude both the spicy, sweet, and savoury mix of Vikram Vij’s Indian-styled menu with the award-winning wine of Nk’Mip Cellars and you have the makings of an event sure to make those bland Monday’s bursting with flavour and excitement. Join both as they pair up for a Monday night dinner combination on the first Monday of this holiday season.When: December 3, 6pm.Where: 15869 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC.Cost: $99 (must be bought online)

Tasting Plates Vancouver Holiday Market edition

Credit: Tasting Plates VancouverRelatively new to the Vancouver holiday season is Vancouver Foodster’s Tasting Plates holiday edition special. This one-night event will take place in multiple parts of the city (Main Street, Kitsilano and Clark Drive) and will host multiple food and drink vendors at each location.When: December 5th, 2018 (6 pm-10 pm)Where: Main Street, Clark Drive, and Kitsilano. Main Street Honey Shoppe (tickets purchased must be brought here in order to receive pass).Cost: $50 (early bird and family discounts available)

Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio — Holiday Prix-Fixe Lunch

Credit: Ancora Waterfront Dining and PatioThink prosciutto-wrapped Atlantic cod, winter vegetable risotto,  and chicken empanadas, and you’ll get a good idea of what to expect at Ancora’s Prix-Fixe lunch Services beginning on December 3rd and lasting until the 28th. Featuring the work of Ancora’s executive Chef Ricardo Valverde,  the ‘’Peruvian-meets-Japanese’’ signature cuisine style of Valverde will be on display throughout all of December for you try during your holiday shopping.Where: Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio (1600 Howe St #2 Vancouver)When: December 3rd—28th, 2018Cost: $29 (Reservations are recommended and can be made online at ancoradining.com).

Giant Paella Party

Credit: Savoir CookingTapas, Valencian paellas, and cocktails—nothing can quite cure the winter blues like the taste of Spain. Showcasing the works of an array of Spanish chefs, this one night event will be a burst of colourful and exotic dishes (which you’ll probably need in the early weeks of December).When: December 10th, 2018 (6:00 PM-11:00 PM)Where: La Mezcaleria 68 Cordova Street Vancouver BCCost: $45

Feast of Seven Fishes at Cibo Trattoria

Credit: Cibo TrattoriaItalian folklore has more than one Santa-like figure in its mythology—so let’s add another one: for two nights in December (23rd and 24th) Chef Curtis Luk of Cibo Trattoria will be hosting a ‘’Feast of Seven Fishes’’, where an array of holiday Italian-inspired seafood dishes will be served. From slow-cooked octopus to Mediterranean sea bass and chocolate and apple fritters, this meal begs your presence, even during a busy time.When: December 23 and 24Where: Cibo Trattoria – 900 Seymour Street, VancouverPrice: $88; $163 (with Wine)(Reservations can be made online)

Juke Fried Chicken Holiday Turducken Feast

Credit: Juke Fried Chicken Holiday Turducken FeastDid you see the title? Do you really need more? Fine. This take-home special consists of pre-sliced turducken with stuffing, gravy, and large sides of fried brussel sprouts that can feed up t0 eight people (did we also mention the country biscuits and herb-roasted potatoes?).When: Pick-up December 23rd, 2018. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (order must be made before December 20)Where: Little Juke, 1074 Davie StreetCost: $169Holiday Feast can be ordered by emailing info@jukefriedchicken.com.

Railtown Catering—Holiday Turkey To-Go (pick-up or delivery)

Credit: Railtown CateringWhat’s better than having a jolly old man delivering gifts to your house? How about having a specially crafted holiday dinner by award-winning classically trained chefs delivered to your door?  The chefs at Railtown Catering will be whipping up a holiday dinner capable of serving up to 10 guests. Consisting of a sage-roasted organic turkey that weighs 16 lbs, maple glazed potatoes, and mashed Yukon gold potatoes (and much more), this meal you can have delivered (or pick up) is one you might just want to eat around the Christmas tree (just remember to leave some left-overs around the chimney if your eating this dinner on the 24th).When: December 24-26. (10 am-5pm if you’re picking up)Where: Railtown Café (397 Railway street) VancouverCost: $319Orders can be placed online or by calling 604-568-8811. Orders must be received by December 19th, 12:00 pm.