Christmas Events on the North Shore – Your 2013 Guide

Christmas Events on the North Shore – Your 2013 Guide

1. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
When: 4-9pm November 30, 2013 - January 4, 2014

This stunning Christmas light display also features a scavenger hunt for children, gingerbread cookie decorating, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and Glass blowing demonstrations. Gaze up at the mighty spectacle at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The 46.4 m. (152 ft.) tall Douglas fir is adorned with luminescent bling. And so is the rest of the rainforest, including the suspension bridge.

2. North Pole BC at Lynn Valley Centre
When: November 23 - December 24, 2013

This Christmas event for children and families is one of a kind. Help Santa and his Elves find the lost toys, visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves or enjoy interactive scenes and activities. You do not want to miss this one.

3. Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

When: November 23 to December 24, 2013

Set 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver on Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s version of the North Pole, this is a one-stop-shop for ice skating 9am-10pm, live reindeer and Reindeer Ranger Talks 2 & 4pm, romantic sleigh rides 9am-9pm, gingerbread house viewing, Christmas music concerts, the chance to meet Santa and so much more. And of course, you could always go skiing/snowboarding.

4. Annual Shipbuilders Christmas Festival

When: December 7th, 2013.

The Lower Lonsdale Annual Christmas Festival takes place at the Shipyards located at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue. Shipbuilders’ Square will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland complete with lights and carolers. Enjoy fun family entertainment and activities. Activities include a bug lantern building workshop, gingerbread man decorating station and festive crafts.

Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be served during the festivities.

5. Dundarave Festival Of Lights

When: November 30, 2013 to January 4, 2014

The annual Dundarave Festival of Lights kicks off with a Christmas tree decorating beach party on December 1st. Stop by for an afternoon of free concerts to spark your Christmas spirit. The official lighting of the Festival's Christmas tree forest takes place at dusk. The Christmas trees will remain on display until January 4th, 2014.

·         Dundarave Christmas Fair - November 30 - Noon to Dusk
Join us for an afternoon of free concerts in the Festival's Longhouse and the Dundarave Nativity Pavilion. The magic happens at dusk with the official lighting of the Festival's Christmas tree forest.
> More info on the Dundarave Christmas Fair

·        Dundarave Nativity & Paddle Songs - December 7th - Noon to Dusk
Enjoy an afternoon of free song, with music from Indie artists to the ancient songs the ancestors of the Squamish Elders.> More in on the Dundarave Nativity & Paddle Songs

·           World Christmas - December 14 - Noon to Dusk
The World Christmas celebrates the richness of Canada’s cultural history. Enjoy an afternoon of festive and free concerts speaks to the true spirit Christmas: a season of mirth, music and joy that leaves no one out in the cold.> More info on the Dundarave World Christmas

·        Christmas Wassail & Bonfire - December 21 - 2-9:30pm
Keep warm and celebrate the season with the Christmas Wassail and Bonfire Night at Dundarave Beach. Join in caroling around the fire.> More info on the Dundarave Christmas Wassail & Bonfire

For more information on the 2013 Dundarave Festival of Lights visit www.dundaravefestival.com

6. Park & Tilford Holiday Hi-Light festival

When: November 29^th to December 31^st 6pm – 9pm

One of the North Shore’s most spectacular festivals of lights, with over 50,000 lights on display and even Santa himself on Friday and Saturday nights, you will not leave disappointed.  Friday’s also offer other additional live entertainment and activities such as Adam Woodall & Todd Taylor, Catching Art Contemporary Ballet Theatre,  strolling characters and carol singers, balloon twisting and face-painting.  Entry is by donation and 100% of proceeds go to the City and District of North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.

North Vancouver Carol Ship Celebration

When: December 21^st 2013- 8pm

Celebrate a North Vancouver Tradition at Panorama Park. The Carol Ships will sail past with their holiday themed festive lights. Watch while you sing and dance to live entertainment, enjoy warm refreshments, roving performers, free holiday craft workshops, face painting, and a toasty bonfire.  Donations of food in support of the Harvest Project will be gratefully accepted.

A Lynn Valley Christmas

When: December 21^st 12-8pm & 22^nd 1-8pm, 2013

Enjoy free family entertainment in Lynn Valley Village. There will be free kids activities in the activity room also.  See the full schedule at http://vancouvernorthshore.com/whats-happening/lynn-calley-christmas/#sthash.QXuoOE4s.dpuf

7. Holiday Meals

When:  Any time is a good time for a delicious local meal. Here are a few of the top local holiday offerings.

·         Salmon House on the Hill

·         Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier

·         Northlands Breakfast with Santa

·         Christmas Lunch at The Observatory

Christmas Events on Across the Water – Your 2013 Vancouver Guide

Christmas Events on Across the Water – Your 2013 Vancouver Guide

1. Free Ice Skating at Robson Square

When: November 15, 2013 to February 28, 2014

Enjoy the fresh air on the only outdoor rink in downtown Vancouver. Perfect for all ages, the Robson Square Ice Rink is free if you bring your own skates, but rentals are available.

2. Vancouver Christmas Market

When: November 22 to December 24, 2013

A charming, old-world village in the heart of downtown Vancouver that’s bursting with German-style Christmas cheer. Enjoy some mulled wine, weissbier, stollen, marzipan, bratwursts and so many more tempting treats. Don’t forget to browse the Christmas crafts, admire theTannenbaum, enjoy a live show, and decorate some gingerbread.

3. Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden

When: December 11, 2013 to January 4, 2014

An over-the-top, truly magical wonderland of 1.4 million twinkling Christmas lights arranged by playful themes like Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Trees, Dancing Lights and Gingerbread Walks. An ideal event for date night. Refreshments including cocoa are available from the garden’s Truffles Cafe.

4. Vancouver Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Friday, December 6, 2013

See the decadent, 50-ft. beacon of Christmas shining bright at Jack Poole Plaza anytime throughout December, but the must-attend event is the annual free Christmas tree lighting ceremony December 6. The festivities include caroling and sweet holiday treats.

5. Carol Ships Parade of Lights

When: December 6 to 23, 2013

A very Vancouver tradition, 50 ships decked out in sparkling lights parade along the Burrard Inlet while fans watch and celebrate the spectacle from on shore. You can view it from one of the boats. Or better yet, find a freebonfire parties for landlubbers in North Vancouver.

6. 12th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 2013

When: Friday, December 20, 2013

Don your ugliest Christmas sweater and join 1,000 other Vancouverites at the Commodore Ballroom for this raucous bash. Festivities include eggnog chugging, caroling, live music and an ugly sweater contest. Proceeds go to The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

7. The Nutcracker at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

When: December 28 to 31, 2013

Alberta Ballet’s sugar-plum version of the traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker sparkles with festive holiday spirit. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, with spectacular sets and costumes by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, The Nutcracker is set to the glorious Tchaikovsky score, played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

8. A Traditional Christmas Concert by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

When: December 12 to 22, 2013

This event is best for old-school, classic Christmas lovers. Enjoy heartwarming Christmas music and carols performed by the talented Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

9. Bright Nights at Stanley Park

When: December 5, 2013 to January 5, 2014

During the holiday season the Stanley Park forest glitters with 2 million lights. Ride the Bright Nights Train to glimpse the bedazzled wilderness. Vancouver’s best asset shines brightest at Christmas.

10. Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour

When: December 11 to 30, 2013

What could be better than hopping onto a festively-decorated trolley equipped with a karaoke machine and yodeling Christmas carols into the Vancouver night as you view two of the city’s finest Christmas light displays? Seriously. Top that, Santa.

11. A Christmas Queen Improv Comedy Fairytale

When: Through to December 20, 2013

Take a break from the cozy, heartwarming Christmas shows and enjoy a yuletide-themed improv fairytale by Vancouver’s impudent Vancouver Theatre Sports League at The Improve Centre on Granville Island. It will make you cry. But not in the It’s a Wonderful Life sort of way. These will be the kind of tears that follow uncontrollable laughter.

12. Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium

When: November 28, 2013 to January 22, 2014

Come in out of the cold and enjoy a unique experience of aquatic light that will lift any winter blues. Discover the incredible world of fluorescent and bioluminescent light that exists in the dark depths of the ocean. There’s even a tree decorated with lanterns that alight when an electric eel swimming in the water below discharges a pulse.

Creative Mirror Idea's for your Home

Custom mirrors are a Glass Doctor specialty! Our shops can cut mirror to your specifications, and they offer many custom mirror designs.
Although most of us have a pretty good idea on where to hang a mirror in our home, they're often times far more versatile than we initially think. They can be one the best tools in the small space owner's back pocket and our personal opinion is that you can never have too many!

1. Group Them Together: While larger mirrors can be quite pricey, many of us don't have the budget for such things. Smaller mirrors are found at discount or thrift stores quite easily and with a super small price tag on them. Paint their frames all the same color and group them on the wall in the same place. The look will be organized without feeling cluttered.

2. Behind The Stove: Although they're bound to get a little greasy or dirty eventually, it's not like mirrors don't clean up easily. Behind your stovetop is traditionally a rather dark area in your kitchen. A mirror will bounce any available light around, not only making it easier to see the meal you're preparing, but make it a more enjoyable place to stand.

3. Turn Them On Their Side: This trick works especially well when using longer skinny mirrors, try turning your mirror on its side. This trick works best with long skinny mirrors, but it makes any wall look longer instantly.

4. Cabinet Fronts: Although you can use this trick in other places of the home, the kitchen is the ideal location for this DIY project. Glue mirrored tiles to the front of your cabinet fronts to reflect the world around you. Maybe you'll just do the tops, or just the bottoms, but either way we think it's a curious technique, especially in small spaces!

5. Next To Your Dining Room Table: One of Maxwell's favorite places for a mirror is right next to the dining room table. Like you see in many restaurants around the world, this allows for softer lighting to be used, while still keeping the area light and bright. Think of it as mood lighting that still allows you to see your dinner plate!

6. Floor Length: Floor length mirrors are great ways to make any space feel taller. Their long shape draws the eye up and carrying it around the room, making any space feel lighter and brighter. Place them behind a grouping of furniture or out on their own.

7. Layer Them Up: Why have just one mirror when you can have several? By making an entire wall mirrored and then adding smaller, defined mirrors on top, not only are you creating a larger more open-feeling space, but you'll also be giving depth to the space without weighing things down.

8. Fake A Window: Although our dream small space is packed with windows, we know that's not really a reality for many. Instead, try using small square mirrors, tiled out to look like a window to give the illusion of what you wish was there, instead of what really is.

9. Beautiful Backsplashes: We keep coming back to the kitchen, but there's so many ways to use mirrors in this well used room. The backsplash is the perfect place for a little reflection. It will make any under counter lighting extra bright or allow you to go without such things and use the natural light throughout the room.

10. Fake Mirrored Furniture: Like covering your cabinets above, you can fake expensive designer prices and simply use a glass cutter and mirrored tile found at your hardware store. Although it's a more labor intensive option, the results can be quite amazing if you're starting with a piece that has good shape to it already.

Shower Doors & Tub Enclosures by GlassDoctor

Glass Doctor^® offers a wide variety of glass shower doors, tub and shower enclosures and shower door accessories to fit any budget.

We can take care of your dream bathroom in three easy steps: Inspiration, Consultation and Installation.

Get Inspired – Imagine Your Bathroom Oasis
At Glass Doctor North Vancouver we know the value of a good glass shower door or bathtub enclosure. Either is a simple statement of style and functionality that can enhance the overall look and feel of any bathroom. Just take a look at some of the incredible pieces in our shower door and tub enclosure Gallery or get some great ideas for your own bathroom project from our shower enclosure Idea Center. Many local Glass Doctor shops have showrooms and samples of multiple shower doors and tub/shower enclosures for you to see in person. Call 604-984-4527 to schedule an appointment or request service online. For more ideas visit the websites of our regional bathroom glass partners (product availability may vary).

A frameless glass shower door offers unparalleled elegance and can be the crown jewel of the entire room. At the same time, a new bathtub enclosure can become a great focal point that not only looks amazing, but can also be easier to clean, much more attractive and sturdier than your current bath enclosure.

Of course, it’s not just about looks. It’s about peace of mind. That said; our shower doors use only the highest quality tempered glass to ensure maximum safety for you and you loved ones. You can rest assured that even the most intricately textured glass frameless door is made for everyday use and built to last for generations.

And what would your new bath centerpiece be without hardware? We offer a wide selection of bathroom hinges, handles, push plates and more, available in brass, stainless steel and other beautiful - yet durable materials.

Proudly serving North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler, Glass Doctor is dedicated to providing the very best throughout the entire bathroom improvement process.  From design, and consulting to selection and instillation, we do it all. Our expert staff can usually have your old unit out and new one in place within a single day.

How much better could your bathroom look with beautiful new glass shower door or tub enclosure from Glass Doctor?

Ready? Schedule a Free, In-Home Consultation
When you're ready, call 604-984-4527 to schedule an appointment or request service online for a free, in-home consultation to design your custom shower door or enclosure order. Whether you are looking for a basic framed shower door or an elaborate custom heavy glass enclosure to beautifully encompass your bathtub or shower, the experts at Glass Doctor North Vancouver will guide you through the entire process, including design, budget, installation and maintenance. Most tub and shower glass can be installed in a day.

Finally - Ordering and Installation

World-class professional, courteous service is what sets Glass Doctor apart. You will receive an accurate design and up-front price quote within 24 hours of your in-home consultation. After accepting the quote and ordering the materials, Glass Doctor will schedule a convenient installation appointment. Most installations by our friendly, uniformed technicians take less than a day. You can be confident that with our shoe covers, floor mats and glass cleaner, your bathroom oasis will look spotless when it’s done. A beautiful glass shower enclosure is the centerpiece of any bathroom. It anchors the room, directs the light, catches the eye - and significantly increases the resale value of your home. Glass Doctor can help you determine which glass shower or tub enclosure would be best for your bathroom oasis, both in structure and style.

5 Ways to Prep for a Backyard Bash

Among the true joys of summer is the opportunity to spend more time outside relaxing, entertaining, and playing. But you’ll have less time for all of these seasonal pleasures if your yard isn’t quite summer-ready. Here are five simple things you can do this weekend to revive outdoor living areas in time for your backyard bash!

1. STAIN THE DECK

Photo: paintsource.net

Before settling comfortably into an Adirondack chair to enjoy your summer soiree, consider giving your deck some TLC. If it has wood construction, sweep the surface clean and see if the boards need sealing or staining, or both. If water beads up on the wood, the sealer is fine. Otherwise, seal the deck now and rest comfortably knowing that your deck is in good shape for the traffic and heat it will see in the months ahead.

2. REPAIR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Photo: Flickr

You’ll be a poor host—and a regretful neighbor—if you have outdoor furniture that is rusted, covered in mildew, or in need of repair when guests arrive for a backyard bash. You can paint metal and wood furniture easily enough, and tightening screws on wobbly legs takes no time at all. Proper care of outdoor furniture not only improves its appearance, but also promotes its longevity.

3. CONTROL BEES AND WASPS

Photo: stunningbackyard.com

Few things halt summertime festivities like an unexpected swarm. When dealing with outdoor pests, the best defense is a little offense.

4. MAKE GARDEN LUMINARIES

Photo: indulgy.com

Since outdoor entertaining often extends into the evening hours, be sure you have sufficient lighting—for mood and safety. Sure, you can buy and install landscape lighting, but you can also add light and charm with homemade luminaries. Whether hanging from tree limbs or sitting along the length of your deck rail, easy DIY tin can lanterns illuminate outdoor living areas in down-to-earth yet enchanting style.

5. READY THE GRILL

Photo: grassrootsblog.ca

If you’re getting ready to play host for a neighborhood barbecue, apply a critical eye and a caring hand to your grill. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to extending the useful years of your trusty, charbroiling party-pleaser!

Clearing the Fog

Your Glass Doctor can diagnose whether a fogged IGU window can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

IG units are windows made from two or more pieces of flat pane glass separated by a sealed air space. If your home already has double-pane windows, but there is condensation or a “milky” appearance between the panes of glass, Glass Doctor needs to diagnose whether or not we can repair the foggy windows or recommend replacing the windows. Glass Doctor can upgrade your existing IGU windows with new energy-efficient glass replacements.

Foggy windows cause your home to lose energy efficiency. If you have an older home subject to frequent temperature changes IG units can help balance the indoor climate. In the winter IG units reduce cold transmittance at windows and help maintain a consistent temperature in the home. In the summer IG units reduce heat gain from outside. As a result your home’s air conditioning and heating system should run less, saving energy and money. In general IG units may cost three times more than single pane glass windows. But that cost can be recovered in a few short years through lower energy bills.

Glass Doctor of North Vancouver can help you select the best IG units for your home’s climate, from a wide variety of manufacturers. Call 604-984-4527  for an appointment today.

To Repair or Replace?

Windshield Repair - Fix minor windshield chips before they turn into cracks that compromise vehicle safety.

Windshield cracks and chips can impair driving visibility. Repairing the chip restores the structural integrity of the windshield and it’s cheaper than replacing a windshield. Getting a chip repaired is:

• Convenient - Glass technicians can repair a windshield within an hour.
• Inexpensive - Most insurance companies will reimburse the repair charge.
• Safe - Repairing your windshield helps keep the original factory equipment intact.
• Environmentally Friendly - When a windshield is replaced, the old windshield ends up going in a landfill, where it will stay forever.

Contact us today and we can will diagnose your windshield chips to determine if they can be repaired first, or if the windshield needs to be replaced. 

Glass Doctor of North Vancouver 604-984-4527

www.glassrepairnorthvancouver.com