Hi friends!
It’s the last week of school. The socks are wet, the days are short, and the to-do list is long.
But here is the silver lining: The Winter Solstice is this Sunday. We literally cannot get any darker than this. It’s all uphill from here, friends.
To get you through the gloom, we’ve built an issue full of wins.
Here’s what’s inside this issue:
The Hack: How to park for free in Gastown (yes, really).
The Deadline: Tonight's 7 PM Swim Registration panic.
The Magic: A quiet, crowd-free light show on Ross St.
🐴 Gastown is Showing Off (And We’re Here For It)
Gastown hasn't just put up a tree—they have transformed the entire neighbourhood into a real-life movie set.
We’re talking a full-blown holiday takeover. The cobblestones are glowing, there’s music in the air, roaming performers are wandering the streets, and practically every corner is dripping in lights. It is distinctively "Holiday Wonderland" energy.
Plus: Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
When: Sunday, Dec 21, 12 PM – 4 PM.
Where: Pick up at 1 Alexander St.
The Move: ☕️ Get there early. Grab a hot chocolate. Stroll. Get in line for a Carriage Ride. Stroll some more.
Why It Matters: It’s enchanting, it’s outdoors, and the vibe is unique right now. It’s the kind of nostalgic magic that makes you forget your toddler just wiped their nose on your coat.
🚗 A Vancouver Christmas Miracle: Free Parking
Two neighbourhoods are offering free parking this Sunday (Dec 21). This almost never happens. However, both come with strict rules. Do not mess this up, or the City will ticket you, and that ruins the vibe.
Option 1: The Gastown "Admin" Deal
The Gist: First 3 hours free on Sunday at EasyPark Lot 126 ONLY (151 W Cordova).
The Catch: You have to prove you shopped.
The Move:
Park at Lot 126.
Register your plate at this link.
Buy something in Gastown (keep the receipt!).
Email a photo of the receipt to [email protected].
Option 2: The West 4th "Location" Deal
The Gist: 2 hours free on Sunday (9 AM–6 PM).
The Catch: Geography matters. This applies ONLY to metered spots on West 4th Avenue (between Balsam & Fir).
The Warning: ⚠️ Do not park on the side streets. Do not park in a private lot. Do not stay for 2 hours and 5 minutes. They are watching, and they are writing tickets.
Why It Matters: Because saving $15 on parking means you can buy a latte and a croissant.
🏊♀️ City Wide Swim Registration
Set your alarms. Cancel your dinner plans. Put the kids in front of a screen. It is Registration Night.
Citywide swimming lesson registration is this Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7pm. If you want Hillcrest / Kerrisdale / Kits spots, this is the moment.
When: Tuesday, Dec 17th @ 7:00 PM sharp.
Where: VanRec Website (bookmark it now).
The Move: 💻 Login at 6:50 PM. Have your credit card saved on the file. Open the specific lesson page on your phone and your laptop. When the clock strikes 7:00, hit enroll now like your life depends on it.
Why It Matters: Because private lessons cost a fortune.
If your kid’s “old” backpack is perfectly fine but apparently socially unacceptable now, this is its moment.
What: New or lightly used backpacks.
The "Gold Star" Addition: Fill it with new toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lip balm, gloves, warm socks).
When: Now through December 31st.
Where: Mount Pleasant Community Centre Front Office. (1 Kingsway)
The Move: 🧴 Go to the dollar store or pharmacy with your kids. Hand them a list of the "boring" stuff (toothpaste, soap, socks) and have them fill a basket. Then, drop it all off at the front desk.
Why It Matters: Because a warm pair of socks and a decent backpack can genuinely change someone's week. Plus, it clears clutter from your house. Win-win.
🛒 Riley Park Winter Farmers Market
Come for the organic kale, have a croissant.
What: 25+ vendors, food trucks, fresh produce, and "treats".
Where: 30th & Ontario (Riley Park Plaza).
When: Saturdays, 10 AM – 2 PM.
Cost: Free entry.
The Move: 🛝 Park on the playground side. Tell your kids, “Carrots first, swings second.”
Why It Matters: You get groceries for the week, they get a park visit, and everyone goes home thinking they “went somewhere fun” instead of “ran errands.”
🏠 Neighbourhood Gem: The Nguyen Family Light Show
If you don't want to battle the crowds at VanDusen or drive all the way to Burnaby, head to South Vancouver. The Nguyen family at 6080 Ross St has absolutely understood the assignment.
What: A massive, multi-level residential light display that puts my single string of balcony lights to shame.
Where: 6080 Ross St (near 45th & Knight).
Cost: Free.
When: Nightly shows around 6 PM and 8 PM. They run about 35 mins (aim to get there a bit early).
The Move: 🤫 Park a block away and walk. Do not be the person blocking their neighbour’s driveway to get a photo. Treat this like a secret club: go quietly, enjoy the sparkle, and leave without causing a traffic jam.
Why It Matters: It’s a real family doing this for the community (likely with a terrifying hydro bill). It feels personal, magical, and totally free.
That’s a wrap for this week.
You’ve got this!
Saba Yazdani
The Cambie Memo
