https://gastown.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/125880453_183317249936132_7545794494879248591_n.mp4
Video by:@photographer_foreveryoung
‘Tis the season in Gastown and love is in the air.
Let’s not pretend that 2020 hasn’t been a rough year for us all. Now, more than ever, we could all use a dose of what really matters – love. Although we must remain socially distant, Gastown is keeping us connected and safe.
With that said, come explore Gastown with your bubble, mask-up and kiss under the mistletoe and make merry at the plexiglass pubs. It’s time to keep the holiday spirit alive. Besides, we all need a little love to help us get through this year.
Arts + Culture
Kiss Me in Gastown Mistletoe Scavenger Hunt
Kiss Me In Gastown is back, the COVID Edition! During the 2020 holiday season, 10 beautiful mistletoe swags will be hung at various locations throughout the neighbourhood, inviting patrons to walk the streets while spreading the love, safely of course, on social media using the hashtag #kissmeingastown.
Come down to Gastown with your bubble, support local business and give your loved ones a masked smooch while you’re at it! Click here for mistletoe locations.
Augment Your Reality – Glow Up! Gastown
In Partnership with Vancouver Mural Festival
Date: December 9, 2020 – January, 2021
Gastown visitors will have the opportunity to step inside the virtual world of augmented reality. Escape everything else and watch Gastown transform into something spectacular on your smartphone. In partnership with the masterminds at Vancouver Mural Festival, they’re bringing the maple tree to the Maple Tree Square Plaza. Catch these glowing trees sprout out of the cobble street from three iconic locations around Gastown. Safe from crowds, and available throughout the month of December, this installation can be enjoyed on your own time and shared virtually with loved ones.
Use the tag #glowupgastown for a chance to win one of four $200 Gastown Gift Cards. Prizes donated by Global Relay, Platinum Member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Check out their Careers Page for exciting job position.
Food + Drink
Gastowners drink coffee like it’s going out of style, but it’s as chic as ever. The love for everything caffeinated runs deep in our neighbourhood and we will go to any lengths to get our fix.
Whether you’re an espresso sipper, a latte lover, or a regular cup of joe, Gastown’s got the hook-up.
Too many amazing cafés to choose from? Don’t worry, we did the leg work for you. Flip through our interactive coffee map to find what java stop is next on your list.
Style
It’s no secret the holidays will look a little different this year, but as Gastowners, we always look on the bright side! This is the perfect opportunity to support your favourite local Gastown businesses. Our neighborhood is the perfect one-stop-shop for everyone on your Christmas list.
This year more than ever, it’s important that we show the love to our small businesses and put our well-earned money back into the community. Independent business has been hit the hardest over the pandemic and choosing to shop local can make all the difference. Not to mention, who doesn’t love a thoughtful, locally sourced gift by some of the best artisans and entrepreneurs that Vancouver has to offer?
Business
“The Nooks is a great place to go shop and know that the money is staying in the community and that you’re shopping local and supporting small business.”
– Adam Sharanewych, Co-owner of The Nooks Vancouver
Founder Colleen Imrie started The Nooks in Ontario as a consignment shop selling furniture and art. Eventually, she attracted local artisans who wanted to sell in her store. Colleen soon realized there was a great need for local makers to have a way to break into retail.
As the business developed, The Nooks became more about getting money in the makers’ pockets and giving the community more access to great local goods.
Click here for the full story.
People
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, filming for the #IAMGASTOWN series has been postponed. Stay tuned for the full feature videos and in the meantime, check out these teasers showcasing some of Gastown’s best and brightest.
I AM GASTOWN: ALYSHA OSBORNE
“What better way to change minds than through art and show how something as small as a haircut can make you judge someone differently… because we aren’t that different.”
– Founder of 2 Paycheques Away, Alysha Osborne
Frustrated by how poorly many treat residents of the Downtown Eastside, Founder of 2 Paycheques Away Alysha Osborne set out to change people’s perceptions, one haircut at a time.
Click here for the full story.
I AM GASTOWN: GABY BAYONA
“A bridal dress is the most emotionally driven clothing purchase many woman are going to be able to make in their lifetime – for people to trust us with the undertaking of making their wedding dress, I definitely don’t take lightly.”
– Gaby Bayona, Owner of Truvelle
Gaby Bayona started her bridal brand Truvelle in 2013 out of her Gastown apartment, that she lives in to this day.
As her business grew, Gaby expanded by opening up Truvelle Flagship, rebranded as Lovenote Bride, which currently houses her four bridal lines: Aesling, Laudae, Halseene and of course, Truvelle.
Click here for the full story.
Gastown has been, and always will be, a destination spot for those in love. From its cobblestone streets, to its old timey buildings, romance envelops the neighbourhood. It’s no wonder Gastown is a hot spot for couples and photographers trying to capture that “je ne sais quoi”. Come down to Gastown this holiday season and feel the love!
