Looking down the street on Monday morning, those who live, work and visit the neighbourhood were greeted with the first signs of the season as businesses decorated their entrances with pairs of bright lemon cypress trees.

Water Street already lights up at night thanks to thousands of tiny white bulbs, but as there are no sidewalk gardens or planters along Cordova, businesses banded together to bring some holiday cheer to the neighbourhood with the potted trees.

Heather’s the Flowershop was instrumental in sourcing the trees, which were coordinated through the Gastown Business Improvement Society. Their arrival marks the official start of the season in the area… and it’s just the beginning.

Over the coming weeks, the windows in many Gastown businesses will be transformed for the season. Last year, the design team at Falken Reynolds delivered a clever installation for Complex Geometries, alongside creations for LitchfieldLynn StevenRoden Gray and more. 

Holiday-CGKnown for it’s unique heritage spaces, Gastown businesses often take a distinctly different design approach to holiday decor. It’s always interesting and worth a walk through the neighbourhood, so plan to stop by in the coming weeks for a holiday shopping experience that brings coffee, curated boutiques and even cocktails together in four city blocks. 

The 2013 holiday window at Complex Geometries, by Falken Reynolds.