As if Kerrisdale isn’t already one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Vancouver, during the days leading up to Christmas it literally glows.
That’s thanks to the fact businesses, banks, restaurants and services enthusiastically take part in the annual Window Decorating Contest, which brightens up the village with lights, greenery, decorations and festive holiday displays.
If you plan on visiting Kerrisdale this month to check out the holiday vibe, you might want to time it to coincide with one of the special holiday events taking place in December, including free horse and carriage rides Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 23.
The gentle giants of AAA Horse & Carriage will also be decorated — with bells and velvet ribbons — as they carry shoppers along West 41st Avenue. The rides start at West 41st Avenue and Yew Street.
Adding to the nostalgic feel of the holidays in Kerrisdale are the roving Christmas quartets and tuba and brass bands, which will perform from noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 7, 8,14,15, 21,23 and 24.
This roaming entertainment hits every part of the village, so you’ll be sure to see — and hear — them no matter where you are. And make sure to check out the new seasonal banners lining the village, just in time for the holidays.
Another free holiday happening is Gliding on Ice, Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Cyclone Taylor Kerrisdale Arena complete with Christmas music, entertainment and free refreshments — while they last.
On Dec. 13, the Brock House/Kerrisdale Hand Bell Ringers are hosting a free afternoon of sing-along carols and refreshment in the lounge of the Kerrisdale Seniors Centre, which is housed in the Kerrisdale Community Centre 5851 West Blvd.
The centre is also hosting an open house Jan. 11, which offers a great opportunity for interested residents to check out some new and established programs, enjoy light snacks and refreshments and learn about what the centre has to offer.
Important transit notification
TransLink has announced the new RapidBus is set to start running along West 41st Avenue in January, with a scheduled date of Jan. 6.
According to TransLink, the route is the second busiest in the city after Broadway. The new bus will replace the 43 Express, which currently runs that route. Once in service, the new RapidBus will have the capacity to move up to 4,400 people per hour during rush hour, connecting to the Expo Line, the Canada Line, Oakridge Centre, Kerrisdale and UBC.
Changes to service include:
- More frequent service: three to five minutes at peak times compared to the seven to eight minutes it runs now at peak times and eight to 15 minutes at other times compared to the 10 to 15 it is now.
- The RapidBus will run from 6 a.m. to midnight or later, compared to the 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday service offered now.
- Real time bus information at stops will be available
- More benches have been added at stops
- New hybrid articulated buses
- Board at any door
- Less stopping
- The 41 and 43 buses will now stop in front of McDonalds (westbound) and Pho Tan restaurant (eastbound).
