TV Week blogger Joe Leary is a freelance writer, broadcaster and TEAM 1040 reporter/host. Catch his weekly blog as he dishes on Vancouver's celebrity gossip.
A Classic Vancouver Christmas Tradition Is Back!
By Joe Leary | Nov 29, 2010
To those of us born and bred Vancouverites, nothing evokes the spirit of the festive season as vividly as the Christmas window displays at the Woodward’s downtown location on East Hastings Street.
A treasured part of Vancouver’s rich history, the Woodward’s Windows were an absolute must-see for generations of Vancouverites; handcrafted in the 1960’s, featuring a number of holiday scenes with animated characters utilizing the technology of the day.
When the storied Hastings location closed its doors in 1993, Canada Place dutifully stepped in and purchased the treasured displays, which took Woodward’s six months worth of planning and included thousands of pieces all installed in one day.
Now, for the first time in nearly twenty years, the nostalgia returns; partially showcased in the original Woodward’s building at the corner of Hastings and Abbott Streets.
Through Christmas at Canada Place, a total of six vignettes will be on display in downtown Vancouver as part of an historic walking tour. The self-guided tour includes additional classic Woodward’s Window scenes at Canada Place, Bentall One, Bentall Three, BC Ferries Vacations and the Vancouver Christmas Market.
These vintage scenes have been carefully restored and can now be further enjoyed by future generations.
The Woodward’s Windows walking tour starts December 1. The 23rd Annual Christmas at Canada Place event features the Woodward’s Windows until the 24th and Breakfast with Santa, December 18 and 19.The event raises funds and awareness for the Strathcona Food Program. Self-guided walking tour maps are available: www.canadaplace.ca/Christmas
Comments
Woodward's window displays
The Woodward's windows are a massive heart of my child-hood. So much that I'd like to write a book of the entire journey, to leave my children, grand-children and so on...down in history:)
I've searched tono avail and would like to credit where credit is due, to the hands that crafted the displays.
I heard, each intricate piece was hand made, as well as every stitch of clothing, shoe... creature great and small. Awe-mazing!!!
Can you please help me?
Thank you:)
Reply
Login here or register to post your comment now. Anonymous comments are welcome, but they must first go to an approval queue.
TVWeek Online reserves the right to discard or unpublish any comments deemed inappropriate or incongruent to our editorial policy. Accounts through which such comments are repeatedly posted may be suspended.