Step into the spirit of the season in Burnaby Heights, where neighbourhood merchants transform the vibrant business district into Deck the Heights, their 6th annual holiday event, that'll put you in your merriest of moods.
You’ll discover the charm and pride that make the Heights feel like home for the holidays. It’s an experience where friends, families and neighbours reconnect and share in the warmth of the yuletide season, while local businesses showcase their festive best, inviting everyone to shop, dine, and stroll throughout the community.
"Deck the Heights is a celebration of the holiday spirit as much as it's a celebration of community," says Isabel Kolic, executive director, Heights Merchants Association. "Behind the decorated windows is always a friendly smile of a local merchant, who welcomes you as family."
Holiday window display contest
The holiday spirit can be felt beginning Dec. 1, where you'll be treated to decorated storefronts and windows adorned with creative, colourful displays, lots of sparkle and twinkling lights, competing for the titles of Best Holiday Window Display and People’s Choice.
Cast your vote online for your favourite merchant window to be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to the Burnaby Heights business of your choice. There's one vote per person and the winning voter will be contacted privately; the winning merchant will be revealed on December 18 on Instagram, @burnabyheights. Enjoy the fun and décor through the New Year, but voting ends December 18.
The excitement is building among the merchants, like co-owners Cathy Polonio and Janet Bevilacqua of Pillars Salon, a long-standing business in the centre of the Heights. "There's always a sense of community throughout the year, but over the holidays there's a magical feeling, a special neighbourly connection among everyone who visits," says Bevilacqua.
"The streets are lined with bright lights and our fellow merchants bring their holiday cheer by decorating their businesses. Our salon has new wreaths with time-triggered lights and we'll be adding more lights to brighten our storefront to help encourage the holiday spirit in our clients and passers-by."
Santa strolls the streets
Nothing adds to the holiday merriment quite like a visit from the man in the big red suit. Santa's Merry Stroll happens on December 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the Heights Merchants Association office, 4019 Hastings Street. He'll spread his jolly and his ho-ho-ho as he makes his way along Hastings Street toward Gamma Avenue, before he heads back toward Boundary Road.
"Santa is committed to talking to every child he passes and although time might not allow him to walk the entire route, he’ll do his best to visit as many stores as possible within the 4.5 hours," explains Kolic. Follow along with live updates on their Instagram, @burnabyheights.
Mingle with merchants, shop local
The Heights has more than 360 diverse businesses — more than some local shopping centres. The merchants all work together to be good neighbours to one another and to the vibrant community of residents, to help create an inclusive urban village. The feel-good vibe permeates year-round and makes it a special place to shop and do business.
"These small, local businesses have loads of selection for gift giving and feasting," reveals Kolic. "So, this year, consider making Santa’s List local when planning your holiday surprises."
Kolic explains how when you shop local, you make a big difference. "Economic studies show that local businesses are huge supporters of other local businesses and donate 24 times per dollar of revenue to local communities than do multi-national companies. In B.C. they also create more than a million jobs — 2,000 of those are in Burnaby Heights."
For those looking to stay close to home and celebrate in true community style, enjoy the festive displays, seasonal treats and rediscover the beauty of supporting local, right where you live.
"Swing on by and spend some time getting to know your neighbours," says Kolic. "That's what Burnaby Heights is all about."
For more information, visit burnabyheights.com.
