Update October 2020: This event has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID 19.
I played hookey Friday and went to see what Christmas at Hycroft is all about. This was quite the production because I live in the ‘burbs, and Hyrcoft Mansion is in the west end. I think it was worth the 45-minute excursion because simply put, its just wow.
Hycroft Mansion, a Vancouver historical building, is massive and stunning but with the Christmas decorations, it just seems magical. I walked through room after room chock full of beautifulness. There was art, crafts, artisans, music and much more and it filled the house with great smells and sights.
As a newcomer to the area I hadn’t heard of Hycroft or the University Women’s Club, which I assumed was an affiliation of UBC grads but I soon learned from chatting with the lovely ladies that it was founded in 1907 by a group of eight female graduates from universities in Eastern Canada and the US. The purpose of the club is to foster fellowship and co-operation among university women and to encourage intellectual activity, promote interest in public affairs and in educational issues and to provide bursaries and scholarships. Christmas at Hycroft is their annual fundraiser and the money goes towards continued support of the club and a number of charities.
Some things to keep in mind if you go:
- Parking nearby is scarce. There is availability in the neighbourhood but be prepared to walk far.
- There are lots and lots of stairs and some narrow corridors.
- Strollers are not allowed but there is an elevator for wheelchair accessibility.
- Keep a close eye on smaller children because there are lots of sparkly things to capture their attention.
Christmas at Hycroft:
When: cancelled for 2020
Time: 11am – 9pm (Thurs – Sat); 11am – 6pm (Sun)
Where: Hycroft Mansion
Address: 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver
Website: www.christmasathycroft.com
