About Vancouver
For many years Vancouver was best known as Portland’s nearby neighbor. But that’s starting to change as Vancouver has made a name for itself as an exciting, vibrant city in its own right. It boasts plenty of good restaurants, easy access to outdoor recreational activities, and all the amenities you’d expect in a big city but with more of a laid-back, small-town feel.
And because it’s such a unique and interesting city, Vancouver also offers abundant choices for anyone planning a party. From venues to caterers, entertainment, and more, there’s no shortage of options available. Keep reading for simple tips and advice on how to plan a Vancouver holiday party that’ll get everyone into the festive spirit.
Holiday Party Options in Vancouver
Even if you’re throwing just a simple celebration for family and close friends, there are many factors you need to consider in the holiday party planning process. But in a city like Vancouver, you can always rely on the best local event businesses to help make your party a memorable occasion.
- Caterers
If you want to spread a little holiday cheer, make sure your guests have plenty of delicious cuisine to enjoy. And with help from an experienced catering company, you’ll be able to craft a holiday menu that everyone will love.
- Party rentals
If your Vancouver holiday party venue needs some extra equipment to make it as stylish or as practical as possible, check out what local party rental services have to offer. From flatware and glassware to dance floors, tents, and all manner of party games, you might be surprised by the sheer array of products available for rent.
- Event planners
Planning a holiday gathering can be a stressful and time-consuming experience. To save yourself a lot of time and hassle, consider hiring an experienced event planner to help you find the best Vancouver holiday party venue, source catering, get the decor just right, coordinate the guest list, and much more.
Holiday Party Companies in Vancouver
Vancouver’s best party companies can help you take your event to the next level. Here’s a small sample of some of the local businesses you might like to consider when organizing your next holiday party.
- WE Plan It
Founded in 2011, WE Plan It aims to create extraordinary events for clients, no matter whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a lavish celebration. A full-service event planning, design, and coordination company, WE Plan It serves the southwest Washington area.
- Simply Thyme Catering
Chef Tamara and the team at Simply Thyme Catering have a food philosophy based on the use of fresh, local ingredients. The company also offers a special range of menus to suit key holidays throughout the year, so check whether their cuisine will be the perfect match for your taste buds.
- Bounce-N-Battle
If family fun is going to be the hallmark of your holiday party, you’ll want to see what Bounce-N-Battle has to offer. Best known for its bounce house rentals, the company also offers obstacles courses, inflatable slides, interactive games, photo booths, and much more.
Pros and Cons of Holiday Parties in Vancouver
Preparing to throw a holiday party in Vancouver? Make sure to keep these pros and cons in mind at every stage of the planning process.
Advantages
- Good restaurants
There’s no shortage of good food on offer in Vancouver, so you won’t have any trouble finding a reputable caterer to provide quality cuisine for your holiday party.
- Outdoor adventure opportunities
Who said your holiday party had to be a solely indoor affair? With the river and the mountains within easy reach, Vancouver offers abundant options for outdoor recreation.
- Laid-back atmosphere
While it offers all the facilities you’d expect to find in a major city, Vancouver tends to be much friendlier and laid-back than many bigger cities. Now, doesn’t that sound like a great place to throw a party?
- Great for beer lovers
You’ll find a stack of microbreweries in the Vancouver area, so there are stacks of options to choose from when sourcing thirst-quenching refreshments for your holiday party.
- Lots of options to choose from
Vancouver might not be the largest city in Washington, but it’s still plenty big enough to offer a diverse range of holiday party venues to choose from.
Disadvantages
- Public transport could be better
Getting around is easier said than done, so keep this in mind as you choose your party location.
- Crime
Vancouver, like many cities, has its share of crime. Select a safe area when deciding on your Vancouver holiday party venue.
- Rainy weather
This area of the country can be wet a good part of the year. Your holiday party should be in a location that won’t be a nuisance for people to navigate in inclement weather.
- Traffic issues
With traffic jams during rush hour and beyond, you’ll have to carefully plan the timing and location of your holiday party venue in Vancouver.
- Increasingly expensive
As every city grows, so does the cost of living. This may affect prices for supplies and party spaces.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Sitting on the north bank of the Columbia River against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Fort Vancouver is overflowing with history. From its days as a frontier fur trading post to an army outpost, there’s plenty to explore here, while its beautiful garden is well worth a visit too.
- Esther Short Park
A hugely popular five-acre park, Esther Short Park is the city’s favorite outdoor attraction. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the sun, strolling along the peaceful walking paths, or letting the kids run off some energy on the playground, there’s much to enjoy here.
- Columbia River Renaissance Trail
Once you’ve finished exploring Esther Short Park, set out to explore this beautiful five-mile trail. It links Esther Short Park with Wintler Park, ensuring a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Lift the pace and work up a sweat, or take it slow so you can admire the lovely views.