(This article is sponsored by Yaletown Business Improvement Association.)

We’ve packed away the Halloween costumes and consumed the loot of our trick or treating exploits so now we can start thinking about the next set of festivities. With a little encouragement from the weather—hello snow!—it’s time to sweep away the cobwebs and make space for the tinsel. The stores’ halls are suitably decked with their latest gift offerings and the holiday jingles are firmly stuck in our heads. Yes Perry Como, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

So if you’re looking for something to get you right into the holiday spirit, then Vancouver’s 6^th annual CandyTown event could be just the dose of Christmas magic you need. For one night only, Yaletown is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland of crafts, shopping, sweet treats, great food, and good ol’ fashioned, neighbourhood fun.

For seasoned CandyTown revelers, you’ll notice that this year is extra special since the festivities have been been extended to Yaletown Park where you can play Canada-themed games while enjoying live music and performances by roaming musicians and stilt walkers.

At CandyTown, there is truly something for everyone: from interactive candy-making demonstrations for the whole family, to face-painting for the kids, to a self-guided holiday cocktail tour for the big kids—read: adults.

And even better, it is completely free to attend so you will have some extra cash to get ahead on your gift list at some of the fabulous local retailers at the “All I Want for Christmas” market. We’ll be hitting up gorgeous jewelry boutique Disco Lemonade Design for mom and Divine Vines for a flower arrangement that will impress our hostess-with-the -mostess bestie.

CandyTown is also the perfect opportunity to spread some holiday cheer beyond your nearest and dearest. In support of B.C. Children’s Hospital, you and your family are invited to make a small donation (suggested gift is $5 minimum per family) in exchange for the ultimate holiday—profile-pic worthy —photo opp. Why not take a selfie with Santa or practise your best blue steel with the Ice Queen herself? It’s for the kids.

Or perhaps a horse-drawn carriage ride is more up your street. Jingle bells and warm your cockles as you snuggle up with your loved ones and take a magical tour of Yaletown. And just like Santa’s reindeer, the horses are spurred on knowing they are helping make kids happy, so remember to give a donation to the B.C. Children’s Hospital while you’re there.

At the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Rotary Club tents, children of all ages can make crafts, get their faces painted, and learn how to twist a balloon animal. In keeping with the seasonal spirit, both charities will gratefully accept donations.

With your heart full, you’ll want to fill your belly as well. And at CandyTown, the old rule of no dessert before dinner needn’t apply. We’ll be treating ourselves to the sweet delights of Bluebird Cakery, The Good Chocolatier and Boulangerie La Parisienne. Then we’ll be checking out the food trucks including REEL Mac and Cheese, Old Country Pierogi, and Mr. Tube Steak— in no particular order.

Sounds like the perfect evening to us.

CandyTown takes place on Saturday, November 25, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. along Mainland Street in the heart of Yaletown. For more information, visit yaletowninfo.com.