Vancouver entering its holiday Era with repurposed Taylor Swift signs
Vancouver’s Festive Season: Embracing the Holiday Spirit
As the city bids farewell to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Vancouver is now entering into a new era of celebration and festivity. The three-day finale of the tour, held at B.C. Place on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, brought thousands of visitors to the city, creating a vibrant atmosphere that energized businesses and organizations alike.
One notable partnership between the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and the marketing firm Inventa resulted in the creation of large, illuminated block letters showcasing Swift-related words and phrases. While these letters initially paid homage to the pop sensation, they have now been transformed into holiday-themed messages, adding a touch of seasonal cheer to the cityscape.
Inventa president, Alexa Freudigmann, expressed the intention behind this transformation, stating that the goal is to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Vancouver and dispel the notion of the city being a “no-fun city.” The new messages, such as “Noel,” “Elf,” and “Believe,” aim to spread warmth and joy as residents and visitors explore the city during the holiday season.
The positive response to the Swift-inspired signs reflects a renewed sense of optimism and interest in Vancouver. With events like the Grey Cup and the upcoming Invictus Games on the horizon, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the city’s offerings for both locals and tourists.
According to Ian Tostenson, CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Vancouver’s establishments experienced a significant boost of approximately $25 million per day during the Swift concerts. The influx of over 300,000 people over the weekend, including attendees of Canucks games, further contributed to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
While the impact of the concerts was largely positive for businesses, some, like Gennaro Iorio of La Terrazza, experienced a decrease in reservations due to warnings to avoid downtown on concert nights. Despite this, Vancouver continues to offer a variety of entertainment options for residents to enjoy, including the giant “Swiftcouver” sign in Coal Harbour, which will remain until Taylor Swift’s birthday on Dec. 13.
As Vancouver transitions from the excitement of the Eras Tour to the enchantment of the holiday season, the city’s festive spirit remains alive and well. With sparkling lights, cheerful messages, and a sense of community, Vancouver’s Christmas era promises to be a time of joy and celebration for all who visit or call this vibrant city home.
