Looking for festive eats? Here are some Lower Mainland highlights

Christmas attractions are hugely popular in the Lower Mainland this time of year but it can be hard to pick which ones to save your appetite for.

On The Coast food columnist Gail Johnson has her picks for culinary delights at local festivals.

"One seasonal event that I do enjoy is the Vancouver Christmas Market, because it has such a strong food focus," she told On The Coast guest host Chris Brown.

"As in the past, you can still find your hot pretzels and gluhwein — and the way the weather has been this year it's awfully nice to have something hot to hold in your hands — but there are a few great new vendors for people to seek out."

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Among those vendors are Captain and the Chef Spätzle, which serves, of course, spätzle along with gurkensalat, or traditional German cucumber salad; Handbrot and Soup Haus which serves bread stuffed with savoury ingredients; and Das Gulasch Haus, serving traditional Austrian goulash.

Another event Johnson suggests checking out is the Enchant Christmas Light Maze and Market which will host several food trucks, including Cheeses Crust, Mo Bacon and Disco Cheetah Korean Grill

"There are about 20 food trucks there, so lots to choose from," she said.

But if you're looking to satisfy a sweet tooth instead, Johnson says you're in luck.

She suggests Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, a treetop walk with house-made fudge on offer with 20 different flavours.

And then at VanDusen Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights, two sweet favourites are mini donuts from Cin City Donuts and warm apple turnovers from Santa's Kitchen.

"And adults can visit Frosty's Patio and Bar for mulled wine or Bailey's and coffee," she said.

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast