Holiday Shows 2023: Stir's ultimate guide to all the festive performances and events in Vancouver
From singing gingerbread men to a ballet classic to a mother of a theatre piece, Vancouver’s arts scene has the season covered
Ballet BC presents Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s, Nutcracker. Photo by Daniel Crump
’TIS THE SEASON to celebrate the holidays through the arts. From Buddy the Elf’s goofy antics to scores of soaring voices joining in angelic harmony, the local scene is pulling out all the stops for 2023. Here are offerings that are making spirits bright this year.
CHORAL
The Little Match Girl Passion
December 1 at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, and with influence from Bach’s St Matthew Passion, composer David Lang’s The Little Match Girl Passion premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2007. The Vancouver Bach Choir brings the moving piece alive anew, along with an SATB quartet of solo singers from within the choir.
Rounding out the concert is a performance of the impactful Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet by Gavin Bryars. Presented by the VBFC in partnership wit Redshift Music, the piece is based on a loop of an unknown homeless man singing an improvised melody. The composition will be all the more moving in the recently renovated church, with its premium acoustics. The Pay-What-You-Can concert will donate net proceeds to the Vancouver Food Bank, while Oakwyn Realty will be collecting canned goods for Covenant House. Holiday mood: A creative spark.
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra
December 2 at 8 pm at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey and December 3 at 3 pm at Pacific Spirit United Church
Diversity characterizes the set list for Elektra Women’s Choir’s annual Christmas concert. Think 14th-century songs, well-known melodies, newly composed music, and more. Following the December 3 show, there’s a festive reception for all to attend. Holiday mood: A female-powered tour de force.
A Ringing, Swinging Christmas
December 2 at 2:30pm at White Rock Baptist Church; December 3 at 2:30 pm at Massey Theatre; December 5 at 7:30 pm at Surrey Arts Centre; December 9 at 2:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral; December 15 at 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre; and December 16 at 7:30 pm at Shaughnessy Heights United Church
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir has an assortment of concerts that would delight Forest Gump, the difference here being you know exactly what you’re going to get. The December 2 concert features guest choir Coastal Sound Youth Choir and soprano soloist Deeandra Miranda. On December 3, the VWMC teams up with Winter Harp; it’s a perennial favourite. On December 5, Miranda is back. At the December 9 show, it’s Coastal Sound Youth Choir and soprano soloist Melanie Hiepler. Hiepler returns on December 15, in a performance that also features guest school choir Argyle Secondary. Finally, on December 16, VWMC teams up with guest school choir Magee Secondary and Miranda. Holiday mood: Connected to community.
Christmas With the Bach Choir.
Christmas With the Bach Choir
December 3 from 2 to 4 pm at The Orpheum
It doesn’t get bigger than this: more than 400 singers from the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs are accompanied by A Touch of Brass quintet and Michael Dirk on organ. Conducted by Catherine Campolin, Shane Raman, Cathrie Yuen, the sure-to-be magnificent performance also features piano by Stephen Smith, Kin Ming Wong, Shifra Day, Aslan Aslanov, and Esther Chun. Music directors Leslie Dala and Marisa Gaetanne promise a show for all ages. Holiday mood: Awe-inspiring.
Handel’s Messiah
December 7 at 7:30 pm at Kay Meek Arts Centre in a Kay Meek Special Presentation and Early Music Vancouver production; and December 8 at 7:30 pm at the Orpheum, an Early Music Vancouver production in collaboration with Vancouver Chamber Choir
This ambitious rendition of Handel’s masterwork features the Vancouver Chamber Choir under the direction of Kari Turunen as well as the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Weimann, with soprano Sherezade Panthaki, alto Allyson McHardy, tenor Nicholas Scott, and bass Jonathan Adams.
“Even after having conducted this piece a few dozen times, and having played it some hundred times earlier, I am still puzzled how conclusive and coherent it comes to live in performance,” Weimann says in a release. “It does not have a narrative as we would find in other oratorios, at least not at the surface, and the form is quite unusual. It feels like a novel whose protagonist we never directly meet, but carefully and gently approach through a sequence of portrayals and depictions of their birth, life, suffering, death and legacy, and what all that means to us. In my years of knowing the piece, I have found the Messiah a sacred, but not exclusively religious subject, rather the account of a universal and inclusive human quest.” Holiday mood: We have one word: Hallelujah!
Making Spirits Bright 2023.
Making Spirits Bright 2023
December 8 and 9 at 8 pm and December 9 and 10 at 3 pm at Vancouver Playhouse
Vancouver Men’s Choir is back with its sparkling concert full of inspiring songs, including some classics and some newly discovered. This year, they’ve opened up the balcony of the Vancouver Playhouse for extra seating to catch the singers’ big sounds and even bigger smiles. Holiday mood: No holds barred. As the troupe puts it on its website, “It’s time to pull out your gayest apparel…”
In Winter’s House
December 14 at 7:30 pm at Kay Meek Arts Centre
A Kay Meek Special Presentation with musica intima, the concert features the Juno-nominated and Western Canadian Music Award-winning conductorless vocal ensemble. The program focuses on Indian-American composer Reena Esmail’s A Winter Breviary, which honours the winter solstice. Also featured is music by Sherryl Sewepagaham, Juhi Bansal, Joanna Marsh, and the late Jocelyn Morlock alongside arrangements of well-known songs by Joanna Forbes, Trombone Shorty, Canadian folk trio The O’Pears, and more. Musica intima has released 10 albums and recently teamed up with Cree composer Andrew Balfour for NAGAMO, which aims to chart a new path toward the decolonization of the choral arts. Holiday mood: A spirit of collaboration.
Christmas With Chor Leoni
December 15 at 7:30 pm; December 16 at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm; and December 18 at 5 pm and 8 pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
The 65-plus singing lions get festive with this mixed program featuring Vivian Chang on harp, Tina Chang on piano, Cameron Wilson on violin, and Keith Sinclair on guitar. “I Saw Three Ships” arranged by Ed Henderson; “A Fantasy of Carols'' by composer in residence Don MacDonald; Terre Roche’s “Star of Wonder”, and Ola Gjeilo’s “New Year’s Carol” are some of the standout titles. So are Chor Leoni conductor Erick Lichte’s arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne” and the world premiere of Wilson’s “A Midnight Clear”. Holiday mood: Heavenly.
All Is Bright
December 16 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Vancouver Youth Choir celebrated its 10th anniversary last season with performances at Carnegie Hall and at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul. All Is Bright features more than 475 voices from singers aged five to 24 from all seven VYC ensembles, under the artistic direction of Carrie Tennant. Alongside music from South Africa, Iran, Finland, and the Phillippines are works by Rautavaara, Mendelssohn, Fleet Foxes, and Rufus Wainwright. Holiday mood: Lively.
Christmas by Candlelight
December 22 and 23 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at Pacific Spirit United Church
Back by popular demand, Vancouver Chamber Choir’s second annual Christmas by Candlelight features heavenly voices amid a glow. The repertoire includes works by Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, Sarah Quartel, Tamsin Jones, Matthew Whittall, and more. Holiday mood: A contemplative escape from holiday madness.
Christmas Reprise!
December 23 at 2 pm at Holy Rosary Cathedral and at 7:30 pm at Queens Avenue United Church
Back for its 20th year, Vancouver Cantata Singers’ popular Christmas Reprise consists of traditional carols and contemporary compositions filling two enchanting spaces—making for a serene antidote to so much holiday busy-ness. A cappella highlights include Miles Ramsay’s “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria”, a new commission by Sam Dabrusin, and the late Jocelyn Morlock’s “Io, Io!” Holiday mood: Moving.
MUSIC
A Baroque Christmas
December 3 at 3 pm at The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge
Early Music Vancouver joins members of Pacific Baroque Orchestra for a performance of elegant string compositions from the Italian Baroque period (from around 1600 to 1750) by the likes of Corelli, Vivaldi, and Torelli, to name a few. The works are considered so special in part because many are marked fatto per la notte di Natale (meaning made for Christmas Night). Alexander Weimann leads Pacific Baroque Orchestra players. Holiday mood: A musical journey.
Winter Harp.
Winter Harp
December 3 at 2:30 pm at The Massey Theatre; December 13 at 7:30 pm at The Historic Theatre at The Cultch; December 16 at 3 pm at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts; December 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm at BlueShore at CapU; and December 21 at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, among other B.C. dates
The organization is celebrating big-time this year: Christmas brings its 30th-anniversary tour. Expect poetry, stories, and familiar and not-so-familiar carols alongside harps, flute, violin, bass flute, medieval instruments, and percussion. Holiday mood: Hauntingly beautiful.
Traditional Christmas With the VSO
December 6 at 7:30 pm at Michael J Fox Theatre; December 7 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at South Delta Baptist Church; December 8 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre; December 9 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at Bell Performing Arts Centre; and December 16 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at the Orpheum Theatre
Bard on the Beach founder Christopher Gaze hosts this touring Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert conducted by RBC assistant conductor David Bui with appearances by sopranos Diana Agagsian and Marina Agagsian. Program highlights include Berlin’s “White Christmas”, selections from Humperdink’s Hansel & Gretel, and more. Holiday mood: Timeless.
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
December 9 at 8 pm and December 10 at 2 pm at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra knows how to keep local listeners happy: the holiday tradition features one of the Italian composer’s most beloved masterpieces, led by VSO concertmaster Nicholas Wright. Holiday Mood: Classic and comforting.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 10 at 2 pm at the Orpheum Theatre and December 17 at Kay Meek Arts Centre
Guided by the baton of maestro Ian Parker, the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to Albert Hague’s beloved holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Think “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch/You really are a heel/You're as cuddly as a cactus/And as charming as an eel.” That’s followed by Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, The Four Seasons. Holiday mood: From the playful to the profound.
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas
December 10 at 7 pm at The Massey Theatre
The Original Legends of Rock ’n’ Roll presents this show featuring Zachary Stevenson, the lead in the musical The Buddy Holly Story. Joining him is Chicago-based trio The Lovettes, hose members pay tribute to female singers of the 1950s and ’60s, with special honour given to Tina Turner. The Lovettes have even appeared on David Letterman and the PBS show Next Doo Wop Generation! All this backed by the Legends All-Star Band. Holiday mood: Rave on.
Music for the Winter Solstice.
Music for the Winter Solstice
December 13 and 14 at 7:30 pm at Heritage Hall
Music on Main’s annual intimate offering is all about soul-filling reflection. Artists Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa (piano), Robyn Jacob (piano and vocals), tenor Asitha Tennekoon, and cellist Jonathan Lo will perform pieces such as Caroline Shaw‘s “Winter Carol”, Alfredo Santa Ana’s “A Short Song for the Longest Night of the Year”, and the Wyrd Sisters‘ “Solstice Carole”, among other blissful compositions. Holiday mood: Calm and contemplative.
Home Alone in Concert
December 13 and 14 at 7 pm at the Orpheum Theatre
As the classic holiday movie screens, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will perform composer John Williams’s beloved score live, conducted by Julian Pellicano—but that’s not all. Vancouver Bach Choir will join in the musical extravaganza as well for maximum festive effect. Holiday mood: Prank-fuelled jolliness.
The Snowman
December 17 at 1 and 3 pm at the Orpheum Theatre
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra accompanies the movie screening live. In the film written by Raymond Briggs, a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life on Christmas Even and takes him to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas. Holiday mood: Touching, with a touch of magic.
Jazz at the Anvil.
Jazz at the Anvil
December 20 at 7 pm at The Anvil Theatre
Piva presents this Christmas concert featuring the Tom Keenlyside Quartet and vocalist Angela Kelman (formerly of Farmer’s Daughter). Keenlyside plays sax, flute, and clarinet; Michael Creber is on piano; Nino Di Pasquale plays drums; and Brent Gubbels is on bass. Holiday mood: As the team puts it, “holly jolly jazzy”.
Rekindle the Fire
December 20 at 8 pm at The Annex
The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra and Red Chamber Cultural Society present this winter solstice concert celebrating the music of Mei Han and Randy Raine-Reusch, two veteran performers who explore improvisation and related musical traditions from all over the globe. The VICO Tentet will join forces with Han (a leading performer of contemporary zheng with roots in traditional Chinese aesthetics), Raine-Reusch (on winds and strings, the artist known for his performances on non-western instruments), and guest vocalist D’arcy Han to perform world premieres of works by Vancouver composers Lisa Cay Miller and John Oliver. The program also consists of a selection of Raine-Reusch’s rarely performed graphic scores for non-western instruments and orchestral arrangements of the duo’s repertoire by Mark Armanini, Moshe Denburg, and Farshid Samandari. Holiday mood: Improvised and diversified beauty.
Elf in Concert
December 21 and 22 at 7 pm at the Orpheum Theatre
The movie that sees Will Ferrell at the top of his physical-comedy game hits the Orpheum with live musical accompaniment of John Debney’s equally winning score by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Holiday mood: Crazily optimistic.
DANCE
Ballet BC presents Nutcracker
December 7 to 10 at the Centre for Performing Arts
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns, in a presentation by Ballet BC, with its Canadian-themed Nutcracker. Complete with scenes of ice hockey and parliament hill and set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, it’s choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon with costumes by Paul Daigle. Holiday mood: Proudly patriotic.
A Winter’s Twist
December 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre
Lamondance reimagines Romeo and Juliet for this holiday show. Choreographed by company founder Davi Rodrigues, the production features acrobatic movement mixed with classical dance along with magical sets in its celebration of love. Holiday mood: Wintry romance.
Arts Umbrella, Mixed Nuts.
Mixed Nuts
December 15 to 17 at Vancouver Playhouse
Arts Umbrella Dance Company puts its own spin—or rather, pirouette—on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Emerging artists bedazzle in the colourful, creative work. Holiday Mood: Mesmerizing dance with something for everyone.
Elf: The Musical. Photo by Moonrider Productions
THEATRE
Elf:The Musical
To December 31 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Larger-than-life Buddy the Elf (played with gusto right down to his curly-toed boots by Andrew McNee) is the star of this holiday favourite, having made his way to New York City from the North Pole to meet his biological father. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, the Arts Club Theatre production features syrupy spaghetti, a budding romance, and a ton of heart. Holiday mood: As bright as all of the buttons lit up like a Christmas tree in a New York skyscraper elevator.
East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast
To January 7, 2024 at The Cultch
Playwrights Jivesh Parasram and Christine Quintana join forces with composer Veda Hille for this must-see Theatre Replacement show directed by Anita Rochon. Belle is a Commercial Drive kid who finds herself locked in a magical specialty grocery store by a stubborn Beast. The perennially popular show features the stellar cast of Steffanie Davis, Munish Sharma, Jason Sakaki, Mark Chavez, Maiko Yamamoto, Veda Hille, Barry Mirochnick and Mishelle Cuttler. Holiday mood: As Belle might put it, adventure in the great wide East Vancouver. “I want it more than I can tell!/And for once it might be grand/To have someone understand/I want so much more than they've got planned...”
Snow White
November 29 to December 31 at Waterfront Theatre
Carousel Theatre for Young People presents playwright Greg Banks’s celebrated retelling of the classic fairy tale. Two actors and an on-stage musician embody a full cast of characters, from the gorgeous prince to a people-pleasing dwarf to the titular maiden. Special events include a mandatory masked performance on December 2 at 1 pm; an ASL Interpreted performance on December 9 (1 pm), and a Vocal Eye described performance on December 16 (4 pm). Plus, audiences are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairytale characters on Saturday showings at 4 pm. Holiday mood: Dreamy.
The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Cabaret
The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Cabaret
December 1 to 17 at Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
This Arts Club Theatre Company presentation goes back to its 2012 showing of White Christmas. Ever since, this group of crooners has brought out the banter and charm for its performance of Christmas classics. Expect whimsical twists on traditional tunes, too. Holiday mood: As sweet as the show’s namesake cookie.
Reflections on Crooked Walking
December 2 to 24 at the Firehall Arts Centre
This Firehall Arts Centre production, presented along with The McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund, is Ann Mortifee’s Juno-nominated family musical. The work follows four people who find themselves the only ones awake in a sea of sleeping townspeople. Their search for an antidote for the mysterious and widespread state somnolence leads them down a path of self-awareness and -actualization. Holiday Mood: It’s all about balance.
Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey.
Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey
December 5 to 31 at the Granville Island Stage
This arts Club Theatre silver commission features the sassy women of Mom’s the Word Collective (Jill Daum, Alison Kelly, Robin Nichol, Barbara Pollard, and Deborah Williams) sharing their most cherished and most dreaded moments of the holiday season, drawing on their own real-life experiences, some hilarious, others heartbreaking. Their rapid-fire version of The Nutcracker is worth the ticket alone. Holiday mood: These mamas put the fun in dysfunctional.
Sinbad!
Evenings from December 7 to 30; matinees on December 10, 16, 17, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 1 at Metro Theatre
Metro Theatre mounts this annual traditional English pantomime by the queen of the form, Ellie King. The musical has its characters setting sail for an epic treasure hunt aboard the SS Leaky Lucy Ship on the high seas, where fights, flings, and catchy songs all ensue. Expect energetic music, audience interaction, dancing, slapstick comedy, topical jokes, and a pantomime dame in drag. There will be a box for toys to be donated to Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. Holiday mood: Outrageous.
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
December 14 to 31 at Gateway Theatre
Johnna Wright directs Gateway Theatre’s version of the beloved Tony-winning musical that first aired to rapt critics and audiences in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. With musical direction by Sean Bayntun and choreography by Nicol Spinola, the production comes complete with a magical transformation of a pumpkin carriage. Holiday mood: Remember, a dream is a wish your heart makes.
Back to the Holidays.
COMEDY
Back to the Holidays
November 23 to December 24 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) at the Improv Centre at 6:30 pm, with matinees on December 17 and 24 at 2 pm
The holidays can be hell, but humour helps get us through. The Improv Centre pays homage to Back to the Future and A Christmas Carol in its exploration of holidays past, present, and future, spotlighting a wacky scientist tasked with helping the hero find the true meaning of the holidays. In true improv fashion, audiences help guide the story. Holiday mood: Marty McFly meets Ebenezer Scrooge.
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
November 28 at 7:30 pm and November 29 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at The Massey Theatre; December 28 at 7:30 pm the Michael J Fox Theatre; December 29 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at the Bell Performing Arts Centre; and December 30 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre, among other BC dates
The duo known as James & Jamesy have been touring their signature brand of physical comedy reminiscent of British pantos around the world since 2012; the pair has performed to sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and appeared on Off Broadway. Here, disaster strikes their Christmas tea party and they need to come up with ways to stay afloat. Holiday mood: Monty Python and Mr. Bean meet Santa Claus.
God is a Scottish Drag Queen
December 2 at 8 pm at The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge
Comedian Mike Delamont enacts a floral-power-suit-wearing God with powerful views on everything from Boxing Day to egg nog. The show has won Best of Fest more than 20 times; it’s not for little ones with its coarse language and adult themes. Holiday Mood: Raunchy.
Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themselves. Photo by Farrah Aviva
Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themselves
December 9 to 23 at The Show Cellar and December 19 to 21 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam
The gloves are off in this Comedy Department show in which improv comedians vie for the win: the champ gets to wear the coveted Santa costume next year. It’s up to the audience to decide who gets crowned Head Joy-Maker. The team is also serving up Year End Update: Hindsight is Hilarious on December 29 and 30 at the West End’s Show Cellar. **Holiday mood:** LOL.
OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS
Ember Arts Fire, Liven UP Coal Harbour. Photo by James Deane
Liven UP Coal Harbour
December 1 to 30
Fire performers from Ember Arts Fire; storytelling at the Komagatu Maru Memorial by the likes of Henry Tsang, Ginalina, and Cease Wyss; lighting installations, live music, and more: This is the new Liven UP Coal Harbour, a free month-long family-friendly event taking place along the seawall from Canada Place to Cardero Park. Performances take place Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 to 10 pm, with the Harbour Green Park Stage being the hub of the action with live music and a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot drinks. Among the featured artists are Cory Weeds, Krystle dos Santos, Leo D.E. Johnson, and Laura Crema, among others. There’s also carolling by Four Calling Birds and The Angelus Singers and a show by vocalist Laura Widgett and pianist Richard Epp called Winter Serenade: Opera and Holiday Classics. Holiday mood: Urban bliss.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
To January 7 at VanDusen Botanical Garden
This urban oasis features more than 1 million twinkling lights across its 15 acres, all of the displays inspired by the plants and animals of B.C.’s endangered Garry Oak meadows. A highlight is the Dancing Lights display, in three different iterations this year. Food and drink vendors are onsite throughout the gardens. The event’s charitable partner is Make-A-Wish Foundation. Holiday mood: Enchanted.
PNE Winter Fair
December 8, 9, and 14 to 23
Ice skating and ice bumper cars are just some of the highlights of this seasonal happening; so is WinterLights presented by BC Hydro—with the Polar Passage light tunnel; Candy Cane Lane; and illuminated foxes, seals, giant moose, arches, presents, and train. New this year is Nutcracker on Ice at Pacific Coliseum; the PNE Express Train—which travels through light tunnels that mimic the Northern lights—and Magic of Santa: Holiday Musical Stage Show. The Winter Chalet hosts live music, while roving entertainment ranges from electric robots to sparkling acrobats. Then there’s Holiday Eats & Treats (with everything from mulled wine to turkey dinner) and the Sparkle in the Night light show set to music. Holiday mood: Nostalgic.
Canyon Lights.
Canyon Lights
To January 24 at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The bridge is lit end-to-end with a changing multicolour display, illuminating the Capilano River below. Lights are everywhere, from the sparkly Cliffwalk to the twinkling Treetops Adventure. There’s live music, kids’ activities, on-site food and drink, and more. Partial proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Holiday mood: Inspired by nature.
Christmas at Canada Place
December 1 to January 2, 2024
A highlight of this free family-friendly event, presented by the Port of Vancouver, is Woodward’s Windows; so is the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture known as “Chrismoose”. The iconic Sails of Light can be seen from everywhere, while there’s also a festive Avenue of Trees to stroll along. Holiday mood: Proud to be a Vancouverite.
Gastown Thursday Nights.
Gastown Thursday Nights
To December 21 in Gastown
On November 30, from 6 to 7:30 pm, visitors to the storied street will be able to take in a free performance from from Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Mixed Nuts production, with an interactive window display inspired by New York City storefronts at Inform Interiors at 50 Water Street. Other acts running subsequent Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm include Los Dorados Mariachi Band on December 7, the East Van Horns on December 14, and the carolling Nerdy Elves on December 21. Happy hour deals will be part of the festive fun. Holiday mood: Historic.
Squamish at Dusk
Thursday to Saturday nights to December 10
The region’s newest light display happens at Rose Park & Adventure Centre. Part art exhibition, part illuminated experience, the inaugural event features a 60-foot tunnel of lights, an enchanted forest, a sparkling grotto, and a tree of life. Warm food and drink can be enjoyed by so many fire pits. Holiday mood: Adventurous.
Related Articles
