Cheers all around! | Photo by Tyler Ingram, Flickr.
As winter and the holiday season approach, the festive spirit of Vancouver is growing stronger. Enjoy a jazz concert or shop locally-made crafts at Make It. If you’re feeling particularly jolly, participate in the annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade.
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Fashion with a twist. | Photo courtesy of Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week.
Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week
Nov 22–24
The Centre for Digital
Media – The Hangar
577 Great Northern Way,
Vancouver
http://www.valt.ca
Vancouver is now propelling its fashion community into the future as Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week showcases the works of designers, visual artists, performers, film makers and musical acts. This multi-day event blends music, art, technology, culture and fashion into an interactive and immersive experience of futuristically-themed revelry.
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Jazz Vespers
Every Sunday, 4 p.m.
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
1022 Nelson St., Vancouver
604-683-4574
http://www.standrewswesleychurch.bc.ca
This is where jazz meets the spirit! Spend an hour listening to the area’s finest jazz musicians, as well as enjoying a chance to reflect on life’s mysteries and beauties through spoken word. Admission is free.
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Family FUSE Weekend
Nov. 23–24
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby St., Vancouver
http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
At the fall Family FUSE Weekend at the Vancouver Art Gallery, watch creative and fun performances and participate in hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. Regular admission rates apply; admission is free for children under 12.
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Make It: The Handmade Revolution
Nov. 28–Dec. 1
PNE Forum
2901 E Hastings St., Vancouver
http://www.makeitproductions.com
Come participate in a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy unique, ethically made goods by top artisans from all over Canada. Music is performed by up-and-coming local musicians and there are always tasty treats to enjoy.
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An arresting underwater world. | Photo courtesy of Vancouver Aquarium.
Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium
Starting Nov. 28
845 Avison Way, Vancouver
604-659-3474
http://www.vanaqua.org
Get into the holiday spirit by exploring this celebration of aquatic light. Gaze at a display of 100-plus origami jellyfish, marvel at an electric eel-powered holiday tree and learn how sea creatures create and reflect light. Afterwards, continue the journey to a winter wonderland in Canada’s Arctic Gallery and meet Scuba Claus. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for students, youth and seniors, and $14 for children ages 4 to 12.
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4th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market
Nov. 22–Dec. 24
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Plaza (outside)
650 Hamilton St., Vancouver
604-561-7597
http://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its 4th year at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza! This German Christmas village market brings unique holiday shopping experiences, seasonal entertainment and traditional food right to downtown. Vendors from Germany and Canada offer traditional handmade arts and crafts, as well as Bavarian and German-style food and drinks. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for youth and free for children six and under. Pay your admission once and get free entry for the whole season!
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Whistler Film Festival
Dec. 4–8
Various locations in Whistler
604-935-8035
http://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com
Presenting over eighty films and hosting many more filmmaking luminaries, the Whistler Film Festival has become one of Canada’s leading film festivals, as well as an emerging force on the international circuit. Come and find out what’s new in Canadian and world cinema.
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The King and I
Dec. 4–31
Gateway Theatre
6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
http://www.gatewaytheatre.com
In this classic musical, Anna, an attractive widow, has been hired by the King to teach English and other Western ideas to his many wives and many more children in 19th century Siam. Little do they know they’re both about to be schooled. Come enjoy a wonderful family classic, featuring classic songs like “Getting to Know You”, “Shall We Dance?” and “Whistle A Happy Tune.” You’ll be humming along in no time!
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Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 1, starts at 1 p.m.
W Georgia St. at
Broughton St., Vancouver
604-646-3553
http://www.rogerssantaclausparade.com
Santa’s early visit to Vancouver is the perfect kickoff to the holiday season with a downtown Vancouver bash featuring marching bands, dance troupes, and festive floats parading down the city streets. Entertaining over 300,000 spectators each year, the 10th annual televised parade is the Lower Mainland’s biggest winter event.
