Cultural Calendar

Koi fish lanterns at the Winter Solstice celebration at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden.| Photo by Julius Reque.

Koi fish lanterns at the Winter Solstice celebration at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden.| Photo by Julius Reque.

Enjoy the holiday season with multiple events happening across the Lower Mainland. There are many events this December that the whole family will enjoy. With parades, shows and hands-on activities, it will surely be a season to remember! So put on your multiple layers and embrace the joyous season!

 

The same condition repeated at every moment of the walk

Nov. 14–Dec. 20

Tuesday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Western Front

303 East 8th Ave., Vancouver

www.front.bc.ca

604- 876- 9343

 

Norwegian First Nation artist and architect Joar Nango presents new works centered around Vancouver’s changing urban landscape. Come and see how Nango explores the notions of local knowledge in creating habitable environment, indigenous approaches to building techniques and alternative models for social space.

 

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Christmas at Lonsdale Quay Market

Nov. 28–Dec. 24

Lonsdale Quay Market

123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver

www.lonsdalequay.com/events

604-985-6261

 

Embrace the Christmas spirit at the Lonsdale Quay Market! With Santa visiting the market from the North Pole, it will be a lively time. Christmas at Lonsdale will consist of a lot of hands-on activities for the young ones to enjoy. There are many events happening at the Quay, so be sure to check their online schedule to see the full list.

 

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Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Nov. 29–Jan. 3

Capilano Suspension Bridge

3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver.

www.capbridge.ca

604-975-7474

 

This year the Capilano Suspension Bridge is home to the world’s largest living Christmas tree! Enjoy the sight from high above on the Suspension Bridge and enjoy the lights that come with the holiday season. You can also enjoy the sights from a different perspective on the world renowned Cliffwalk. Bring the kids, embrace your fears and enjoy the Christmas lights!

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park decorated for Canyon Lights.| Photo by Razvan Marescu

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park decorated for Canyon Lights.| Photo by Razvan Marescu

 

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Get “Snow Globed”

Dec. 1–20 (except Sundays)

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

SFU Harbour Centre

515 W. Hastings, Vancouver

www.sfu.ca

778-782-5000

 

This Christmas bring your family and friends for a holiday photo taken inside a giant snow globe. Use your own camera or phone and spread seasonal cheers as well as help The Kettle Society provide for British Columbians living with mental illness. Admission by donation.

 

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James and the Giant Peach

Dec. 6–Jan. 4

Waterfront Theatre

1412 Cartwright St., Granville Island

www.carouseltheatre.ca/productions/james

 

The classic story of James and the Giant Peach is adapted for the stage! With a talented cast, and a story that warms the heart, it’s a play you won’t want to miss. This production is kid-friendly, with the play lasting 90 minutes and an intermission in between. For more information on scheduling and ticket prices, please visit the website.

 

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VanDusen Garden’s Festival of Lights

Dec. 10–Jan. 4

Van Dusen Gardens

5251 Oak St., Vancouver

www.vandusengarden.org

 

Each year the VanDusen Garden’s Festival of Lights brings people from all around the Lower Mainland to admire the stunning lights and garden. This year’s festival will include visits from Santa, Scandinavian gnomes and much more! Please visit the website for more information on ticket pricing.

 

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A preview of the Chelsea Hotel production.| Photo by David Cooper, courtesy of Firehall Arts Centre

A preview of the Chelsea Hotel production.| Photo by David Cooper, courtesy of Firehall Arts Centre

Chelsea Hotel – The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Dec. 13–Jan. 3

Firehall Arts Centre

280 Cordova St., Vancouver

www.firehallartscentre.ca

 

Enjoy this musical performance that includes songs from the famous artist Leonard Cohen. Get lost within the musical Chelsea Hotel, a performance that has sold-out shows all around the world. This wonderful performance is guaranteed to tug at your heart strings and have you move along to the music. For more information on ticket pricing, please visit the website.

 

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Longest Night

Dec. 20, 1–4 p.m.

Richmond Nature Park

11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond

 

Come celebrate the year’s longest night with lanterns, fire wishes, drumming and roasted marshmallows. Follow the procession led by the Frost Fairy and decorate a tree to ensure that the birds’ survival this winter. All ages welcome and by donation.

 

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Winter Solstice 2014

Dec. 21, 6–10 p.m.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

578 Carrall St., Vancouver

www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

604-662-3207

 

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at the annual event of the world famous Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden! This event is held especially for the family, with lanterns, performances and special treats. This special Chinese tradition is a cultural experience that will engage the children and have you telling your friends all about it. Please visit the website for more information on tickets.

 

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Early Music Vancouver: J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

Dec. 21, 3 p.m.

Chan Centre for Performing Arts

6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver

www.earlymusic.bc.ca

 

Enjoy the musical ensemble that has become an annual tradition. The musical groups perform classical Christmas music that will surely have you in the Christmas spirit. This year’s performance is held a few days before Christmas, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as possible! For more information on ticket pricing, please visit the website.

 

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A Child’s Christmas In Wales

Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.

Anvil Centre

777 Columbia St., New Westminster

www.anvilcentre.com

604-515-3830

 

Presented for the first time at the Anvil Centre, A Child’s Christmas in Wales offers an enchanted evening of live original music, carols and readings, including Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ classic tale of childhood Christmas.

 

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Free Family Days at the Contemporary Art Gallery

Dec. 27, 12–3 p.m.

Contemporary Art Gallery

555 Nelson St., Vancouver

www.contemporaryartgallery.ca

604- 681- 2700

 

Starting on Dec. 27, the Contemporary Art Gallery will be hosting in collaboration with ArtStarts a once a month family day of free exhibition tours and 45 minute art making workshops that will explore a wide range of cultures and artistic disciplines. All ages are welcome.

 

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Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert

Jan. 1, 2:30 p.m.

Orpheum Theatre

601 Smithe St., Vancouver

www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert

604-876-3434

 

Celebrate the new year at the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert which recreates the famous concert. This performance includes multiple dancers and a full orchestra of talented musicians. Enjoy the different style of dances at this concert and purchase your tickets as soon as possible!