20 things to do in Vancouver this week: December 5 to 12

Wow – snow. What a way to start the week! We’re guessing you’re either snuggling up in a blanket or planning a powder day up the mountain.

In the meantime, there’s still loads happening in the city that doesn’t have anything to do with snow to keep you busy over the next few days.

So here are 20 things to do in Vancouver this week, from the Head and the Heart to some Sunrise Meditation.

Monday, December 5

The Head and the Heart

• What: Seattle folk rockers The Head and the Heart are in town on their first tour not to feature lead singer Josiah Johnson, who is taking a hiatus from the road while seeking treatment for addiction; guitarist Jonathan Russell and band friend Matty Gervais will take over vocal duties.
• Where: Orpheum Theatre – 884 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Monday, December 5 at 8 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $32.50-$55

Ebisu 10th Anniversary

• What: Ebisu is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with 10 days of specials. The Japanese restaurant is offering a different daily special each day, along with $11.99 pitchers of Sapporo, and prizes including daily gift cards and two grand prize draws.
• Where: Ebisu – 827 Bute Street, Vancouver
• When: Monday, December 5 to Thursday, December 15
• Info: On Facebook

Firecracker!

• What: Firecracker! features an all-star cast of female improvisers, resulting in stories told from a uniquely female perspective. The ensuing comedy is inventive, unpredictable and uproarious – shattering stereotypes and sparking a lot of laughs
• Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
• When: Monday, December 5, at 9:15 pm
• Tickets: Online, $7.50

Blues for Christmas

• What: The 31st annual concert features performances by Biscuit Blues Band, Jayleen Stonehouse, Billy Dixon Soul Train Express, Cecile Larochelle, Keith Bennett, Murray Porter, Les Is More, David Gogo, Jason Buie, Dalannah and Owen, Mike Machado Band, Steve Kozak Band, Cannery Row, Steve Sainas, and the Bobcats.
• Where: Fairview Pub – 898 West Broadway, Vancouver
• When: Monday, December 5, doors at 7:15 pm, show at 8 pm
• Tickets: $20 online

Tuesday, December 6

The Dandy Warhols

• What: Fresh from a tour of Australia, where they surprised fans by recording a live album at a gig in Brisbane, the Dandy Warhols are set to tear the roof off here. Expect songs spanning their two decade-long career, but no encore as per band tradition.
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Tuesday, December 6 at 7 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $32.50

A Christmas Carol in Gay Apparel

• What: A Christmas Carol in Gay Apparel is an original comedy that parodies the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.
• Where: The Cultch Lab – 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver
• When: December 6 to December 11, Monday to Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm
• Tickets: $23 online

F**kup Night: Failure

• What: Let’s get real: we’ve all screwed up at some point. F**kup Nights is a casual speaker series aiming to build collective wisdom. This week’s entrepreneurs, creatives and thought leaders will share what they’ve learned from a business or project failure.
• Where: Guilt & Co. – 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
• When: Tuesday, December 6, from 6 to 8:30 pm
• Tickets: On Eventbrite, $10

ELEMENTA X

• What: A seven-course dinner with canapes, bread service and petit fours, focusing on the early winter offerings from BC. Postmark Brewing pairings will be available to buy.
• Where: The Birds & The Beets – 55 Powell Street, Vancouver
• When: Tuesday, December 6, from 7:30 to 11:30 pm
• Tickets: On Eventbrite, $95-$140

Wednesday, December 7

Woodwork Class

• What: In this three-hour beginners’ woodwork course you’ll make a cutting board to take home, and learn how to safely and confidently use various machinery and hand tools in the shop, including the mitre saw, band saw, drill press, and sanders.
• Where: Union Wood Co. – 1340 E Pender St., Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, December 7, from 5 to 8 pm
• Tickets: Available online, $145

Mingle of the Jingles

• What: Professionals, local talent and performers with special needs share the stage at the 11th annual Mingle of the Jingles holiday variety show and silent auction.
• Where: Kay Meek Centre – 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, December 7, from 7 to 9 pm
• Tickets: $20 online

Lee Fields & The Expressions

• What: You’d be hard pressed to find another singer who’s ever worked as hard as American soul/R&B legend Lee Fields, who’s been making soul and funk anthems since 1969. Now he’s on tour to support his latest release, Special Night.
• Where: The Imperial – 319 Main St, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, December 7, doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
• Tickets: At Red Cat Main St, Red Cat Hastings St, Zulu, and Highlife record stores.

Backyard Chickens

• What: Considering getting backyard chickens? trying to convince your loved one to embark on this new hobby? At this workshop, you’ll learn the basics, including Vancouver’s four-hen bylaw, coop construction/setup, and chicken health.
• Where: Homestead Junction – 649 E Hastings St, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, December 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Tickets: Available online, $25

Thursday, December 8

The Paper Kites

• What: Melbourne quintet The Paper Kites are on the road promoting twelvefour, a concept album featuring songs written only between the hours of midnight and 4 am. Please note – tickets for both concerts will go “off sale” at 4pm on show day.
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9 at 7 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $25

Sabores CDMX

• What: Three top chefs from Mexico City are setting up shop in Vancouver eateries to showcase their cuisine over a three-night event series. Menus will feature high-end Mexican cuisine made with rare and hard-to-find ingredients.
• Who/Where:
  • Chef José Manuel Baños of Aguamiel – Homer Street Cafe and Bar – 898 Homer St, Vancouver
  • Chef Mario Espinosa of La Encomienda Polanco – Burdock & Co. – 2702 Main St, Vancouver
  • Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo of Nicos – Cacao – 1898 W 1st Ave, Vancouver
• When: From Thursday, December 8 through Saturday, December 10
• Reservations: Check saborescdmx.com

Ballet BC’s The Nutcracker

• What: Ballet BC’s annual production of The Nutcracker, this time starring the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. This heart-warming ballet is full of surprises, including traditional Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill.
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
• When: From Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11, at 7:30 pm, matinees also available
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $26.25-$91.25

Make It

• What: Make It is one of the most popular craft fairs in Canada, featuring more than 265 artists, makers, and designers from all over the country selling handcrafted items made with love. Plus, there’s a beer garden, good music and food trucks.
• Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
• When: From Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11, times vary
• Tickets: Available online, $5, or buy on the door for $7

Friday, December 9

Stevie Nicks

• What: Stevie Nicks has survived a breakup, addictions, and a bout of big hair in the 80s. Between solo work andFleetwood Mac albums, Nicks has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• When: Friday, December 9, at 7 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $35-$150

The Mirror Test

• What: In this fictional play of writer Kevin Kokoska’s own life, a skinny counsellor-in-training meets his first ever client – a man with a binge-eating disorder. An awkward, often funny journey, of two men who look different, yet feel the same.
• Where: Orpheum Annex – 823 Seymour St, Vancouver
• When: Friday, December 9, at 8, and Saturday, December 10 at 2 pm and 8 pm
• Tickets: Available online, $20 – includes post-show Q&A

Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas

• What: Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas features jazz legend Jerry Granelli, an original and only surviving member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, who composed the original Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack.
• Where: Kay Meek Centre – 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver
• When: Friday, December 9, 9 to 10 pm
• Tickets: Available online, $15 to $38

Sunrise Meditation

• What: Take time for peaceful reflection and move into the holidays in a mindful way. This meditation will be held on the beach – let the sounds of the waves speak to you.
• Where: Kitsilano Beach (meet at 1500 Yew Street, Vancouver)
• When: Every Friday at 8 am, through December 23
• Register: On Eventbrite, totally free