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Keep your December rolling along with these 27 things to do from Monday, December 10 to Thursday, December 13. A Planet for Goldilocks, Make It! Holiday Show, and more.
For even more things happening around town check out our events section.
Monday, December 10, 2018
A Planet for Goldilocks: The Search for Evidence of Life Beyond Earth
What: In this engaging, illustrated, nontechnical presentation, astrophysicist and planet hunter, Dr. Natalie Batalha, the former project scientist for NASA’s Kepler mission, offers an overview of Kepler’s remarkable scientific legacy. She will highlight some of the key discoveries and share a preview of exciting follow-up missions in progress and on the drawing board.
When: Monday, December 10, 2018
Time: 6:30 pm registration, 7:00 pm start
Where: Ismaili Centre Burnaby, Social Hall – 4010 Canada Way, Burnaby
Register: Online, free
Robson Square Ice Rink 2018
@bilalsayed19/ Instagram
What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2018 and 2019 season. As per tradition, skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site for a fee. An on-site concession stand will also serve warm drinks and snacks.
When: Now to February 28, 2019
Time: Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm – Holiday hours vary
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street and Howe Street)
Cost: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time)
Note: Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only
Breaking Borders: Immigrants Take The Mic
What: A night of rap, music, storytelling, and slam poetry, Breaking Borders is a celebration of fearless visa holders, immigrants, and refugee theatre artists. Newcomers to Canada, working professionally as artists, will step to the stage to showcase their talents and share stories. Co-hosted by Mariam Barry and Alexandra Lainfiesta.
When: Monday, December 10, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Hood29 – 4470 Main St, Vancouver
Entry: By donation
Bright Nights and Stanley Park Christmas Train
What: Bright Nights at Stanley Park marks the return of one of Metro Vancouver’s most popular Christmas light displays. Visitors can expect more than three million dazzling lights across acres of dark forest. The Christmas Train, located at the heart of the park is the main attraction, accompanied by music, snacks, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and his elves.
When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: Hours available online
Where: Piepeline Road, via the West Georgia Street Park Entrance
Train Tickets: Adults ride for $12
Honey for the Holidays II
What: Harbour Dance Centre’s annual Christmas show with HDC Company Dancers including the Honey Hive, Platform, KTL co, and Weekend Warriors.
When: Monday, December 10, 2018
Time: Doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm
Where: VENUE – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15
Wild Things – An Outsider’s Holiday Market
What: Wild Things: An Outsiders Holiday Market at What Lab is a holiday market featuring local artists, crafters, creators, weirdos and pals. Come shop for jewelry, vegan snacks, crafts and more.
When: Monday, December 10, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: What Lab – 1814 Pandora Street, Vancouver
Admission: By donation, no one turned away for lack of funds
Youth 4 Yule
What: Pro Arté Centre presents the annual Youth 4 Yule featuring members of their Protégé, Pre-Protégé and Accelerated Programs. Featuring special guests Lions Gate Youth Orchestra, members of CatchingART Contemporary Ballet Theatre and Dr. Gina Oh Studios, with choreography and staging by Astrid Sherman and Beverley Bagg.
When: Monday, December 10, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15-$20
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Sea of Lights
Scuba Claus/Vancouver Aquarium
What: Immerse yourself in a Sea of Lights at the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch Scuba Claus dive daily in the Strait of Georgia habitat until December 24. Enjoy the wave of childlike wonder as you watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 4-D theatre. Marvel at Vancouver’s most shocking holiday display as you stand in the glow of the Electric eel-powered Christmas tree in the Teck Connections Gallery. And delight in the magic of the season as you watch the enchanting jelly snow globe display in the Tropics Gallery.
When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (until 4 pm on certain dates)
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Storytelling Championship
What: The 14th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship is the grand finale of the 2018 Vancouver Story Slam season. Top storytellers bring their best stories to the stage, with the winner selected by anonymous audience ballot receiving $200 cash, a large engraved trophy, and the coveted title of 2018 Vancouver Story Slam Champion. Second and third placers will receive $125 and $75.
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12
Winter En Blanc
What: Celebrate this winter holiday with wearing only white clothing at this event that includes a delicious meal followed by karaoke, games and group line dancing. This event is for ages 55 and over.
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: City Centre Community Centre – 5900 Minoru Blvd, Richmond
Admission: $8
A Very Moody Christmas Market
What: Moody Ales has created a space for local artisans and small businesses to set up shop and offer amazing products. Grab a beer and shop for art, baked goods, crafts and more.
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Moody Ales – 2601 Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free
The Science Behind Pixar Vancouver 2018
What: The Science Behind Pixar, featuring over 40 interactive elements, was created by the Museum of Science, Boston and Pixar Animation Studios. The upcoming exhibition in Vancouver will be broken into eight distinct sections, with each focusing on a step of Pixar’s filming making process: modelling, rigging, surfaces, sets and cameras, animation, simulation, lighting, and rendering. The activities and exhibits are inspired by some of Pixar’s most acclaimed films, including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, and WALL-E. Attendees will also have photo opportunities with human-size recreations of famous Pixar characters, such as Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL-E.
When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Mensch Jewish Delicatessen Pop-up
Photo: Olivia Sari-Goerlach
What: Mensch Jewish Delicatessen is popping up for one night only at Faculty Brewing. Patrons can head to the pop-up from 6 pm onward until food runs out, and they will find slow-brined, smoked, and hand cut New York-style hot pastrami sandwich on fresh rye bread with mustard and a homemade pickle on the side.
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 6 pm
Where: Faculty Brewing – 1830 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
VCC Jewellry Art & Design – Annual Student Holiday Sale
What: The VCC Jewellery Art & Design students are hosting their annual holiday sale at the VCC Downtown Campus Atrium. Stock up on one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for loved ones this holiday season.
When: Tuesday, December 11 to Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Vancouver Community College – 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Make It! Holiday Show
Make It! The Handmade Revolution
What: The Make It! Holiday Show is a fun, upbeat shopping experience that hosts a number of artists, crafters, and makers from all across Canada. Each year, in addition to more than 265 exhibitors, the holiday show features a beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Parking for this market is $12.
When: Wednesday, December 12 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Times vary based on date
Location: The PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: $8 at the door, kids ages 12 and under are free
Shakey Graves
What: Rocker Shakey Graves from Austin, Texas brings The Tour X9 World Tour to Vancouver with guests Kolars.
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: Doors at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 600 Block Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Casual Birding Walk
What: Check out shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and more on this 2.5-hour birdwatching amble. Bring binoculars. Presented by Boundary Bay Park Association, all ages.
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Bounday Bay Regional Park – Meet at Cammidge House
Admission: Free
The Arts Club’s Blind Date
What: Arts Club, the largest theatre company in Western Canada, is putting a much-needed dose of laughter and fun into dating. From now to Monday, December 30, 2018, Rebecca Northan’s improv comedy Blind Date will be playing at the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre. Viewers will get a chance to experience the exhilaration (and hilarity!) of new love as Mimi, the lead character of the show, goes on a blind date with a different man every night. There’s a catch though – her date is picked right out of the audience.
When: Now to Monday, December 30, 2018
Time: Showtimes vary based on date
Where: Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online from $29
Aurora Winter Festival
What: Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival.
When: Now to Sunday, December 30, 2018. Closed on select days
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $14.99-$19.99. Infants 3 and under are free
Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur/ Facebook
What: Canadian poet Rupi Kaur will be stopping in Vancouver on December 12. Kaur’s first book milk and honey gained international success and is a #1 New York Times bestseller. It has sold over 3 million copies and has been translated into over 30 languages. Her long-awaited second collection, the sun and her flowers, was released in 2017 and quickly became a number #1 global best seller.
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street at Seymour
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Tickets: Available on Live Nation, $39.50 to $79.50.
A Christmas Carol
What: Join City Stage New West and the Anvil Centre of New Westminster for a festive, audience-participation read-along (and sing-along) of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Featuring veteran actor-musician Dave Clothier as “Scrooge.”
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Tenacious D
Tenacious D (Tenacious D / Facebook)
What: The musical comedy duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass will be taking over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with guests, Wynchester. The band had a variety series on HBO that aired in 1999. Their self-titled album was released in the fall of 2001 with Epic Records and was quickly certified at gold-selling status, and has since been certified platinum. In 2014, Tenacious D won a Grammy in the category of Best Metal Performance for their cover of Ronnie James Dio’s “The Last in Line.”
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, Show 7:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street
Tickets: $39.50, $59.50, $79.50, available online
Holiday Baking Master Class at H2
What: H2 chef Caitlin Mark will be leading attendees through a leisurely holiday baking class which kicks off with a complimentary festive beverage and snacks. Learn to make classic sugar cookies and Guinness gingerbread loaf to name a few before you take home some treats at the end of the event.
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: H2 Rotisserie & Bar at the The Westin Bayshore – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Price: $75; pre-register at [email protected] or call 604-691-6966
Glow Christmas
What: Glow Christmas brightens up Langley’s Milner Village Garden Centre with over 500,000 lights spanning 103,000-sq-ft of holiday magic. The display will feature four different light gardens, food trucks (and bar!), over 40 vendors, and – the cherry on top – a 210-foot musical light tunnel.
When: Select dates to January 19, 2019
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Milner Village Garden Centre – 6690 216 St, Langley
Tickets: Available online, $8.99 to $39.99. Kids under three are free.
Merry Kiss-mas
What: Vancouver TheatreSport’s cheeky, affectionate homage to onscreen Christmas nostalgia, stuffed with a turkey-full of big belly laughs. The show’s first half takes suggestions from the audience to recreate well-known holiday movie scenes and characters. That’s followed by a completely improvised, audience-driven second half in which the cast create a brand new festive special.
When: Now to Monday, December 24, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Holiday Baking Time
What: Follow the enchanted adventures of bakers Bun and Bap as they encounter mischievous doughy characters, and venture through forests of breadstick trees and magical floury storms – all while baking real loaves of deliciously fresh bread in a real-life on-stage oven. Featuring a live musical score and innovative puppetry.
When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Presentation House Theatre – 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online
For Better or For Worse, Vol. 2 – Vancouver Book Signing
What: Come meet For Better or For Worse cartoonist Lynn Johnston, get a sketch or have your favourite FBorFW books or memorabilia signed. There will be plenty of copies of The Complete Library Vol. 2 to purchase as well as a few copies of Vol.1 for those who missed it the first time.
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Pulpfiction Books – 2422 Main St, Vancouver
Admission: Free
MADE X BRANDON ARTIS
Kaskade at Pemberton Festival/Brandon Artis
What: Brandon Artis is an up-and-coming photographer in Vancouver and he’s hosting his first solo show ever. Brandon is partnering with MADE Art Shows to create a unique, and one of a kind art experience like no other. MADE Art Shows is a collective striving to bridge the gap between music and visual art. His show won’t just have you experiencing his photos but more importantly experiencing the vibe and culture that his photos create.
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Where: WSDMCLUB – 875 East Hastings St, Vancouver
Price: FREE but RSVP here to secure a spot