15 things to do in Vancouver this week

Here are some of the top events to check out in Vancouver between November 30 and December 4. For a complete list of events, check out the Vancouver Events Calendar.

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North Vancouver Christmas Tree Lot

Location: Lonsdale Quay – East Plaza 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Open Dates: November 27 – December 22

Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing

What: Have you ever read a poorly written novel and thought to yourself, who publishes this crap? Or come across a hilariously out of date self-help book in a thrift store? Perhaps you flipped through Sarah Palin’s/ Justin Beiber’s/ R. Kelly’s etc. autobiography and guffawed at her/his life story. Well, that’s what Say Wha?! is all about. Funny people reading from terrible books.
Where: The Cottage Bistro – 4468 Main Street, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, December 1; 8 to 10 p.m.

Karaoke Christmas Trolley Tour

What: Head out to VanDusen Garden’s Festival of Lights and Bright Nights at Stanley Park aboard the historical Vancouver Trolley Company’s fleet, all while singing Christmas carols along the way. Trolleys will be decked out with karaoke machines, but unfortunately no liquid courage to get the vocal chords ready.
Where: Trips depart from Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: December 1 to December 30, 2015

Ice Skating at Robson Square

What: The rink at Robson Square is operated seasonally by the provincial government when the temperatures begin to dip, running from morning into the late evening hours. Skaters can skate for free if they bring their own skates while those without skates can rent a pair on-site. There is also a concession stand serving snacks and warm drinks.
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
When: December 1, 2015 until February 28, 2016; times vary

The Weeknd

What: Grammy Award nominee and multi-platinum selling artist The Weeknd is coming to Vancouver this December. The stop is part of The Madness Fall Tour, promoting The Weeknd’s upcoming album “The Beauty Behind the Madness.”
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Wednesday, December 2; 7:30 p.m.

Whistler Film Festival

What: Loved by filmmakers and film lovers alike, the Whistler Film Festival is a place where artists are celebrated, audiences are inspired and new ideas enter the cultural dialogue. The festival features 89 innovative and original films from around the world alongside opportunities to connect with the people who created them.
Where: Whistler, B.C.
When: Wednesday, December 2 to December 6

BrainStation Vancouver Presents #SocialMediaYVR

What: #SocialMediaYVR is a panel discussion with leading specialists from the industry’s top companies and thought leaders. Join expert panelists as they discuss social media and many of the tricks they’ve learned over the years that will help to build your brand; personal or for business.
Where: Brainstation YVR HQ – #410 1110 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 3; 7 to 9 p.m.

Holiday Hi-Light Festival

What: More than 50,000 Christmas lights + Family Night with Santa, hot chocolate, face painting and more, supporting North Vancouver Firefighters.
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens, North Vancouver
When: Friday, November 27 to December 31

Yule Duel

What: On December 3, Water Street will transform into a series of outdoor stages, hosting more than 20 choirs in Vancouver’s first street-carolling competition – Yule Duel. The event is inspired by Figgy Pudding, a renowned annual carolling competition and charitable fundraiser in Seattle. Yule Duel aims to raise $20,000 for May’s Place, a hospice in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
Where: Water Street, Gastown, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 3; 6 to 9 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks v.s. Dallas Stars

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 3; 7 p.m.

Make It!

What: 250 of Canada’s best designers and producers showcase their work for the Make It! Vancouver fair at the PNE Forum.
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

What: The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. See the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (153 feet tall), experience the voice-activated light show, go on a scavenger hunt throughout the park, sing along with the holiday band, take a family photo at the Winter Pavilion, and more.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
When: Friday, November 27 – Sunday, January 3, 2016; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack Poole Plaza

What: The Christmas Tree Lighting at Jack Poole plaza has become an annual holiday tradition for Vancouver families. Back for its ninth year, the Christmas tree lighting will take place on December 4, where four beautiful trees will be lit up with festive lights (one that’s over 50 feet tall).
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Friday, December 4; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver Men’s Chorus: Making Spirits Bright

What: The Vancouver Men’s Chorus sings all the Christmas classics, set in the beautiful halls of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. They say it will be a “feast for the senses”.
Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church – 1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver
When: December 4, 5, 10 ,and 11; 8 p.m., December 6 and 12; matinees at 3 p.m.

Vancouver Chamber Choir Christmas Concerts

What: The Vancouver Chamber Choir is putting on three fabulous Christmas concerts this season, beginning on December 4 with Christmas in the Orpheum, a collection of renaissance, baroque & carols. Next is A Dylan Thomas Christmas, followed by the ever-popular A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver & Shaughnessy Heights United Church – 1550 West 33rd Ave, Vancouver
When: Friday, December 4, December 18, and December 19; 8 p.m.

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