Downtown
Besides the vintage-style carousel, mulled wine and thousands of twinkling lights, there’s one more really great reason to stop by the Vancouver Christmas Market this Saturday, Nov. 23.
Dal Richards, the King of Christmas Swing, will perform popular carols and other favourites from 7 to 9 p.m. in the bandstand of the market, located on the plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Hamilton St.
The annual bazaar, modelled after a traditional outdoor German Christmas market, is made up of brightly decorated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. Wandering throughout the market will be strolling carollers, trumpeters and an over-sized gingerbread man who will gladly pause for photos. (I have the proof on my phone from last year’s market.)
The entertainment varies each day with some dates dedicated to countries from around the world, including Great Britain Nation Day Dec. 7, and Estonian Nation Day Dec. 17. The X-Mass Factor singing competition takes place each Friday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to give contestants an opportunity to belt out their interpretation of Christmas classics.
The 2013 Vancouver Christmas Market opens at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and closes Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. Regular daily hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Granville Island
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with a twist as the Vancouver TheatreSports League presents its less traditional version of the holidays.
Christmas Queen: Improv Comedy Fairytale is described as a regal pomp and far-flung fantasy, which along with audience participation puts some of the city’s most spirited comedians to the test this holiday season.
The mirthful team of comedians weaves a fresh tale that like all good fairytales, features a villain (in this case the Christmas Queen who is out to ruin the holiday for the townsfolk), a gallant but reluctant hero and a love story. The Improv Centre on Granville Island is located at 1502 Duranleau Street. For a complete schedule of show times, visit vtsl.com.
West Point Grey
The Native Daughters of B.C. Post One is hosting a Christmas fundraising fair for the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, complete with a children’s holiday choir, vintage Christmas decorations, bake sale and tea and sweets service. All proceeds will benefit the ongoing maintenance of the museum and artifact collection. The museum is located within Vancouver’s oldest building, circa 1865, at 1575 Alma Rd. The Christmas party runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m., Dec 1. For more information visit hastings-mill-museum.ca.
Mount Pleasant
Do you like rocking out? Do you like supporting a good cause? Megaphone Magazine has the perfect event for you as it hosts its fifth-annual Night of Joyful Voices Friday, Dec. 6 at the Anza Club. Headlining this year’s event are the peppy, power pop sounds of Movieland and the soulful yearnings of roots musician David Newberry. The night will be capped off with “some sweaty dancing” with DJ That’s so Raven. There will be prizes. The fundraising shindig will benefit Megaphone’s vendor program, which provides an economic opportunity to homeless and low-income residents of Vancouver. For ticket information visit megaphonemag.eventbrite.com.
Metro Vancouver
The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association has launched its 18th Annual Coats for Kids campaign in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, a non-profit group that helps provide a brighter Christmas for families in need.
In addition to the GVHBA office, 33 member companies at 46 locations in 13 municipalities will serve as coat drop-off sites from November 18 to Dec. 6. For Vancouver locations visit gvhba.org.
