Polar Bear Swim
On January 1, mobs of the brave (and seemingly impervious) will throw their nearly naked bodies in the Pacific Ocean, in conditions that would normally cause hypothermia. The Polar Bear Swim attracted a record high in 2011, drawing in more than 2,000 participants. Parks and Recreation has a number of tips online to prevent physical harm, and they should be read and understood by everyone before they strip down to their trunks. Just in case you were partying a little too hard on the previous night, Parks and Rec strongly recommend not imbibing any booze prior to the swim. Alcohol may feel like it warms you up, but it actually leads to a greater chance of real hypothermia. Swimmers have to be stone cold sober (and yes, that is a pun). Stick to hot chocolate. Swimmers are also warned not to stay in the water for more than 15 minutes assuming there are die-hards who want to prove their mettle by freezing themselves to death after swimming around for half an hour. Costumes are encouraged, and photos can be uploaded to the Parks and Rec website. Participants will be given a commemorative button that will demonstrate, once and for all, that theyre truly fearless. Registration takes place at the English Bay Bathhouse between 12:30 and 2:30pm (registration is free). The mad dash into the water has a shotgun start at 2:30. Donations to the Vancouver Food Bank are appreciated.
Alberta Ballets Nutcracker
As much as we bemoan the fact that Christmas marketing seems to start the day after Halloween, when the holidays over we actually miss it. For those who arent quite ready to let the magic end, theres the Alberta Ballet production of The Nutcracker. Who doesnt welcome a little opulent grandeur in their lives? Set at the turn of 20th century Imperial Russia, the gorgeous sets and costumes (by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown) rival the beauty of Tchaikovskys music, which will played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Alberta Ballets version, choreographed by Edmund Stripe, first delighted Vancouver audiences in 2011. You can relive its magnificence and splendor at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre December 28 to 30 at 7:30pm or December 29 and 31 at 2pm. Tickets range between $26.50 and $85 and can be purchased at 1-855-985-2787 or online at Ticketmaster.ca.
Stanley Parks secrets
Stanley Park is ready to whisper her secrets in your ear during a one-and-a-half-hour walking tour on December 29. Your tour guide will also share rare historical photographs that let you travel through time. Meet at the viewing plaza overlooking Lost Lagoon at the foot of Alberni at 1pm. Its $10 cash. Go to StanleyParkHistory.ca for more information.
Christmas Eve jazz vespers
Vespers, or evensong, will take on a deeper meaning on December 24 when We Three Queens, the trio of Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Jennifer Scott and Karin Plato, fills St. Andrews Church at Burrard and Nelson with some jazzy Christmas music. It will be a joy-filled respite thats guaranteed to fill you with the spirit of the holiday. Its free from 3 to 4pm but theyll be passing the basket to benefit Convenant House, which provides love and hope to Vancouvers street youth.
