Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
They used to be the gift from Grandma that you dreaded the handknit Christmas sweater. But thanks to Vancouverites Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch, you can wear them proudly. Their Now Thats Ugly Society has got Vancouvers mayor to declare the third Friday of December as Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. On Dec. 20, people sporting an official UCSD button can get in to the Vancouver Christmas Market for free. The buttons are $5 each and can be purchased at UglySweaterDay.com or at the market. Proceeds go to the Childrens Wish Foundation. That night, the Commodore hosts the 12th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Party for 1,100 sweater wearers. Tickets are $37.50 at Ticketmaster.ca
Handels Messiah
Hallelujah! You dont have to be religious to marvel at the sheer power and beauty of Handels Messiah, a 270-year-old oratorio that never loses any of its vibrancy and joy. While the soloists can make the Biblical verses soar, its the combined energy of the choruss voices that give so much majesty to the retelling of Jesus Christs birth. And that will be amply evident on December 14 when the 130-voice Vancouver Bach Choir, accompanied by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, both under the direction of music director Leslie Dala (pictured), fills the Orpheum Theatre with some of the most beloved music of the season. Tickets are $25 to $59 and are available at VancouverBachChoir.com. Let the heavens rejoice!
Hot toys, Wet City
More than just a clever name, Hot Art Wet City a gallery, blog, and retail shop with its origins in the world of pop-ups continues its trend of housing the whimsical and the absurd. Since opening permanently at 2206 Main in April, it has been home to AT-AT mini-bars, snarling bicycle seats, meme parties and now TOYS, offering toys, toys and more toys, just in time for the holidays. Look for unique creations fromColin Johnson (The Woodbutcher), Noisy Bees,Cherry Thompson, Arlyn Bantog,Erin Gibbs, Kat Oughton,Melissa Soleski (pictured),Kirsty Senior,Carita Ho,Chris Brett,Russell Alton,Mandy Tsung, andPatrick Wong. Classic and modern wooden and vinyl toys, knit, crochet and sewn creatures for all ages. The show runs until Dec. 21. HotArtWetCity.com
P.S. People looking for those one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts can also check out Shiny Fuzzy Muddy, featuring 27 artists, 11am to 7pm on Dec. 14 at Heritage Hall (3102 Main) and the Blim Holiday Market featuring 50 local vendors from 12 to 6pm at 50 E. Pender. Includes Cat Santa photo book, festive DJs and ugly Christmas sweaters.
