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Festive Vancouver events to help you carol all the way to Christmas Day

We've put together a list of holiday concerts happening this year to help you carol all the way to Christmas Day—well, almost all the way.

We've put together a list of holiday concerts and events happening this month to help you carol all the way to Christmas Day. Warm up those vocal cords...

 Photo: Yule Duel FacebookPhoto: Yule Duel Facebook

Yule Duel

This chorale carol showdown on the Vancouver’s streets is a must-experience event. The fun, festive, free event takes place outside each year in Vancouver, and finds dozens of local choirs and singing groups going head to head in an exciting sing-off fundraiser benefitting May’s Place. Fans can cheer on their favourites, while a panel of judges cast their votes for their picks for the best of the angelic voices.

When: Thu, Dec. 5, 2019 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Cost: Free

Boney M. Holiday Favourites & Classic Hits Feat. Liz Mitchell

 Boney M. is coming to town, and they're bringing their Christmas spirit along. Photo: EventbriteBoney M. is coming to town, and they’re bringing their Christmas spirit along. Photo: Eventbrite

Boney M. is coming to town, and they're bringing their Christmas spirit along. If the name Boney M. doesn't ring a bell you may remember the band's big hit Rasputin — "Ra, ra Rasputin lover of the Russian queen..." — Now that you remember who they are, they also have an incredible Christmas album, that was first released back in 1981, and you can hear them sing it live at the Vogue theatre this weekend. Of course, they'll be singing their classic hits too.

When: Sun, Dec. 8, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St.

Cost: Tickets 

VSO’s ‘A Traditional Christmas’

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s special holiday tradition returns this year with singing, storytelling, and plenty of holiday cheer, with concerts throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. If you want to sing along to classic Christmas carols all night long, than this is the show for you.

The concerts will be hosted by Christopher Gaze and will have a multitude of special guests.

When: Dec. 10 to 22, with 4 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. shows

Where: Various locations

Cost: Tickets

Keithmas

 It's the 10th anniversary of Keithmas! Photo: Keithmas/FacebookKeithmas/Facebook

It's the 10th anniversary of Keithmas! There are a number of classic Christmas events to attend in Vancouver, but Keithmas is certainly not one of them.

This “fundrager” takes festive cheer to debaucherous new heights, as the annual affair pays tribute to the rock legend himself—Keith Richards—while raising funds for a good cause. Essentially, Vancouverites come together in Keith’s name to raise money for The Greater Vancouver Food Bank while enjoying a fabulous party at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre.

It's going to be the biggest baddest one yet. Grab your tickets early because this sucker always sells out. The line up will be announced soon. Stay tuned for details by checking in to the Facebook page!

When: Sat, Dec. 14

Where: Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings St.

Cost: Tickets

Festival of Lessons and Carols

Share in the Lynn Valley’s annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. The concert is a long-time tradition that tells the story of Christmas through songs and stories. The modern and reworked version of the show is said to be a "timeless experience."

When: Dec. 20 at 6:30pm

Where: 3201 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver

Cost: Free

Carols for the City

If you happen to be in Downtown Vancouver Christmas Eve afternoon swing by Christ Church Cathedral for the Carols for the City show. Get into the magic of Christmas by joining the Salvation Army Brass Band in an hour of uplifting carols. The event culminates in a child-friendly retelling of the Christmas story.

When: Dec. 24 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Christ Church Cathedral 690 Burrard, Vancouver

Cost: Free

Karaoke Christmas Lights Vancouver Trolley Tour

 The Vancouver Trolley Company/FacebookThe Vancouver Trolley Company/Facebook

Vancouver knows how to deck its halls (and everything else) for the holiday season, so why not roll your way around town checking out the best and the brightest displays while singing karaoke Christmas carols?

The Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour is back and it's sure to dazzle and delight. Each trolley is equipped with TVs, karaoke machines and your favourite Christmas carols to sing while the bus takes you through the city in search of the most sparkling lights.

When: Dec. 1 to 29; tours start at 6:30 p.m. and run for three hours

Where: Tour departs from/returns to Canada Place

Cost: $64 for adults, $32 for children. Each ticket includes express entry to Festival of Lights and a donation to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund, and for Raymond Saunders. Purchase online here.

Christmas Eve: Carols and Candlelight

Join in on a traditional Christmas service of carols, choir and candlelight at St. Matthias and St Luke Anglican Church. The event is for all ages and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome!

When: Dec. 24. at 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: St. Matthias and St Luke Anglican Church, 680 W 49th Ave, Vancouver

An Evening in December

If you don't have plans Christmas Eve you could join the Fraser Lands Church community for a "relaxed and joy-filled evening of carol singing, friendship, and celebration." All are welcome to the free event. There's also a dessert cafe following the program.

When: Dec. 24. at 8 p.m.

Where: Fraser Lands Church, 3330 SE Marine Dr, Vancouver

Cost: Free

  • Have a Christmas carol event or concert to add to the list? Email Elisia at elisia@vancouverisawesome.com.

— With files from Lindsay William Ross and Elana Shepert