Things to Do in Vancouver: Finding Fun Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada


**This is an archived page.  For current special events click here**
 

 

Special Events for December 2013
Dates may change, or events may be cancelled. Please confirm dates, times, and other particulars before attending by calling phone number and checking website listed.
 
Does your organization, club, or business have a family friendly event planned? For your free listing, use our special event submission form

 

December 1, 2013
Stuart McLean & the Vinyl Cafe
Stuart McLean is known as “Canada’s favourite storyteller”. His hit radio show The Vinyl Cafe is heard by 1.5 million people each week. The show is broadcast on CBC Radio in Canada, on close to 100 public radio stations in the USA and around the world on Sirius Satellite Radio 169 and via podcast. In 2012, Apple named Vinyl Cafe Stories the best audio podcast in their “Best of the Year” awards. In addition to the popular Dave & Morley stories, the show also features live and recorded music by both up-and-coming and established Canadian musicians. Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe live in a Christmas extravaganza with the award winning The Good Lovelies, two shows 2:30 and 7:30 pm. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 1.855.985.5000 Ticketmaster, Tickets.

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December 1, 2013
Christmas in Steveston
Steveston is preparing to welcome the holiday season with a community display of lights, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, carollers & the arrival of Santa! Join us on Saturday, December 1, 2013 from 12:00 - 5:00 pm for Christmas in Steveston Village brought to you by the Steveston Merchants Association.
See our website for full schedule. https://www.exploresteveston.com/news?eventId=4000008
Fisherman's Park

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December 1, 2013
Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Santa's early visit to Vancouver is the perfect kickoff to the holiday season, with a downtown Vancouver bash featuring marching bands, dance troupes & festive floats parading down the city streets. Entertaining 300,000-plus spectators each year, the 10th annual televised parade is the Lower Mainland's biggest winter event. The parade route begins at West Georgia & Broughton streets & ends at Howe & Davie streets. Parade starts at 1:00 pm. https://www.rogerssantaclausparade.com

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December 1, 2013
Eric Langton Elementary School (12138 Edge St. in Maple Ridge) will be hosting its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday December 1st from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Come bring out the family for a fun and festive day of games, prizes and abundance of crafts and fine speciality goods on sale! We are also still accepting applications from local Crafters and Direct Sellers (e.g. Avon, Norwex, Tupperware, Princess House, Party Lite).  Tables are selling out fast so please contact the Event Coordinator today!  Event Coordinator Crystal can be reached at elcraftfair@gmail.com or 778-317-3270

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December 1, 2013
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACH CHOIR
Sun. Dec. 1, 2013 at 2pm
Orpheum Theatre – 884 Granville St.
Spend an uplifting afternoon immersed in the sound of 400 soaring voices performing timeless Christmas carols and newer seasonal works. This beloved annual tradition is a highly-anticipated opportunity to hear all levels of the Vancouver Bach Choir “Family of Choirs” in one concert - including the Adult Choir, Children’s Chorus, Youth Choir, and Sarabande. Presented by the Vancouver Bach Choir.
Tickets and info: vancouverbachchoir.com.

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December 1, 2013
River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, V3M 6B9
Come enjoy a tap dance class with Vancouver Tap Dance Society's youth performance ensemble Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..TapCo. Arriving with bins of tap shoes to fit all sizes and ages, TapCo will teach a few steps and entertain you with a few of their moves. TapCo has been performing with ArtStarts in schools across BC for 10 years. They have entertained over 50,000 elementary school children with their all tap revue "Just in Time". Come learn a few steps and tricks from these amazing dancers and have some tap fun.
Sessions start at 11am and 1pm. Free! No pre-registration necessary. Ideal for kids 5 and up, but all are welcome!
ArtStarts at River Market is a free workshop series for families featuring free, fun, 45-minute arts workshops with some of the best children’s artists.
For more information, visit https://artstarts.com/free-weekend-workshops or call 604-336-0626.

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December 1 - 21, 2013
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
From the popular humourist David Sedaris comes this merrily wicked tale of his tour of duty as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. From posts as Vomit Corner Elf to Water Cooler Elf to Cash Register Elf, Sedaris worked his way up the candy-cane ladder and lived to share his hysterical, behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Both outlandish and illuminating, this sardonic comedy is a holiday treat for adults. Arts Club Theatre Company

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December 1 - 21, 2013
Show Opening & Sale
The artist remains a mystery until after the art is purchased. A fun exhibition and fundraiser. Shop for Christmas and choose from hundreds of original art works by established and emerging artists. All artwork is $100
CityScape Community Art Space 335 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
604.988.6844 www.nvartscouncil.ca info@nvartscouncil.ca

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December 1 - 23, 2013
Carol Ships Parade Of Lights Festival at Harbour Cruises
This annual Christmas tradition began more than 50 years ago in Coal Harbour with one boat decorated with Christmas lights. Today, more than 50 boats festooned with 100,000-plus twinkling lights can be seen gliding through Vancouver's waterways on peak evenings. The spectacle viewed from shore is free, but the best experience is aboard the carol ships themselves, which carry more than 30,000 guests every season. Tickets for different ships range in price & offerings.
Check our website to see the list of participating ships; be sure to check the sailing schedule online as it changes nightly. 604-688-7246, https://www.boatcruises.com

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December 1 - 24, 2013
4th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market- Vancouver
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its 4th year - November 22 to December 24, 2013 - on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza! This German Christmas Village market brings unique holiday shopping experiences, seasonal entertainment & traditional food right to downtown. The festively decorated outdoor Village features rows of illuminated wooden huts & thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. Sounds of bells, trumpeters & the delicious aromas of mulled wine & spicy gingerbread make the Village an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Vendors from Germany & Canada offer traditional handmade arts & crafts, Bavarian & German-style food & drinks. New! Pay your admission once & get free entry for the whole season!  Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com

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December 1 - 24, 2013
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
A favourite Vancouver holiday tradition. Santa Claus, reindeer, ice skating, sleigh rides, carollers, holiday movies in The Theatre in the Sky. During the month of December, the spirit of Christmas comes alive with a magical celebration & a multitude of festivities atop Grouse Mountain. Please visit our website for more information. https://www.grousemountain.com

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December 1 - 24, 2013
Christmas at the Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market is your holiday destination for...
Unique gift ideas, fresh food options for holiday meals, festive music, Santa photos, kids activities & holiday gift wrapping.
Join us for a festive atmosphere & live holiday music all December Long.  https://www.lonsdalequay.com

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December 1 - 24, 2013
NORTH POLE BC:  No need for boots, toques and umbrellas this year, as BC’s most memorable Christmas adventure moves totally indoors! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves now till Christmas Eve, in their new home in the former Zellers store at Lynn Valley Centre, North Vancouver. Numerous interactive scenes and activities including story time with Mrs. Claus, visit with the Toy Inventor, and decorating a cookie in the Gingerbread Bakery, plus more, are sure to get you into the holiday spirit!  For families, schools, or other groups, price starting at just $12.95 per person. Check website for more info and schedule. Time slots are filling up quickly, so book in advance on line at www.NorthPoleBC.com to avoid disappointment. 

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December 1 - 24, 2013
Photos with Santa
Willowbrook Shopping Centre
19705 Fraser Highway
Langley, BC
Get your family photo taken with Santa at Willowbrook Shopping Centre this holiday season! Photos with Santa are offered November 15 to December 24. Visit shopwillowbrook.com for Santa’s hours and information about Santa’s FastPass payment option, which reduces photo wait-in-line time and offers convenient online ordering.  Call 604.530.4492 for more information.

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December 1 - 28, 2013
IT'S SNOWING ON SALTSPRING
By Nicola Cavendish
A Homegrown Christmas Tale
ARTS CLUB CLASSIC It's Christmas Eve on Saltspring Island. The stockings aren't hung by the chimney with care and disenchanted Bill Bannister hopes that St. Nick won't be there. Will it take a reindeer-guided trip to the North Pole for Bill to rediscover the spirit of Christmas? Arts Club Theatre Company, https://www.artsclub.com/

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December 1 - 31, 2013
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Enjoy the lights, boughs, red bows and all the other old-fashioned ornaments and decorations throughout the village and farmhouse. The season features traditional entertainment, demonstrations, hands-on activities and exhibits from the early 1900s. Highlights include: Father Christmas, Footlight Theatre, Baking in the Farmhouse, a Christmas scavenger hunt. Musicians, entertainers, demonstrators, storytellers, community choirs and heritage crafts are also scheduled throughout the season. Also, the heritage 1912 carousel delights all who ride (or just watch)!  https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

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December 1 - 31, 2013
Christmas at Canada Place
Celebrate your favourite Canadian Christmas memories at Christmas at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver. Visit the Canada Place cruise ship terminal from December 1-31, 2013 to skate under the Northern Lights, ride the CN Holiday Train, tour the historic Woodward's Windows & more! It's your chance to share your favourite Canadian Christmas memories & make new ones. Help us fill a container of dreams for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank by dropping off your food donations at the giant "present" located on the front plaza at the entrance of Christmas at Canada Place. Hours & performance schedule: canadaplace.ca Hours for month of December: Weekends 10am-7pm, 1st: 10am-7pm, 2nd-6th: 12pm-4pm, 9th-13th: 3pm-8pm, 16th-20th: 12pm-8pm, 23rd: 10am-7pm, 24th: 10am-4pm, 25th: CLOSED, 26th - 31: 10am-7pm
Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal
https://www.canadaplace.ca

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December 1 - 31, 2013
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
The Stanley Park holiday train has been a Christmas tradition in Vancouver for more than 20 years. The train winds through the forest past three million sparkling lights while the aromas of hot chocolate, fresh popcorn & roasted chestnuts bring back festive childhood memories. Kids can also visit Santa in his "living room" at the train station & explore stunning holiday displays throughout the plaza. Admission to the plaza is free, but tickets are required to ride the train ($11 for adults & $7 for children & seniors); children 3 & under ride the train free. Discounted matinee tickets are also available ($6 for adults, children & seniors).
Stanley Park, https://www.brightnights.ca

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December 1 - 31, 2013
Christmas at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver is celebrating your favourite Canadian Christmas memories. Visit Canada Place cruise ship terminal from December 1 – 31st to skate under the Northern Lights, ride the holiday train, tour the historic Woodward’s Windows and more! It’s your chance to share your favourite Canadian Christmas memories and make new ones.
And help us fill a container for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank for others to make great Canadian Christmas memories. Drop off your food donations at the giant “present” located on the front plaza at the entrance of Christmas at Canada Place.
Christmas at Canada Place is free, family fun and part of the Winter Waterfront District. For detailed hours and performance schedule, visit our website:
www.canadaplace.ca

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December 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014
Robson Square Ice Rink Open for Free Skating
The Government of British Columbia’s Robson Square Ice Rink, located in downtown Vancouver will be open all through the Christmas Holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise, rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. The Robson Square Ice Rink is open until February 28, 2014.  For more information about events at the Robson Square Ice Rink visit www.RobsonSquare.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:
-  Sunday to Thursday:        9 am to 9 pm
-  Friday and Saturday:        9 am to 11 pm
HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION:
-  Christmas Eve (Dec. 24):            9 am to 9 pm
-  Christmas Day (Dec. 25):            12 Noon to 5 pm
-  Boxing Day (Dec. 26):                  9 am to 9 pm
-  New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31):          9 am to 11 pm
-  New Year’s Day (Jan. 1):            9 am to 9 pm
RENTALS:
-  Skates       $4
-  Helmets     $2
-  Ice Cleats  $2

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December 2 - 3, 2013
Eddie Izzard. Called the most brilliant stand-up comedian of his generation, Eddie Izzard - Force Majeure is a comic force to be reckoned with. Dec 2 and 3, 2013.  He’s sold out Madison Square Garden and became the first stand-up comedian to play a solo show at the Hollywood Bowl. He takes ideas and situations and extrapolates them into bizarre tangential, absurd, and surreal comic narratives - topics that skip from Darth Vader and Greek mythology to human sacrifice and chaos theory.  Orpheum Theatre,  https://www.eddieizzard.com/

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December 5, 2013
The Terribly Terrific Tea Party: A Fundraiser for Still Moon Arts Society. Dress up, wear a fancy hat, enjoy tea treats, music, tea dances, tea chats and support the work of Still Moon Arts.  Slocan Hall, 2750 East 29th Avenue. By Still Moon Arts Society

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December 5 - 31, 2013
Gateway Theatre presents The King and I
Opulent Bangkok, royal capital of the kingdom of Siam-1860. Anna, an attractive widow, has been hired by the King to teach English and other Western ideas to his many wives and many more children. Little do they know they're both about to be schooled. Join us for another joyful family classic, with songs you love like "Getting to Know You", "Shall We Dance?" and "Whistle A Happy Tune"
6500 Gilbert Rd, Richmond, https://www.gatewaytheatre.com/whatsonm2.html

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December 6 - 7, 2013
WESTERN FRONT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER & CRAFT SALE
Western Front presents TOQUE on December 6 & 7, 2013. The annual fundraiser and craft sale returns for the Western Front’s 40th Anniversary with an exciting showcase of artists, designers and artisans. Admission by donation.  Held in the newly renovated Luxe Hall, the annual fundraiser is a longstanding Western Front tradition, initiated by Western Front founding members and friends almost 40 years ago. TOQUE offers a unique selection of vendors with goods ranging from publications, textiles and ceramics to jewellery and tasty treats. Vancouver-based artist Arvo Leo is creating this year’s limited-edition tea towels, available for sale at the event. Renowned as one of Vancouver’s most well-curated craft fairs, TOQUE has been cited as ‘the most artful of all the artisan fairs’ (Georgia Straight) and ‘a true artists’ fair with a solidly local feel’ (Scout Magazine). For more information please contact Kristin Lim on 604-876-9343 / development@front.bc.ca. Visit https://toque2013.tumblr.com for updates.

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December 7, 2013
Introduction to Self Publishing: Author Panel (Registration Required). Join our panel presentation of self-published authors as they share their knowledge and professional experiences of self-publishing within the book industry.  This event is the second part of a series on the self-publishing process and features a panel presentation of self-published authors followed by small group discussions between the panelists and the audience.  The panel will include: Monique Gray Smith, Miranda Rae Carter, Leslie Hill, Barry Thomas Bechta, Jacqui Nelson, T. Rae Mitchell, Graeme McCreath, and Sylvia Crooks.  Free. Registration required. Call 604-331-3603, Vancouver Public Library

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December 7, 2013
CIBC Christmas Parade of Lights
Kick off the holiday season with the CIBC Christmas Parade of Lights in Downtown New Westminster. The parade is followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hyack Square plus live entertainment, Christmas-themed interactive activities and of course, an appearance by Santa Claus himself. Programming continues throughout the city over the Christmas season.
Columbia St., New Westminster, https://www.hyack.bc.ca

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December 7, 2013
North Vancouver Christmas Festival
The Lower Lonsdale Business Association in partnership with the City of North Vancouver invites you to celebrate their annual Christmas Festival. Shipbuilders' Square will be sparkling with Christmas lights & filled with children's activities that include the always popular bug lantern building workshop run by the North Vancouver Museum & Archives, the North Shore Neighbourhood House gingerbread man decorating station, which for a small donation you can take home your own decorated gingerbread man & festive crafts hosted by Wonderlab Toyrus. To keep you warm during the festivities there will be complimentary hot chocolate, coffee & cookies.
The Shipyards, North Vancouver, https://www.lowerlonsdalebusinessassociation.com

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December 7, 2013
The Langley Centennial Museum in Fort Langley, BC is once again capturing the spirit of Christmas past with their annual Pioneer Christmas event.  On Saturday December 7th, the museum will host families at a program in the morning and at one in the afternoon that harkens back to simple days gone by.  The Museum will be transformed into a virtual pioneer Christmas town with various stations throughout, intended to delight and entertain those young in heart.
At the Museum’s front door, children will be greeted by a banker and a railway ticket agent. The banker will give each child a penny allowance, while the ticket agent will hand them their time travel pass providing access to the many stations they can visit while at the Museum.  The journey to meet Santa will be filled with many fun activities along the way. The penny will come in handy when they visit the Museum’s general store. Here they can hand the store clerk the shiny coin for a piece of penny candy or another delicious treat.
https://recexpress.tol.bc.ca/Start/Start.asp by entering barcode 432515 for the morning program or barcode 432514 for the afternoon session. Come experience “Christmas Past” and help create a future family memory, for you and your children, that is unique and special.
Families can also register by telephone when calling the Museum at 604.532.3536.

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December 7, 2013
A Lantern Affair Celebration of Light
Free Admission | All Ages
Come celebrate light at this dark time of year at Carré Heritage Square’s
A Lantern Affair. Place des Arts’ new Theatre Company ushers in the warmth of light in a multi-cultural lantern ceremony featuring special guest actor Simon Webb. A host of fun arts and heritage activities, live music and song, a winter carnival and a festive market brighten up this free community event. Place des Arts | www.placedesarts.ca

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December 7, 2013
Come to Galloway's Burnaby for free good-for you cooking talks & demos.
Go Nuts with Annie!
Saturday, December 7, 2pm-3pm
Make sinfully delicious healthy cakes and appetizers using nuts instead of flours with Galloway's owner Annie Muljiani.
Spots are limited so reserve your place today! To register, www.gallowaysfoods.com or sandi@gallowaysfoods.com.

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December 7 - 8, 2013
Christmas in Harrison Mills
Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way, with crafts, carolers and Father Christmas.
Event is free with admission
Kilby Historic Site
215 Kilby RD, Harrison Mills
www.kilby.ca
604-796- 9576

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December 8, 2013
Santa Parade Lights Up Cloverdale!
The best place to warm up your Christmas Spirit will be at the 8th Annual Surrey's Santa Parade of Lights that now starts in the historic downtown of Cloverdale. This colourful parade features special guests from "Central City's Santa's Big Rigs for Kids" which is made up of lighted big rigs & trucks from The Island Equipment Owners Association & many local Fraser Valley trucks. Surrey's Santa parade also includes floats, boats, horses, marching units, antique cars/trucks, buses & of course at the end of the parade will be Santa. This year the parade starts a half hour earlier at 5pm from the Cloverdale Fairgrounds parking lot and will make its way to the historic 176 Street via 60th Ave. to 177B St. Then south on 177B St. and right on 58 Ave. The parade heads west to 176 St. & then turns left & heads south to Highway #10. The Cloverdale portion of the parade is organized by the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce & the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association.
Cloverdale Town Centre, https://www.cloverdalebia.com

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December 11 - 30, 2013
Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley
Enjoy festively-decorated Trolleys equipped with karaoke machines, for guests' holiday singing enjoyment. Trolleys depart at 6:30 pm from the Canada Place. Upon pickup, guests will sing their way past the city lights of downtown before arriving at Bright Nights at Stanley Park. After being given some time to walk through the light display and take in Stanley Park's holiday magic, the tour will continue through local light displays on the way to the second stop of the evening, at Van Dusen Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights. A donation to the Burn Fund is included in each ticket. Reservations required. https://www.vancouvertrolley.com

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December 11 - 31, 2013
Van Dusen Gardens Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Garden is transformed into a holiday wonderland every Christmas during this festival that delights young & old alike with seasonal displays & more than one million sparkling lights wrapped around trees & trellises. Guests can glimpse Santa walking through the garden or cozying up in his living room reading stories to kids of all ages. Admission is $14.25 for adults, $10.50 for seniors & youth & $7.75 for children; children 2 & under receive free admission. Closed December 25.
5251 Oak St., Vancouver, https://www.vandusengarden.org

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December 13, 2013
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS A Little Jazz & Joy.  By Vancouver Chamber ChoirRyerson United Church

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December 14, 2013
Holiday Market
Want a holly, jolly, local holiday this year? Make the 18th Annual Holiday Market your one stop shop for gorgeous gifts, gourmet goodies & festive entertaining!
With close to 80 VFM craft, prepared food & seasonal nursery vendors all under one roof, the Holiday Market showcases the best in local handmade products. Jewelry, metalwork, wood craft, ceramics, textiles, soap & body care, printmaking & paper are just a few of the fine crafts featured at this year's market. Shop for all your loved ones while stocking your holiday larder with seasonal baking, artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolate & candy, specialty vinegars, sauces & spice blends, preserves, honey, hand roasted coffee & much more. From 10am-4pm
Croatian Cultural Centre, 604-879-3276, https://www.eatlocal.org

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December 14, 2013
Santa Photo Day & Concert
Oh, Oh, Ohhh !! Santa will be arriving in the Mall’s Centre Court on Saturday December 14, 2013 from 1-3PM ! Kids can strike a holiday pose with Santa and tell him what they want for the holidays at City Square Shopping Centre. It's a great way to capture a holiday memory that families will be looking back on for years to come! For the early birds we have a special surprise !!! free Live concert from 11am to 12pm with a renowned children's performer and Juno Award Winner :)
All ages welcome. Free event. No registration needed. Drop-in
address:
City Square Shopping Centre
555 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/CitySquareVancouver

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December 14 - 15, 2013
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music" is coming to Abbotsford!
When the new music teacher’s instruments go missing, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more come to the rescue and discover instruments they never knew existed. Children learn that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together! “Elmo Makes Music” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with, such as “C Is For Cookie” and “The Alphabet Song”. www.abbotsfordcentre.ca

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December 18, 2013
Children’s Choir – Christmas Concert
We are delighted to announce that The Shaughnessy Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Musicians conducted by Beverley Neville will perform at our Mall’s Centre Court on Wednesday, December 18 from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm. This group of approximately 40 students from The Shaughnessy Elementary School is comprised of children between the ages of 10 and 13 yrs. (gr 5 - 7). They will bring everybody merry sharing the joys of music and the excitement of a live concert :)
All ages welcome. Free event. No registration needed. Drop-in
address:
City Square Shopping Centre
555 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/CitySquareVancouver

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December 20, 2013
VSO Tiny Tots: Holiday Hooray!
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents: Tiny Tots. Hooray, hooray, we will all play in the snow today! Celebrate the holiday season with sing-along snow songs and move-along miniatures from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker! Featuring a brass trio. Performances for children up to five years of age, focusing on early childhood development through enjoyable and entertaining music education. This series features professional music educators and musicians, Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa & Linda, in their own musical presentations for kids. Vancouver Playhouse, https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/concert/13TOTS02/

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December 20, 2013
Winter Solstice @ WE
Everyone is welcome to our Winter Solstice family fun to celebrate the  longest day of the year! Bring your instruments and your lanterns and join  in our walking lantern procession and musical parade! West End Community Centre will be hosting a variety of Solstice activities, lantern making, musical entertainment and a magical Solstice skate in the rink. Come  celebrate Winter Solstice with us!
West End Community Centre Association

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December 27, 2013
Critical Mass in Vancouver; Critical Mass is a grassroots reclamation of public space -- a bike ride and skate -- held the last Friday of every month. You are invited to enjoy the safety and comfort in the car-free space that we create by simply riding together! Bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, self propelled couches, and any other form of human powered locomotion are all welcomed! We ride around the city wherever people want to go - this is decided collectively - the length of the ride depends on enthusiasm and is also collectively decided. No one who comes is forced to or needs to break the law in order to participate.  Meet 5 to 5:30 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, leave at 6pm; Critical Mass in Vancouver (https://www.bikesexual.org/cm/)

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December 28 - 31, 2013
Alberta Ballet performs a holiday classic The Nutcracker
Ballet BC presents: Alberta Ballet’s sugar-plum version of the traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker returns with riveting storytelling that invites everyone to share in the rich and festive holiday spirit. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, with spectacular sets and costumes by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, The Nutcracker takes place in the opulent grandeur of 19th century Imperial Russia. Danced to the glorious Tchaikovsky score, played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, this production “…sparkles like a Fabergé egg…” says the Vancouver Sun and extravagantly displays more than a million dollars in stunning sets and costumes. Add scores of dancing children, mice dressed as soldiers and snowflakes as princesses; and this ballet offers pure family entertainment and a great addition to your holiday traditions. The Nutcracker returns to the Queen Elizabeth for five performances Dec 28 to 31, 2013.https://www.balletbc.com/2013_nutcracker.html

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Ongoing until December 29, 2013
Nikkei National Museum presents a new exhibition: A Call for Justice: Fighting for Japanese Canadian Redress (1977-1988)
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, https://centre.nikkeiplace.org/a-call-for-justice/

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January 12, 2014
Concerts Café Classico -  LCMS Chamber Players
L’histoire du Tango. LCMS faculty Joel Stobbe, cello, Marcel Bergmann, piano, and Paolo Bortolussi, flute will heat up the winter with a programme featuring the music of Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos and a new Tango by Marcel Bergmann. Langley Community Music School. 4899 207 Street, Langley. www.langleymusic.com

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January 25, 2013
The Family Fun Fair is a FREE event bringing together parents and kids with engaging and entertaining exhibitors and vendors, in the heart of historic New Westminster. 30 tables will provide parents with information, resources, products and services. Kids of all ages will be entertained by music, face painting, balloon art crafts, and a special guest appearance. Ideally situated at New Westminster’s River Market at the New Westminster Quay.
Location: River Market at 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster; https://nwfamilyfunfair.wordpress.com/

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Ongoing to January 5, 2014
MARY POPPINS. Watch Mary Poppins fly over the rooftops of London, and feel like a kid again! Remember, anything can happen if you let it. This family musical features the unforgettable songs from the popular Disney film—“A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”—plus some catchy new ones. Practically perfect in every way, the tale of everyone’s favourite magical nanny will sweep you off your feet. Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage

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Ongoing to January 5, 2014
Foncie's Fotos - Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver presents an exhibit of the works of Foncie Pulice, the last man standing from Vancouver's great era of post-war street photography. Creator of about 15 million images over his lifetime, Foncie captured Vancouverites in action as they strode the city streets. His photographs trigger vivid memories for long-time residents who recall the particular day, the hour, their companions, the circumstances. https://www.museumofvancouver.ca

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Ongoing to January 5, 2014
Christmas at FlyOver Canada
Over the Christmas holidays, guests to FlyOver Canada will enjoy a Christmas-themed pre-show before taking off on an exhilarating flight-ride experience. Additional highlights include ice sculpture carving demonstrations, live performances of holiday music & tasty treats (including hot apple cider, hot chocolate, waffles & candied nuts). Admission is $19.95 for adults (ages 18 & older), $17.95 for students, youth & seniors & $14.95 for children (ages 4 to 12). Closed Christmas Day - Dec 25th. Dec 24 show times are 10-5 pm.  Canada Place, https://www.flyovercanada.com

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Ongoing to January 14, 2014
Sarah Northcott and Diane Espiritu
District Foyer Gallery
2D Sarah Northcott (abstract paintings):  Sarah likes to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and how intrinsically interesting and aesthetically pleasing our everyday can be. She was introduced to art by her grandpa who loved to show her how to get her hands dirty in clay and paint.
3D Diane Espiritu (Ceramics): A ceramic designer with a passion for crafting elegant, functional tableware and architectural decor. Diane finds purpose and pleasure working with her hands to execute each stage of the process of creating. She is motivated by the beauty of a fleeting moment, aspiring to capture the essence of her experiences and ideas in an art form that evokes emotion.
District Hall, 355 West Queens Road; www.nvartscouncil.ca

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Ongoing to January 20, 2014
Love our Bodies, Love Ourselves Wristband Challenge!  Presented by the Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness (PEDAW) campaign.
The challenge is open to residents of all ages across B.C.  We are looking for photos that feature our Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves wristbands.  Be creative!  Photos that are submitted by January 20th, 2014 will be considered for our featured photo of the day throughout the month of February in order to spread awareness around eating disorders.  Don't have a wristband yet?  Email us with your mailing address and we'll send you one for FREE:  pedaw@familyservices.bc.ca 
Full details are available here:  https://bit.ly/wristbandpedaw

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Ongoing to January 22, 2014
Luminescence at Vancouver Aquarium
Get into the holiday spirit by exploring this celebration of aquatic light. Gaze at a display of 100-plus origami jellyfish, marvel at an electric eel-powered holiday tree & learn how sea creatures create & reflect light. Take a virtual tour through the depths of the ocean with a deep-dive installation & don't miss the exhilarating 4-D film Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas. Afterwards, continue the journey to a winter wonderland in Canada's Arctic Gallery & meet Scuba Claus. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for students, youth & seniors & $14 for children (ages 4 to 12). https://www.vanaqua.org

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February 7 - 22, 2014
Shrek the Musical.  Shrek the Musical, a new musical comedy, will be making its debut in Western Canada in February, 2014. The show is based on the Oscar-Award winning Dreamworks movie, and follows the hilarious story of Shrek and Donkey as they embark on an unexpected journey to rescue a beautiful princess with an ugly secret. Becoming an unlikely champion, Shrek is enlisted to petition the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad.
Michael J Fox Theatre, info@alignentertainment.cawww.alignentertainment.ca

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March 1, 2014
Jonathan Crow, violin
Andrew Wan, violin
Eric Nowlin, viola
Brian Manker, cello
Canada's top string quartet…they've taken our chamber music scene by storm….” (CBC 2013)
In the short time since its creation in 2009, the New Orford String Quartet has seen astonishing success, giving annual concerts at the Orford Arts Centre for national CBC broadcast and receiving unanimous critical acclaim, including two Opus Awards for Concert of the Year. Hailed for their “ravishingly beautiful tone” as well as their “extraordinary technical skills and musicianship” the members of the New Orford String Quartet are all principal players in the Montreal and Toronto Symphony Orchestras.  Langley Community Music School. 4899 207 Street, Langley. www.langleymusic.com

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March 1, 2014
Rose Gellert Concerts Daniel Bolshoy, Guitar
Mr. Bolshoy has performed as a soloist with many orchestras internationally and across Canada as well as performing for many prestigious festivals. A guitar virtuoso, he has recorded several CDs and will be performing works from his new CD featuring works by Paraguayan composer Agustín Pío Barrios, the Spanish composers Joaquin Rodrigo and Regino Sainz de la Maza. Langley Community Music School. 4899 207 Street, Langley. www.langleymusic.com

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Ongoing until March 1, 2014
When is a bike also a musical instrument? What sound does a Qarkabeb make? How can you make sound visible?
Visit the ArtStarts Gallery and be immersed in an exciting sonic experience. Sound Play is an interactive exhibition exploring music, acoustics, composition and sound-making, featuring installations and artwork by students from across BC and by professional artists working with young people.
Pedal sound-making bikes, listen to original songs, experiment with a cymasium, play with musical instruments from around the world, and more. Come play with us! The ArtStarts Gallery is located at 808 Richards Street (at Robson) in downtown Vancouver. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.  For more information, visit https://artstarts.com/gallery

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Ongoing to April 6, 2014
Steveston Winter Farmers & Artisan Market
Come join us for amazing artistry, plentiful produce, chef in the market & enchanting entertainers at the 2013 Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market. Sundays bi-weekly from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm beginning October 20 - rain or shine! Inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, corner of 4th Ave & Chatham St, Steveston. 604-729-7326, https://www.sfam.ca

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Ongoing to April 19, 2014
Royal City Farmers Market
Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 11am to 3pm for an exciting and family friendly indoor farmers market!  We’ve 20 to 24 vendors at each market offering fresh local produce, prepared foods and handmade crafts as well as award winning River Market restaurants. Every market we feature live music & kids’ activities!
Come and visit our Kids’ Place upstairs and discover:
• Free Crafts by River Market Volunteers
• Free Yo-Yo Club drop in after 1pm
• Music Box class drop in for kids under 3 (12:30–1:15pm) $6
Royal City Farmers Market is yours to discover on those cold winter days, we’ll keep you warm, dry and happily entertained!
River Market, 810 Quayside Dr, New Westminster,BC just steps away from the New Westminster Skytrain Station. For more information visit our website at www.RCFM.ca

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Ongoing to April 26, 2014
Vancouver Winter Farmers' Market
Check out our Winter Farmers Markets. Everything from organic & conventional produce, meat, cheese & seafood, preserves, baking & bread. Plan to grab lunch from our on-site Creperie or sausage vendor. Warm up with a hot coffee on a cold winter day & start shopping. We'll also have select craft vendors selling high quality craft items for gifts & treats for yourself. Don't forget your reusable bags & parking in the area is limited so walk, bike or take transit if you can.
Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm, 4610 Ontario St. Vancouver; https://www.eatlocal.org, 604-879-3276








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