It might take a while for the city to come down from the vibrant buzz of the Eras Tour, there’s still plenty of entertainment in the city to pick from this week.
Panto: It’s a beautiful day in Trout Lake for Robin Hood and the Merry-Thems but the dastardly Sheriff has other plans—privatization! That’s the setting for Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Robin Hood running to January 5, 2025 at The Cultch – York Theatre
Narnia: Carousel Theatre presents Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People Production of C.S. Lewis’ beloved classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Waterfront Theatre playing to the public December 14 & 15.
Tent: Cirque du Soleil ECHO continues until January 5, 2025 under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place
Films: The 4th Vancouver International Black Film Festival returns for another edition amplifying Black voices in-person at various venues as well as online, December 13 to 17.
Orphan: For it’s annual holiday extravaganza, Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, the award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel, is on the Gateway Mainstage from December 12 to January 4
Cabaret: Back by popular demand, The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret brings back the jolly, music-makers to mix up a sweet blend of their favourite hits with some exciting new toe-tapping tunes at The Arts Club Newmount Stage at BMO Theatre Centre until December 22
Miracle: Do you believe in Santa Claus? The holiday favourite Miracle on 34th Street at The Arts Club – Granville Island Stage, brings the classic film to life until December 29
Dolly: Continuing until December 24, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol shifts the setting of Dicken’ Victoria classic to Dolly’s beloved Smoky Mountains at The Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Future: Wrapping up this weekend, Griffin Art Projects presents Future Worldings, a group exhibition of six artists whose practices have an emphasis on decolonial practices, on display until December 15th
Ice: Rogers Arena hosts Vancouver Canucks vs Florida Panthers on Thursday evening, then Saturday night vs Boston Bruins
Box: Will Friday the 13th be lucky for the Vancouver Warriors as they host Rochester Knighthawks for their home opener at Rogers Arena
Panto: December 13 to January 5, 2025 Metro Theatre’s Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime brings its interactive annual audience favourite panto to the stage
St Paul’s: Take a stroll to view the annual Lights Of Hope campaign bringing in much needed funds for the hospital. Stroll past, enjoy the lights, donate to Lights of Hope, Sponsor a Star, or purchase a Hope at Home Star.
Laughs: The Improv Centre’s holiday hijinx Merry/Happy/Jolly is under the control of the audience who will suggest the setting, antagonist, love interest, until December 28 at The Improv Centre Granville Island
Trees: Until January 1, stroll the Canadian Trail West Promenade and North Point of Canada Place beneath the Sails of Light, take in the heritage Woodward’s Windows and the Avenue of Trees at Christmas at Canada Place
Fair: PNE Winter Fair has become one of Vancouver’s must do event for the Festive season, this weekend the fairgrounds will be filled with activities, illuminations and entertainment from 4pm to 10pm until December 23
Reading: Tonight, Massey Theatre presents, Reading Theatre, featuring Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, lead by Senior Artist in Residence and Vancouver theatre stalwart, Allan Morgan, this program invites everyone to take part in live readings of iconic plays. From seasoned professional, an inquisitive amateur, or simply love the magic of storytelling, you’re welcome to join the fun.
Scrooge: Closing on Sunday, Dickens’ timeless A Christmas Carol is brought to life at Presentation House Theatre with an atmospheric and scenic reading of a beloved Christmas classic, narrated by Leslie Dos Remedios with live music performed by a full jazz band of talented students from Sentinel Secondary in West Vancouver
Bridge: Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park illuminates the park until January 19, 2025 with hundreds of thousands of lights turn the coastal rainforest into a glittering fantasy forest, that you can walk high above on the transformed Treetops Adventure, and across the twinkling Cliffwalk.
Reflections: Until December 22, Firehall Arts Centre welcomes the quirky, fantasy Ann Mortifee’s Reflection on Crooked Walking the Juno Award-nominated family musical tells the tale of four people who find themselves the only ones left awake, surrounded by sleeping townspeople.
Baggins: Until December 21, Pacific Theatre presents the world premiere production of Kim Selody’s The Hobbit, bringing JRR Tolkien’s storytelling masterpiece to life with two actors, and a dragon’s hoard of theatre magic.
Sing: Sunday, join the 65 singers of United Voices Choir, soloists and orchestra for a special Sing-Along edition of George Frideric Handel’s glorious Messiah at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church
Market: For a 14th season, the beloved German-style, Vancouver Christmas Market opens with more than 90 artisan huts, a lively line-up of holiday entertainment – performing on the Flying Stage from Vancouver’s only Christmas Pyramid, for can’t miss Festival Fun at Jack Poole Plaza until Christmas Eve.
Hustle: At Amazing Brentwood, Heart & Hustle Brentwood Bliss Holiday Market is a new free holiday market showcasing local vendors with unique gifts in a festive surroundings and entertainment on every Sunday until 11am-7pm until December 22nd
Country: Thunderbird Show Park, BC’s premier equestrian show park, welcomes a new family-friendly holiday event, Christmas in the Country. From December 5 to 29 the main indoor riding arena and a festive winter dome will be decked out in holiday lights, décor and displays.
Hollywood: Capture your own Christmas scenes at a unique Hollywood-style film backlot as Martini Town Merry & Bright opens for the season tonight, bringing a winter wonderland straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie until January 5, 2025
Heritage: Burnaby Village Museum brings history to life with Heritage Christmas welcoming guests to wander the museum’s 10 acre venue taking in all the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and traditional lights and decorations. Grab a bite at the new Mai’s Café, take a ride the classic Carousel until January 3, 2025