A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

The Scout List: December 17-25

Things we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week…

WINTER SOLSTICE
Secret Lantern Society’s 15th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. Grab your lanterns and join in a procession celebrating the return of the light after the longest night of the year.
Dec 21 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Processions in several neighbourhoods, check web site

LUMINANCE
Trip out at this “multimedia Winter Solstice celebration that includes film, dance performance, a Winter Solstice dance ritual, original electronic music producers, DJs, an art gallery with live visionary art, original visuals, and much more”.
Dec 20 | 8pm | Scotiabank Dance Centre | $30 (try Highlife)

FILTH AND WISDOM
The general consensus seems to be that Madonna’s talents as a Director (as evidenced by her directorial debut, Filth and Wisdom) eclipse that of her ex, Guy Ritchie. Vancity Theatre’s review reads: “Madge has made a playful, sexy and music-heavy tale of three London roommates who delve into naughty behaviour in pursuit of bigger and brighter futures.” Visit VIFF web site for details.
Dec 19 – 23 | Vancity Theatre | Various times | $10

NUTCRACKER 3D
The Nutcracker 3D features a wonderful enchanted kingdom of spun sugar, ruled by a wooden soldier prince, which springs to life through the magic of IMAX technology. Set in present day London, and featuring a cast of more than 150 performers, it is the grandest, most ambitious dramatic interpretation of The Nutcracker. A must see for the holiday season.”
Dec 20 | 10:00 am | Canada Place | $5 (proceeds to charity)

BLIM WINTER MARKET
The usual craft fair suspects (and a few new ones) congregate at the Cambrian Hall for one of the last craft fairs of the season. Last minute gift ideas that you can pick up at the Blim Winter Market include: cool silk-screen designs from Sedated Clothing, prints from Baby Elephant, nice t-shirts from Civil Disobedience and really cute lunch bags from Down Home Amy Scout fave Billy Would will be there selling reclaimed wood jewellery and be sure to check out Fibremanipulator for great Christmas stocking stuff.
Dec 20 | 12 – 5 PM | The Cambrian Hall (215 E.17th) | FREE

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS
Concertmaster of the Bournemouth Symphony and chamber music specialist Duncan Riddell leads the orchestra from the violin in a performance of Vivaldi’s timeless classic, as well as beautiful chamber works by Mozart and Mendelssohn.
Dec 19 & 20 | 8pm | Chan Centre | Tix ($35 – $59) @ Ticketmaster

WINTER HARP CONCERT
Join this world-class ensemble for an evening of heart-warming carols, songs and stories in celebration of the Christmas and winter season..
Dec 20 | 7:30pm | St. Andrew’s Wesley Church | Tix ($32) @ Ticketstonight or Zulu

A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Canadian song stylist, jazz singer and multi-Juno Award winner Holly Cole performs at the Red Robinson Theatre.
Dec 19 | 8pm | Red Robinson Show Theatre | you’re looking at about $45 – ticketmaster

KID KOALA
Kid Koala Returns to the Biltmore with special guests Kutapira & Afronaut
Dec 22 & 23 | Biltmore Cabaret | Tickets $18 in advance at Zulu or Red Cat

STANLEY PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
To get yourself into the holiday spirit grab a hot chocolate and a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts and take a ride on the Stanley Park Christmas train. Cuddle up with a loved one as the tiny train chugs its way through a heavily decorated forest while Christmas carols get cranked through speakers dotting the surrounds. Afterward, walk over to the farmyard to savour the smell of a manger from way back when (the kids love the bunny rabbits too). It is recommended that you buy tickets in advance.?
Until JAN 3 | 3:00 – 10:00 pm | Stanley Park |Train Ride: $8 Adults / $5 Kids Walk through: FREE

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Take an invigorating walk through a 15 acre garden festively lit by more than a million dazzling lights.
Until Jan 4 | 4:30 pm to 9:00 |VanDusen Botanical Garden | Adults – $11, Children $8

GRANVILLE ISLAND YULETIDE MARKET
In addition to the exciting, seasonal gathering of artisans to booths in the Market proper, each weekend from now until Christmas will also see an outdoor market in adjacent Triangle Square complete with heated tents and hot chocolate (don’t drive all the way in, ride those cute little ferries). Oh, and did you know that Lee’s has gingerbread donuts now? They are only available during the month of December.?
Weekends in Dec | 9:00 am – 5pm | Granville Island Market | FREE

Transition Into 2024 with Some Quality Downtime

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from now until January 8th, 2024.

Scout List, Vol. 601

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, right now.

Scout List, Vol. 600

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from March 30th to April 5th, 2023.

Scout List, Vol. 599

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver over the days and weeks ahead.