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 December 12-18, 2024. Please note that you can now get the Scout List – with a few extra pieces of intel included – sent to your inbox every Thursday. Sign up for your subscription here.

LEARN | Join Knowledge Keeper Bob Baker for an evening of stories and teachings about the Winter wisdom of the Squamish People. Hosted by the Secret Lantern Society, this lantern-lit gathering delves into Squamish cultural history, spanning 10,000 years and covering topics such as spirituality, cedar longhouses, sea-going canoes, and legends of the animal kingdom. Bob’s storytelling offers a rare chance to explore the teachings of the Squamish People, including the history of Takaya, the Wolf Clan, and their connection to winter’s darkness. Tickets are limited and available on a sliding scale of $30-$50, with a suggested admission of $35. Reserve yours now. Find out more.

PAUSE | Take some time out this weekend to really appreciate the last days of Fall (Winter officially locks in next week, on Saturday, December 21st). Any forest, beach or field will do; but if you want to get zen about it, consider a visit to Nitobe Memorial Garden, out at UBC. The serene 2½ acre traditional Japanese walking garden comes complete with a bright Koi pond, streams, waterfalls, stone lanterns and a teahouse. Nitobe is open 10am–4:30pm, 7 days a week. Find out more.

WINE | This time of year can be stressful. Wine can help with that. There are still a small number of spots available to attend La Fabrique St-George’s weekly Wine Tour this Friday, December 13th. For $35, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of FSG’s wine cellars led by winemaker Gigi, who will be talking all about the unique natural, Georgian Qvevri (clay fermentation and storage vessels) method of wine-making that the Mount Pleasant winery utilizes. And you’ll get to try some wines for yourself, of course; including three wines-in-the-making, and four currently pouring FSG bottles. Sounds like a great way to wind down at the end of a chaotic week to us! We’re probably not the only ones to think that, though, and there are only 15 spots per tour; so (not that you need any more convincing) but we recommend locking in your tickets HERE now.

WATCH | Writer-director Payal Kapadia’s fiction debut, All We Imagine As Light, is a stunning meditation on the lives of three working-class women living in contemporary Mumbai, navigating its chaotic and quiet moments of love, secrecy, and survival. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of bustling streets and tranquil seascapes, sometimes intertwining and often revealing moments of resilience, conflict and longing. As The Rio puts it: “All We Imagine As Light is a soulful study of the transformative power of friendship and sisterhood, in all its complexities and richness.” Kapadia’s lyrical naturalism and empathy shine, making this soulful portrait of connection. Find out more.

REFLECT | It’s the last full moon of the year this weekend, so it’s all about looking back, moving forward, and soaking up that big celestial energy. To be fair, the chance of crisp weather and clear skies for Sunday is looking iffy, but hold onto hope. If the opportunity presents itself and clouds clear up, take full advantage to admire the full moon. As far as moons go, The Cold Moon (rising Sunday at about 5pm) will be big and bright and worthy of slowing down for. Source yourself the key ingredients (a travel mug full of something warm, good friends, and a view) and soak up the moonlight. Pro tip: Winter beaches are delightfully empty this time of year, if you feel like a quiet and contemplative moon viewing; but if you like the idea of viewing on the move, you can take in the moon while walking east along the False Creek seawall from Granville Island, and ending up at The Keefer Bar for a nice hot “Konayuki” (St Remy Brandy, fino sherry, rhubarbaro, kasu, white chocolate, and sesame with a creamy, savoury, nutty profile). You deserve it!

ANTISOCIAL | There’s an Artsy Craft Mini Market happening at Antisocial Skateboard Shop this Saturday, and honestly, if you’re only hitting up one craft fair this holiday season, this should be it. Not only will the merchandise be kick-ass cool (expect freshly knitted touques, cool ceramics, jewellery, candles, clothing, flowers and more), the venue rocks, the people are nice, and it is just a three-minute walk to ¿CóMO? Taperia for a nice snack and drink after you shop. Make a night of it. Find out more.

SUPPORT | For the love of character and community, DO NOT shop Amazon this holiday season. There are so many solid local reasons not to. Case in point: The THIS Gallery Winter Art Market (open Fridays and Saturdays through December 21st) acts as a vital fundraiser for the gallery and its artists during the slow holiday season, while simultaneously offering shoppers the chance to pick up actually cool original art and handcrafted items made by Vancouver’s creative community. This year’s market also features the launch of ‘THIS Collab Lab’, an in-house platform for showcasing up-cycled goods made from salvaged artist materials (think tote bags made from studio drop cloths) – a sustainable initiative supporting both artists and the environment. THIS Gallery Winter Market prices from $5 to $400, making it a solid stop for both stocking stuffers and standout gifts. Have a look.

DUPLEX | At the very real risk of overloading you with holiday market options, consider hitting Duplex Artist Society this weekend for a decidedly more low-key, alt and artsy version. Members of Duplex and some choice buddies of theirs will be gathering at the space on Saturday afternoon, from 12-5pm, to sell their stuff – think t-shirts, ceramics, stained glass, woodworking, plant-based medicinal goods, and original artworks in various mediums. If you’re already in the hood, and have the energy to spare, why not scope it out? You’re sure to find something unique…Bonus that there will be some rad new art in the gallery space for you to rest your eyes on, courtesy of Liz Toohey-Wiese’s new solo exhibition, Landscapes, Let’s Go, which is holding its opening reception TONIGHT (Thursday, December 12th from 7-9pm). Find out more.

WANDER | December has a way of getting hectic. Traffic, social engagements, shopping – the general velocity of the city jumps up a few notches this month; so for the love of all things wonderful, try to pace yourself! Take a few hours out to wander one of Vancouver’s beaches. No one will be there, and we have lots of them to choose from. Bonus: they’re free. Solitude, clear water and sand – can you give yourself a better present this time of year? This week is expected to be wet, but don’t let that slow you down: put on your rain boots and wander along the seawall from English Bay to under the Granville Street Bridge, where you can take shelter at Au Petit Comptoir for a restorative French meal and a soothing glass of red wine.

INDULGE | Forget the hustle and pressure of the season and focus on the cheer! This is the perfect time of year for an idle cocktail in a proper hotel lounge. There’s something magical about a late afternoon drink in the grandness of an old hotel with its large expanses, high ceilings, luxurious furnishings, and all the international guests transporting you to somewhere quite removed from real life. Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel has a softly lit lounge with a fireplace and holiday themed cocktails. Try it. Leave work early and lean into the holiday vibe.

COMMUNITY. NOT CLICKBAIT.