Holidays

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Hot Entertainment: Vancouver Christmas Events

Dress Like Santa Day at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo by Emmanual Mendes Dos Santos courtesy www.coastphoto.com

Christmas Spirit

Don your best gear—your best Old Saint Nick gear, that is—and head to Whistler Blackcomb for the annual Dress Like Santa Day, when the first 50 folks outfitted like Mr. or Mrs. Claus can ski for free (Dec. 17). The jolly old elf always makes a grand West Coast entrance for Christmas in Steveston, arriving in a whale watching boat (Dec. 3 to 23). Winter Harp celebrates the season with a concert of harps and rare medieval instruments in St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (Dec. 17). Goh Ballet brings to life Clara, the Mouse King and the rest of the beloved characters in Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker at The Centre (Dec. 15 to 18).—Sheri Radford

More information:

DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY Whistler Blackcomb. Toll-free 1-800-766-0449. www.whistler blackcomb.com

CHRISTMAS IN STEVESTON Toll-free 1-877-247-0777. www.tourismrichmond.com

WINTER HARP 7:30 pm. $37.25. St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1022 Nelson St. at Burrard. Tickets 604-684-2787. www.winterharp.com

THE NUTCRACKER BY GOH BALLET 7:30 pm. Matinees Sa-Su 2 pm. $28+. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St. Tickets 1-855-985-2787. www.goh ballet.com

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for December 2 to 4

Minor Empire plays the National Arts Centre on Dec. 3.

Friday, Dec. 2
If you’re looking for something different and interesting, come check out Minor Empire, a Toronto-based band composed of Turkish and Canadian musicians. The band will be performing music from their debut album Second Nature, which brings together traditional Turkish music and electro-jazz. Minor Empire has received rave reviews and performed at the Sunfest World Music Festival and the Markham Jazz Festival. Catch them this Friday night, along with special guest Jane Bunnett.

The magic of The Nutcracker is coming to life this weekend at the National Arts Centre. The Pennsylvania Ballet will be performing the iconic show in the George Balanchine style, where children play the lead roles (with no allusion to romance between them) and the costumes and set design are gloriously rich. This holiday classic is sure to melt your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit. Show runs Thursday through Sunday with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Canadian choral music will be at its finest this weekend at Coro Vivo Ottawa’s concert,”Northern Lights.” This large, vibrant choir will celebrate the uniqueness of Canadian choral compositions by showcasing some of the finest. Among them are Eleanor Daly’s arrangement of the “Huron Carol” and Mark Sirett’s “Dormi Jesu.” If you’re a choir music aficionado, or just looking to enjoy some fine music for an evening, this concert is sure to please. Concerts on both Friday and Saturday.

Saturday, Dec. 3
It’s back! Head out to 101 Frames, the annual fundraising auction where people can bid on fascinating, one-of-a-kind artwork at Gallery 101. This is the fourth year with the theme “the seven deadly sins.” In past years, eager art-goers were able to see artists’ interpretations of wrath, pride, and lust — and now’s it’s gluttony’s turn. After the auction, people get to indulge in a groovy dance party and live entertainment. Gluttony never looked so good! (more…)

The Jet-Setter Gift Guide

Is there a stylish travel lover in your life who has everything?

We’re willing to bet he or she doesn’t have at least one of the 19 items on Toronto Life‘s gift list for glamourous “jet-setters and playboys”. A fox-fur chapka, perhaps? A deck of golden playing cards?

At the very least, you might find something to add to your own wish list!

See all 19 items at TorontoLife.com.

Image by Alessandro Trezzi

Hot Dates: A Taste of Germany at the Vancouver Christmas Market

The busy and festive Vancouver Christmas Market

November 24 to December 24

The holidays are just around the corner, and to help kick off the season the Vancouver Christmas Market sets up shop in bustling downtown. Peruse the Bavarian-style wooden booths for everything from hand-knit sweaters to German tinker toys to elaborate glass ornaments. Afterwards chow down on a bratwurst or schnitzel, then warm up with a cup of glühwein—warm, spiced wine—or imported beer.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET (Nov 24-Dec 24). 11 am-9 pm. $5, 7-12 $2, under 7 free. Early-bird admission $2, 11 am-4 pm M-F. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 600 Hamilton St. 604-924-4506. www.vancouverchristmas
market.com

Hot Art: Visit Van Dop

"Lost to the Wind" by Carole Arnston at Van Dop Gallery

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and to celebrate, the appointment-only Van Dop Gallery is throwing open its doors to the public on Saturdays from Nov. 12 to 30 for Spirit of the Season. You’ll have lots of choices for your holiday gift list with pieces by over 100 Canadian artists, including Carole Arnston‘s “Lost to the Wind” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:

VAN DOP GALLERY 421 Richmond St., New Westminster. 604-521-7887. www.vandopgallery.com

Hot Shopping: Crafty Creations

Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market

The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Dates: Happy Halloween

Halloween charms from Thomas Sabo

October 31
Celebrate Oct. 31—grown-up style—with autumn-inspired charms from Thomas Sabo. Sure, you’re no longer getting decked out in your ghoulish best, trick-or-treating from house to house, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating All Hallows’ Eve altogether. Pop by Thomas Sabo’s new Oakridge Centre store to choose charms of your own, or model your bracelet or necklace after the acorn and pumpkin combo shown above. Other options for ringing in this scary holiday: pints of pumpkin ale and creepy, festive decorations at HomeSense.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Thomas Sabo, Oakridge Centre, 650 West 41st Ave. 604-263-7226.

www.thomassabo.com

Homesense, 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406.

www.homesense.ca

Hot Shopping: Trick or Treat

Bath & Body Works's haunted Halloween product line

Turn your humble abode into a haunted house with spooky soaps, sprays and sanitizers from Bath & Body Works. Scents range from sweet cinnamon pumpkin to caramel apple to marshmallow, but it’s really the names that send a shiver up the spine: Zombie Tonic, Bat Bite and Spider Cider.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Pacific Centre, 701 W. Georgia St. 604-678-8745.

Richmond Centre, 6551 No. 3 Rd., Richmond. 604-295-8052.

www.bathandbodyworks.com

Hot Dates: Christmas Market Preview

"Toboggan Table" by Kino Guérin

October 7 to November 1

It’s never too early to sort out your naughty and nice holiday gift lists. For those who have been good all year, check out Circle Craft Shop and Gallery’s Christmas Market Preview. This in-gallery exhibit, a precursor to next month’s big show at the Vancouver Convention Centre, highlights some promising artists, including Kino Guérin. Ward off the winter blues with his cheeky “Toboggan Table” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT SHOP AND GALLERY This colourful showcase, an artist’s cooperative, is packed with handcrafted jewellery, home accessories, wearable art, gifts and toys in fibre, clay, metal, glass and wood, of traditional and contemporary design.

1-1666 Johnston St. 604-669-8021. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Shopping: Holiday Sparkle

Charm your way into your loved one's heart with these winter charms by Thomas Sabo

From stars and snowflakes to sleighs and boots, Thomas Sabo’s winter-themed charms make great little gifts. These beauties come as singles, or buy a bracelet or necklace chock-full of them. This Christmas don’t just decorate the tree, decorate yourself. Available online at www.thomassabo.com.—Sarah Rolling