Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Greet the official arrival of winter with this time-honoured tradition. For the past 35 years, the annual festival has illuminated the dark sky with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music and dancing. There are also lantern-making classes you can register in advance for.
When: Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Processions leave from Performance Works on Granville Island and Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown
Dorg’s Christmas Sing-a-Long
This year marks 46 years of the Christmas carol sing-a-long held on Vancouver’s West Side on Dec. 23. This year, the organizer hopes to hit the group’s goal of fundraising more than $250,000 for The Salvation Army’s Vancouver Harbour Light. The carolling group of about 50 men will be out in force singing on the streets of West Point Grey and Kitsilano. They take the same carolling route every year: up West Fourth Avenue to Alma Street, from Alma Street to West Broadway, and east along West Broadway for five or six blocks. Spot them, and give a listen, and some bucks if you can.
When: Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m.
Where: West Point Grey and Kitsilano
Gastown Not-So-Silent Nights
Stroll the streets, shop and get into the spirit of the season in Gastown. Shoppers will love the extended shopping hours at several area retailers, making checking folks off the list for gifts a lot easier. Some stores will also be offering special pricing and giveaways, so you can benefit from supporting Gastown’s retailers, too. In addition to twinkling lights hung throughout Gastown, you can enjoy a unique temporary art installation that will light up the night in a different way — keep your eyes on the Leckie Building. Listen to the sounds of Notre Dame – Platinum Girls & Iron Men and Sweet Scarlet, who will be carolling for a cause in the neighbourhood.
When: Dec. 19-20 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Gastown
Home Alone with the VSO
Experience the comical film with enchanting sound as the VSO performs renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score. Watch young Kevin McAllister make the most of his time stuck at home — and foil some crooks — in Chicago after his family accidentally leaves him behind over the holidays.
When: Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St.
Plant-Based Vancouver Holiday Market
Head to the Juice Truck’s Main Street location for this three-day pop-up shop celebrating all things plant-based. Get some goodies or items for enjoying over the Christmas break or for giving as gifts. Vendors include NutMeg Mylk, Kula Kitchen, Eat the Dishes, Yoggu, Earnest Ice Cream, Say Hello Sweets, the HABIT Project and more.
When: Dec. 20 to 22
Where: The Juice Truck, 4236 Main St.
With files from Elana Shepert and Elisia Seeber
