It’s Show Time! Live Performances Around B.C. for an Entertaining Holiday Season

The holiday spirit is alive and kicking—high kicks with pointed toes, at that. This season boasts an entertaining lineup of music, theatre, dance and more. Check out these festive ideas at venues across B.C.—and book your tickets now.

1. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Presented by RBC

For many, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Nutcracker. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker, presented by RBC, returns to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver from December 18 to 21, with Tchaikovsky’s classic score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Maestro Leslie Dala and featured international ballet dancers. The World of The Nutcracker offers pre-show activities and interactive displays, photo ops and a holiday shop that sells gifts, ornaments and pointe shoes signed by the principal dancers. You’ll see this ex-dancer author in line for the latter.

2. Every Elf for Themself by Holiday Comedy Rumble

The Comedy Department’s Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themself is back, and “the jokes are sharp, the energy’s high, and the eggnog has attitude,” says co-founder Denise Jones. If you’ve not immersed yourself in this brand of high-level improv before, it’s time to. Prepare to release your “bowlful of jelly” Santa-laugh, because this talented team of funny folks are quick, clever and smart. Catch the performance at The Show Cellar, Vancouver, on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20.

3. Christmas With Chor Leoni

Christmas with Chor Leoni runs from December 18 to 20 at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United in downtown Vancouver. Set in this beautiful historical church and bathed in calming candlelight, the voices of this men’s choir will surround you in seasonal spirit. “We aim to fulfill every listener’s Christmas wish list with surround-sound singing of ancient and new and send audiences into the Christmas season full of hope, light, and a renewed sense of purpose for the holiday season that lies ahead,” says Erick Lichte, the artistic director of Chor Leoni.

4. The Gingerbread Men: Yet Another Holiday Cabaret

Do you love the old-timey sound of four-part harmonies as much as I do? The Gingerbread Men: Yet Another Holiday Cabaret harkens back to the Christmasy performances of classic crooners on stage and the silver screen. With the voices of Brennan Cuff, Brandyn Eddy, Jeffrey Victor and Jonathan Winsby, this Arts Club Theatre Company presentation takes place December 17 to 21 at the BMO Theatre Centre.

5. It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical is the story of George Bailey, based on the 1946 film. The iconic Christmas tale is coming to the Theatre in the Country stage in Langley until December 13. How about dinner and a show? Make it a feast-ive evening and choose the dinner theatre option when ordering tickets. Book soon as shows are selling out.

6. Hollywood Harmonies for the Holidays

Grab some popcorn and settle in for a cozy Christmas evening. On December 9, historian (and eggnog enthusiast) Michael van den Bos will be hosting Hollywood Harmonies for the Holidays at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver. A collection of clips from some classic and contemporary Christmas-themed films is presented by the knowledgeable and highly entertaining host. Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Elvis and more are sure to make appearances.

7. The Enchanted Forest at Squamish Canyon

Squamish Canyon’s Enchanted Forest has the canyon decked out for the holidays. There’s plenty of entertainment in this winter wonderland (that’s family-friendly, too). Every Sunday at noon, the Forest Lounge puts on Canyon Host Story Time. Plus, Movies on the Boardwalk show holiday favourites. Check out the Noon-Years Eve Party on December 31 at 11 a.m., with live music, games and a fun countdown to noon. Why wait until midnight?

8. Holiday Concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) hosts many holiday events around B.C., and the Orpheum, with its grand dame historical vibe, is my favourite venue. Watch a festive movie on a giant screen with a live orchestra playing the score, like The Holiday, in concert on December 4 and 5 (nearly sold out!). Christopher Gaze hosts the annual Traditional Christmas concert on December 21 (with performances around Metro Vancouver leading up to that Sunday), featuring classic carols you can’t help but sing along to.

9. A Very Merry Motown

A Very Merry Motown: Songs and Stories for All Ages with Krystle Dos Santos and Friends is set to take over the Firehall Arts Centre this holiday season. Running December 17 to 28, the special rendition of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Motown Style, should put the cool in your yule.

10. Annie at the Gateway Theatre

 

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The Gateway Theatre’s Annie promises the “sun’ll come out tomorrow,” running from December 11 to January 3 in Richmond. The classic Tony Award-winning musical is one you can see with the kids—and will want to on repeat. “There’s something truly magical about seeing little Annie’s optimism light up the stage, and when Sandy bounds in, well, it’s impossible not to root for them,” says director Josh Epstein. “This production celebrates hope, joy and the power of connection. It’s everyone’s favourite classic musical that will tug at your heartstrings and have you hugging your loved ones a little tighter this holiday season.”

11. Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story

The Cultch presents Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story, now running until January 11 at the York Theatre. Now in its thirteenth year, and a family-friendly tradition, this show focuses on a freak atmospheric tsunami that strands West Van influencer Holly and her curling crew, The Hurry Hards, deep in the wilds of East Van. Holiday antics? Aplenty.

12. ‘Tis the Sitcom at The Improv Centre

’Tis the Sitcom at The Improv Centre on Granville Island runs until December 30, focusing on a TV sitcom about a group of friends living in the big city. Seasonal moments are sure to inspire serious laughs, plus Christmas commercials add to the charm.

13. Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

 

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Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park delights every holiday season, now until January 18. With millions of twinkling lights and elevated decor, this is as winter wonderland as it gets—including with festive live music around the park and near the boutique and restaurant.

14. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Looking for a holiday gift to give to your favourite musical theatre lover? They’ll look forward to the January 20 to 25 performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical), coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Baz Luhrmann’s eye-candy film comes to life onstage, a celebration of 160 years of music—from Offenbach to Lady Gaga.

15. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Another excellent gift for a Broadway fan this holiday season is tickets to the 12-time Tony Award-nominated musical, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Co-produced by the Queen of Rock and Roll herself, the musical is making its debut in Victoria at the Royal Theatre from January 6 to 11.