Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for December 1 to 7

Sing in the streets, celebrate the Caesar, get your holiday shopping done + more

1. Shipyards Christmas Market – Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2

Get in the spirit of the season with a visit to the Shipyards Christmas Market to pick up presents from local artisan vendors and enjoy family friendly activities under twinkling lights inside the Pipe Shop Building.
The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. December 1st and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 2nd; Free, with donations welcome

2. Kitsilano Winter Market – Saturday, December 1

Meet the neighbours and get started on your holiday shopping at the annual indoor Kitsilano Winter Market at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, where you’ll find local gifts and sustainable goods as well as food and treats to enjoy.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $2 admission, with children under 12 free; Details online

3. Wesbrook Winter Festival 2018: Etsy Vancouver Market – Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2

In addition to plenty of gift ideas—from jewelry to homeware, accessories to crafts—the Wesbrook Winter Festival 2018: Etsy Vancouver Market also features a balloon Winter Wonderland (made of more than 2,000 balloons), live music, DIY make-and-take crafts, food, drinks and swag bags for the first 50 guests.
Wesbrook Community Centre, 3335 Webber Lane, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; Admission: $3, with children under 12 free; Details online

4. Winter’s Dance on Robson – Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2

Real world and digital dancers join together for Winter’s Dance on Robson when a short, whimsical story is projected onto the facade of the John Robson Building while live dancers perform in the windows of neighbouring storefronts as part of the holiday fun. Food trucks such as Cannoli King and Hug’s by Mollie Minis will be on-site providing sweet treats.
1155 Robson Street, Vancouver; Performances every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Details online

5. The Best and the Brunchiest – Sunday, December 2

Caesar fans rejoice! The Best and the Brunchiest is a long-table brunch that will pair six courses—created by H2 chef Caitlin Mark—with six cocktails featuring Walter Classic Spice Caesar mix, made by Walter Craft Caesar, the Vancouver-based producer of Canada’s only all-natural, small-batch and Ocean Wise-recommended caesar mix.
H2 Rotisserie & Bar at The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tickets $60

6. Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – Sunday, December 2

Santa Claus is coming to town! Check out the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade, presented by Telus, and kick off holiday festivities with a moving celebration or head to Christmas Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery for pre-parade entertainment between 10 a.m. and Noon.
Begins at Georgia and Broughton Streets; Noon; Details online

7. Krampusmarkt – Thursday, December 6 to Saturday, December 8

Inspired by the dark legend of Krampus, Strange Fellows Brewing celebrates the unusual with Krampusmarkt, an old-world inspired market, featuring odd and exquisite products by local artisans. Have a photo taken with Krampus on Thursday, December 6th between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or take in an artist-led workshop on Saturday, December 8th.
Strange Fellows Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive, Vancouver; Various times; Details online

8. Chanukah Celebration – Thursday, December 6

Celebrate the joy of Chanukah with Vancouver’s Jewish community. Canada’s tallest menorah, the Silber Family Agam Menorah, will be lit at the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza and festivities include live music, latkes, hot cocoa and donuts, as well as a fire-juggling show at 5 p.m.
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver; 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Free admission; Details online

9. Yule Duel – Thursday, December 6

Vancouver’s largest carolling competition comes to Gastown for a musical start to the season. Choirs will be having a huge sing-off in the streets to raise money for May’s Place Hospice in the Downtown Eastside.
Water Street, Vancouver; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Details online

10. Childish Gambino – Friday, December 7

American rapper Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) had to postpone his show earlier this year due to a leg injury, but he will be coming to Vancouver for his rescheduled appearance this week, performing hits such as Redbone and This is America. Original tickets are honoured for this show and new seats are available.
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver; 8 p.m.; Tickets from $104