Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for December 9 to 15

This week: celebrate a boy band Christmas, marvel at holiday lights and lanterns, get crafty + more

1. West End Pottery Club Annual Sale — Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 10

Pick up a handcrafted holiday ornament or perhaps some homewares—including mugs, bowls and casserole dishes—at the annual holiday sale from the talented ceramicists from the West End Pottery Club.
West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 8 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10

2. Shadbolt Seasonal Celebration — Saturday, December 9

Get crafty and check out demonstrations from wooden toy making to gingerbread decorating and a snowman doll workshop at this celebration. Enjoy a formal Christmas tea, plus musical and cultural performances from local artists.
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Free admission

3. Fall for Local Holiday Market — Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10

Shop from over 85 local companies, enjoy a free holiday wreath workshop and free gift-wrapping station or warm up with complimentary coffee. The first 50 guests will receive a free canvas tote bag filled with local goodies on both days and tickets are valid for the whole weekend.
The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets available online for $3, at the door for $5 (Cash only), Free admission for kids 12 & under

4. Got Craft? Holiday Edition — Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10

Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair arrives in time for holiday shopping with vendor wares ranging from on-trend succulents and handcrafted accessories to local tea and artisan spirits. Meet the makers and pick up cute handmade gifts for all the family—and yourself! 
Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets available online for $3, at the door for $5

5. Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Holiday Show — Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10

Formed as a Vancouver-based art collective in 2003, Shiny Fuzzy Muddy hosts an annual holiday market with vendors ranging from shoemakers and potters to jewelry designers and ceramicists.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 10; Admission is $3

6. Gastown Cabaret Boy Band Christmas — Tuesday, December 12

Backstreet’s back! And so is music from NSync, Boyz II Men and other ’90s boy band favourites during a night of festive comedy, dance, stunts, games and random hilarity with your party planners April O’Peel, Sweet Munish and Sparkle Plenty.
Guilt & Company, 1 Alexander Street, Gastown; 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Admission by donation, suggested $10

7. The Anxiety Show — Tuesday, December 12

The holidays can be “ho ho oh-no” for people living with mental health issues but this new show, hosted by comedian Megan Phillips, shines a comedic light on dark times with a variety-style comedy show that sees artists and comedians explore their first-hand experiences, plus an open-mic section for the audience to join in. A portion of proceeds will go towards Crisis Centre BC.
Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main Street, Vancouver; 7.30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.; Advance tickets are $11, $13 at the door

8. Chinese Lantern Festival — Friday, December 15 to Sunday, January 21

Celebrate Chinese culture with 35 incredible illuminated lanterns, plus food trucks, storytelling and amazing performances including folk dance, acrobatics and Chinese music at this new five-week display at the PNE.
PNE Fairgrounds, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Various dates and times; Tickets from $13.50

9. Glow — Until Sunday, December 24

Head out to the Fraser Valley to see 500,000 lights at Glow’s four Christmas-themed gardens, including a very Instagrammable musical light tunnel and a holiday market with local crafts and treats, as well as a bar with mulled wine to warm up and provide snacks for hungry revellers.
6690 216th Street, Langley; Various times and dates; Tickets $19.99 online ($25 at the gate), children 6-12 and seniors $14.99 online ($20 at the gate), kids under 6 free, Book tickets online

10. Spirit of Christmas — Until Sunday, January 7

Sea to Sky Gondola guests can walk in a winter wonderland on a trail festively decorated to reflect the Spirit of Christmas. Try snowshoeing and winter walking, snowtubing, headlamp hikes and a decadent holiday fondue. Special events at the Summit Lodge include a Classic Choral Christmas on December 9, a holiday concert on December 10 and a holiday wine pairing dinner on December 15.
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish; See full details and schedule online