Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for November 21 to 27

Vancouver Humane Society 30th Anniversary Celebration – November 21

This Saturday, celebrate 30 years of local animal protection with the Vancouver Humane Society. The evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Ledger, a renowned clinical animal behaviourist and animal welfare scientist, will be discussing the emotional complexity of animals. Meet fellow animal lovers and enjoy nibbles from Nuba Restaurant, Cartems Donuteries, and Fairy Cakes, and drinks from the North Shore’s Bridge Brewing Co. Bid on silent auction items and learn more about the organization’s first three decades of success and plans for the future.

$50, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lew Forum at Allard Hall, UBC School of Law, 1822 East Mall

CandyTown Festival – November 21

Feel like a kid in the city’s ultimate candy store this weekend with a visit to the Yaletown BIA’s fourth annual CandyTown Festival. The free outdoor Christmas celebration—featuring horse drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and the Ice Queen, and tons of arts and crafts in addition to all of the candy treats—will take over Mainland Street for the day, turning the charming neighborhood into a true winter wonderland.

CandyTown supports the BC Children’s Hospital and Starlight Children’s Foundation, which means that your sweet tooth indulgence is for a good cause. Grab a snack from one of the city’s beloved sugary food vendors, get started on your Christmas shopping at Yaletown’s best boutiques and enjoy the energy and excitement that surrounds the season.

12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Vancouver Christmas Market – November 21 to December 24

Vancouver’s version of a classic German Christmas market is back for its sixthyear in the heart of downtown. Browse traditional Christmas gifts (think wood carvings, knitted goods, nutcrackers and pottery), warm up with hot cider and mulled wine, sample German sweets and other snacks, and get into the general spirit of the season as you enjoy the market’s live entertainment and enchanting atmosphere.

The site will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, meaning you can stop by for a snack on your lunch break or a warm beverage after work with a one-time ticket that’s good for the whole season.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 650 Hamilton Street

The Genius of Tchaikovsky – November 22

Let the vision of sugarplums start dancing in your head this weekend, as the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra presents The Genius of Tchaikovsky. The afternoon show, conducted by VAM Director of Choral Studies Kathleen Allan, kicks off with Tchaikovsky’s holiday favourite, The Nutcracker Suite. The concert will also include Piano Concerto No. 1—featuring talented pianist Amanda Chan—and Symphony No. 5, providing a thorough overview of the composer’s most beloved works.

$10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Orpheum, 651 Smithe Street   

Disney On Ice Presents Frozen – November 25 to 29

Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven on their search for love and friendship in Disney on Ice’s latest skating production. The Academy Award-winning musical will be taking over the Pacific Coliseum where the characters and their winter wonderland come to life on the ice. As always Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be hosting the event, bringing several guest princesses and other Disney characters along for guest appearances. Sing along to Let It Go and the rest of Frozen’s beloved soundtrack as your imagination transports you to Arendelle for the evening.

Pacific Coliseum, 2901 East Hastings Street

Peter and the Starcatcher – November 26 to December 27

We’ve all wished we could stop growing up at some point, but this winter you can escape back to childhood with Peter and the Starcatcher. The Arts Club production follows Peter Pan’s backstory from orphaned baby to bedtime story hero. Peter’s adventure begins when he boards the Neverland as a deckhand and quickly finds himself on exciting adventure to protect the Queen’s secret treasure, Starstuff. The talented cast will remind you that there’s still a kid in all of us and that there’s nothing wrong with believing in magic. Check online for a full schedule of matinee and evening shows.

BMO Theatre Centre, 161 West 1^st Avenue
Tickets starting at $25

Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park – November 26 to January 2

Experience the magic of Stanley Park under the glow of three million twinkling lights this Christmas. The Bright Nights Train leads you through Vancouver’s largest public park decked out in all of its holiday glory, past breathtaking displays and live performers for a festive evening in the fresh air. Or, explore the displays at the Train Plaza on your own time, by donation. A portion of ticket sales support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, which has raised $1.4 million to help burn victims and their families since 1998.  

Matinee and evening trains, times vary by day (closed December 25)
Matinee Train: $6 (all ages)
Night Train: $12 General Admission, $9 Children and Seniors

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Adults Only) – November 27

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back by popular demand at the Rio Theatre. Following two sold out shows in October, the East Vancouver theatre—known for commercial-free blockbusters, cult classics and live shows—celebrates the cult movie’s 40th anniversary once more. The 19+ show will include a live shadow cast, Vancouver’s “nerdlesque” troupe, The Geekenders. Audience members are encouraged to dress up and participate, and The Rio will be selling prop bags at the door for $2 to help you out.

Doors 11:30 p.m., Movie 11:59 p.m.
Tickets: $12 in advance or in costume, $15 at the door

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 27 to January 3

Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park this winter for a view unlike any you’ve ever seen before as the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, rainforest and canyon are transformed with thousands of Christmas lights. Beyond the stunning light display, Capilano Bridge invites you to check out the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (a staggering 153 feet!), decorate gingerbread, make your own cards, go on a Snowy Owl Prowl and enjoy live music. To date the annual event has raised $192,000 for the British Columbia Firefighters’ Burn Fund.

Christmas at FlyOver Canada – November 27 to January 5

This season, Vancouver’s virtual flight ride takes guests on an expedition up to the North Pole to help Santa search for his missing elves. In addition to the 25-minute show, FlyOver Canada’s festive outdoor deck features holiday music, Christmas lights, hot drinks and seasonal snacks. Be sure to check FlyOver Canada’s performance schedule before you go to catch live performances, visits with Santa, ice sculpture displays and more.

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closes early on December 24^th, closed on Christmas Day)