Downtown
Several years ago, I won the Ugliest Christmas Sweater contest at a Courier holiday party, partly because when I washed my second-hand treasure prior to wearing it, the dye ran. Judge Fred Lee decided made it even more hideous than it started out.
Now heres an opportunity for all Vancouverites over the age of 19 to show off their best and ugliest Christmas fashions, complete with snowmen, reindeer and snowflakes.
The 11th annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party takes place at the Commodore Ballroom Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.
Besides live bands, carolling and eggnog chugging, participants can expect a visit from Santa and trophies for the ugliest sweater, most original sweater, group costume, and for those of you still embracing the spirit of Movember, best moustache.
Partial proceeds will benefit the cancer-stricken parents of two young children, Katrina and Mark Bennett. A mandatory ugly Christmas sweater dress code will be in effect. Ugly Christmas sweaters are also available on the groups website. For more information and photos, visit nowthatsugly.com.
The Goh Ballet presents its traditional rendition of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker at the Centre for Performing Arts, Dec. 19 through 23.
Watch as Claras dream comes to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where shes greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice.
The production with more than 200 glittering costumes, dramatic sets and valuable lessons all danced to Tchaikovskys memorable score performed live by members of the 麻豆传媒映画Opera Orchestra is sure to delight audiences of all ages. For more information and tickets, visit gohnutcracker.com.
West End
The annual lighting of the Lights of Hope at St. Pauls Hospital took place Nov. 15 with fireworks and, for the first time, an outdoor celebration for the community.
Every year volunteers build the spectacular display of holiday lights to inspire the community to give generously to the hospitals greatest needs.
If laid end to end, the string of lights would stretch over 10 kilometres. The display will remain lit until Jan. 7, 2013. To donate or see a time-lapsed video demonstrating what it takes to transform the front of St. Pauls Hospital into the Lights of Hope, visit helpstpauls.com/lights-of-hope and click on the Display link.
Citywide
The Cause We Care Foundation is collecting items for its annual holiday drive.
The organization is dedicated to helping low-income single mothers and their children have a brighter holiday season. A $55 donation will fill a hamper with non-perishable items, fresh fruit, scarves, mitts and more.
Thanks to generous sponsors Save-On-Foods, Purdys Chocolates, Salt Spring Island Coffee, Army & Navy stores, B.C. Fresh, Windset Farms, Spud.ca, Creative Packaging and Storage on Terminal, these moms and kids will have a happier holiday. But they still need help. For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit causewecare.org.
Kerrisdale
The Kerrisdale Senior Singers choir started at the Kerrisdale Community Center more than 40 years ago and is still going strong with 30-plus members.
The volunteer singers perform 12 concerts a year, six at Christmas and six in the spring. So its fitting the choir members are inviting everyone to get in the holiday spirit and join them for an afternoon of Christmas favourites Thursday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the centre, located on West 42nd Avenue and West Boulevard. Tickets are available at the door for $1.
Correction: The 麻豆传媒映画Christmas Market opens Nov. 24 not the 29 as I wrote here in Wednesdays edition.
Twitter: @sthomas10
