1. CandyTown
Let鈥檚 just stop pretending and admit we鈥檙e all looking forward to Christmas, shall we? To ease you into the festive mood, pop along to Mainland Street on Saturday afternoon to soak up the atmosphere of CandyTown for free. If you want to just dive right into Christmas, you can visit Santa (Bill Curtis Square, noon-3 p.m.), get your photo taken with the Ice Queen (3-7 p.m., by donation) and take a festive carriage ride along Pacific Boulevard. There are plenty of delectable on offer too, thanks to a selection of local restaurants and bars, and a range of craft vendors for some advance Christmas shopping.
Nov. 25, noon-7 p.m., Mainland Street. Free.
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2. 麻豆传媒映画Christmas Market
If you need an even bigger fill of Christmas, head over to Jack Poole Plaza for a taste of how the Germans do it. Now in its eighth year, the 麻豆传媒映画Christmas Market features 75 huts selling European delicacies 鈥� from bratwurst, potato pancakes and strudel to gluhwein and beer 鈥� and authentic crafts, as well as a magical carousel and lots of live entertainment. New this year is Canada鈥檚 first-ever walk-In Christmas tree 鈥� a 10-metre-tall tree covered with 36,000 twinkling lights that guests can experience from inside as well as outside.
Until Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 24). $10/$9/$5.
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3. Christmas Queen 4 / Christmas Queen Drag Race
Christmas is kicking off at 麻豆传媒映画TheatreSports, as well, with the return of its improv pantomime Christmas Queen. In this year鈥檚 show, Secret Santa, Her Royal Meanness the Christmas Queen and Santa Claus swap bodies, which puts Christmas in jeopardy. As usual, the two leads let audience suggestions lead the 90-minute show.
Wednesday-Saturday until Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 10 and 17). Improv Centre, Granville Island.
You can get double the Christmas Queen action every Saturday night with the Christmas Queen Drag Race show, starring Her Royal Meanness and drag star The Unstoppable Conni Smudge. With the help of the audience, the duo will set challenges for VTSL ensemble members, who will bid to become this year鈥檚 Drag Diva.
Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 11:15 p.m. Improv Centre, Granville Island. $10.75.
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4. Digital Folk
The return of Plastic Orchid Factory鈥檚 critically acclaimed hybrid performance: part video game, part costume party, part music and dance performance, part installation. Digital Folk explores the effect of interactive video games and the 鈥減henomenon of being alone, together.鈥� Bar and box office open at 8 p.m., bar closes at midnight.
Nov. 23-24, looping performances at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Left of Main, 211 Keefer St.听 $22/$18.
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5. Legendary Student Art Sale
Here鈥檚 your chance to snap up some work by potential future masters. It鈥檚 the first art sale at Emily Carr鈥檚 new campus, but there鈥檒l be the same variety of original paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photographs, prints, wearable works, housewares and greeting cards on offer. And, dare we say it, you could find some pretty awesome Christmas presents here.
Nov. 24, noon-8 p.m., Nov. 25-26, noon-5 p.m. Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Free entry.
