LUMINESCENCE AT THE VANCOUVER AQUARIUM: Gaze at a display of 100-plus origami jellyfish that light up when eels give off electric charges, and learn how sea creatures create and reflect light in the depths of the ocean. Dont miss the thrilling 4-D film The Polar Express, where youll feel the wind on your face, touch snow with your fingertips and smell hot chocolate in the air. Until Jan. 22. .
SANTALAND DIARIES: True confessions of a Macys elf bypopular humourist David Sedaris. From posts as Vomit Corner Elf to Water Cooler Elf to Cash Register Elf, Sedaris worked his way up the candy-cane ladder and lived to share his hysterical, behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Showcases the comic brilliance ofRyan Beil. Until Dec. 22 at Revue Stage (1601 Johnston). $25-$35 at ArtsClub.com.
ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE: George Baileys guardian angel swoops in to remind him that faith, hope, and family make life truly wonderful. Until Dec. 29 at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston). .
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET: Named one of the worlds top 10 Spectacular Holiday Markets by Frommers, its an authentic Christkindlmarkt featuring traditional German crafts, cuisine and entertainment. A special childrens area gives youngsters the chance to make their own Christmas gifts and ride the childrens Christmas carousel. German bratwurst, Swiss raclette, brataepfel (stuffed baked apples) and schupfnudeln (German noodles). New this year is the X-mas Factor singing competition for the grand prize: a studio recording worth $10,000. Until Dec. 23, 11am-9pm. $2-$5 at the door. .
VANCOUVER WELSH MENS CHOIR: With select school choirs: Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver, Dec. 14, 8pm. Tickets $25, sr/student $22.
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS AT BURNABY VILLAGE MUSEUM: Kids can meet Father Christmas, tour historical buildings and enjoy crafts, story time, Christmas baking, carolers and a festive scavenger hunt. Dec.15-Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 24-25). .
A CHILDS CHRISTMAS IN WALES: This beautifully written, wistful memory about strange relations, snowy adventures and traditional holiday fun with five actors, original songs, is a must for all ages. Its jolly, hokey and a delightful holiday treat! Dec. 12-23 at the PAL Theatre (581 Cardero). $15-$20 at .
BALLET BC PRESENTS CANADAS ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET IN THE NUTCRACKER: Choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon,with costumes designed by Paul Daigle, Nutcracker is set in turn of the 20 century Canada and presents a unique take on the sparkling Christmas tradition, featuring endearing Canadian scenes such as a hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (649 Cambie). Dec. 14-16. $30.25-$87.75 at .
BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK: The Stanley Park holiday train winds through the forest past two million sparkling lights, while the aromas of hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts bring back festive childhood memories. Kids can also visit Santa in his living room at the train station. Until Jan. 2 (closed Dec. 25). $6-$10 for train ride.
THE PEAK OF CHRISTMAS ON GROUSE MOUNTAIN: Guests begin their adventure by soaring 3,700 feet above the city aboard the Skyride, which has been transformed into a reindeer (complete with antlers and red nose). Visitors can meet real-life reindeer during a live comedy sketch at the wildlife habitat, take pictures at the reindeer photo board, participate in reindeer-themed crafts and get a reindeer tattoo. Until Dec. 24, 9am-10pm. .
WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL: An unforgettable musical about love and friendship. Based on the classic film, this tap-dancing delight brims with tunes including Blue Skies, Sisters, and the ever-popular White Christmas. Until Dec. 23 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville). .
CAROL SHIPS PARADE OF LIGHTS: More than 50 boats decorated with 100,000-plus twinkling lights can be seen gliding through Vancouvers waterways on peak evenings. The spectacle viewed from the shore is free, but the best experience is from the carol ships themselves. Until Dec. 23. .
CANYON LIGHTS AT CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK: Explore the forest and Treetops Adventure, in addition to decorating gingerbread houses, listening to seasonal music from a Christmas band, taking part in glass ornament blowing demonstrations and joining a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. View a dancing light display along the colour-washed cliff-face. New for this year, visitors can board a complimentary shuttle departing from Canada Place every hour on the hour. Until Jan. 5 (closed Dec. 25), 4pm-9pm at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3735 Capilano Road). $12-$31.95, $65 (families). .
KARAOKE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TROLLEY TOUR: Grab a mic and lead the chorus on the 麻豆传媒映画Trolley Companys Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour. The trolley departs the 麻豆传媒映画Christmas Market at 6:30pm and winds through the streets of 麻豆传媒映画to Stanley Park for the Bright Nights light spectacle. Walk through Stanley Parks twinkling plaza, then hop back on the trolley to VanDusen Botanical Garden for Festival of Lights. Until Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25), 6:30pm. $25-$40 at .
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN: The garden is transformed into a holiday wonderland with seasonal displays and more than one million sparkling lights wrapped around trees and trellises. Until Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25), 4:30pm-9pm. $7.75-$14.25. .
25TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE: Free family activities, Canadian entertainment and the best of Christmas past and present. With old favourites and brand new added attractions Christmas at Canada Place promises something for everyone. Until Dec. 30 on the 麻豆传媒映画waterfront. .
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS WISH BREAKFAST: By donating a toy for needy children, Pan Pacific hotel will offer a hot buffet breakfast. Musical sounds by the Good Noise Gospel Choir, as well as Sophie Lui and Steve Darling from Global TVs Morning News, and the morning crew from Rock 101! They say that more teenager toys are needed rather than stuffed animals. Dec. 13, 6-9am at the Pan Pacific Hotel (999 Canada Place).
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS: Vivaldi Chamber Choir presents a Christmas concert of readings and song based on the role of angels in the Christmas story, together with arrangements of traditional carols by director David Millard. The evening will highlight six boy trebles and be accompanied by recorders, keyboard, and guitar. Refreshments to follow. Dec. 14, 8pm at Trinity-St. Marks Church (1805 Larch). $15-$20 at .
GIFTS-A-GO-GO: CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP: Groovy one-of-a-kind artisan gifts stocking stuffers to fine finds. Dec. 16, 11am-5pm at the Performing Arts Lodges (581 Cardero). .
A DYLAN THOMAS CHRISTMAS: A CHILDS CHRISTMAS IN WALES: Read by our favourite Welshman, Russell Roberts of Bard on the Beach. The familiar story is illustrated with an all-new set of Christmas carols and songs arranged by 麻豆传媒映画Chamber Choir longtime artistic director, Jon Washburn. Dec. 14-16 at Ryerson United Church (2205 West 45).
12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS: Fairmont Pacific Rim partners with Shore 104FM for the 2nd Annual12 Bands of Christmas fundraiser in support of the Greater 麻豆传媒映画Food Bank Society. Rock away to live bands and donate (canned goods or cash donations). Dec. 14, 7am-7pm at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Shore104.com
THE WET SPOTS EAST SIDE SPECTACULAR FAMILY CHRISTMAS: Award-winning international musical sex comedy duo presents an outrageous, adult-themed monthly variety show at the Rio (1660 E. Broadway). Dec. 14, 8pm. $12-$15 at and at the door.
VANCOUVER BACH CHOIR PRESENTS EL NINO: The Canadian premiere of John Adams profoundly illuminating nativity oratorioElNi帽o. The oratorio weaves text from pre-Christian prophets, canonical and Gnostic gospels, and mid-20th century Hispanic poetry into powerful and staggeringly beautiful score. Dec. 15 at the Orpheum Theatre (884 Granville). $25-$59 at .
GIANT VANCOUVER CRAFT FAIR: More than 150 vendors, live entertainment, fun activities such as face-painting and even a visit from Santa. Great Canadian Craft is proud to showcase the very best in local artisans from handmade crafts to locally inspired cuisine. All attendees are encouraged to support the food bank with a donation of a canned food item. Dec. 15-16 at the Salt Building in Olympic Village. .
19TH ANNUAL WOMENS WINTER FAIRE: Combining art, culture and social activism, the Faire supports local artists, many whose livelihood depend solely on their art talented resourceful women who lean toward using upcycled, recycled as well as new materials in wood, glass, textiles, and metal.Dec. 15-16, 11am at Heritage Hall (3102 Main). $3-$5 door donation for victims of Hurricane Sandy. .
BAH HUMBUG!: Victorian England meets Downtown Eastside in this reading with musical numbers of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol featuring Jay Brazeau, Margo Kane, and Jim Byrnes. Reconceived as a tale where Scrooge owns a pawn shop on Hastings Street, this imaginative all-ages production celebrates the transformative power of human redemption. Dec. 15 at SFUs Goldcorp Centre (149 West Hastings). $10-$20 at or at the door.
WINTER HARP: Dec. 12-13, 7:30 pm at the North Shore Credit Union Centre, Dec. 16, 3pm and 7pm at the ACT in Maple Ridge and Dec. 22, 7:30pm at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church. .
THE CHRISTMAS CAROL PROJECT: An enchanting, musical version of Dickens tale, The Christmas Carol Project is a unique and captivating blend of classic literature and contemporary folk music, perfect for the whole family. Brass Monkey Productions Juno-nominated folk musicians return for a third year in what is becoming a holiday tradition. Dec. 17-18. .
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS WITH MUSICA INTIMA: Serene melodies, lush harmonies and timeless festive gems. Concert includes Christmas movie music as well as carols wronged comedic twists on old favourites. Dec. 18, 7:30pm at St. Phillips Anglican Church (3737 West 27). $10-$35 at .
GOH BALLETS NUTCRACKER: With its lush sets, gorgeous costumes and joyous dancing, Goh Ballet turns this traditional tale into a 麻豆传媒映画classic that you can watch year after year. Featuring young dancers at the 麻豆传媒映画ballet school, principal dancers with the New York City Ballet and live music by members of the 麻豆传媒映画Opera Orchestra. Dec. 19-23, including matinees on Dec. 22 & 23, at the Centre in 麻豆传媒映画for Performing Arts. Tickets at .
THE MAGIC OF SANTA: From dancing Christmas trees and rockin reindeer, a singing snow queen, and jovial Santa, join Emily on her enchanted journey as she searches for her very own Christmas wish. Dec. 21, 7pm, Dec. 22, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm at the Pacific Coliseum (100 N. Renfrew). $22.50 at . .
19TH WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL: The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Secret Lantern Society invite you to bring light into the world on the longest, darkest night of the year. Dec. 21, 6pm at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall). .
VANCOUVER CANTANA SINGERS: A CHRISTMAS REPRISE 2012: Rediscover the joy of the season through music in the glorious environs of Holy Rosary Cathedral. Dec. 22, 2pm at the Holy Rosary Theatre (646 Richards). $18 at .
CONTACT FEATURING DEADMAU5: Hosted by Blueprint Events, the CONTACT festival is being held at BC Place. Dance-inspiring performances from some of the globes hottest DJs, including Nero, Alesso, Chris Lake and Lazy Rich. The show will culminate with an unhooked performance by leading Canadian electronic artist,Deadmau5, who most recently was awarded Best Electro House Artist by Beatport Music Awards, and most influential, relevant and forward-thinking person in electronic music. Dec. 26. $65-$100 at .
