Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for December 14 to 20

Watch the VSO perform live to a Christmas classic, hit up a last minute holiday market + more

1. Aurora Winter Festival — Now until January 5

Canada’s largest winter market relocates to the PNE where you’ll find a skating rink, tube park and Christmas wares, as well as huge light displays, food gardens, amusement rides and magical characters.  
PNE, 2901 East Hastings, Vancouver; From $12.99; Various times; Details online

2. Glow — Now until January 5

Help the elves uncover Santa’s lost presents at the indoor winter wonderland of Glow, where you’ll find a million twinkling lights, interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, festive food and beverages and a chance to visit Santa.  
Harbour Convention Centre, 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; Tickets $19.99, with seniors and children $14.99; Details online

3. Bad Santa P49 Warehouse Party — Saturday, December 14

Celebrate the holidays at the Bad Santa Party in the P49 warehouse, where there will be food from Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck, seven beer taps (and a cider one), live music from The Millennials and a DJ. Wear a Santa hat for free entry, or Santa hats will be available at the door by donation, with proceeds going to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. 
Parallel 49 Brewing warehouse off of Semlin Street; Enter via alley behind 1979 Pandora Street, Vancouver; No tickets required; 19 and up; 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Details online

4. Shiny Fuzzy Muddy — Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15

Celebrating 17 years of Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Collective holiday events, the annual artist-curated collection of fine art, craft and design, hosts its final two-day farewell show this weekend. This collaborative event features more than 30 Canadian and B.C.-based artists exhibiting in an intimate environment where shoppers can mingle with the makers and meet visual artists, makers, designers, jewellers and potters. 
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; Admission $4; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Details online

5. Weirdos Holiday Market — Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15

Curated by Rachel Zottenberg, owner of Betamax Gallery and popular local oddities shop This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven, the Weirdos Holiday Market features 35 weird and wonderful vendors. The market also has a cooperative table, featuring products from 10 additional artisans, and an array of covetable strangeness from the shelves of This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven.
The Hall at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 154 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver; Admission $2; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Details online

6. Woodwards Market — Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15

Bringing together the best of local vendors, this third annual Woodwards Holiday Market event features gifts, housewares, skin care, kitchen accoutrements and everything you’ll need for your seasonal celebrations. 
Woodwards Building, 333 Abbott Street, Vancouver; Free; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Details online

7. New West Santa Parade — Sunday, December 15

Part of the New West WinterFest (on until January 5th), the Santa Parade starts on Columbia Street at 11:00 a.m. Kids can bring letters to Santa and Canada Post’s Holiday Helpers will collect them during the parade and will have a letter-writing station set up in Anvil Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will also be on-site collecting donations of non-perishable food items.
Details online

8. Nerd Nite Solstice Spectacular — Wednesday, December 18

Come and mingle, grab a drink, and watch past Nerd Nite speakers and audience members play “Powerpoint Karaoke,” where presenters are given five minutes to present using a slide deck they haven’t seen before. This solstice event will feature special guest speaker Jay Ingram (host of Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet, CBC’s Quirks and Quarks, and author of The Science of Why?), who will be delving into the complex science of the impact of climate change… on the Sasquatch. 
Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, Vancouver; Tickets $7 to $15; 7 p.m.; Details online

9. Home Alone in Concert — Wednesday, December 18 & Friday, December 20

They forgot Kevin! An 8-year-old boy is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and he must defend his home against two bungling thieves. A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $49; 7 p.m.; Details online

10. Kind’a Last Minute Holiday Market — Friday, December 20

Left things to the last minute? Vegan Kind Cafe has a fun zero-waste (and “kind’a” last minute) market on December 20th offering a range of earth-friendly products. 
Kind Cafe, 3080 Main Street, Vancouver; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Details online