Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for December 16 to 22

This week: revel in the history of chocolate, celebrate the solstice, visit Santa at Grouse Mountain + more

1. Winter Hike Rave — Saturday, December 16

Get your retro ski gear ready for a winter hike rave! Taking place in a mystery location (not a mountain) and open to only 50 people when tickets are released on December 13, the hike rave is a ‘healthy living’ booze-free party run by Party4Health.
Mystery location; 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Cartems Winter Craft Market — Saturday, December 16

Pick up some last-minute presents made by Emily Carr University students at this craft market. Choose from prints, cards, ceramics, jewellery, artwork and other gifts, with 100 per cent of proceeds from sales going directly to the artists.
Cartems Donuts, 3040 West Broadway, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

3. East Van Holiday Sale at The Astoria — Saturday, December 16

Shop from local vendors whilst enjoying a drink and taking part in fortune telling or even grabbing the mic for some festive karaoke. Expect garage sale-style pricing, plus the first 50 people get $2 off their drink.
The Astoria, 769 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission $2

4. Weirdos Holiday Market — Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17

Local curio shop, This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven, presents this holiday market, with its eclectic array of unconventional gift ideas, from the delightfully quirky to the downright macabre. Get a tarot card reading by Erin Karl, tuck into tasty tamales from popular pop-up restaurant HandTaste Ferments or relax with a drink from the bar.
Betamax Art Studios, 2244 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Admission $2

5. Chocolate Sensory Workshop — Sunday, December 17

Join “Chocolatier, Chocolate Sommelier and Educator” Geoseph Domenichiello to celebrate all things chocolate—and learn more about everyone’s favourite seasonal treat. Using all your senses, expand your knowledge and understanding of the history and geography of chocolate… and enjoy plenty of samples.
L’Atelier Vancouver Coworking, 319 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; Tickets $60

6. Pop-up shop at Nada’s future store — Sunday, December 17

Find zero-waste gifts—like stainless steel straws and lunch containers—or bring your own container to fill up on local organic food, bulk dry goods and cleaning supplies. This pop-up event is being held in the location of Vancouver’s first zero-waste grocery shop, due to open next year.
675 East Broadway, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Free admission

7. Nasty Women Comedy: Festive-ish — Monday, December 18

Vancouver’s first ladies of comedy will once again come together for a festive, themed show of seasonal sketches and heart-warming musical numbers, followed by rapid fire improv based on true stories.
The Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver; Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Tickets $10 in advance, $14 at the door

8. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival — Thursday, December 21

Celebrate the solstice with the 24th annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival, which will be held across Yaletown, Chinatown and Granville Island featuring lantern processions, a labyrinth of light and fire performers.
See website for locations and times

9. Peak of Christmas — Until January 7, 2018

Meet Santa in his workshop (12 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, except Dec. 24: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), skate under the stars, and take a stroll through the illuminated Light Walk in the winter wonderland at the top of Grouse Mountain.
Grouse Mountain; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; family rate for Peak of Christmas festivities includes admission for two adults and two children/youth (under 19) for $89.95. Access to the Peak of Christmas is included in an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience ticket

10. Canyon Lights — Until January 28, 2018

Sing along to carols, sip on mulled wine and enjoy a festive version of Capilano with lights along the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon.
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (holiday activities from 4 p.m.); Tickets $42.95