BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for Nov. 24 – 30

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This week in BC: Enjoy the West Coast Christmas Show, SantaLand Diaries, blue grass band Punch Brothers, and more

SantaLand Diaries – Nov. 22 – Dec. 22

True confessions of an elf. From Grammy-nominated humorist David Sedaris comes the merrily wicked SantaLand Diaries, a mostly true tale of his tour of duty as an elf at Macy’s department store. From posts as Vomit-Corner Elf to Water-Cooler Elf to Cash-Register Elf, he works his way up the candy-cane ladder at SantaLand and lives to tell the tale in this sardonic comedy, playing from November 22 to December 22 at Vancouver’s Revue Stage. But better not take the tots, because it’s a holiday treat best savoured by adults. Tickets online or 604-687-1644.

Yew Restaurant Celebrates Fall Flavours – Nov. 22

Thought you had to wait till next year to dig into another Thanksgiving dinner? Wrong! Yew restaurant + bar, located at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, is serving up turkey with all the trimmings on November 22, in honour of American Thanksgiving. For $45 per person, diners will enjoy a three-course feast that includes free-range turkey and all the trimmings. Book online or call 604-692-4939.

Champagne & Stockings – Nov. 23 – 25

With the clock ticking down to the Christmas crunch, who couldn’t use a weekend escape? So, get yourself to Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos, hosting the second annual Champagne & Stockings package from November 23 to 25. This gals’ getaway includes shopping and fashion shows, gala dinners and wine receptions, along with demos on holiday entertaining. Book online from $179 per person.

Candytown – Nov. 23 – 24

Are you a sucker for sweet treats? Then plan a visit to Candytown, a Christmas festival taking place in Yaletown on November 23 and 24. This seasonal street party includes free attractions like an outdoor skating rink, reindeer petting zoo and horse-drawn carriage rides, along with artisan stalls, roving performers and even a Candytown Cocktail Tour, where you can sample festive libations from participating restaurants. Catch it along Hamilton Street on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.

Punch Brothers – Nov. 24

When a bluegrass band has a name like the Punch Brothers, you can expect their music to pack a wallop. And this talented quintet doesn’t disappoint, with critics describing their modern spin on traditional bluegrass as a “musical alchemy of old-time music and contemporary sensibilities.” Catch this freewheeling five-member string band, known for their sophisticated, stacked harmonies, on November 24 at UBC’s Chan Centre in Vancouver for a night of rootsy, foot-stomping fun. Tickets online start at $36 for the 8 p.m. show.

Ukrainian Food Fair & Bazaar – Nov. 24

Here’s something to get MADD about: The annual Ukrainian Food Fair & Bazaar on November 24, which raises funds for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Support the cause by dropping by St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Centre (3150 Ash St, Vancouver) to enjoy all-day eats like borscht, perogies, cabbage rolls and sauerkraut, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll find other fun as well, including sales of baking and preserves, a silent auction, raffles and a rummage sale. Admission is free.

Vancouver Christmas Market – Nov. 24 – Dec. 24

Bah, humbug! If that’s your opinion of the holidays, we bet your irritation will melt like marshmallows in hot chocolate at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Once you catch the sight of dozens of decorated huts showcasing traditional German crafts and cuisine, you can’t help but be charmed. Drop by from November 24 to December 24 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, to browse the gift stalls, sample bratwurst, baked apples and Bavarian meatloaf, and catch the X-mas Factor singing contest. Admission is $5.

Vancouver Tree Lighting – Nov. 29

Okay, it’s not quite on the same scale as Rockefeller Center, but Vancouver’s sixth annual Christmas tree-lighting celebration at Jack Poole Plaza comes pretty close. On November 29, this family-friendly fest at the Vancouver Convention Centre includes the lighting of a 50-foot evergreen, musical performances and even a few celebrity sightings. Check it out from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and bring some pocket change for the Empty Stocking Fund and other local charities.

West Coast Christmas Show – Nov. 30 – Dec. 2

Is this the year you’re going to get all your holiday gifts bought and wrapped by the first week of December? Good luck — and get yourself to the West Coast Christmas Show, boasting the biggest bounty of gifts this side of the North Pole, along with festive food, workshops and stage presentations. This year, the show includes all-new entertaining, shopping and decorating ideas. Swing by from November 30 to December 2 at TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. Tickets online for $5 or $6 at the door.

The Fish Shack – anytime

What a catch! That’s what seafood lovers have been saying about The Fish Shack, a lively eatery that’s just dropped anchor in downtown Vancouver (1026 Granville St). From the fisherman’s ship to the Granville strip, it serves up nautical noshes guaranteed to float your boat — from fresh oysters to clam steamers to spaghetti ’n’ prawn balls. Drop by daily for lunch, dinner and late-night bites, as well as a weekend brunch featuring delish delicacies like crab-and-egg bennies and carrot-cake French toast.