Events

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (December 7-13)

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. Shop Circle Craft Virtually

Ongoing

In-person craft fairs are a no-go this year, which is a major bummer. We’re really missing those hand-poured candles, knitted goods and weird little trinkets you can’t find anywhere else (and some very talented artisans are missing our cash). The Circle Craft Market is encouraging Vancouverites to shop “within their circle,” aka within 50 kilometres of home. You can search their site for local makers—we’re loving ceramics artist Yookyoung Yong’s gorgeous clay pieces. 

When: Ongoing
Where: Online
More Info: circlecraft.net

2. MESH at the Polygon

Through January 10

This is a showcase of the first annual MESH prize, with winners who were challenged to comment on “how physicality intertwines with critical meaning at the dawn of an age of virtual reality.” In other words, the relationship between the physical and digital— very apt for a time when everything’s moved online. Expect black-and-white, poetically abstracted photos (like the above) from Izabella Provan and tactile works in shades of red by Gregory Kaplowitz.

When: Through January 10, 2021
Where: The Polygon Gallery
More Info: thepolygon.ca

3. Canyon Lights

Opens December 8

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is slated to open again tomorrow for Canyon Lights, the annual sparklefication of the park (that’s the scientific term, we believe). Remember to wear your mask, stay six feet apart and take the obligatory 924,857 photos that never capture the real-life magic.

When: Opens Tuesday December 8
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
More Info: capbridge.com

4. Amahl and the Night Visitors

December 12

The COVID-era digital premiere of this opera is actually not far off the original: it was specifically composed for a Christmas Eve television broadcast in 1951. The Vancouver Opera’s Leslie Dala conducts this show (and it’s a family affair—his son, Andreas Dala, plays Amahl).

When: Saturday December 12 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
More Info: digital.vancouveropera.ca

5. Artisan Winter Farmer’s Market

Fridays and Saturdays

We love a good open air shopping experience, especially in these germy times. The artisan winters farmer’s markets that have popped up all over the city are a great place to do your holiday shopping— there’s unique goods from farmers, artisans and craft makers all in one spot. New this year is an Ambleside location, with vendors including Van Koji Foods, The Brownie Bakers and Golden Ears Cheesecrafters.
When: Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through December 20
Where: Grosvenor Ambleside
More Info: artisanmarkets.ca
Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.