Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (December 11-17)

A holiday pop-up market, candlelit piano concert and a masterclass in oyster shucking.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to [email protected].

1. Discover Some New Music at the Hollywood Theatre’s YVR Sounds

December 19

If you felt this year’s Spotify Wrapped read you to filth and you need some new music in your life, you could always check out YVR Sounds 2: Holiday Edition at the Hollywood Theatre—a night showcasing new, up-and-coming artists in Vancouver’s music scene. Come early (from 6 to 8 p.m.) and shmooze at the networking event or, if you’re feeling ambitious, stay late and dance the night away at the DJ’ed afterparty for a Tuesday that feels like a Friday (bonus Friday, if you will).

When: December 19
Where: Hollywood Theatre
Cost: Free
More Info: www.hollywoodtheatre.ca/events

 

2. Go Shuck Yourself at Smitty’s Oyster House

December 14

Learn the delicious art of oyster shucking at Smitty’s. These fun-filled classes include expert shucking lessons alongside complimentary wine and tapas. At $100 per person, you also score a $25 gift card for your next visit. Limited spots are available, so snag yours quickly and get ready to become a schuck master.

When: December 14
Where: Smitty’s Oyster House
Cost: $100 per person
More Info: smittysoysterhousemainstreet.com

 

Credit: BentallCentreYVR

3. Get Festive at Bentall Centre’s Jingle and Mingle Holiday Event

December 12

Get into the holiday spirit (both the booze and non-booze variety) with Bentall Centre’s Jingle and Mingle. From 6- 8 p.m., enjoy festive cocktails, donuts (not typical holiday fare but who’s complaining?), music from Lions Gate Chorus, and even make your own wreath like the merry little Martha Stewart that you are.

When: December 12
Where: Bentall Centre
Cost: Free
More Info: bentallcentre.events

 

Music on Main 2022

4. Music on Main’s Music for the Winter Solstice

December 13-14

Give your Douglas Fir-scented Christmas candle the night off and come enjoy a serene candlelit piano concert in the ethereal Heritage Hall for an evening that’s less “Jingle Bells”and more “Ave Maria.” It’s the perfect shopping-mall-Christmas-music palate cleanser.

When: December 13-14
Where: Heritage Hall
Cost: From $52.28
More Info: musiconmain.ca

5. Get Your Shopping Done at the Made in the 604 Christmas Pop-Up Market

December 16-17

Avoid the mall hustle and bustle and enjoy some local shopping that celebrates handcrafted, unique gifts that you won’t find on Amazon. Come grab some artisan hand soap for your office secret Santa (a.k.a., your boss). Oh, and the first 25 visitors each day get special market money to spend so get there early.

When: December 16-17
Where: Heritage Hall
Cost: $49
More Info: madeinthe604.ca

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]