Georgia Straight
Posts
Dec 11, 2025: Is there a good trade for Quinn Hughes?

Dec 11, 2025: Is there a good trade for Quinn Hughes?

Plus: Mixed Nuts stays fresh and Hotel Mira parties on

Jessica Bernard
December 11, 2025

Hi there. How’s your gifting going? My brothers (I have four) and I run a Secret Santa for each other, and they’re on me about submitting a list this holiday season. It’s tough: what do you get the guy who has nothing? Joking. Kinda.

I distinctly remember being a kid and absolutely despising getting clothes (nevertheless socks) for Christmas. Now, I’m getting targeted for ads by sock companies because of how often I’m looking them up. One year I put “more time in the day” on my list. The brothers didn’t think it was funny.

— Nathan
Editor-in-Chief

— FEATURE —

How Mixed Nuts keeps things fresh after 15 years

Artemis Gordon has been at Arts Umbrella for almost 35 years. For the last decade and a half, she’s helmed Mixed Nuts, the school’s take on The Nutcracker. Keeping the show innovative and relevant has been a top priority. You don’t learn by memory… you learn by discovery, by putting problems together,” she says. “For me, it’s about giving them the skills for how to navigate those problems.”

— Your Insider perks are waiting —

For a short time, you can get the Straight Insiders membership for 50% OFF!

When you purchase a subscription, you help our editorial team challenge traditional media narratives by highlighting intimate stories in the arts, culture, music, and beyond. Your membership helps us tell richer stories about Vancouver.

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $4.25/month on an annual plan.

P.S. Right now: When you become an Insider, you get automatic entry to win a two-night staycation at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront (yes, the one with the killer views of Coal Harbour)

East Van Panto—More Shows Added!

Theatre Replacement's East Van Panto: West Van Story is the wacky holiday romance that’s sweeping the city!

When West Vancouver influencer and curling sensation Holly Rainy gets stranded in East Van, she’s prepared for disaster, just not the romantic kind. Enter Joes: charming, funny, and a member of a rival curling crew!

The star-crossed lovers embark on a whirlwind journey of civic resistance and dance battles. But will it come to an end at the hands of Holly’s mega-developer motherfather, Boberta Rainy? Or will they be able to Second-Narrows-bridge the differences between West and East Van?

West Van Story is on now until JAN 11, 2026! It’s a holly jolly (or shall we say Holly and Joes-y?) show not to be missed!

— CITY & CULTURE —

What could a Quinn Hughes trade to the Devils look like?

Now that a Quinn Hughes trade is looking more and more inevitable, we break out the Trade Generator to see how it might make sense to send the defenceman to the Devils to play with his brothers.

UBC’s Lind Initiative returns, with Hasan Piker and Rachel Maddow weighing in
PuSh Festival invites you to step into the expansive possibilities of live performance, to explore fresh perspectives and powerful storytelling. Experience 25 performances across theatre, dance, multimedia, music, and film Jan 22 to Feb 8!*

*sponsored listing

Because Your Neurodiverse Child Deserves the Right School

Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School is now welcoming applications for the 2026–27 school year. With specialized support for autistic and neurodiverse learners, KGMS provides an environment where every child feels understood and can succeed. Families are encouraged to apply before the March 31, 2026, deadline.

Apply today.

— MUSIC —

Hotel Mira throws a Pity Party

Hotel Mira has toured incessantly over the last year, playing mostly sold-out shows everywhere from Denmark to Calgary to Columbus in support of its album, Pity Party, released in March. But it hasn’t all been fun for frontman Charlie Kerr. “There’s something about staring out at the people it affects and those people putting money in my pocket,” he says about touring in the U.S. “It just feels ridiculous to me to tap dance around the stage and pretend that everything is business as usual.”

Nardwaur gets a royal London welcome as his custom Nike sneakers fly off the shelves
This holiday season, experience artistry, elegance, and wonder as Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to captivate Vancouver. On stage Dec 18-21 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.*
Meet Jessica Piccinin, the former small-scale farmer fighting for B.C.’s food system. Discover how her advocacy is helping young farmers, markets, and communities thrive. Read more.*

*sponsored listing

Give the gift of film this holiday season

Looking for the perfect gift for the cinephile in your life? Give them the gift that keeps on giving and support independent cinema with a year of VIFF+ Membership. They'll get discounts on film tickets, complimentary tickets to bring a friend, free popcorn and much more! Find out more.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Where to feast in Vancouver this holiday season

Our own Vicki Duong compiled a comprehensive list of places you can eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season.

And a list of places to indulge your pastry-loving self
Bar manager Kabir Sehgal finds the rabbit holes

— ICYMI —

Gift ideas for absolutely everyone in your life
The latest in local music
We Tried It: Claudio’s in Burnaby carbs up the competition
Opinion: Pornography isn’t always addictive, violent, or harmful to women

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

LIVING: The Heritage Hall Holiday Market returns with festive cheer in tow. (December 12 @ Heritage Hall)

MUSIC: Opera Lirica delivers a concert of holiday favourites. (December 12 @ St. Augustine’s Anglican Church)

COMEDY: Colin Cowan hosts a roster of pro comics at COMEDY WORLD. (December 12 @ China Cloud)

ARTS: Treat yo’elf to Tits the Season, featuring burlesque and drag performances. (December 13 @ Rio Theatre)

FILM: Grab an umbrella and fly over to Movie Singalong: Mary Poppins. (December 13 @ Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver)

FILM: Or lose yourself in another universe: Fantasia. (December 14 @ VIFF Centre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

You made it all the way to the bottom, and we love you for it! Readers like you are what keep us going. If you want to support free arts and culture journalism, send this newsletter to a friend.