Dec 23, 2025: Our most popular stories of 2025

It’s the last newsletter of the year, and I’m shedding a tear. 

Wow. The holidays are getting to me. I didn’t even plan to do that rhyme, and it just came out. So sorry about that. 

Anyway, we’ve got some great reads for you today, including our roundup of the stories that you, our dear readers, clicked on the most. Some of those stories are informative digs into important things happening in our city. And some are about the annual firefighters’ calendar. Keep on sleighing, and have a great holiday season. 

— Nathan
Editor-in-Chief

— FEATURE — 

‘It’s grim’: Vancouver restaurants brace for more tough times

Food writer William Johnson’s story about how Vancouver restaurants are navigating some hard times has proved to be a lightning rod of conversation in the city. It’s already one of our most-read stories of the year (see below), and it was only posted last week. Johnson plans to do a follow-up in 2026. Keep your eyes peeled.

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

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.

SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY

Give the gift of hope

Please help housing provider PHS Community Services Society to reach their $100,000 goal to support people in crisis this holiday season.

PHS is a registered charity that cares for individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions in Vancouver and Victoria.

Services include low-barrier supportive housing with round-the-clock mental health supports, safe consumption sites, recovery programs, affordable dentistry and accessible banking services. 

People of all ages and backgrounds are losing their homes because they can’t keep up with skyrocketing rents and the cost-of-living crisis. 

They need safety, dignity, and a place to call home — and you can help make that happen.

Please donate to PHS by December 31 and bring hope to those who need it most.

You’ll receive a 2025 tax receipt for your contribution.

— ENTERTAINMENT —

Our most-read stories of 2025

The Georgia Straight’s most-read stories in 2025 include everything from our August cover story on the revival of the legendary Cobalt to concert reviews of Nick Cave and Katy Perry to a certain patch of land on Kingsway. It’s an eclectic mix, and the only reason we got to do any of it was because of you.

• Can you figure out our December crossword?

• North Vancouver Recreation & Culture (NVRC) is looking for fun, talented musicians and bands for the 2026 Live & Local summer concert series! The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.*

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— CITY & CULTURE —

Which Vancouver Canucks are going to the Olympics?

Rosters for men’s Olympic hockey teams are going to be named before the year is over. So we took a look at which Vancouver Canucks are set to represent their countries internationally.

•  A new Gastown boutique is bringing Italian tailoring to Vancouver.

• An East Van Christmas display takes aim at Coca-Cola.

• Watch the standout cinema of the year in the Best of 2025 series at the VIFF Centre, running from Dec 26–Jan 8. Find out more.*

*sponsored listing

— LIVING —

Where to dine-in and ring in 2026 in Vancouver

Our Vicki Duong has your NYE plans on lock.

• A century on the grind: Grouse Mountain turns 100.

• New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean, balanced energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• 5 observations from a Vancouver Goldeneyes game

• Christmas With Chor Leoni unpacks the holiday season

• Street Hawker Turbo launches second location

• William Azaroff is building a mayoral campaign

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

THEATRE: O Christmas Tea brings British charm to Metro Vancouver. (To December 30 @ various locations)

LIVING: Catch Holidays at the Met before the season is out. (To December 30 @ Metrotown, Burnaby)

THEATRE: Escape to 1930s New York with Annie. (To January 3 @ Gateway Theatre, Richmond)

FILM: One of this year’s most intriguing films, The Secret Agent is almost done its screening run. (December 23 and 24 @ 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.

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