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Dec 9, 2025: The extremely local gift guide you need this year

Dec 9, 2025: The extremely local gift guide you need this year

Plus: The newest local music to hit the scene

Jessica Bernard
December 09, 2025

Surprise! It’s Nathan again. Did that scare you as much as I’m scared of holiday shopping? Thankfully, I (and you) have access to Vicki Duong’s incredible local gift guide (below).

It’s important to shop local right now, as we all know, and Vicki put together a comprehensive and impressive guide to doing just that this holiday season. Support small businesses and impress your loved ones at the same time—it actually is possible and maybe not all that scary.

— Nathan
Editor-in-Chief

— FEATURE —

Gift ideas for everyone in your life

Now more than ever, the sentiment is to support small. Lower Mainland makers continue to craft thoughtful gifts and experiences that suit every type of recipient, whether you’re shopping for someone else or treating yourself. From ethical fashion and beauty to home décor and art, here are our top picks for shopping local this season.

— 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.

The coming-of-age favourite

A beloved novel takes centre stage this holiday season—the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is on now until January 4 at the Granville Island Stage. Warm yet wildly different sisters Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth are all determined to find their way in the world despite the uncertainty of the American Civil War. This enduring story of friendship, romance, loss, and personal discovery takes on new life in Lauren M. Gunderson’s adaptation, and invites a new generation to fall in love with the March girls for the first time, or all over again.

Tickets are on sale from $29 and seats are filling up fast—don't miss the chance to see this classic come to life.

— MUSIC —

Van Jams: The latest Vancouver music from November 2025

Our monthly Van Jams feature has albums from burgeoning new artists like Scarlet Fever and Computer, as well as established acts like Buddie, David Vertesi, and Rich Hope.

Adam Popovich of art-punk band American Lips is all in on Montreal bagels
Photos: John Legend lifts the crowd up at Rogers Arena
Unwrap unexpected laughs at 'Tis the Sitcom! The Improv Centre's holiday show features TV trope laughs at every turn - don't miss it!*
Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents Mixed Nuts - a fresh holiday twist on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Catch the magic December 12th - 14th at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets on sale now!*

*sponsored listing

Join the community of Caring Neighbours

Ready to support survivors, families, and unhoused youth in your neighbourhood? Join the community of Caring Neighbours with Family Services of Greater Vancouver! Now is the perfect time with a dollar-for-dollar match until December 31st your gift goes twice as far. Donate today.

— LIVING —

Your Very Vancouver December 2025 horoscopes

Happy birthday, Sagittarius! The holidays bring you into an extra, extra busy time! Whether it’s planning eight birthday parties in your studio apartment, making 30 New Year’s resolutions, or moving for the 10th time this year, December delivers new and exciting challenges. Your matches on Hinge this month are like the city’s budget proposal: fewer offerings paired with vague details! Plus, Pacific Spirit Park is a top-notch location for holiday décor.

Hastings Racecourse announces the immediate stopping of live horse racing
Pornography isn’t always addictive, violent, or harmful to women
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.*
Join Krystle Dos Santos and Friends in a very special holiday season sharing of stories and songs from Motown Artists. A perfect way to share joy and hope during the festive season! Family Passes available.*

*sponsored listing

Mark your calendars for Christmas Services at St. Andrew’s-Wesley!

A displaced family. A troubled time. A hope that arrives in the form of a child who embodies peace. Come experience the mystery and wonder of Christmas as we hear the story we know, and don’t know.

December 24
3:00pm Jazz Vespers ft. We Three Queens
5:00pm Parent and Tot Service
7:30pm Christmas Eve ft. a string quartet
11:00pm Traditional candlelight

December 25
10:30am Christmas Day with The Little Mountain Brass Band

— FOOD & DRINK —

We Tried It: Claudio’s in Burnaby

Intrepid food writer William Johnson found that the pasta and dessert at Claudio’s Ristorante made it more than worth the trip.

VCC culinary grads take first place at the International Chinese Chef Master Competition
Como Taperia goes full Catalonia this January

— ICYMI —

East Van Panto punches up
The enduring appeal of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
30 can’t-miss Vancouver concerts for December 2025
And 30 can’t-miss Vancouver events for December 2025

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

FILM: The Baltimorons is being billed as the “rom-com of the year. (To December 14 @ VIFF Centre)

LIVING: Trans Joy: Community Social celebrates transgender and gender nonconforming people while acknowledging their contributions to society. (December 9 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

BOOKS: Literary giant Margaret Atwood sits down with the CBC’s Carol Off for a wide-ranging conversation. (December 9 @ Orpheum Theatre)

COMEDY: Blind Tiger’s Bloc Fest is a one-night, two-show festival showcasing a collection of improv teams. (December 10 @ China Cloud)

DANCE: Coastal City Ballet celebrates its 15th season with The Fairy Doll - A Magical Christmas. (December 10 and 11 @ Surrey Arts Centre, Surrey)

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

That’s it!

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