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December 10 edition: The end of The Eras

December 10 edition: The end of The Eras

Plus: FIFA, “Oliver!”, and queer pop

December 10, 2024

Hey there. How was your weekend?

Over the past few days, Vancouver welcomed hundreds of thousands of Taylor Swift fans—who, in turn, spent huge amounts of money on food, and shopping, and accommodation while in town for the final three shows of her Eras Tour.

For a moment, we were the centre of the pop culture universe—not pretending to be something else, but as ourselves. No matter how you feel about mass-media musical juggernauts, that’s something to be proud of.

And if you need more reasons to love our city… we’re hosting 12 Days of Giveaways on our Instagram. Check it out for a dozen ways to appreciate Vancouver this holiday season.

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— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

The Eras Tour: Reviews from all three nights

One of the biggest cultural events to ever hit Vancouver wrapped up this weekend. Taylor Swift’s global Eras Tour came to a close in Lotusland—and we went to every single night. Relive the moment—or find out what you missed—with our reviews of night one, night two, and night three.

— LIVING —

Commentary: Why is Vancouver putting FIFA training sites in our public parks?

Memorial South Park is set to become a FIFA training ground ahead of the 2026 tournament—meaning it’ll be closed off to residents for two years—and cost upwards of $25 million. Local residents Cindy Heinrichs and Beth Ringdahl argue that there must be a better solution.

Your very Vancouver December horoscopes
Grouse Mountain’s new gondola opens on Thursday
Holiday markets to check out in Metro Vancouver
PHS Community Services Society has a $100,000 holiday season campaign to provide low-barrier supportive housing, harm reduction and healthcare in Vancouver. Please donate today.*
Sleigh Bells are ringing this December with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra! Join the VSO for a sprinkling of holiday cheer with concerts including Traditional Christmas, Elf, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and A Canadian Brass Christmas.*

*sponsored listing

Mixed Nuts December 13-15

Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents Mixed Nuts, a modern twist on The Nutcracker. Tickets available now for four festive December performances at the Vancouver Playhouse!

— ARTS—

Oliver! Takes a big swing at a Dickens classic

Josh Epstein, director of Gateway Theatre’s production of Oliver!, knows why the play resonates. “It’s about finding home and belonging,” he says. “Those are universal themes that apply to what people look for in holiday times.”

Vancouver International Dance Festival turns 25 in 2025
Festive shows to catch this December
A second Jerry Seinfeld show is coming to the Queen E
Introduce a friend to PuSh! Get a free ticket for a show during PuSh International Performing Arts Festival Jan 23-Feb 9 with the purchase of a PuSh Pass!*
The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party: Volume VI – The Christmas Show! | 2 Screenings: Dec 14 and Dec 21 both at 10:30am.*
*sponsored listing

Celebrate your holidays with laughter at The Improv Centre on Granville Island!

From family friendly holiday hijinx with Merry/Happy/Jolly, to comedy competition they're known for with Theatresports, to an unpredictable improv game extravaganza with shows like Improv Arcade, they’ve got hilarious happening six nights a week!

With special shows and matinees throughout December – plus 3 shows to ring in the new year – there's something for everyone at The Improv Centre!

— MUSIC —

Was 2024 the year of sapphic pop?

Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Reneé Rapp: 2024 has seen openly queer artists dominating the charts. Three sapphic Vancouver artists, including Xana (pictured), tell us about the girls, the gays, and the slays.

On Our Radar: The Harpoonist channels Van Morrison on “Heartbreak Autobahn”
What’s In Your Fridge: Hayley Sullivan of East Van Panto and Hot Dyke Party
Nelly’s new tour is where the party at
Ring in the New Year at The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim with live music, indulgent bites, award-winning cocktails and an unforgettable celebration.*

*sponsored listing

Echo, the new spectacular!

ECHO follows a curious young woman named Future and her dog Ewai as they explore the symbiotic bond between humans and the animal kingdom. This stunning spectacle captivates audiences with breathtaking acrobatics and vibrant visuals, inviting them to celebrate the beauty of life and connection to nature.

— ICYMI —

Our all-local gift guide is here
Can’t-miss Vancouver concerts for December
Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen breaks barriers
Don’t want to cook a holiday meal? Dine in at one of these restaurants
Or get takeout from local eateries

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

MUSIC: Classics old and new are given the horn treatment with A Canadian Brass Christmas. (December 10 @ Orpheum Theatre)

THEATRE: Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre shows three works in progress. (December 10 to 12 @ Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre)

PERFORMING ARTS: Murder is a Drag delivers a special holiday version of the dinner-and-whodunnit format. (December 11 @ Water St. Cafe)

MUSIC: Outside Voices Choir performs contemporary songs, arranged by Hey Ocean!’s David Beckingham. (December 11 @ Rio Theatre)

THEATRE: A Wonderheads Christmas Carol tells a traditional tale—now with puppets! (December 11 to 12 @ Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver)

THEATRE: Pinocchio: Puppet Detective has a nose for trouble. (December 11 to 14 @ Performance Works)

COMEDY: Sasha Mark and Savannah Erasmus host Camp! Comedy! (December 12 @ Fox Cabaret)

SPOKEN WORD: The Vancouver Story Slam holds its 20th anniversary championship. (December 12 @ Vogue Theatre)

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

That’s it!

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