December 12 edition: Your all-local gift guide

Plus: The best of BC’s festive craft beers

December 12, 2023

Hey there. How’s your holiday shopping going? 

It’s fine if you’re not into the capitalist consumer grind. That’s probably for the best, really. Giving the gift of spending time together, something homemade, or an act of service (cleaning your friend’s bathroom! Making a huge lasagna!) is a great way to show your love without breaking the bank. 

But if you want to buy things, we’ve put our heads together for a gift guide. Almost everything is locally made, from bath bombs and beauty products to games and garments. What’s cooler than the stuff that’s made in Vancouver?

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

A (mostly) local gift guide

A plastic pump and dropper set, from MIFA brand.

You don’t have to look far to find gorgeous gifts for everyone on your nice list. We’ve assembled a gift guide prioritizing BC’s best—for gourmands, gamers, and everyone in between.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: East Van’s concrete traffic barriers are missing the point

Yellow traffic barriers at the intersection of Charles and Victoria

The bright yellow concrete traffic barriers throughout East Van are supposed to make streets safer and calmer—but they seem to be doing the opposite.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER

Jazz Standards and more with EMV!

Jazz standards by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin meet works by English Baroque master Henry Purcell, paired with new compositions by Rodney Sharman, 2017 Composer-in-Residence of Early Music Vancouver’s “New Music for Old Instruments”, and the world premiere of a commissioned piece by Edward Top that fuses Chinese traditional music with the sound of Baroque instruments. 

Countertenor Reginald Mobley and his ‘shimmering voice’ (BachTrack) return to Vancouver to open the 2024 LUMEN Festival with a dazzling blend of Jazz and Baroque music. Mobley’s background in the gospel and jazz worlds, combined with his classical training and skillful Baroque performance make for a unique programme presented with Alexander Weimann and the Pacific Baroque Orchestra. 

ARTS

What’s In Your Fridge: Mark Chavez

A profile shot of Mark Chavez, who has stubble and dark curly hair

The long-time East Van Panto writer and star tells us about his first concert, favourite records, and the sweater sitting in his freezer.

MUSIC

On Our Radar: Theremin Man’s “Sagittarius A-Star”

A bald man wearing red holds his hand up close to the camera

Vancouver scene vet Stephen Hamm is sending a message of love across the galaxy with the lead single off his sophomore album.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY MODO-LIVE

Rose City Band live in Vancouver this Thursday!

Rose City Band celebrates their newest record Garden Party on their latest tour coming to The Pearl this Thursday December 14! Don't miss a night of country psychedelic rock vibes with special guests Rosali and Steph Wall. Tickets selling fast, get yours today.

FOOD & DRINK

BC’s best holiday-themed craft beers

A Strange Fellows branded glass clinks a bottle of Krampus beer, in front of a fire.

Here’s a list of festive brewskis to keep you warm on cold winter nights.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY GATEWAY THEATRE

Dec 14-31: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Don't miss Tony-Award winning Broadway musical.. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Experience the timeless tale of Cinderella like never before! This adaptation has been contemporized for the stage, with a new focus on female empowerment and resiliency. Don't miss the extravagant costumes, enchanting live music, and magical transformations. Tickets from $25.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

The Meeks Duo at Silk Purse Arts Centre | December 12 | 10:30am and 12:30pm 

The married four-hands piano pair perform their signature, eclectic brand of seasonal, classical, and pop songs. [$24]

Downtown Vancouver Community College Holiday Market at VCC West Pender | December 12 | 11am to 2pm 

The second annual holiday market selling wares from VCC students and affiliates. [Free]

A Winter’s Twist at Centennial Theatre | December 12 and 13 | 7:30pm 

Lamondance performs its reimagined contemporary dance show, inspired by Romeo and Juliet. [$25+] 

The Gift of the Nutcracker at Evergreen Cultural Centre | To December 14 | 7pm

Ballet Victoria performs an original Christmas tale, danced to Tchaikovsky’s score of The Nutcracker. [$16+]

Devendra Banhart at Commodore Ballroom | December 13 | 8pm 

American-Venezuelan singer-songwriter, visual artist, and reluctant freak folk pioneer. [$35] 

Holiday Singalong at Presentation House Theatre | December 13 and 17 | 7:30pm 

A casual and warm embrace of the songs of the season, with instrumentation from Andy Toth and Patrick Ray. [$24]

A Christmas Carol in Gay Apparel at Vancity Culture Lab | December 13 to 17 | Various times

A comedic parody of the classic Dickens tale, with a coming out twist. [$28] 

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.

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