December 19 edition: Boybands and best-ofs

Hey there. A little reminder: this is the final Straight newsletter of 2024. We’ll be back with a special Friday edition January 3 and then back to regular programming the following week. See you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the new year after the contractually obligatory food coma.

In the meantime, 12 Days of Giveaways is still rolling over on our Instagram.

Good luck on the giveaway—and happy holidays!

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

2024 in review: Our favourite albums, concerts, movies, meals, and more

With 2024 drawing to a close, the Straight team took some time to figure out what the best parts of our year have been. Which TV shows caught our attention? What destinations captured our hearts? And who put on the best live show? All these questions get answered in our massive 2024 round-up.

— ARTS —

Where to pick up last-minute holiday gifts

There’s shopping local, and then there’s shopping within your own neighbourhood. Whether you’re in Kitislano, downtown, or Gastown, we’ve got some ideas for where to panic-buy presents.

• Four of the best bars for dodging the holiday crowds 

• Hayden Christensen and William Shatner join the Fan Expo lineup

• Get back on the road. The experienced lawyers at Acumen Law Corporation will give you the best legal support for your driving prohibition case.*

  *sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM

Party Like It’s 2025

Prepare for a night to remember this New Year’s Eve at The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim!

From 5:30pm-9:00pm, enjoy a pre-dinner celebration with bubbles, light bites and live music. For those looking to party into the night, join from 9:30pm until late for beats from DJ Kyprios, award-winning cocktails and bold dishes as you ring in the New Year.

Get lost in The Lobby Lounge's sleek, modern interior with a distinct, ultra-aesthetic vibe and savour modern Japanese flavours, fused with global influences and redefined with artistry. Secure your spot for one of Vancouver's most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations. Reservations are required.

— ARTS —

Christmas with Chor Leoni celebrates the companionship of music

New choir member Jayson Cervantes explains how joining Chor Leoni helped him find his place in Vancouver.

• Early Music Vancouver hosts Benjamin Bagby’s medieval epic Gregorius 

• The Arts Club is kicking off the new year with The Three Musketeers

• Left of PuSh returns for its sixth experimental edition

• The Improv Centre's crowd-pleasing Merry/Happy/Jolly enters the final shows of its run, giving audiences a spontaneous and hilarious opportunity for a fun and festive good time!*

  *sponsored listing

— MUSIC —

Tearin’ up your heart: A Boy Band Symphony is coming to the Orpheum

They might not look like they did in your youth, but members of NSYNC, O-Town, and 98 Degrees are partnering with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for a special concert this February.

• Hollywood Undead and Tech N9ne announce a genre-blending Vancouver show 

• Canada’s biggest mountain music festival, AltiTunes, is returning to Big White

• Celebrate with East Van music scene staple, Petunia and the Vipers for the release concert of their new album ‘Calling Me Back’, at the Rio Theatre.*

  *sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Sex//Work: How BDSM helped one person heal from her traumas 

• What’s In Your Fridge: Jagmeet Singh

• The Winter Arts Festival brings immersive art to Gastown

• Here’s what to do instead of the Stanley Park Christmas train

• ZZ Top is coming to Coquitlam and Richmond

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

MUSIC: Step back in time with Winter Harp’s 2024 edition. (December 20 @ Historic Theatre)

COMEDY: Saucy stories compete for a cash prize in Smut Slam’s Get Stuffed edition. (December 20 @ Chill Pill Comedy)

MUSIC: Local artists come together to raise money for Ron and Diane Reyes in Ronfest. (December 20 @ Fox Cabaret)

FILM: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra soundtracks Elf. (December 20 to 21 @ Orpheum Theatre)

LIVING: The Filipino-Canadian Book Festival hosts a family-friendly festive gathering called Pasko!. (December 21 @ UBC Learning Exchange)

WORKSHOP: Jackson Chien passes on his stampmaking techniques as part of the Intergenerational Sharing Project. (December 21 @ Mackin Heritage Home and Toy Museum, Coquitlam)

SHOPPING: Holidaze Pop-Up Market is perfect for picking up something made in the 604. (December 21 to 22 @ Heritage Hall)

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.

And before you go, let us know:

• Did a friend share this with you? Sign up for free.

• Want to advertise to locals? Contact our team.

• Have a cool story to share? Drop us an email.