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- December 21 edition: The worldwide internet mystery that led to Vancouver
December 21 edition: The worldwide internet mystery that led to Vancouver
Plus: Mall elf confessions, holiday horrors, and festive events
Hey there. Happy solstice!
We can all agree there’s something magical about the shortest night of the year… and the fact that it means brighter days are coming.
As 2023 wraps up, we’re thinking about what’s been going well. What are some things you want to keep the same heading into 2024?
Tell us below—and you might end up in our next print edition alongside some local luminaries.
— V.
Associate Editor
Talk to us
For our January issue, we're shirking resolutions and instead focusing on what's working. Want to contribute?
FEATURE
Internet sleuths spent 16 years trying to identify a mystery song—and found it in Vancouver
A short song snippet on a bootleg Russian DVD kicked off a 16-year internet hunt as lostwave enthusiasts tried to discover the voice behind the yearning tune. Guess where they found her.
CITY & CULTURE
Confessions of a Christmas mall elf
What goes on in the elf grotto? Where does Santa get his suit tailored? Jamie Burke spills the magic.
Fun and free Christmas things to do in Metro Van
oxio internet has fixed prices with no annual price hikes. We’ll clink our glasses to that. Use code GEORGIASTRAIGHT for your first month free.*
*sponsored listing
SPONSORED BY ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH
Mark your calendars for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at St. Andrew’s-Wesley!
Every year we donate our offerings to organizations who are making the world a better place. This year we are supporting the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre and Moms Stop the Harm.
Sunday December 24
3:00pm The Jazz Vespers Service ft. We Three Queens
4:30pm The Parent and Tot Christmas Eve
7:00pm Christmas Eve ft. a string quartet
11:00pm Traditional evening candlelight ft. music and carols
Monday December 25
10:30am Christmas Day with the Little Mountain Brass Band
ARTS
Five holiday horror films to jingle your jangles
The holidays can be a difficult time of year—which is why it’s the perfect season for screams, chills, and gore, with a little festive twist.
Firehall’s Pants will kick off the new year in polka-dotted style
Fans of Python and Bean…Rejoice! 3x London Impresario Winners James & Jamesy present their wildly popular O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy on stages this holiday season.*
*sponsored listing
MUSIC
Sounds Good: The “what day even is it” edition
What are Straight staff plugged into this month, and how many of us will cop to liking Christmas songs?
Spooky Rave takes over The Pearl on December 23rd! By the creators of Shrek Rave, they'll be remixing horror movie themes and spooky songs.*
*sponsored listing
SPONSORED BY THE CULTCH
Vancouver! Don't miss Theatre Replacement's East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
Vancouver is loving Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
"This East Van Panto is a beauty... Playwrights Jivesh Parasram and Christine Quintana, along with director Anita Rochon, have shaped an appropriately nutty, good-natured tale of community and compassion around an exceptionally strong cast”—Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Sun
Tickets from $35 🎟️
On stage at The Cultch's York Theatre & Online until January 7
FOOD & DRINK
Dine Out Vancouver announces which international chefs are coming to town
Now in its eighth year, the World Chef Exchange swaps kitchen geniuses between different cities to see what magic ensues.
SPONSORED BY DAVE NICHOLSON
Independent investment advice - The way to your future
Free weekly email newsletter full of investment suggestions along with estate and retirement planning ideas published by Dave Nicholson. Regulated by CIRO and a member of CIPF.
"Solid work Dave! For anyone who doesn't know Dave is a honest guy. If you're anything like me you care about that" - Ben Sarma
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
30th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival in various locations | December 21 | 6pm
Join lantern processions in Granville Island, Strathcona, and Yaletown. [Free]
Labyrinth of Light at Performance Works and Roundhouse Community Centre | December 21 | 6pm
Visit the meditative maze formed from hundreds of candles and embrace new beginnings in a self-guided ritual. [$11]
The Rod Moore Band at the Roxy Cabaret | December 22 | 7pm
The Rod Moore Band play their final show ever at the Roxy, with special guests SHAG! The band. [$13.86]
Hot Chocolate Night at Evergreen Cultural Centre | December 22 | 5pm
Check out the exhibition, Rebecca Blair: Where the Light Meets my Shoulder, followed by a cup of hot chocolate and Lights at Lafarge. [Free]
Yalda: Persian celebration for the longest night of the year at Moose’s Down Under Bar and Grill | December 22 | 7pm
Yalda celebrates the renewal of the sun and victory over darkness, with food, drink, and live Persian music. [$65]
The 20th Christmas Reprise at Holy Rosary Cathedral | December 23 | 2pm
The Vancouver Cantata Singers perform traditional carols and contemporary compositions in their annual festive concert. [$10+]
Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Themself at The Show Cellar | December 23 | 7:30pm and 9:30pm
The eggnog is flowing and the comedic gloves are off as improvisers battle it out to see who will wear the coveted Santa hat this year. [$22.50]
Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.
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