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December 4, 2025: East Van Panto punches up

December 4, 2025: East Van Panto punches up

Plus: Alex Kim talks Top Chef, and why Little Women still hits hard

December 04, 2025

Hey there. It’s the first Thursday of the month, so you know what that means: it’s time for another edition of your favourite free Vancouver alt-monthly!

This month, we’ve taken the hassle out of your holiday shopping with our ultra-local gift guide, highlighting small businesses and makers from the 604.

Pick it up wherever you get your newspapers, and be sure to let us know what you think!

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

East Van Panto: West Side Story punches up

The East Van Panto isn’t just a beloved local institution: it’s also big business. “It is the big leagues—there’s a lot of money riding on this thing,” says Marcus Youssef, a longtime resident of the Commercial Drive area and the playwright for this year’s edition. “It’s as close to commercial theatre as Vancouver gets.” So, what do you do with a platform that big? Stick it to West Van, of course.

Celebrate a Decade of Comedy

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER celebrates 10 years in 2026 with over 100 shows and more than 250 artists. This year’s lineup includes international headliners James Acaster, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Nimesh Patel; viral sensations Dropout Improv, Laura Ramoso, and Connor Wood; and recent JFL New Faces Katherine Blanford, Aurie Styla, and Dylan Adler — and that’s just the beginning. Audiences can also enjoy standout performances from local favourites in the Best of the West series presented by SiriusXM.

With a dynamic mix of stand-up, improv, sketch, podcasts, and more, there’s something for every comedy fan. Tickets are on sale now—don’t wait, they’re going fast. The festival runs February 12–22, 2026.

— ARTS —

The enduring appeal of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

Although the story is more than 150 years old, Louisa May Alcott’s story of four sisters trying to find their place has continued to resonate across generations. Alcott “was very much a revolutionary,” muses director Barbara Tomasic. “She had a progressive look on how women could be in our society.”

30 can’t-miss arts and city events happening this month
PuSh Festival invites you to step into the expansive possibilities of live performance, to explore fresh perspectives and powerful storytelling. Experience 25 performances across theatre, dance, multimedia, music, and film Jan 22 to Feb 8!*
This holiday season, experience artistry, elegance, and wonder, as Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to captivate Vancouver. On stage Dec 18-21 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.*
"An undisputed genius of comedy," Libyan-born comedian Mohanad Elshieky combines a deceptively laid-back demeanor with a whip-smart perspective on politics and culture. You won't want to miss when he comes to Vancouver on December 9th!*

*sponsored listing

Celebrate the holidays at Christmas with Chor Leoni

Celebrate the season at one of Vancouver’s most popular holiday experiences this December 18-20. Gather friends and family and let the voices of Chor Leoni soothe and delight under the illuminated architecture of Saint Andrew’s-Wesley United. Enjoy candlelit carols, bright new arrangements and world premieres, and revel in the spirit of the season through song.

— MUSIC —

Ozzy’s Birthday Bash raises money for a rollicking good cause

Although the man himself might be gone, Ozzy’s Birthday Bash at the Rickshaw raises money for Parkinson Society BC with performances from some of the city’s most headbangable bands. Given the night’s title, there will possibly be a birthday singalong and maybe a cake with black icing and black candles.

Here are the must-see concerts happening this month
Foxwarren is live at the Vogue Theatre on December 4! The acclaimed Canadian quintet performs music from their new album, 2, among others. Don't miss it!*
Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story is charming audiences with big laughs and even bigger dance battles—now extended to January 11!*
Dec 12: Dandy's Christmas Carol - In this immersive drag cabaret we wretch the meaning of the holidays from the clasping clutches of Capitalists. Huzzah!*

*sponsored listing

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

Our Insiders get access to exclusive giveaways and concert tickets all season long — and this week’s lineup is stacked.

Join the epic Queen sing-along with Choir! Choir! Choir! at the Orpheum on Oct 28, or catch Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins at the Vancouver Playhouse on Oct 29. Looking ahead, groove with Poison Girl Friend (Nov 4, Rickshaw Theatre), Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Nov 5, Commodore Ballroom), and Lady Wray (Nov 12, The Pearl). Families can also mark their calendars for Gabby’s Dollhouse Live at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Mar 15.

Plus, as always: enjoy 10 per cent off at Minami and Loam Bistro, a complimentary dessert at Desi Indian Lounge, a free appetizer at B House, and much more.

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $8.25/month on an annual plan.

NEW 360° Star Theatre - Explore the Universe

Your journey across the stars begins here!

Vancouver's UPGRADED 360° planetarium brings galaxies, stars, and cosmic wonders to life in a stunning 10k immersive experience. Make it a night out with friends or a family adventure.

Seats are limited - Visit today!

— FOOD & DRINK —

Alex Kim’s story came first on Top Chef Canada

Alex Kim might have come second on this season of Top Chef Canada, but the Five Sails culinary director dug into how his upbringing in rural South Korea influenced his food. “There was nothing like sitting me down and teaching me,” he says. “But there were all these little teaching moments… how to respect the whole process of cooking.”

Four Winds has a new collaborative beer pack with four Canadian breweries. So yes, we of course had to rank the beers.

— ICYMI —

Review: Was Fred again.. the show of the year?
Yaletown’s new light installation gets a bit Rear Window
The Heat gathers international improv teams
HYPE Chocolate is running a hot choc pop-up

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

SHOPPING: More than 250 makers gather for the Make It market. (December 4-14 @ PNE Forum)

FOOD & DRINK: A festive pop-up known as the Jingle Bar sleds into town. (December 4-23 @ Alibi Room)

VISUAL ARTS: Jenie Gao’s Where Mountain Cats Live explores how oppressed people find home. (December 4 to January 17 @ Grunt Gallery)

LIVING: Florals for winter? Fleurs de Villes’ NOEL knows that’s right. (December 5-14 @ various locations, Vancouver)

MUSEUM: Experience A Christmas Carol in an immersive walk-through of a Victorian house. (December 6-23 @ Roedde House Museum)

LIVING: Good things come in small packages at the Mini Miniature Show. (December 7 @ Museum of Vancouver)

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

That’s it!

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