Continuing with B.C.’s reopening plan, many holiday events that were cancelled last year have returned in 2021 with safety measures firmly in place.
The following are just a handful of some of the performances and events Metro Vancouver has to offer this holiday season.
Metro Theatre’s Snow White pantomime
An annual tradition of the Metro Theatre for more than 35 years, the “fairest panto in the land” follows the classic tale of Snow White with some hilarious and zany twists. A cast of 15 talented singers, dancers, and actors bring the show to life in a delicious blend of colourful scenery, sparkling costumes , toe-tapping tunes, dazzling dance routines, slapstick gags and tons of audience participation.
- When: Dec. 3, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022
- Where: Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
- Cost: $25-$35
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Christmas with Chor Leoni will feature an eclectic program of boisterous holiday classics and soulful candlelit carols. The JUNO-nominated men’s choir will premiere six new arrangements, bolstered by critically acclaimed violinist/fiddler Cameron Wilson.
The night will conclude with the choir’s signature candlelit encore of Silent Night, where audiences are welcomed to sing along.
- When: Dec. 17, 18, 20 at 8 p.m., Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m.
- Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United - 1022 Nelson St, Vancouver
- Cost: Tickets are $20-50.
Stanley Theatre’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol
Set during the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this heartwarming musical reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town. It’s in this setting that Scrooge’s greed blinds him to the joys of the season and as a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, he is met by three spectral visitors. With music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton and then combined with Dickens’s classic characters, the show is truly one-of-a-kind.
- When: Nov.18 to Jan. 2, 2022.
- Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage - 2750 Granville St, Vancouver
- Cost: Tickets start as low as $43.
Tits the Season!
An over-the-top festive extravaganza featuring Vancouver’s best drag, burlesque, circus, and variety performers. The show will be headlined by the one and only Jimbo — the notorious favourite from Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race.
Other performances include pole arts from Lynx Chase from Virago Nation, Vancouver’s all-Indigenous burlesque troupe; The Darlings, a multidisciplinary, non-binary drag performance collective and many more!
- When: Dec. 18, at 6 and 10 p.m.
- Where: Rio Theatre - 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
- Cost: $75-155
Mixed Nuts - The Nutcracker
This December at the Vancouver Playhouse guests can expect a modern and engaging twist on the Tchaikovsky classic. Bringing together a flavoursome assortment of dance styles from hip-hop, to ballroom, to the classic grand pas-de-deux, families and kids of all ages can enjoy this extra-special holiday treat.
- When: Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
- Where: Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St
- Cost: $45 -$170
O, Come All Ye Soulful
Vocalist and the Queen of Vancouver soul Dawn Pemberton is joining award-winning bassist/bandleader Jodi Proznick to deliver your favourite holiday soul classics. You’ll get to hear their take on much-loved songs by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, John Legend and others!
- When: Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
- Where: 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
- Cost: Live show tickets are $30, $15 for live stream.
Vancouver Youth Choir
The Vancouver Youth Choir will be putting on a show for the whole family this winter. The two shows will feature several choirs of different ages performing so you can hear the full range of youthful voices this holiday season.
- When: Dec. 11, matinee at 2 p.m., evening show at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Chan Centre for Performing Arts - 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver
- Cost: $12-$26.50
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir
After two years of silence the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir is back in-person performing throughout the Lower Mainland. Audiences will be treated to heartfelt carols, new and old, to help spread some holiday cheer. There’s also an online concert for streaming that will be filmed at Shaughnessy Heights United Church in Vancouver and will launch on December 18.
- When: Dec. 5, 7, 13, and 16.
- Where: Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver and other Metro Vancouver locations
- Cost: $19-$34
Music on Main
This Winter Solstice you can bask in a candlelight glow surrounded by the sweet sounds of classical and contemporary music produced by some of Vancouver’s greatest musicians.
- When: Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Heritage Hall - 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
- Cost: $24-$49
Gateway Theatre’s A Broadway Holiday
This December the Gateway Theatre invites you to celebrate Broadway, the holiday season, and being able to go to a live show in person. During the show, seven talented singer-musicians will treat you to hits from Broadway shows like “Let it Snow”, “Sleigh Ride”, and “White Christmas” to name a few. For those who prefer to sing along in the comfort of their own home, there is a digital video-on-demand version available.
- When: Dec. 16-23 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
- Where: Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond on the MainStage
- Cost: Preview night is pay what you will. Tickets are $29
