Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for December 17-23

Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss will delight in this rollicking Christmas romp through a world steeped in tea. Performed by acclaimed British comedians, James & Jamesy, this all-ages show joins them in their action-packed quest to save the world from drowning in tea.

The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
Tickets $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, $15 for students, 7:30 p.m.

Shop and bop on Friday night and then finish off your Christmas shopping when The Sumner Brothers host one heck of a Christmas shindig with local live music, a Santa photo booth, spiked apple cider and local shopportunities. Shopping and food trucks keep the party going throughout the weekend.

Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street

Get in the festive spirit and head to The Cascade Room, Charlie's Little Italian, El Camino's, The Union and Main Street Brewing Company to buy a jar of JT's Hot Buttered Rum in support of Fawkes Academy, which provides educational programs for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Named after Justin Taylor, General Manager at The Cascade Room, the jars are priced at $12 (plus tax) with $10 for each sale going to charity.

Belt out Christmas classics on a three-hour trolley tour that includes stops at Bright Lights at Stanley Park and Van Dusen Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights. Bring the whole family or a group of friends for a night of festive cheer.

Departs from Canada Place at 6:30 p.m. every day (except Christmas Day)
Tickets $40

Experience Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and danced by The Goh Ballet Youth Company and principal dancers from The National Ballet of Canada. Follow Clara’s dream as it comes to life and she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy and her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King.

The Centre in Vancouver, 777 Homer Street
Tickets $20-95; 7:30 p.m. every evening and a 3 p.m. matinee on December 18

Vancouver’s Pacific Baroque Orchestra joins internationally-renowned vocal soloists to perform one of J.S. Bach’s greatest masterpieces for choir and orchestra as it was heard during a Christmas Vespers service in Leipzig in 1723.

Pre-concert talk hosted by Matthew White at 2:15 p.m., concert at 3 p.m.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC, 6265 Crescent Road
Tickets from $17.50 at the box office or by calling 604-822-2697

Christmas is coming! Pick up last-minute handmade presents with everything from candles to homemade honey, boutique booze, baby ‘bibdanas’ and natural beauty products at this special holiday market.

Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Head to the last Squamish Farmers' Market of the season and pick up some treats from 25 local artisans, farmers, makers and bakers for a selection of fresh festive food and stocking stuffers.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Squamish Elementary School, 38370 Buckley Avenue

Learn some tips to make your Christmas lights photographs sparkle on this photo walk in the West End. Find out how to use that big camera you’ve had since last Christmas, or pick up some expert tips for shooting in the dark. It is recommended to bring your own tripod.

Meet in front of the Sylvia Hotel, 1554 Gilford Street
Sign up here; 5 to 7 p.m., by donation

Inspired by James Cameron’s epic animated film Avatar, TORUK – The First Flight tells the story of the film’s world of the distant moon of Pandora thousands of years before the movie takes place. The immersive live performance combines Cirque de Soleil’s skills with cinematic storytelling for an unforgettable adventure.

Tickets from $49
Pacific Coliseum, 2901 East Hastings Street