There’s lots of lights, festivals, markets, and music to enjoy this weekend in Vancouver. Miss604 is proud to sponsor Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village and Christmas at Canada Place – both free events to enjoy all season long! Find these activities and many more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend December 9-11, 2022
Children with life-threatening illness and their families need complex medical care. Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provides critical care to support families facing an unimaginable journey. But not without your gift through the annual Light a Life Campaign. With your gift, to “light a life” you let families know that every life is precious, no matter how long it shines.
Light a Life with Canuck Place
Canuck Place lights a difficult journey for children and families
For the Hall family, learning to find hope in unimaginable circumstances was a difficult journey.
When Chris and Hollie Hall’s daughter Lily was 13 years old, she was diagnosed with a rare, malignant brain tumor. After many years of treatment, the Hall family found their way into Canuck Place Children’s Hospice care in 2017, when Lily was 16 years old.
Canuck Place supports families in holding hope, while facing the uncertainty and understanding that their child will live a short life. Canuck Place supports children with life-threatening illnesses and families like the Halls to navigate the complexities of grief, while cherishing the precious time they have left together.
“At first we were not happy to see Canuck Place staff because we knew they were a hospice for children to go to die,” Hollie explains. “It was scary and confusing. We had so much hope that Lily would recover.”
This is a common feeling of fear for families who are introduced to the Canuck Place program. Coming to terms with the understanding that their child’s illness is incurable, is devastating. Lily passed away at 19 years old on November 25, 2020.
Canuck Place Counsellor, Andrea Johnson, worked very closely with Lily. “Adolescents and young adults who are living with advanced disease are often navigating between wanting to live aspects of their life they lived prior to their disease and living with the changes in their life introduced by advanced disease,” says Andrea.
“Supporting families of children and youth living with life-threatening illnesses requires whole family care and attention to everyone’s needs. As the Canuck Place counselling team, we support young people living with disease and their parents and siblings who love and closely walk with them,” says Andrea.
On average, a child is part of the Canuck Place program for seven years and their parents and siblings remain on the bereavement program for an additional three years. This is an incredibly difficult and lengthy road to endure, but Canuck Place walks alongside families with complex pediatric palliative care and helps create a safe space to navigate their complex journey of grief. All at no cost to families.
“Canuck Place has offered continuous support that helps us walk through tender moments,” says Hollie. “The care at Canuck Place is unique because they take care of the entire family and nurture everyone in a holistic way.”
Canuck Place continues to support Chris and Hollie in their grief and loss of Lily. They meet regularly with Andrea and they attend a bereavement group with other Canuck Place families.
Andrea explains that the loss of a child introduces raw and sharp grief to the parents and family members who love them. “Living with grief is an intentional and effort-full process as families integrate their grief and loss of their child and create a different life informed by this integration.”
When faced with a life-threatening diagnosis, the complex and ever-changing emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs can seem overwhelming to children and the family members who love them. Canuck Place counsellors understand this and are trained to help families cope with raw grief and adjust to each stage of the illness and beyond. This past year alone, Canuck Place saw a 27% increase in grief and bereavement counselling sessions.
Canuck Place is there with love, care, and guidance when and where families like the Halls need it most. Grief support doesn’t take away the pain of losing a child, it helps families find coping mechanisms, learn to express their grief, and continue to live while holding their grief.
“To be witnessed and seen in grief, is extremely meaningful and can push back against the isolation that grief can impose,” Andrea notes. The Canuck Place counselling team journeys closely with families and supports them along this complex path.
Donations Triple Matched
With your support, Canuck Place gives short lives the chance to shine. Donate now through December 31st and your gift will be triple matched! Light the way. Give today.
Just for Laughs Vancouver, presented in association with SiriusXM, is returning for another year of larger-than-life laughs. Tickets for shows including comedy stars such as Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, the Office Ladies, Jonathan Van Ness, Patton Oswalt, and many many more go on sale Friday, December 9, 2022.
Just For Laughs Vancouver 2023
When: February 16-25, 2023
Where: Various venues all across the Vancouver metro area
Tickets: Friday, December 9, 2022 at 10:00am PST on JFLVancouver.com
Note: Single ticket or 3+ shows package options are available
Line-up of Shows
An Evening with the Office Ladies I February 24 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
Sarah Silverman: Grow Some Lips I February 23 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
Fun & Slutty, A Night with Jonathan Van Ness I February 25 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 9:30pm
Bad Friends with Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino I February 16 I Orpheum Theatre I 8:00pm
Patton Oswalt I February 25 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 7:00pm
Tim Dillon I February 24 I Queen Elizabeth Theatre I 9:30pm
Jack Whitehall Live I February 25 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
Sugar Sammy: Canadian Tour 2023 IFebruary 17 at 7:00pm | Bell Performing Arts Centre | February 18 I The Playhouse I 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Chris Distefano I February 22 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID! I February 18 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
A Conversation with Phil Rosenthal I February 19 I Vogue Theatre I 5:00pm
Pete Holmes I February 19 I Vogue Theatre I 8:00pm
Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone I February 18 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
Ari Shaffir I February 25 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
Darcy and Jer IRL (that means in real life, please don’t touch us!) I February 17 I Vogue Theatre I 7:00pm
And That’s Why We Drink: On The Rocks Tour I February 24 I Vogue Theatre I 9:30pm
Dan Soder I February 24 at 9:30pm and February 25 at 7:00pm I Rio Theatre
Joe Pera I February 21 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm and 9:30pm
Ryan Hamilton I February 18 and February 19 I Rio Theatre | 7:00pm
Sarah Sherman I February 16 at 9:30pm and February 17 at 7:00pm I Biltmore Cabaret
Jared Freid I February 22 at 9:30pm and February 23 at 7:00pm I Rio Theatre
Bassem Youssef I February 22 at 7:00pm and February 23 at 9:30pm I Rio Theatre
Matt Rife I February 22 at 7:00pm and February 23 at 9:30pm | Biltmore Cabaret
Nick Thune I February 23 at 7:00pm and February 24 at 9:30pm | Biltmore Cabaret
Becky Robinson I February 19 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally I February 17 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm
Hannah Berner I February 18 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
Steve Rannazzisi I February 24 I Rio Theatre I 7:00pm
Dave Merheje: MY DEAR ANXIETY I February 16 I Rio Theatre I 9:30pm
Pat Regan I February 19 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast I February 20 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
Joe DeRosa I February 18 I Biltmore Theatre I 9:30pm
Steph Tolev: Canadian Darling I February 24 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
Baron Vaughn I February 17 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm
Podcast but Outside I February 25 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
Jordan Carlos I February 18 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
Ali Macofsky I February 19 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm
Gianmarco Soresi: I’m So Lonely I Always Pick The Middle Urinal Tour I February 16 I Biltmore Cabaret I 7:00pm
Girl God with Grace Freud and April Clark I February 25 I Biltmore Cabaret I 9:30pm
Best of the West Lineup
The local showcase, Best of the West, presented by SiriusXM Canada, is back to highlight some of Canada’s rising talent.
This year’s line-up includes: Ola Dada’s Black Out Comedy, Camp! Comedy!, Citizen Hurricane, Comedy Bucket, Comedy Feast, Comedy Pants, Comedy World, Cutie Pie Comedy, Drag Brunch with the Established Shanda Leer, Fistful of Kicks: Kickass Asian Comedy, Full Pint Comedy, Maestro, Millennial Line, MSG Comedy, Mufaro Mbudzi’s Scheduled Meditation, New Moon Comedy, Normal Good, Sunday Night Stand Up Comedy, Sunset Comedy, The Ryan & Amy Show, The Sasha Ha-Ha Show and Vancouver Special.
From your favourite stand-up comedians, to top ranking comedy podcasts, and of course TikTok’s latest sensations, this year’s festival is one not to miss. To get in on the action, follow JFL Vancouver 2023 on Facebook.
One of Hollywood’s favourite films is coming to Vancouver! Broadway Across Canada has announced that tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will go on sale Monday, December 12, 2022.
Photo Submitted
Pretty Woman The Musical on Stage in Vancouver
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver)
When: On stage March 29-April 2, 2023
Ticket Details: Tickets will go on sale December 12th online or by calling 1-855-985-5000. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 1-800-889-8457. Tickets may also be purchased at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Note: American Express Cardmembers can get “Front Of The Line” presale access to tickets from December 6-7, 2022. More information can be found here.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee, Adam Pascal, as Edward Lewis and newcomer, Jessie Davidson, as Vivian Ward. The musical’s creative team is led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven) and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift spirits and honour the film.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke.
Highlighted in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired the iconic movie. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL alsocontinues to run to great acclaim at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End.
For the latest news, announcements and “backstage” access on all upcoming shows follow Broadway Across Canada on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram. Join the conversation using the hashtags #BACTouring, #BACSub and #BACSuperfan.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by ZenSeekers Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Kama Money grew up in Port Alberni but spent several years living in the Lower Mainland, upon her return, she was pleasantly surprised to see how many new shopping options and small businesses were now available. My friends at ZenSeekers sent her out for a day for a holiday shopping experience in her once-again hometown, and I caught up with her to see how it all went:
Riverbend Cafe & General Store in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
Holiday Shopping in Port Alberni
“There’s been a lot of positive changes since we’ve moved away and come back. It’s almost like the perks of the mainland have all come here, but with a lot more affordable housing!“
Kama and her son started out their #ExplorePortAlberni shopping experience with a visit to see Tseshaht/Nuu-chah-nulth artist artist Gordon Dick at Ahtsik Native Art Gallery and learn about his inspiration for his carvings and legacy pieces.
Ahtsik Native Art Gallery in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
“Then we moved on to Leave Her Wild Container Design where we met with Shayla, and we built a holiday-themed basket.” Kama says the planter building was a really cool experience to do with her son, and it was the first holiday decoration they put up at home.
Leave Her Wild Container Design owner Shayla Lucier (left) Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
“We moved on to Riverbend Café & General Store, who is known for their vintage board games so we played a few, had a muffin, and amazing lattes. I love the vintage, funky, atmosphere there – I went back the next day to buy a mug I spotted.”
Naesgaard’s Farm & Market in Port Alberni. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
“Then, Naesgaard’s Farm & Market— it’s a Christmas wonderland! It’s full of every kind of ornament you can imagine, from nostalgic to novelty. We spent an hour exploring the themed trees and pointing out our favourite decorations.”
Kama has been a long-time fan of Blue Fish Gallery, which was next on her itinerary. They carry locally crafted beauty/wellness products and art, and jewelry. The last stop of the night was a Bulldogs hockey game with pizza and their own branded craft beer brewed locally by Dog Mountain.
Pizza at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey game. Photo by Melissa Renwick for ZenSeekers
“I’m from here, I went to high school with a lot of people, so I know a lot of the business owners, and it’s just nice to be able to put faces to the names and to keep our dollars in the Valley,” says Kama who added that it was just really nice to support friends, and friends of friends in their ventures.
“The thing I like most about Port is also there’s a lot of connections to style and trends, and I think we now have an eye to the outside of what’s trending in Vancouver. Then a lot of stuff here is locally made, and locally sourced, and I just love how we can again keep the dollars in the Valley and support people that we know.”
Port Alberni is centrally located in the centre of Vancouver Island. Many pass right through it en route to Tofino, here is your invite to stop and shop! This former mill town is full of local soul, perfect for a pre-holiday season trip. While you’re there, be sure to explore the food and craft beer scene. For more on Port Alberni, including where to stay, things to do and where to eat, visit Alberni Valley Tourism.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
