The cold, rainy weather is officially here, which means snow is shortly coming.
But that also means the holidays are approaching, where people start going back to classic annual traditions like drinking peppermint hot chocolate or eggnog, hanging decorations on the Christmas tree and listening to holiday classics. There's a reason “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for many.
Across the North Shore, there are several holiday concerts reminding you of those classic hits, but also new ones to keep you on your toes this festive season.
Here are some of the highlights:
North Vancouver
The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is hosting their Rendez-Vous concert showcasing some of the best young fiddlers and traditional musicians in B.C. Attendees will experience a blend of music from various fiddle traditions combining genres such as Celtic, classical, jazz and folk.
The Ensemble has toured across North America, Europe and China performing concerts, festivals and charitable events.
Rendez-Vous will take place at Centennial Theatre on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for seniors/students.
Multi award-winning Canadian jazz singer and pianist Laila Biali is coming to Capilano University on a national tour of Wintersongs & Holiday Classics. The concert will feature original “winter-inspired” music alongside sacred holiday classics with other award-winning musicians like Jane Bunnett as well as the university’s choir NiteCap.
The concert will take place at the university’s main campus at 2055 Purcell Way on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.
Capilano University is also hosting their Winter Harp concert series where people can hear famililar carols and songs to sing along to. Classical and Celtic harps, flutes, rare medieval instruments and percussion will be used for poetry and songs throughout the evening.
The event will have velvet gowns, golden instruments, candles and backdrops of cathedrals and snow to bring that old time feel to the show. Winter Harp will take place at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts at the North Vancouver Capilano University campus on Dec. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $41 for adults and $38 for seniors/students.
West Vancouver
The West Vancouver Heritage Choir will perform their annual winter concert playing a variety of popular holiday hits. People can enjoy listening to classics being played and the crowd will be asked to sing along if they wish.
The choir will play at the Seniors’ Activity Centre, 695 21st St., on Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $13.
West Vancouver’s Dundarave Christmas Fair will have multiple free concerts for people to enjoy including local students performing songs at Dundarave Beach Park Dec. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elder Wendy Charbonneau leading dancing and storytelling on Dec. 7 from noon to sunset. Details can be found on the fair’s website.
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be performing their Traditional Christmas concert on the North Shore in December, playing classic hits such as "Silent Night," "Sleigh Ride" and even "Hedwig’s Theme" from the Harry Potter series.
They will perform at West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Arts Centre on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. Ticket price ranges can be found on the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s website.
For more North Shore holiday happenings, visit our online events calendar.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative. [email protected]
