Notable Now Vancouver: December 20, 2013

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker (The Centre, until December 22nd)
It’s almost your last chance to catch The Nutcracker, a holiday classic that consistently wows the crowd in Vancouver. Experience the Land of Snow, Kingdom of Sweets and witness Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey greeted by a Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s an unforgettable adventure guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The Original Ugly Sweater Party (December 20th, Commodore Ballroom)
Get ready to celebrate some serious style faux pas and partake in the 12th Annual Original Ugly Sweater Party. It is the holiday season’s biggest party not to be missed. Challenge friends, family and colleagues to don their tackiest Christmas garb possible for a night of eggnog-fuelled fun (and fundraising for a cause). Live music, DJs, caroling and more await. Bring a pair of gently used shoes and support Ruben’s Shoes while you’re at it. For more info click here. Party starts at 8pm.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival (December 21st)
Light up a lantern and participate in this community driven festival that sets the sky alight with hundreds of handmade glowing lanterns. In celebration of the sun and 20th Anniversary of the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival, there will be plenty of activities to spice up the night. Drumming, singing, music, fire and plenty of dancing will keep you warm. For more info on the festival and activities taking place around Vancouver, click here.

The Eastside Flea December Holiday Market (1882 Adanac Street)
This Saturday, check out one of the season’s coolest markets this weekend featuring around 40 local vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade craft items, collectibles, artwork, records and other rarities. It’s the perfect spot to stop by if you’re still searching for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list. For more information, click here. Shopping starts at 10am, admission is by donation.

Happy Non-Denominational Holiday Spectacular (December 20th, The Wise Hall)
This Friday, buck the shopping trend and head over to 1882 Adanac Street for a night of festive fun. Hosted by Our Vancouver, it’ll be a night wrought with fun, live music by DJs Shake and Blake, a Hipster Santa, No-Overtime Elves and stand up comics guaranteed to either make you grown or be entertained. Tickets are $12 and available at the door or online here

Coming up: Contact Winter Music Festival (December 26 and 27, BC Place)
Dance off all that extra turkey next week at Contact, a massive two-day winter music festival taking over BC Place Stadium. Featuring headliner DJ acts such as Kaskade, Skrillex, Dirty South, Diplo and more, you’ll keep your feet more than busy. As Western Canada’s largest electronic indoor music festival, this event is one not to miss. For tickets and more details, click here

Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.