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Light your lantern for illuminating winter solstice festival

And four other events that make Vancouver awesome this week
The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival lights up Dec. 21.
The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival lights up Dec. 21.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Mark the changing of the seasons and the longest night of the year with a dazzling and soul-satisfying evening that will find you winding your way through a labyrinth of lights (made of 600 beeswax candles). Build your own lantern and watch it illuminate the winter-dark sky. Processions leave from Leg-In-Boot Square and Vanier Park and head to Granville Island; a procession leaves from Helmcken Street and heads to Yaletown.

When: Dec. 21

Where: Various locations in Vancouver

secretlantern.org

 

Late Night Movie: Die Hard

die hard

Yippie ki-yay, merry Christmas-ers! If you prefer your holiday flicks to be of the smash ’em up, strong language and beating the bad guys style, then you probably already love the Bruce Willis 1988 action classic. See it on the big screen in a late night showing at Vancouver’s venerable Rio.

When: Dec. 21 at 11 p.m.

Where: Rio Theatre,1660 East Broadway

riotheatre.ca

 

Sea of Lights at Vancouver Aquarium

The holidays have arrived with a splash at the Vancouver Aquarium, where their Sea of Lights festive programming is underway. Take a deep dive into the magic of the season thanks to some cheery additions to the venue, from an “electric eel” powering a sparkling tree to a new hands-on exhibit that’s all about bubbles. Scuba Claus will take daily dives into the Strait of Georgia exhibit through Dec. 24. And, yes, the aquarium is open on Christmas Day.

When: Until Jan. 6 (Scuba Claus onsite until Dec. 24)

Where: Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way

vanaqua.org

 

Cirque Musica: Wonderland

Cirque Musica Wonderland is a breathtaking performance that blends incredible cirque acrobatics with stunning symphonic music for a full sensory experience. Hear favourite holiday songs performed by a live symphony and watch acrobats, aerialists, and enjoy other holiday-themed live entertainment on stage.

When: Dec. 22, 3 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St.

cirquemusica.com

 

Star Wars Boxing Day Brunch and Marathon

star wars

Cure your post-Christmas blues with a day in a galaxy far, far, away, complete with food and drink. Storm Crow Alehouse is holding a Boxing Day Brunch with marathon screenings of the Star Wars OG trilogy. Use the force and get yourself out of the house and enjoy some time with your fellow SW nerds. Fans. We mean fans.

When: Dec. 26, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Storm Crow Alehouse, 1619 West Broadway

facebook.com

For more events, go to vancouverisawesome.com.