Ho-Ho-Ho! Capture your holiday memories and get a festive photo taken with Santa at Central City. Photos with Santa are offered during select shopping centre hours from November 15 to December 24 at Santa Land, on the south side of the centre near Tim Hortons. All kids that visit Santa will receive free treats (while quantities last). Santa’s FastPass payment option is available at www.centralcity.ca to reduce photo line-up wait time and offer convenient online ordering. Be sure to get your favourite furry friends’ photos taken with Santa too-exclusive pet photo sessions are available on select evenings. Visit www.centralcity.ca for full details including Santa’s visiting hours and package prices.

The Cultch is thrilled to present Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Pinocchio at the York Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020. East Van Panto returns for a seventh year, welcoming back the creative team behind last year’s hit Wizard of Oz: playwright Marcus Youssef, composer Veda Hille, and director Stephen Drover. When a lonely old ice cream vendor named ‘Gelatto’ is given a puppet by the mysterious ‘Beckwoman’ of Commercial Drive, his dreams of having a child suddenly come true. Join a locally famous cricket, an angry orca, and a dastardly fox as poor Pinocchio does his best to tell everyone the truth and become a real boy. But why are Pinocchio’s limbs always growing? Will there be a Cappuccino War between the ‘Abruzzos’ and the ‘Calabrias’? And why are all those kids ditching class to go to Hastings Racecourse? Don’t worry, Pinocchio – just follow your nose! “We had a wonderful time in Oz last year, and we are thrilled to be returning with the same creative team,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director, Maiko Yamamoto. “This year, we are headed straight to the heart of East Van: Commercial Drive! Marcus has taken inspiration from the neighbourhood’s Italian heritage to give Pinocchio a brand new, hyper-local spin. As always, we are trying to walk the line between respecting tradition and upending convention. We feel so lucky to be able to take these kinds of risks each year alongside thousands of families from across the Lower Mainland.” Heather Redfern, The Cultch’s Executive Director adds, “It means so much to us that the Panto has become such a wonderful holiday tradition for so many people. Last year’s Panto was so successful that we’ve extended the run dates this year to seven weeks. We are so excited to sing along with everybody. Go Panto, Go!” East Van Panto: Pinocchio is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, The Cultch recommends East Van Panto: Pinocchio for ages 5 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. TICKETS: Tickets from $26; On sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604.251.1363, or online at www.thecultch.com *Child tickets just $26 for any seat in the house *(must be 16 and under) **Family Packs from $160 **(Family Pack includes 2 adult 2 child tickets)

Ready, set, GLOW! Christmas Glow, the world's largest indoor Christmas festival is opening in downtown Vancouver in November bringing 40 days of illuminated fun! Set inside the Harbour Convention Centre, visitors can escape the winter elements and enjoy nearly 50,000 sq. feet of family friendly and festive holiday activities while they laugh, stroll and play under the twinkle of a million lights.

Glow's illuminated structures are the perfect backdrop for family photos and #selfies. Interactive activities and festive playgrounds entertain kids for hours, while adults kick back at licensed bars and enjoy seasonal beverages and live music. It's all the magic and wonder of an outdoor festival, hosted inside a warm and spacious venue.

The 2019 theme for Vancouver is "Santa's Lost Presents." Visitors will explore lighted trails and help the elves uncover Santa's lost presents. With traditional holiday-themed illuminated structures, including Santa's sleigh and his glowing reindeer, guests will be sure to get into the holiday spirit! "It's the first time that Glow is being held in Vancouver, with the expansion of the event announced earlier this year to include a total of seven Canadian cities, and one international in Odense, Denmark," said Glow Vancouver Event Manager Crystal Koskinen. "1.5 million guests are expected to celebrate the warmth of the season across the world when Glow brightens up their cities."

It’s an extra christmas present for British Columbians who will also be able to experience Glow Abbotsford from December 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020 with the same high standard of event as Glow Vancouver, with a different theme, concepts, structures and interactivity for the whole family.

"We have engaged local charities, organisations and entertainers to ensure each event is unique to its location, and we can"t wait to open to the public later this month," continued Crystal. "Our light maze and illuminated structures create amazing social media moments and backdrops to create perfect selfies, holiday family photos and lifelong memories."

Christmas Glow in Vancouver runs from November 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020, and in Abbotsford from December 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020. Join the joyous 1.6 million guests ready to Glow and celebrate the warmth of the season! 20% off select tickets available.

Connect with Glow:

Facebook: Glow Vancouver

Instagram: @glow_vancouver

Twitter: @glow_vancouver

Produced by the Firehall Arts Centre along with Victoria’s Puente Theatre, FADO – The Saddest Music in the World runs from Thursday, November 21 to Saturday, December 14, 2019.

Acclaimed Portuguese-Canadian playwright Elaine Ávila’s new play, FADO, is a tale of love and ghosts set in the back alleys and brothels of old Lisbon. Part concert and part theatre, the story of a young woman confronting her country’s Fascist past and her own identity is interwoven with the heartbreaking national music of Portugal known as Fado, which means “fate.”

The hit of the Victoria Fringe in 2018, FADO won the award for Favourite Musical, with B.C.’s own beloved Sara Marreiros playing the ghost of Amália Rodrigues, the queen of Fado.

The Firehall’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer says, “I am excited to be working with Victoria’s Puente Theatre and Artistic Director Mercedes Bátiz-Benét and look forward to bringing this wildly unique production to greater Vancouver audiences.”

For a taste of Fado music, listen to Amália Rodrigues singing “Abandono” here.

Tickets:  From $25 at firehallartscentre.ca | 604.689.0926