From sparkling pantos to heartwarming plays and from Christmassy comedy shows to brilliant dance performances, live theatre is one of the best ways to tap into the spirit of the festive season. This year, the stages of Vancouver and beyond are bursting with a full playbill of amazing options––and now is the time to book your tickets.

 

But what are those options? While researching our 2024 Vancouver Christmas Guide––we’re now in our eighth year––we discovered a huge variety of local shows to consider. Read on for some of our favourites, and keep your eye on the Shows section of our site for more––plus lots of chances to win free tickets!

 

Perfect pantos

 

A traditional festive entertainment, pantomimes are an ideal reason to round-up the family for a holly jolly great time. Kids of all ages will love Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story, presented by the Royal Canadian Theatre Company, which is running at Surrey Arts Centre and New Westminster’s Massey Theatre this year.

 

And don't miss the Cultch’s ever-popular East Van Panto. On stage at their York Theatre venue on Commercial Drive, their 2024 show is Robin Hood. Once again it’s a whip-smart fusion of songs, kid-friendly giggles and satirical belly laughs for adults.

 

And for a Brit-style panto that’s jam-packed with jokes, songs and colourful costumes––plus plenty of chances to boo the baddies and cheer the heroes––Vancouver’s hidden gem, ever-friendly Metro Theatre is staging a sparkling version of Cinderella: A Traditional British Panto this year.

 

Tiny Tim versus Oliver Twist

 

Dickens always pops-up on stages around the world during the holidays, of course. But if you think you’ve seen Scrooge, Marley and more ad infinitum, think again. A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol––on tour across the region–– brings the famous festive tale to life in an utterly unique way, deploying original masks and cool puppets to relate the story.

 

And there’s another Dickens story on offer this year as well. Richmond’s brilliant Gateway Theatre is pulling out all the stops with a rip-roaring production of Oliver! The Lionel Bart musical is filled to bursting with familiar songs from “Consider Yourself” to “Food Glorious Food,” which means you’ll definitely be singing out loud all the way home.

 

Beloved stories freshly told

 

Speaking of great musicals, fans of “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” should also book ahead for Theatre in the Country’s Mary Poppins production. And if you just can't stop yourself from singing at this time of year, check out Presentation House Theatre’s Holiday Singalong, where you’ll be provided with song sheets so you can belt out all your fave festive tunes.

 

Music also features heavily in United Players’ delightful version of It’s a Wonderful Life: On the Air. The show relates the well-known story of George Bailey from the beloved 1947 James Stewart movie as if it’s a yesteryear radio broadcast­­––complete with evocative songs of the era.

 

We’re also looking forward to another classic story that’s on stage this year. Pacific Theatre is presenting a unique new version of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit––with all the parts played by just two energetic and very busy actors. Alternatively, fans of another epic odyssey––The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe––should bring the whole family along to Granville Island for Carousel Theatre's magical, kid-friendly stage show. 

 

Yuletide yuks

 

Local comedy fans have plenty of reasons to laugh out loud at this time of year. Granville Island’s Improv Centre is staging Merry/Happy/Jolly, its riotous homage to holiday specials (wearing your worst Christmas sweater to the show is fully encouraged).

 

There’s a similar laugh-tastic approach over at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Arts Centre where the Studio Theatre is hosting the improv-driven A Very Special Holiday Comedy Variety Show. Back in Vancouver, consider bringing a date along to Tightrope Theatre's own improv show: Love Unexpected is a feel-good romantic comedy about how love can catch you by surprise––especially during the holidays.

 

Dance it up

 

Yuletide entertainment wouldn't be complete without The Nutcracker, of course. And there are some twinkle-toed local options to consider this year. Don’t miss Goh Ballet’s revered annual production at downtown’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is also performing in the region, presenting their own sumptuous version in Vancouver and Surrey. But also consider booking tickets for Ballet Victoria’s unique Gift of the Nutcracker interpretation.

 

Dance fans should also add another exciting production to their calendar. Performed by Lamondance, A Winter’s Twist is a unique, energetic and festive-flavoured version of Romeo and Juliet––and it’s perfect for audiences of all ages. Downtown Vancouver's Playhouse Theatre is also hosting the annual Arts Umbrella Dance Company performances of Mixed Nuts, a unique contemporary take on Tchaikovsky's masterwork.

 

And the Richmond Academy Of Dance is also back for 2024 with its 25th annual holiday show, Dance Into Christmas. During the evening, the school’s students will be joined onstage by additional special guest performers––including celebrated artistes from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

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For more information on festive events, attractions and shows in the city and beyond, visit the Vancouver Christmas Guide. Written by Lonely Planet travel writer John Lee, it’s the best online guide to the area’s 2024 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its @VancouverChristmasGuide Instagram feed.

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