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5 Final Things To do in Vancouver This Week (Dec. 24-30)

By Alyssa Hirose /

It’s beginning to look a lot like 2019.

events Credit: Bloedel Conservatory

Blue Christmas

Now – January 6

If you skipped the exotic vacation this year because you “wanted to spend the holidays with your family” or “didn’t get enough vacation days” or “spent all your money on avocado toast,” it’s not too late to get in some tropics time. Holiday Heights at the Bloedel Conservatory has all the twinkling lights, exotic birds, and vibrant fauna you could ever want – and zero chance of sunburn.When: Now – Sunday, January 6 (Closed Christmas Day)Where: Bloedel ConservatoryCost: $6.50 for adults, $4.35 for youth (13-18), $3.15 for children (4-12)More Info: vandusengarden.orgevents Credit: The Rio Theatre

Best Blockbusters

Now – December 31

If you haven’t seen Crazy Rich Asians yet – or any of this year’s coolest flicks, for that matter—you can catch them all at the Rio this week. Your favourite Ryan-Reynolds-endorsed local theatre is serving up a last-minute pop culture buffet of 2018 films, including Isle of Dogs, Sorry to Bother You, and Eighth Grade. Think of all the hip and trendy movie references you’ll be able to make at your friends’ boyfriends’ NYE party.When: Now – Monday, December 31Where: The Rio TheatreCost: From $10.50More Info: riotheatre.caevents Credit: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Elegant Eats

December 24 & 25

Cooking a 40-pound turkey isn’t everyone’s thing—cut your losses and treat yourself to Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s Christmas Brunches and Dinners. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, diners can enjoy stylish holiday dishes like lobster-infused coconut and butternut squash bisque, smoked steelhead trout, and Parisienne gnocchi. You’ll have visions of gnocchi dancing in your head long after Christmas.When: Monday, December 24 – Tuesday, December 25Where: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster BarCost: From $68More Info: boulevardvancouver.caevents

In Concert

December 27

Get in one last concert before year’s end at Thievery Corporation’s Treasures from the Temple Tour. This Jamaican-influenced electronic music duo is proud of thriving for 20 years in the music industry without a radio hit or major label backing – but have also headlined at Coachella and sold millions of albums. Seems contradictory, but we’re digging it.When: Thursday, December 27 8:30 p.m.Where: Commodore BallroomCost: From $124More Info: ticketmaster.caevents

Make Contact

December 28 & 29

Nothing says the year is over in Vancouver like the Contact Music Festival. This two-day rave features headliners Skrillex and The Chainsmokers, and is probably the only winter opportunity you’ll get to wear your sheer leotard and bear hat with attached paws. Bring someone tall to sit on.When: Friday, December 28 and Saturday, December 29Where: BC PlaceCost: From $180More Info: contact-festival.com