The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

Have you heard that this weekend might bring snow? Those of us who have to commute in the ice and slush won't be as delighted as those of us who can walk to work or spend our days making snowmen. But even if you're stuck in traffic, watching overly cautious Vancouver drivers weave back and forth on the wet city streets, try to appreciate how lovely the snow looks under the streetlights, and how festive it makes the holiday season. No? Either way, here are some things to do in and around Vancouver this week:

1- Friday, December 12, 2008 – Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman is the world's best selling soprano, loved for her classical-pop songs and her long running performance in shows like The Phantom of the Opera. She's at GM Place tonight to perform songs from her latest CD, Symphony. Tickets are $89.50/69.50/45.50 at ticketmaster.ca.

2- Saturday, December 13, 2008 – Christmas Fishes For Wishes

Come support a fun charity event where you try and catch the biggest fish to win a prize. Animal lovers rejoice, these are play fish, so you won't have to clobber any poor aquatic creatures. All proceeds go to a great cause: the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon. Christmas Fishes For Wishes takes place at Sinclair Centre (757 W. Hastings) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until December 19, and a minimum $2 donation is required. Find out more at makeawishbc.ca.

3- Sunday, December 14, 2008 – Discover: The Edge of Winter

Ever wonder how animals and plants cope with the chill of winter? Listen to naturalist Murray Lashmar discuss how many different species deal with the onset of the colder months. Tickets are $10/5, and the discussion takes place at the Lost Lagoon Nature House (west foot of Alberni in Stanley Park). Find out more at stanleyparkecology.ca.

4- Monday, December 15, 2008 – Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

See Capilano Suspension Bridge and canyon all lit up until January 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day (except on December 24 and January 31 when the park closes at 5 p.m., and on December 25 when the park is closed all day). The proceeds will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund in the hopes of raising $20,000 to support Burn Awareness Week in BC elementary schools. Find the details and ticket info at capbridge.com.

5- Tuesday, December 16, 2008 – Vancouver Giants Vs. Swift Current Broncos

Vancouver Giants

Watch Vancouver junior ice hockey team the Giants take on the Broncos tonight at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Coliseum (Hastings Park, 100 N. Renfrew). Tickets are $18.50/16.50 at ticketmaster.ca. Get more info at vancouvergiants.com.

6 – Wednesday, December 17, 2008 – J.S. Bach: Film Composer Of The 18th Century

Enjoy a discussion with Mark Destrubé, the music director of Early Music Vancouver on Bach's cantatas and why the composer's works are relevant so many years later. Admission is free at the Alma VanDusen Room at the Vancouver Public Library (350 W. Georgia).

7 – Thursday, December 18, 2008 – It's A Wonderful Life

Many of us will remember this classic Christmas film by Frank Capra, about George's guardian angel who comes to remind him that it's faith, hope and family that make life wonderful. Directed by Dean Paul Gibson, the show runs until December 31; find out more at artsclub.com/20082009/onstage/wonderful-life.htm.