Mood Swing (December 4, 2025)
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LUPA Ceramics at LAST YEAR’S Toque Craft Fair. Photo by Rachel Topham Photography COURTESY OF WESTERN FRONT.
Okay, it’s official: I am now bursting with yuletide cheer. The Stanley Park holiday lights may have been replaced by that abominable Harry Potter experience, but there’s still plenty of holiday activities to be found (that don’t require you spending $25 on a ticket just to spend another $15 on mulled wine).
Last weekend, I journeyed downtown to bask in the glow of the giant tree outside the Vancouver Art Gallery before paroozing the incredible edible creations at the Hyatt Regency’s Gingerbread Lane, a very underrated and free holiday activity. I’m sneaking some more holiday events into this week's list, but fear not, there’s still plenty of non-denominational activities to enjoy. Keep reading for the full list and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday!
TOQUE CRAFT FAIR ☆ Find the perfect locally handmade gift at the Toque Craft Fair, running all weekend! The fair features a curated selection of goodies from BC artists and helps fundraise for Western Front, a non-profit artist-run centre in Mount Pleasant. Get your first chance to shop and sip at Friday night’s opening party or swing by on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 ☆ WESTERN FRONT, 303 E 8TH AVE ☆ ENTRY BY DONATION
VANCOUVER BLACK FILM FEST ☆ The fifth annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival returns this week, with a curated lineup of 35 films from Black creatives around the world available to watch in person or online. Find the full schedule of films, panels, workshops and community events online.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 ☆ ONLINE / VIFF CENTRE, 1181 SEYMOUR ST ☆ TICKETS ($12+)
HOLIDAY ART WALK ☆ Level up your holiday shopping at the Mount Pleasant Holiday Art Walk this Saturday, Dec. 6! With over 30 participating studios within a 10-minute walk of each other selling paintings, ceramics, candles, jewellery, prints, embroidery and more, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list (and maybe even a treat for yourself).
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 11AM - 5PM ☆ VARIOUS LOCATIONS ☆ FREE!
WICKED DRAG SHOW ☆ Totally obsessulated with Wicked? Check out the return of the sold-out Not a Wicked Drag Show this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. at The Junction on Davie. Starring local legends Weebee, Addi Pose and Genesis, this new rendition celebrates the music of Wicked For Good with a very bedtime-friendly matinee show.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2:30PM ☆ THE JUNCTION, 1138 DAVIE ST ☆ $15
SAD COLLAGE NIGHT ☆ Join SAD for our last collage night of the year at Slice of Life this Tuesday, Dec. 9! Learn more about the mag, snip up some back issues into a masterpiece and unwind in a relaxed, creative environment. Last month’s collage night completely sold out, so get your tickets while they’re hot!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7PM - 9PM ☆ SLICE OF LIFE, 1636 VENABLES ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)
