Take a break from Christmas hassle with these fun events

There’s a whole bunch of stuff going on in the weeks leading up to Dec. 24/25, so we thought we’d round up of a few of the more eye-catching events. From cosplay to an ABBA cover band, we think these are some of the best options for your entertainment dollar – or what’s left of it after Christmas shopping.

Van Dusen Festival of Lights: Cosplay for the Holidays (Dec. 18, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St.) – Not much info on this one, but the idea is intriguing – come dressed as your favourite costumed fantasy character and party down in the Festival of Lights. Doors at 4:30 p.m., open ’til 10. Tickets are $17.86 (adult), $13.81 (youth) and $39.05 (family pack, two adults and two children under 18) at vancouver.ca.

Winter Soul-Stice Burlesque (Dec. 18, Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward St.) – Put some sizzle into your holiday season with some of Vancouver’s barest. Performers include Burgundy Brixx, Jacqueline Hyde, Rubie Danger, and many more in eight performances of funk, soul, disco and R&B burlesque. Plus: a door prize called “Bag of Sex.” We’re pretty sure it’s legal. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9. Tickets: $10. VIP reserved tables at kittynights.com.

ABRA Cadabra: An ABBA Christmas (Dec. 19 & 20, Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial Dr.) – If you’re like us, then nothing says the holidays like ABBA. So why not have fun with an ABBA cover band? ABRA Cadabra makes their annual stop at Federico’s on Commercial Drive for a couple of sets of covers by the Swedish pop group and some disco dance hits to keep the party going. You even get a three-course dinner, too. Tickets are $65 at federicossupperclub.com.

Improv Against Humanity: Ho Ho Holiday Special (Dec. 19, Rio Theatre 1660 E. Broadway) – Vancouver improv theatre group The Fictionals present their Christmas show. It’s a twist on their monthly event Improv Against Humanity, which is played with audience members and the game Cards Against Humanity. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. Tickets are $10 in advance ($12 at the door) at riotheatretickets.ca.

Foxmas: The First Annual Fox Cabaret Holiday Pageant (Dec. 22 at the Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St.) – The Main street nightspot hosts a crazy-good lineup for their first annual cabaret holiday pageant, including new soul band The Ballantynes, prog-rockers Sex With Strangers, indie-pop group Twin River and a whole bunch more, as well as comedy from members of The Sunday Service. It’s a benefit for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Ticket are $8 at foxychristmas.eventbrite.com, $12 door (1/2 off with a non perishable donation to the Food Bank).