The Top 5 Things To Do This Week

We're starting to see a lot more Christmas activities starting up in the city this week. You may have heard rumours we'll soon see snow, though our forecast predicts a mix of cloudiness, sunshine and - of course - rain for the next seven days. As we enter the last month of 2008, here are some things to do in and around Vancouver:

1- Thursday, November 27, 2008 – Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour

Millions of screaming tweens can't be wrong, and now Disney brings the story of rival junior high school students to ice. Expect lots of song and dance, special effects and booths of pricey merchandise. Choose from the following dates and times: Nov. 27-29, 2008, 7:30 pm; Nov. 29, 2008, 12 pm, 3:30 pm; Nov. 30, 2008, 1 pm, 4:30 pm; tickets are $29/24/16 at ticketmaster.ca. Find more information about the event at highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com.

2- Friday, November 28, 2008 – Bright Nights In Stanley Park

Nov. 28, 2008–Jan. 3, 2009, 3-10 pm (closed Dec. 25)

It's time again for the dazzling display of over one million twinkling lights in Stanley Park. Bright Nights has been a tradition for over 20 years here in Vancouver. The miniature train takes you through Christmas displays like Santa's workshop and an international village while you're serenaded by holiday songs. Bright Nights is an annual fundraiser for the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, and has brought in over $1.2 million to date. Train tickets are $8/5, and admission to the displays is by donation. Get more information at vancouver.ca/parks.

3- Saturday, November 29, 2008 – 24 Hour Yoga Relay

It's 24 hours of Yin, Pranayama, Hot Yoga, Kundalini and more to support World AIDS Day. Check the online schedule at yoga4kidz.ca and participate at whatever time you want. Or, come for the last 108 minutes for all ages yoga starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The relay begins at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial).

4- Sunday, November 30, 2008 – Portobello West Fashion & Art Market

See a sneak peak of unique art and fashion items from over 110 local designers. The next market takes place on Dec. 13-14, from 12-6 p.m. Featuring unique art and fashion items from over 110 local designers. Find a great selection of accessories, clothing, bags, jewelry and more. There's free parking as well as a shuttle; find out more at portobellowest.com. Admission is $2 (kids under 12 are free), and the market is held at the Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station (1755 Cottrell).

5- Monday, December 1, 2008 – Aids In Two Cities: Bridging To Catalyze Change

World AIDS Day 2009

Today is World AIDS Day, and a number of researchers and advocates will be at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (580 W. Hastings) to discuss HIV/AIDS communities in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Vancouver. Admission is free, and you can find out more at events.sfu.ca.

6 – Tuesday, December 2, 2008 – Metallica

Metallica plays GM Place tonight with guests Lamb of God and the Sword. Their latest album, Death Magnetic, was at the centre of a heavy metal debate earlier this year, when Metallica's agents demanded that journalists pull all reviews after a listening party. Not exactly an event of Napster-ian proportions, but bad enough. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7; get tickets at ticketmaster.ca for $95.50/79.50/49.50.

7 – Wednesday, December 3, 2008 – Holiday Shopathon

Remember Love Letters of Great Men from that scene in Sex and the City? Pick up a copy at the Holiday Shopathon, along with lots of other discounted designer items, free gifts with purchases, great door prizes, snacks and bubbly, mini-makeovers, a DJ and more. Until Dec. 9, enjoy four different shopping parties: Blubird (Wed, Dec 3rd, 5-9pm, Yaletown), Fine Finds Boutique (Thurs, Dec 4th, 5-9pm, Alberni Street), Wink Beauty Lounge (Sat, Dec 6th, 4-8pm, Gastown), and Orb Clothing (Tues, Dec 9th, 5-9pm, West 4th). Find all the details at thestylespy.com/holidayshopathon.