Take in a show. Shop till you drop. Repeat.

Dim the lights … places, please.  It’s time for Caravan Farm Theatre!  For inspiring entertainment, pull out the woollies for Caravan’s latest seasonal production: The Gift Horse, December 10 - 31. Set on 32 hectares (80 acres) of field and forest near Armstrong in the Thompson Okanagan, The Gift Horse tells a heart-warming holiday tale about unconditional love, redemption, and appreciation of life's precious gifts.  The twist?  Guests will be transported from scene to snowy scene on horse-drawn sleigh. www.caravanfarmtheatre.com

For something out of the ordinary, Whistler’s Bizarre Bazaar, November 25 - 26, showcases an eclectic mix of holiday-themed work from over 100 artisans from the Sea to Sky Corridor, Lower Mainland and beyond at the Whistler Conference Centre. For more festivities, shuffle over to Millennium Place, and check out the best of Canadian music and dance, presented year-round by the Arts Council Performance Series. www.artswhistler.com

At the Vancouver Christmas Market, it’s all about Santa, sweet treats and holiday shopping. An authentic German Christmas market set at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, this draw beckons with an al fresco stroll through rows of wooden booths (45 in all), November 24 – December 24. Linger over German Bratwurst, nibble Brataepfel (stuffed baked apples) and indulge in Gluehwein (mulled wine). Post sip, peruse works from select artisans, including Käthe Wohlfahrt, Germany’s top Christmas ornament and décor company, take in the festive entertainment, or settle in for a spin on the outdoor carousel.  To market, to market. www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com

On Granville Island, weekend shopping in December can prove especially fruitful — not to mention festive. During this seasonal draw, roving performers, carollers and locally crafted items produced by more than 50 artisans will have you singing fa-la-la. Should you wish to make a holiday splash, head to the Vancouver Aquarium for Luminescence, November 24 – January 2.  This celebration of aquatic light features a Christmas tree powered by an electric eel, 4D Polar Express viewings in the theatre and glimpses of St. Nick — or Scuba Claus — as he makes waves with a few finned friends.  www.granvilleisland.com; www.visitvanaqua.org

Road trip? Put it in gear and cruise along Nanaimo’s Cedar-Yellowpoint Artisan’s Country Christmas Tour, November 17 - 20. This on-road adventure will see participants threading their way through a wealth of Vancouver Island artisan studios, shops and farms for tasty and textural self-guided tours. www.cyartisans.com