Christmas Message from Westcoast German News

Christmas Cheer to all my friends, family & readers

A Focused Year of Stories Blogs go through seasons—and lately I’ve made a conscious decision to focus more clearly on selected topics, rather than trying to write about everything at once. This year, my attention has naturally turned to soccer—for obvious reasons. I’m genuinely excited to welcome Switzerland to Vancouver, Germany to Toronto, and Austria

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Review by Westcoast German News

The Goh Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Vancouver Opera House proved to be an enchanting holiday experience that truly deserves its reputation as a treasured tradition. Now celebrating its 15th year, this production brings together exceptional talent from around the world to create something genuinely special for Vancouver audiences. As part of the

German-Speaking Nations Light Up World Cup

By Westcoast German News Vancouver, BC – December 13, 2025 – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches this summer, Westcoast German News is thrilled to present a comprehensive guide to experiencing three of Europe’s most exciting German-speaking nations on North American soil. Austria, Germany, and Switzerland will all be competing in the tournament hosted

Vancouver’s Enchanting Nutcracker Returns This December

Vancouver’s most enchanting holiday tradition returns as Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker, presented by RBC, takes the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 18 to 21, 2025. This year’s production promises a sparkling new approach to the beloved seasonal favorite that has captivated families across the Lower Mainland for 15 years. The lavish production

Schuster’s Five-Year Journey Reaches MLS Summit

Axel Schuster, CEO and Sporting Director of the Whitecaps.

Vancouver, BC – When Westcoast German News first interviewed Axel Schuster in March 2020, introducing him to our readers as he began his journey with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, we recognized his passion and strategic acumen would make waves in Major League Soccer. In that interview, Schuster shared his philosophy: a sporting director doesn’t need to

Whitecaps Want to Win in Vancouver – Not Wander all the Way to Plan Z

Jesper Sorenson and Axel Schuster Press Conference

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC held their year-end media conference this Monday, December 8 at 2 p.m. PT with CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster and head coach Jesper Sørensen at the Whitecaps FC National Soccer Development Centre. As a blogger for Westcoast German News, I attended the conference where questions ranged from on-field

Müller Magic: Vancouver’s German Revolution Still Going Strong

Thomas and his friends, the Whitecaps

Vancouver, BC – Under the leadership of German CEO Axel Schuster, Vancouver Whitecaps FC have ushered in a new era, one unmistakably stamped with world-champion quality from back home. For the first time in club history, the ‘Caps have reached the Western Conference Final of the MLS Cup Playoffs, and they’re marking this triumph with

Chor Leoni Brings Christmas Magic to Vancouver

Christmas 2024; Photo by Ashley Gattey

Christmas with Chor Leoni Evokes the Spirit of the Season with Traditional Carols, World Premieres, and Reimagined Winter Classics Vancouver’s renowned men’s chorus, Chor Leoni, continues its cherished festive tradition this December with Christmas with Chor Leoni, offering audiences an unforgettable celebration of the holiday season. The beloved annual concert series runs December 18-20 at

Müller vs. Son: BC Place Explodes

Thomas Müller with the Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, BC – The stage is set for an epic showdown at BC Place as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal on Saturday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m. PT. The match is officially sold out, with capacity expanded to over 53,000 after the upper bowl

Fifteen Fabulous Finds: Vancouver Christmas Market’s 15th Anniversary

Vancouver Christmas Market Collage

When the Vancouver Christmas Market made its debut in 2010, taking over the outdoor plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, few could have imagined how this modest gathering of wooden stalls would transform into Vancouver’s most cherished holiday tradition. What began as a quaint German Market has blossomed into a magnificent 65,000 square-foot Christmas village

Eastside Culture Crawl: Brigitte Potter-Mael’s Oak Leaf Alphabet

Plant Murmur in progress by Penelope Edgar

An interview with Vancouver artist Brigitte Potter-Mael about her nature-inspired work, oak leaf alphabet, and upcoming exhibitions Elke Porter: Hello Brigitte! Thank you so much for joining me today. I’d love to start by learning about your journey. When did you come to Canada, and how did you get into art? Brigitte Potter-Mael: I came

Indigenous Arts Meet Innovation at TRANSFORM

TRANSFORM_PIQSIQ_photo by Matt Reznek

Music, theatre, dance collide in an explosive cabaret-style festival at the Vancouver Playhouse Vancouver’s cultural landscape is set to illuminate this November as the TRANSFORM Festival returns for its sixth edition, presenting an extraordinary convergence of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artistic voices. Running across two weekends—November 6-8 and November 14-15—at the historic Vancouver Playhouse, this year’s