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Who’s ready for loads of festive fun?! Invite your friends to check out these 20 fantastic events happening from November 25 to December 1.
From stunning light displays to gingerbread creations, and more, there’s so much to see and do this week! So let’s get started.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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VanDusen Festival of Lights/Submitted
What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season.
VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages.
When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online
What: Calling all Swifties! Destination Downtown is offering a chance to win tickets to Taylor’s final Eras performances at BC Place.
From November 29 to December 6, visit one of 13 Taylor-themed lighting installations throughout Vancouver’s downtown core for your chance to enter. The more Taylor-inspired lyrics you visit, the greater the chances of seeing the American pop icon.
For a list of all 13 locations and details on how to enter, visit them online.
When: November 29 until December 6, 2024
Time: Midnight on November 29 until noon on December 6
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
What: Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 32nd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.
As per tradition over the past three decades, the free event features delightful gingerbread creations designed by secondary school students, amateur culinary artists, and professional bakers.
In addition to providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon, which is celebrating its 41st year of granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses.
When: November 28 to December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports
What: Survivor Series is coming to Vancouver, marking the first time our city has been chosen for a marquee WWE pay-per-view event.
First introduced in 1987, Survivor Series is WWE’s second longest-running pay-per-view event, second only to WrestleMania. Along with Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Money in the Bank, Survivor Series and WrestleMania are among WWE’s five marquee annual events.
When: November 30, 2024
Time: 2:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional stand-ups all over Metro Vancouver. Featuring acclaimed comics that have performed at Just For Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival, on CW and the CBC, and more.
This month, Jokers is bringing the funny to The Roxy in Vancouver on Tuesday, November 26, with performances by Ivan Decker (Juno Winner, Conan O’Brien, Netflix), Steev Letts (Sirius XM, Comedy Here Often), Nicole Tanner (Yuk Yuk’s), and Benji Rothman (Great Outdoor Festival).
When: November 26, 2024
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Roxy Cabaret – 932 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Starting from $23 plus fees, get 35% off promo code: DAILYHIVE35. Purchase online
What: The holidays are coming, and Metropolis at Metrotown is spicing up the season with the return of Holidays at the Met.
Running from now until Monday, December 30, this festive, family-friendly experience is pulling out all the stops this year — bringing back old favourites like a meet-and-greet with Santa, as well as some brand-new adventures. Check out The Met’s Holiday Lounge and VIP Lounge, Jingle Bell Rock around the Met and more.
Where: Now until December 30, 2024
Time: Various times during mall hours
When: Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope
What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display.
St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998.
More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.
When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025)
Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a new festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver debut this fall.
The Shipyards Christmas Market is launching in North Vancouver starting on November 29 and running through to December 24.
With dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa and more, it is shaping up to be everything we’ve asked for on our wish list.
When: November 29 to December 24, 2024
Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday), 11 am to 5 pm (December 24)
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: Magic In The Stars at the Pacific Coliseum will take the audience on a journey through memorable worlds from Disney classics and modern box office hits.
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy will be the tour guides on the magical journey as attendees relive the famous stories they grew up with. The show will feature thrilling figure skating, stunning lighting and costumes, and 56 fan-favourite characters.
When: November 27 to December 1, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
H Tasting Lounge
What: Experience an exclusive one-night-only 8-course dinner, uniting District Executive Chef Ryan Lister from Toronto’s The Dorset and H Tasting Lounge’s Executive Sous Chef Paul Audet. This collaboration highlights coastal British flavours and sustainable Canadian ingredients through signature dishes like Haida Gwaii Tea Smoked Sablefish, Venison Tartare, and Koji Aged Hiro Wagyu Striploin. Conclude with a decadent dessert and handcrafted treats. A culinary journey blending innovation and artistry awaits!
When: November 28, 2024
Time: Multiple seatings available; reservations start at 5:30 pm, and 8:30 pm is the last seating
Where: H Tasting Lounge in The Westin Bayshore – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $145 per person plus taxes and gratuity. Book online
What: A new holiday festival is coming to Metro Vancouver, and it promises to be an enchanting time for the whole family.
Noel Surrey will feature Santa’s castle, a Holly Jolly Hub with food trucks and beverages, bumper cars and more.
There will also be plenty of interactive light displays and photo ops, including a 1 km accessible outdoor holiday light walk filled with illuminated see-saws, a frosty forest, a 150-foot light tunnel, and more.
When: November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 23, 2024
Time: 4 to 10:30 pm
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children ages 6 and under. Pre-sale online
Whether you celebrate American Thanksgiving or just want another excuse for a turkey feast, Honey Salt is offering the perfect meal. You can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast featuring tasty options like Rossdown Farms Herb Roasted Turkey with all the fixing alongside tasty appies and dessert.
When: November 28
Where: Honey Salt — 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Cost: $62 per person
Burnaby Village Museum
What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.
There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic street car on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.
When: November 23, 2024 until January 3, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Admission: Free; Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $31.45 plus tax
What: Whistler is getting a massive new attraction that will let you enjoy the views from 60 feet above the ground, but it will only be in operation for a limited time.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler is hosting the Whistler Winterlight outdoor event on Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 pm. The free holiday event features a live DJ, immersive activities, outdoor skating, and more.
Guests will also have a chance to ride Whistler’s first-ever Ferris wheel and see over 350,000 lights across the village.
When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 to 8 pm (Ferris wheel will operate on Friday from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday from noon to 7 pm)
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Cost: Free, Ferris Wheel rides $5 with proceeds going to benefit local charities.
What: Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for encore screenings of some of the most well-received movies from the 2024 festival lineup.
And not only is it your chance to see these amazing films once again or for the first time, but you’ll also be doing it in the comfort of VIFF Centre’s newly upgraded theatre.
When: Various dates in November and December, 2024
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online.
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, including $11 for students and accessible pricing, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting (Amacon/amacon.com)
What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance.
When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre hosts Sparks Fly: A STEAM Party and Immersive Listening Show where guests get to enjoy hands-on science, themed treats, and more. Dressing up in your favourite Eras-inspired outfits is highly recommended.
When: November 30, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Cost: $21.50 plus fees for early bird, purchase online
What: Metro Theatre presents Billy Bishop Goes To War, a one-man musical starring Damon Calderwood about the triumphs and horrors of World War One. Follow along as Bishop recounts his journey from his beginnings as a Royal Military College troublemaker to his ascension to a top flying ace in the war to end all wars.
When: Now until November 30, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Metro Theatre – 1370 Marine Drive SW, Vancouver
Tickets: $42-$50, preview $30, purchase online
What: Vancouver may not have any reindeer, but visitors can enjoy the sight of a giant illuminated moose this holiday season at Christmas at Canada Place.
Free Christmas attractions, presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will be taking over the Canadian Trail along the west promenade of Canada Place.
Visitors will get a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place, illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays.
When: November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Time: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: A new pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this week is ready to help you treat your loved ones to unique gifts while supporting the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurs.
Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, is happening on Friday, November 29, at the Heritage Hall on Main Street.
The free event features creative gift ideas and giveaways and offers an opportunity to meet low-income entrepreneurs from around Vancouver.
When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free