15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: December 13 to 15

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So much to do, so little time! Vancouver is packed with great events this weekend!

Here are 15 exciting events to check out around town from November 22 to 24. Find stunning holiday lights, hilarious comedy shows, and more!

Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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City of Port Coquitlam

City of Port Coquitlam

What: The first Parade of Lights is on Saturday, December 14, throughout downtown Port Coquitlam, with festive floats, illuminated vehicles, and a special appearance by the jolly old elf.

When: December 14, 2024
Time: 5 pm start
Where: Throughout downtown Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

What: Vancouver is home to some of the finest musical talents in the world, and up-and-coming artists will have the chance to grow their careers by connecting with industry professionals this week.

Hollywood Theatre hosts YVR Sounds 4, a music networking event and artist showcase on Thursday, December 12. Artists include Cody Lawless, Nikkaela, Levvi, Fleetwood Huey, Marie Dressiehuey and Mauvey.

Musicians and music lovers are invited to register for free tickets for the latest edition of the popular event.

When: December 12, 2024
Time: 6 to 11 pm, plus after party
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Free; register online

What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays, live entertainment, and more.

BCAA presents the most unique winter fair in BC, which will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again with the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, the Nutcracker on Ice, Ice Bumper Cars, and more.

When: December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23, 2024
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: PNE Winter Fair tickets are $7.50-$20 in advance, purchase online. Group rates and BCAA discounted tickets are also available.

Gingerbread Lane

Gingerbread Lane/Hyatt Regency

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: Now until December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

What: IndigE-girl Comedy welcomes everyone to The Aunties Who Stole Christmas, a festive celebration of Indigenous laughter and storytelling. The show features an all-Indigenous female lineup from across Turtle Island: Alana Obey, Crystal Asham, Debbie Courchene, Annie Brass, Kaitlynn Brightnose, Dakota Ray Hebert, and host Savannah Erasmus.

When: December 14, 2024
Time: 8 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 plus fees, purchase online

You and your friendly furry companion are invited to the BC SPCA West Vancouver for photos with Santa and a festive holiday craft and bake sale. All proceeds will go to help the animals at the West Vancouver Community Animal Center.

When: December 14, 2024
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (event from 9 am to 4 pm)
Where: BC SPCA West Vancouver Community Animal Center – 1020 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Cost: Suggested minimum $10 donation, all proceeds to BC SPCA West Vancouver

Elf/IMDb

What: With winter in full swing, it’s a great time to head inside and watch a great movie.

Hollywood Theatre is here to help with a movie marathon featuring Will Ferrell and some of his biggest hits. Catch a double bill of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on Friday, December 13, and a free screening of Elf on Saturday, December 14.

When: December 13 and 14, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 West Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, free for Elf screening. Purchase online

What: Tits the Season! by Helvetica Productions at the Rio Theatre is an over-the-top festive extravaganza featuring the city’s best drag, burlesque, circus, and variety performers. There are two shows hosted by Miss Kiss and headlined by global sensation Landon Cider, winner of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula.

Other acts that will bring the holiday cheer to the stage include Batty Banks, Ariel Helvetica and Chelsea Hart, Elektra + The Soul Star, Monday Blues, Skim, Arabella Boop, Helvetica’s Follies, Misty Blue, and VBC’s Fatlesque.

When: December 14, 2024
Time: 6 pm (early show), 10 pm (late show)
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $40-$75, purchase online

What: Create the perfect custom gift for the holidays by heading to BCLIQOUR Richmond Brighouse for a unique and personalized experience. Get your purchased bottle of Mission Hill engraved instore to keep as a oneofakind keepsake or as the perfect gift for that special someone on your list.

When: December 14, 2024

Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: BCLIQUOR Richmond Brighouse — 8100 Ackroyd Rd Unit 100, Richmond
Cost: Free

Wonderheads Christmas Carol

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol

What: Described as one of the most unique theatrical interpretations of the famous Charles Dickens’ story, A Wonderheads Christmas Carol is bound to put you in the holiday mood.

When: December 11 and 12 (North Vancouver), December 13 and 14 (New Westminster)
Time:
Various times
Where
: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver; Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

What: Your favourite canine companions don’t have to feel left out of the festive fun this holiday season, thanks to the Steveston Christmas Dog Parade.

Dozens of paw-dorable dogs and puppies will dress up in holiday attire and parade along Imperial Landing on Saturday, December 14.

The event starts at 11 am at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where there is more seasonal fun for the community to enjoy from 11:15 am to 1 pm.

When: December 14, 2024
Time: 11 am start
Where: Starts at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Cost: Free

What: New West Farmers’ Market is getting festive with the 5th Annual Holiday Market on December 14 and 15. Explore over 80 vendors, listen to live music, and check out the food trucks and a children’s booth at this Royal City holiday tradition. Admission is by a recommended minimum donation of $5 to be split between the farmers’ market and the BCAFM Nutrition Coupon Program.

When: December 14 and 15, 2024
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Tipperary Park next to New West City Hall – 315 Queens Avenue, New Westminster
Cost: By donation

Kringle's

Daily Hive

What: The pop-up, Kringle’s, is your stop destination for festive bites and sips set against Instagram-worthy backdrops.

On the menu, you can find tasty cocktails like the Yuletide Rose Fizz (Empress Elderflower gin, apple cider, winter syrup, lemon, egg white), Holiday Smores (Northern Keep vodka, Baileys, crème de cacao, caramel toffee, cream) and Frosted Margarita (Tres Generaciones Blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime, coconut syrup, cream, rosemary).

When: Until December 31, 2024
Time: Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 5 pm to midnight
Where: Lower Lobby at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Reservations: Online

What: Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for two of the most highly anticipated movies of the year: Oh Canada and The End.

Oh Canada by veteran filmmaker Paul Schrader stars Richard Gere as Leonard Fife, an American-born documentary filmmaker who is nearing the end of his life. Fife agrees to film an in-depth autobiographical interview to set the record straight about his self-imposed exile, but can his memory be trusted?

The End is an apocalyptic musical starring Michael Shannon and Tilda Swinton as parents living out the end of the world with their son in a lavish bunker deep in a salt mine. When a young Black woman, played by Moses Ingram, turns up, their carefully created facade begins to crack.

When: Various dates until December 21, 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

What: Xmas in Skaville is bringing high-energy holiday cheer to the Wise Hall in December. The lineup for the 21st edition includes Balkan Shmalkan, Brehdren, Mivule, The Wavebirds, and Bobbi-Jo Moore. The show promises to heat up the cold winter’s night, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.

When: December 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Wise Hall — 1882 Adanac Street. Vancouver
Tickets: $25 plus fees in advance, purchase online

What: Mastercard has teamed up with local small businesses of Fort Langley to create the original storybook, Cranberry & Crumm. Discover the immersive small business shopping experience on Glover Road to receive your free copy of the book at Fort Langley Community Hall or one of the participating shops.

You can also receive an exclusive gift when paying with Mastercard at participating small businesses in Fort Langley. Collect all eight pieces to complete a wooden puzzle of the community’s landmarks. And you can warm up with free hot chocolate in Gasoline Alley from 9:30 am to 6 pm on weekends.

When: Now until December 15, 2024
Where: Various locations in Fort Langley
Cost: Free

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