More than 40 fun and fantastic things to do in Vancouver in December

The weather outside may be frightful, but at least the events around Vancouver are delightful!

Get your new month going with our list of 43 great events happening around the city in December. From the PNE Winter Fair to Taylor Swift, Christmas lights, free ice skating, and more, there’s something for everyone!

For more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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PNE Winter Fair

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

The most unique winter fair in BC is presented by BCAA and will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again through the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, 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.

Celebrate the Holidays with Oakridge Park

What: This holiday season, Oakridge Park invites the Vancouver community to indulge in a series of enchanting festivities.

From December 6-20, Santa will journey around the city in Santa’s Modernized Sleigh, bringing holiday cheer to families and friends. The festivities continue with a 12-Days of Christmas Giveaway with curated items from Oakridge Park’s retail tenants and complimentary digital holiday cards on its website

When: December 1 to 24, 2024
Time: Various times. To find out when and where Santa will be, check out Oakridge Park Instagram Stories for daily updates or visit the Oakridge Park holiday website for a full list.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season and all ages are invited to hit the ice.

Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.

The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February.

When: Open daily from November 29, 2024 until February 28, 2025
Time: 9 am to 9 pm (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

Echo by Cirque du Soleil

What: Cirque du Soleil is returning to Vancouver this fall with its newest big top show, and it promises to be an experience worth shouting about!

The internationally acclaimed acrobatic circus is back in the city with Echo. Described as a story about connection and intention, the production will take over Concord Pacific Place with an exploration of the “symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom.

When: Now until January 5, 2025
Time: Performance times will vary based on the date
Where: Concord Pacific Place — 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Rosewood Home & Condo Warehouse Closing Sale

What: Remember that massive Rosewood Home & Condo warehouse closing sale we recently told you about? Well, the luxury furniture store is upping the ante by slashing prices even more in order to liquidate all remaining stock. This means that the already-reduced prices will be fractioned down even more — but it won’t last.

Coinciding with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the sale will be on from November 29 to December 2, which means if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to acquire luxury furniture at affordable prices, you’ll need to act fast.

If you can’t make it in-store, the sale is also available online with featured products on the best deals page. While some products may be further reduced for Black Friday, don’t wait around to find out — once something’s gone, it’s gone for good.

When:

• Friday, November 29, 10 am to 5 pm
• Saturday, November 30, 10 am to 5 pm
• Sunday, December 1, 11 am to 5 pm
• Monday, December 2, 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Unit 1175 — 1579 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: November 30, 2024 until March 2025
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024

What: Vancouver Christmas Market is transforming Jack Poole Plaza into a huge German-style holiday event from November 13 to December 24.

A popular holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the Vancouver Christmas Market features more than 90 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures. Plus, there are many festive activities and live entertainment to enjoy.

When: Now until December 24, 2024
Time: Various opening hours
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; season passes are on sale now

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

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.

When: November 28 to December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Brentwood Bliss

What: The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to start tackling your wish list! That’s why we’re excited about the launch of a new weekly holiday market in Burnaby, which will be filled with items for everyone on your shopping list.

Heart & Hustle Community’s Brentwood Bliss takes place every Sunday until December 22. Head to the upper-level food court at The Amazing Brentwood for unique gifts, local vendors, and more.

When: Every Sunday until December 22, 2024
Where: Upper-level food court at The Amazing Brentwood
Cost: Free

Shipyards Christmas Market

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: Now until 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

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

What: Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for the latest Wallace & Gromit classic, Vengeance Most Fowl.

Aardman’s four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a new adventure all ages will love. When Wallace unveils his latest invention, a robot that can do almost anything, Gromit can’t help feeling redundant. But when old nemesis Feathers McGraw reprogrammes the robot, it’s up to Gromit to save the day and rescue Wallace from the chaos.

When: Various dates from December 18, 2024 to January 2, 2025
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, including $10 for youth under 18, $11 for students and accessible patron, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online

Heritage Christmas at 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 streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.

When: Now 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

Merry/Happy/Jolly

What: The holiday season can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. That’s why the funny folks at The Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island are helping chase away the winter blues with its new seasonal show, Merry/Happy/Jolly.

Audiences will help the improvisers create a brand-new show each night during the “choose-your-own-adventure” performance.

When: Fridays and Saturdays until December 23, with matinee performances on December 15, 22 and 24.
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Cirque NYE 2025 at Science World

What: The countdown to the new year is on, and a massive Cirque-themed celebration is returning to Vancouver’s iconic Science World this winter.

On Tuesday, December 31, the illuminated False Creek landmark will be transformed into an elegant party sphere with three rooms of high-energy music on two floors. Cirque NYE is your opportunity to bring your loved ones together to raise a glass to the memories of 2024 and get ready for 2025

When: December 31, 2024
Time: 9 pm to 2:30 am
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $80 — available online

The storybook world of Cranberry & Crumm in Fort Langley

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: November 30 to December 15, 2024
Where: Various locations in Fort Langley
Cost: Free

Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery

What: The festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright.

The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until January 5. Visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor throughout the season will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists. There will also be weekly interactive activities for guests to enjoy.

When: Now until January 5, 2025 (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Taylor Swiftivities

Bentall Centre presents The Eras Pre-Party

What: It’s only a few weeks until Taylor Swift takes the stage at BC Place with her Eras Tour — and Bentall Centre is hosting the ultimate pre-show party to get you pumped.

On Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, from 3 to 6 pm, fans can connect with fellow Swifties and get concert-ready with exciting Taylor-themed activities. The event is free to attend and fun for all ages!

When: December 6 and 7, 2024
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
Cost: Free with RSVP

Taylor Swift Cocktails at Minami Yaletown

What: Indulge in exclusive Taylor Swift Cocktails at Minami Yaletown to celebrate Taylor’s arrival in Vancouver. Some of the delicious highlights include Sparks Fly made with Sheringham Beacon Gin, Light Me Up crafted with Mezcal, and You’re Not On Your Own, Kid with a base of red wine.

When: December 1 to 8, 2024
Where: Minami — 1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Book: RSVP online

Holiday Lights

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights

What: The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is on Sunday, December 1 throughout Cloverdale Town Centre, with seasonal floats, stunning lights, and more.

With the help of local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations, Cloverdale BIA is putting on the event, all supported by many volunteers who believe in the magic of Santa.

When: December 1, 2024
Time: 5 pm start
Where: Throughout Cloverdale Town Centre. See the full route online.
Admission: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item or gift item for donation.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

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: Now until 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

Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market

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

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund.

When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25)
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza

Squamish at Dusk

What: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024
Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online

CP Holiday Train

What: The CP Holiday Train rolls into BC this December, bringing lights, music, and holiday cheer to tons of communities across the province. It will be in Metro Vancouver on December 19 and 20.

The 26th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the US this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CP Holiday Train stop will also enjoy a free and festive concert by Juno winners Magic! and fast-rising star Sofia Camara.

When: December 19 and 20, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: The holiday season is upon us, and festive fans can get into the spirit with the return of Merry & Bright to Martini Town.

Langley-based Martini Film Studios will transform its massive backlot into the holiday extravaganza from Wednesday, December 4 until Sunday, January 5. Guests can live out their holiday movie fantasies at the unique outdoor film set while enjoying live entertainment, delicious treats, and more.

When: Wednesday to Sunday from December 4, 2024, to January 5, 2025 (Closed Christmas Day)
Time: 3 to 10 pm
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd Street, Langley
Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children and free for children aged 6 and under. Purchase online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks continue the NHL season at Rogers Arena this month with home games, including the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 6, Boston Bruins on December 14, and more.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Giants

What: The Vancouver Giants continue the WHL season at the Langley Events Centre with games against the Regina Pats on December 4, the Kelowna Rockets on December 29, and more.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th Street, Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Warriors

What: The Vancouver Warriors begin the National Lacrosse League season at Rogers Arena this fall with a game against the Rochester Nighthawks on December 13.

When: December 13, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Abbotsford Canucks

What: Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this month, with home games including visitors Colorado Eagles on December 7 and 8, Manitoba Moose on December 14 and 15, and Tuscan Roadrunners on December 20 and 21.

When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

Bon appetite

12 Cocktails of Holiday Tradition at H Tasting Lounge

H Tasting Lounge’s enchanting winter patio is officially back in action, with its special heated Alpine-inspired domes decked out with cozy decor for the occasion. They also have 12 Cocktails of Holiday Tradition that you can enjoy in the restaurant.

Think drinks like Santa’s Mailbox, made with Cacao Nib Forty Creek Whiskey, Piper Heidsieck champagne, and maple; Midnight Mass, made with Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Amarone Grappa, and Panettone Distillate; and more.

Address: H Tasting Lounge — 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Reservations: Online

The Elf Bar: A Magical Christmas Pop-Up Experience 

The Elf Bar brings festive cheer to Commercial Drive with its festive pop-up. Each 90-minute experience includes plenty of photo ops, elf-themed cocktails and games, unique Christmas decor, and hundreds of elf figurines of all shapes and sizes.

When: Wednesday to Sunday from December 4 to 22, December 23 and 24, 2024
Times: Various times
Where: 920 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $14.50 per person plus fees, book online

Winter Wonder Lounge at Earls Yaletown

Things are getting holly and jolly at the Winter Wonder Lounge at Earls Yaletown. Curl up with a cozy blanket on the transformed patio lounge and enjoy the holiday-inspired cocktails. Raise a glass of Winter Spritz, Yuletide Mule or Peppermint Mocha while taking in the sights and sounds of the season.

Address: 1095 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-4990

Bar Humbug at The Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo is getting into the spirit of the season with Bar Humbug, its new seasonal pop-up filled with festive cocktails, delicious food, and nostalgic memories. Head down to try wintry drinks like Frosty’s Colada, made with vegan egg nog, Bumbu rum, and amaretto, and Sleigh Ride in Central Park, made with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whisky, JP Wiser, Sweet Vermouth, raspberry, and more.

Address: 888 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-423-2771

The PoMo Express at The Venosta Train

All aboard the Christmas season food and libations pop up on an 1920’s Antique rail car at the Port Moody Museum. Head to Brewers Row in Port Moody for handcrafted holiday concoctions, tasty bites, and festive spirits for a limited time.

When: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 21, and 22, 2024
Times: Various times
Where: 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody
Cost: $25 per person, book online

Enjoy the arts

Goh Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

What: It simply wouldn’t be the holidays without The Nutcracker. That’s why we’re excited that Vancouver’s own Goh Ballet will soon be bringing the beloved show to life along with some international stars.

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is taking over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for five performances from December 19 to 22. With its iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky played live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and a diverse cast of over 250 dancers, watching this ballet in December is a tradition that spans generations.

When: December 19 to 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), 2 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street
Tickets: Various prices starting at just $28, purchase at GohNutcracker.com

Xmas in Skaville 21 – The Nightmare Before Skaville

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

Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft tour

What: Music superstar Billie Eilish is coming to Vancouver this fall on her new world tour, adding to the stacked lineup of artists coming to town.

The nine-time Grammy winner will bring the new Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to Rogers Arena on Tuesday, December 3. Vancouver is just one of three Canadian stops on the highly anticipated tour.

When: December 3, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Fleurs de Villes Noël

What: The sixth annual Fleurs de Villes Noël is happening in Vancouver from December 6 to 15. The stunning activation creates a “floral art trail” that decorates Vancouver’s downtown core with some of the city’s top florists and local businesses being inspired by favourite holiday songs.

When: December 6 to 15, 2024
Where: Various locations in Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

18th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship Finals

What: The 18th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship is the grand finale of the 2024 Vancouver Story Slam season. Ten storytellers bring their best stories to the longest-running storytelling event of its kind in Canada.

The winner, selected by an anonymous audience ballot, will receive a share of $2,000 in cash prizes as well as the title of the year’s Vancouver Story Slam Champion. Stories are not pre-screened and are as unique and entertaining as the people telling them.

When: December 12, 2024
Time: 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $25.75 plus fees. Purchase online

Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree

What: Broadway Church’s 55th Singing Christmas tree is full of songs, drama, dance, and more. This year’s holiday production is themed “The Christmas Rocket” and will treat audiences to performances by singers, an orchestra, dancers, actors and acrobats.

When: December 6, 7, 8 and December 13, 14 and 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm (Fridays), 3 and 7 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Broadway Church – 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online

Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis

What: Colin Mochrie of Whose Line Is It Anyways? and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci are the stars of Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis, which is coming to the Great Canadian Casino.

The live show combines hypnosis and improv for a unique comedy experience and is straight from a 70-show run Off-Broadway and a Las Vegas residency at the legendary Showroom at Harrah’s.

When: December 3, 2024
Time: 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Sam Tonning Live Album Recording

What: Just For Laughs Vancouver regular Sam Tonning is recording his album live at Little Mountain Gallery on December 4. He has shared the stage with Mark Normand, Jessica Kirson, and Bobby Lee and has been named one of Reader’s Digest’s comedians to watch in Canada.

When: December 4, 2024
Time: 7 pm and 9 pm
Where: Little Mountain Gallery — 110 Water Street, Vancouver
Cost: $20 plus fees, purchase online

Contact Winter Music Festival

What: Contact Winter Music Festival is returning to Vancouver and some massive stars are coming for the party.

Canada’s largest indoor winter music festival is taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre on December 27 and 28. This year’s headliners include multi-platinum and Grammy Award-nominated artist and producer deadmau5 and America’s Best DJ nominee Seven Lions.

When: December 27 and 28, 2024
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

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