Brrr! After a chilly week of wind and rain, we hope everyone weathered the storm safely. This weekend is shaping up to be milder, though still a bit wet, which is great news with so much happening around Metro Vancouver.
From the launch of festive holiday events to the buzz of Black Friday sales, there’s plenty to keep you entertained no matter your interests!
RELATED: 17 Places With Dazzling Holiday Light Displays In Metro Vancouver
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival (Free)
The popular Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is returning bigger than ever, with a 2 day event. The 60-foot tree is the main attraction, but there’s plenty of other family-friendly activities to take part in as well.
Visitors can take free photos with Santa Claus himself, shop at an expanded holiday market, experience free amusement rides, wander through the light tunnel and enjoy a series of live entertainment.
When & Where: November 23-24 at Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
Lights at Lafarge Kicks Off Event (Free)
Coquitlam’s largest holiday light display is back. Stunning the area of Town Centre Park, Lights at Lafarge will wow spectators once again this year as they walk through the beautiful Christmas displays and enjoy some festive fun.
The Lights at Lafarge Kick-off Event will take place on Friday November 22, and there will be live entertainment and food vendors from 5-8 pm.
When & Where: November 22 – Early January at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Village Kick Off Event (Free)
Experience Burnaby in all its festive beauty. The popular Heritage Christmas event will be coming back for another year.
The event takes place November 23 to January 3, 2025, and the best part yet—it’s free. The official launch of the Heritage Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony will be on November 30 at 6 p.m.
When & Where: November 23 to January 3, 2025 at the Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Cost: Free
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The Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravan
The Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravan is on it’s way to Metro Vancouver and will be stopping at 6 different locations.
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a FREE interactive and festive gathering featuring a meet-and-greet session and a complimentary holiday photo opportunity with Santa.
Their First stop will be this Saturday, November 23rd, from 9am – 3pm at RCMP Community Event at ICBC, 5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond.
When & Where: November 23 to December 21, at various locations
Cost: Free
Glow Langley Starts
The popular event returns to Langley, transforming a massive indoor venue into a dazzling wonderland of lights and interactive displays.
Families and visitors can explore illuminated gardens, admire intricate light sculptures, and even enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. With its enchanting atmosphere, Glow Langley has become a beloved holiday tradition, offering a magical experience for all ages during the festive season.
When & Where: November 21 – December 28 at Glow Gardens Langley, 6690 216 St, Langley
Cost: From $19.99
Canyon Lights Starts
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a mesmerizing holiday event in North Vancouver. During this annual spectacle, the suspension bridge and surrounding rainforest are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Visitors can take a breathtaking walk among the treetops on the suspension bridge while being immersed in the festive glow, making it a truly enchanting experience for all ages.
When & Where: November 22-January 19 at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Light Walk at Grouse Mountain Starts
Grouse Mountain is once again transforming for Peak of Christmas; a mountain top Christmas Village complete with an enchanting Light Walk, outdoor skating pond and more.
Guests of all ages will be transported to a winter wonderland, complete with snow, Santa and his real reindeer, brilliant light installations, skating, an Elf workshops, Christmas movies in the Theatre in the Sky and more.
When & Where: November 24 – December 25 at Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $75 (Most activities included in lift ticket)
Polar Express Squamish Returns
Bring out the candy canes and presents – it’s time to board the North Pole Express!
As winter’s beauty envelops Squamish, adventurous families are invited to climb on the train to Santa’s workshop. Don’t miss this magical Christmas train ride full of family memories that will last a lifetime.
When & Where: November 23,24-30 & December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, four times a day at the Railway Museum of British Columbia,39645 Government Rd, Squamish
Cost: $82-$132 (for 2)
Lights by the Lake at Harrison Lake (Free)
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Lights by the Lake returns to Harrison Lake transforming the lakefront into a dazzling wonderland of lights. There will be a grand opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd from 4:30 – 7:00 pm, ending with a spectacular show of fireworks.
When & Where: November 23, 2024 – January 12, 2025 at Harrison Lake, 100 Esplanade Avenue
Cost: FREE
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Christmas in District 1881 Chilliwack
District 1881 in historic Chilliwack offers the charm of a picturesque European town right here at home. During the winter, this delightful block transforms into a magical wonderland, complete with a beautifully adorned tree and festive decor, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a holiday getaway.
Throughout the month, you can enjoy Christmas photos with Santa, visits from the Grinch, face painting, special treats, and more—all leading up to Christmas.
When & Where: November 21 – December 24 at 46128 Yale Rd, Chilliwack
Cost: Free or low cost
Arts Club Theatre Company presents Miracle on 34th Street Starts
The Arts Club Theatre Company presents a Christmas classic this holiday season with Miracle on 34th Street on the Granville Island Stage.
Miracle on 34th Street was originally released as a film in 1947 and quickly became a holiday classic. Written by Valentine Davies and directed by George Seaton, the story has been adapted for the stage, television, and even radio over the decades.
When & Where: November 21 – December 29 at the Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver
Cost: $39
Holiday Shopping
Estée Lauder Companies’ Vancouver Warehouse Sale
The massive Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale returns to Vancouver for its 3rd year! Discounts of 50% or more will be available on products including makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances and more.
Hosted by the Premium Retail Group, discover unbelievable discounts on Estée Lauder, MAC, Clinique, Tom Ford, Glamglow, Origins, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown and Bumble & Bumble.
When & Where: November 21-24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Deer Lake Winter Festival (Free Admission)
Come celebrate crafts, community, and creativity at this vibrant winter market! The annual event showcases over 40+ local BC artisans and their marvelous works.
Included in the seasonal market are glass blowers, sculptors, and pâtissiers, to jam makers, jewelers, fashion designers, and many more.
When & Where: November 22 from 11am – 7pm, November 23/24 from 10am – 5pm, at Shadlbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Cost: Free Admission
West End Holiday Craft Fair (Free Admission) This weekend only*
This fair is perfect for anyone looking for original, hand-crafted items, as everything on sale is artisan made only. Quaint and cosy, the market hosts about 60 vendors each year.
When & Where: November 23-24 from 10am – 4pm at the West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Steveston Christmas Craft Fair (Free Admission)
This holiday season, bring the whole family to Steveston’s Annual Christmas Craft Fair. You’ll find a wide range of unique, handmade items suitable for all ages. The fair features up to 125 vendors offering handcrafted goods, jewelry, specialty foods, and more. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win exciting raffle prizes!
When & Where: November 23 from 10am – 4pm at the Net Shed behind Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton St, Richmond
Cost: Free Admission
Got Craft Holiday Market
The Got Craft Holiday Market returns to the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver weekend. Featuring 95+ small businesses, food trucks, a newly expanded mini makers area with kidpreneuers aged 16 years and under, and swag bags for the first 50 attendees through the doors each day.
When & Where: November 23-24 from 10am – 5 pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $5
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Emily Carr University Annual Student Art Sale
Take home your very own stunning piece of artwork celebrating the creativity and innovation of our talented students. The Student Art Sale (SAS) is a unique opportunity to collect one-of-a-kind pieces from some of Vancouver’s finest emerging artists and designers.
Expect to find a wide range of works, including original paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as printmaking, photography, illustration, housewares, wearables, and jewelry.
When & Where: November 21-23 at the Emily Carr University, 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver
Cost: Free Admission
Timebomb’s Winter Warehouse Sale
Timebomb Trading’s famous Winter Warehouse Sale is back. They’re clearing out samples and past-season products to make space in our warehouse. It all has to go! Samples, odd sizes, one-offs, and rare pieces.
When & Where: November 22-24 at Timebomb Trading, 8067 N Fraser Way, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza is a festive holiday tradition in the heart of the city. This enchanting market features beautifully decorated wooden stalls, offering a wide array of seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and traditional German fare.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit as they explore the market’s charming atmosphere, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy live entertainment against the backdrop of the iconic Olympic Cauldron.
When & Where: November 13 – December 24 at Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: $15-22
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
The Last Resort – An End-of-a-Lifetime Immersive Theatre Experience
The Last Resort is a unique and unforgettable immersive show that will leave you breathless. This one-of-a-kind journey through purgatory paradise explores themes of change, choice, mortality, growth, and disco. Guests are invited to choose their level of participation, denoted by a coloured lei placed around their necks as they’re welcomed into the Hereafter.
When & Where: November 17 & 24 at 2 and 4 pm at the At The Waldorf, 1489 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $55-$125
Arts Club Theatre Company presents Dolly Parton’s Smoky Moutain Christmas Carol (Nov 14 – Dec 24)
The Arts Club Theatre Company is set to launch its holiday season with the uplifting musical Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
When & Where: November 14 – December 24 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville St, Vancouver
Cost: From $39
Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
Cirque du Soleil is set to return to Vancouver this October with their mesmerizing show, “ECHO.”
This highly anticipated event promises to once again transport audiences into a world of wonder and awe as only Cirque du Soleil can.
When & Where: October 21-December 31 at Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: $60-$70
Dome Dining at H Tasting Lounge
Thanks to heated bubble domes, you can soak up the sights and sounds of outdoor dining while also staying warm and cozy. The Westin Bayshore’s H Tasting Lounge is bringing back its magical Winterlust dome dining experience in the heart of Coal Harbour.
The traditionally Alpine-fitted domes will integrate celestial-inspired elements starting this November.
When & Where: November 1 – March 16, 2025 from 11:30 am – 12 am at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Reservations are required and each dome seats a maximum of six people and minimum spends / time allotments apply.
The Comedy Department’s Touring and Local Shows
The Comedy Department’s Touring and Local shows Light Up November & December.
During this holiday season, The Comedy Department continues to bring laughs across the Lower Mainland with two touring productions and holiday shows at their resident venue, The Show Cellar, in Vancouver.
When & Where: November 9 – December 28 all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: from $23
Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- Saturday, November 2 – Coraline 3D
- Saturday, November 9 – Paddington
- Saturday, November 16 – Paddington 2
- Saturday, November 23 – The Polar Express 2D or 3D versions
- Saturday, December 7 – Elf
Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.
For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.
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