This is arguably the busiest weekend in Vancouver all year. With three Taylor Swift concerts, two Canucks games, and six Cirque du Soleil performances, the city will be buzzing with action and excitement.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there are also some fantastic new holiday festivities kicking off in Vancouver, White Rock, and Langley. Check out our guide below for fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend.
RELATED: 10 Taylor Swift Events In & Around Vancouver For The Eras Tour
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Taylor Swift Concert Weekend
Aside from the holiday festivities, this is bound to be the biggest event in Vancouver this December. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is set to conclude in Vancouver, truly marking the end of an era.
Whether you have tickets or not, get ready to make friendship bracelets ahead of Taylor Swift’s visit. There are also tons of events happening across the city as Taylor-mania takes over.
When & Where: December 6-8 at Canada Place
Cost: Varies
PNE Winter Fair Opening Weekend
This holiday season, PNE has an event where guests can find Santa Claus through puzzle-solving and riddle-cracking, go aboard the PNE Holiday Express, and wander through the enchanting Winter Lights. There will also be ice skating and a brand new Ice Bumper Cars experience. To cap things off, guests can treat themselves to some great Holiday Eats & Treats to warm up.
When & Where: December 6-8 & 12-23 from 4-10pm at the PNE Fairgrounds
Cost: $20-$35
Bright Walk in White Rock Opening Weekend(FREE)
Photo: Vandusen & @explorewhiterock / IG
Although already beautiful, the White Rock Pier will become even more magical and festive during the holiday season. This winter, the waterfront promenade decked with magical lights and displays full of holiday cheer. Among the beautiful holiday lights is a beautifully illuminated light tunnel and a 20-foot Christmas tree.
When & Where: December 7- January 12 at the White Rock Pier
Cost: Free
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Merry & Bright – Martini Town Film Studio Tour Opening Week
Are you looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience this December? Step into Martini Town, a world of movie magic and indulge in a unique holiday experience. Langley’s very own exterior Film Backlot, is set to reopen to the public. Their beautiful set is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland by a team of skilled industry crew.
When & Where: December 4 – January 5, 2025 on select days at Martini Town, 1123 272 St, Aldergrove
Cost: $22
Taylor Town – A Yaletown Holiday Festival (FREE)
Join in the holiday cheer as Yaletown’s public plazas turn into a magical winter wonderland with the return of CandyTown.
This year, however, the family-friendly Christmas celebration will come with a fun Swiftie twist. Coinciding with Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour in Vancouver, the event will take place on December 7.
When & Where: December 7th from noon – 5 pm at Bill Curtis Square & Helmcken Plaza, Vancouver
Cost: Free Admission
Santa’s Christmas Ships: Christmas Boat Parade (FREE)
Metro Vancouver’s Shore will once again be alight with a dazzling parade full of festive light displays.
So grab the family, prepare some snacks and venture down to the waterfront to see a procession that is as merry as it is bright.
This Saturday November 30, they will be at Rocky Point Park Port Moody. This will be a part of the Holiday Cheer at the Pier, taking place from 5-7 pm. This is the only destination this year that Santa will be coming along for a special visit.
When & Where:
- Friday, December 6: Deep Cove Christmas Ships Party, Band and Bonfire. Woodlands to Brighton Beach.
Saturday, - December 7: Open Cruise, No Destination set Skippers Choice
Cost: Free
Holidays on Robson (FREE)
Experience the magic of the holidays on Robson this December! Feel the joy of the season on Saturday, December 7th and Saturday, December 14th for free live music and a Santa letter-writing station.
Enjoy the Caminando Carolers singing holiday favourites from 1:30 – 4:30pm. Or write a letter to Santa, where kids and families can craft their holiday wishes and send them at our free station that goes straight to the North Pole.
When & Where: December 7th & 14th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm on Robson street around 1091 Robson St, Vancouver
Cost: Free
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Check out a beautiful Light Display
Perfect for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends and family, these sparkling displays in and around Vancouver are guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer.
You can check out our full guide here. Here are some events that has already started:
- Steveston’s Winter In The Village (Nov 21 – Dec 31) FREE (Details)
- Glow Langley (Nov 21 – Dec 28) $19.99 (Details)
- Canyon Lights (Nov 22 – Jan 19) Cost varies (Details)
- Lights at Lafarge (Nov 22 – Feb 2025) FREE (Details)
- Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Village (Nov 23-Jan 3) FREE (Details)
- Light Walk at Grouse Mountain (Nov 24 – Dec 25) $75 for lift ticket (Details)
- St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (Nov 27 – Jan 3) FREE
- Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market (Nov 28-Dec 23) $20 (Details)
- Stanley Park Bright Nights (Nov 29 – Jan 4) Entry by Donation (Details)
- Christmas at Canada Place (Nov 29 – Jan 1) FREE (Details)
- VanDusen Festival of Lights (Nov 29 – Jan 5) $28 (Details)
- Bear Creek Park – Christmas Train Event (Dec 1-31) $11.50-$12.50 (Details)
- DuPlessis Family Christmas Display (Dec 1-Jan6) FREE (Details)
Go Holiday Shopping
Weirdos Holiday Market Returns (This Weekend)
Vancouver’s funkiest holiday market returns at the 8th annual Weirdos Holiday Market for 2 weekends only.
For anyone who collects or gives one-of-a-kind collectibles and unique oddities, here’s your one-stop holiday shop: the Weirdos Holiday Market. Taking place at the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave.), the market features a curated selection from more than 60 artists, with vendors rotating over two weekends, making this inimitable market a holiday-season must for repeat visits.
When & Where: December 6–8 at Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave., Vancouver)
Cost: Admission is $5 for ages 11 and up (by donation for children 10 and under)
*NEW* Shipyards Christmas Market (Free Admission)
Come celebrate the holiday season with us in a festive setting filled with sparkling lights and 70 charming wooden stalls offering one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts. Enjoy live holiday music, ice skating, the City’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and unwind in our Champagne tent.
Take a trip to Santa’s chalet, enjoy community performances, and savor seasonal treats like bratwursts, mulled wine, and hot cocoa, all while our vendors bring the best of European cuisine to North Vancouver.
When & Where: November 29 – December 24 on select days at The Shipyards 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Wesbrook Village Holiday Market (Free Admission)
The first annual Wesbrook Village Holiday Market by Live at UBC will feature a variety of local artisan vendors!
Discover unique, handcrafted goods perfect for gifting (or little treats for yourself), and enjoy some delicious bites and beverages from the surrounding eateries and cafés.
When & Where: Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm-7pm from November 30 – December 22 at Norman MacKenzie Square in Wesbrook Village, south of UBC campus
Cost: FREE Admission
Holiday Shopping Adventure in Fort Langley
From Saturday, November 30, to Sunday, December 15, Mastercard is transforming downtown Fort Langley, B.C., into a holiday shopping adventure. Featuring a storybook theme, visitors are invited to explore parts of the story brought to life through stunning installations. Highlights include a giant chocolate moose, magical windows, a life-sized ornament of a gold mail truck with an infinity room inside, and more.
When & Where: November 30 – December 15, Downtown Fort Langley
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
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The Polygon Gallery’s Holiday Shop (Free Admission)
The Polygon Gallery is pleased to present its annual Holiday Shop, an annual tradition, the gallery’s main floor will be beautifully decorated and carefully curated with unique gifts by independent makers and artists. Come get festive and shop local at The Polygon this holiday season.
When & Where: November 13 – January 5 at various times at The Polygon Gallery, 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission is free and admission to the gallery’s exhibitions is by-donation or free if you spend $100 or more in the Shop
Catch a Show
The First Christmas Experience (This weekend only)
Step into the wonder of Christmas with The First Christmas Experience, a walkthrough event that brings the story of Christ’s birth to life.
Journey through immersive, interactive scenes that transport you to Bethlehem, where you will witness the nativity story unfold. From the angel’s announcement to Mary to the shepherds in the field, each moment captures the essence of the first Christmas.
When & Where: December 6-8 from 5:30 – 7:45pm at the Christian Life Assembly, 21277 56 Ave, Langley
Cost: Free.
Stand Up Comedy: 1931 Gallery Bistro (This weekend only)
Located inside the Vancouver Art Gallery, this Standup Comedy Show has an incredible lineup of pro comics.
Enjoy standup comedy in a beautiful heritage building, located at the core of Vancouver’s downtown district.
When & Where: December 6 from 8:45 – 10:45pm at the 1931 Gallery Bistro, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Cost: $33.
Arts Club Theatre Company presents The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret
The Arts Club Theatre Company continues the holiday merriment with their presentation of the charming The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret, on the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre from December 5 to 22.
Prepare to be whisked away on a dough-lightful cabaret of classic holiday songs as The Gingerbread Men return to the Arts Club stage this holiday season.
When & Where: December 5-22 at the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, 162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: From $29.
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
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
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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
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
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
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Ferris Wheel at the Art Gallery
This holiday season, downtown Vancouver is getting a magical upgrade with the addition of a Ferris wheel! Positioned in the heart of downtown, the Ferris wheel is surrounded by a variety of other seasonal attractions. It offers riders a bird’s-eye view of the city’s twinkling holiday lights.
When & Where: From Tuesday to Sunday, December 1- 26 at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: $7 per person
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Rink (FREE)
North Vancouver’s impressive 12,000 square foot skating rink in The Shipyards returns this holiday season and it’s free for all.
The city skyline serves as a stunning backdrop, and with all these commercial amenities right at your fingertips, it’s truly spectacular. This skating rink is unlike any other in Vancouver.
When & Where: November 30 – February 28 at Shipyards District, 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Robson Square Ice Rink (FREE)
This winter, strap on some skates and frolic in one of Vancouver’s most beloved ice rinks. Downtown’s Robson Square Ice Rink will return to the public this holiday season. Conveniently located in the centre of downtown, it is an outdoor rink with a glass ceiling that beautifully lights up for the festive season.
When & Where: December 1 – February 29 from various times at Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Skate rentals are $5)
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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.
Polar Express Squamish
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)
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 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.
A little drive away…
This holiday season, why not turn your festive plans into a mini getaway? Below are a few of our favourite spots, but you can also check out our guide: 7 Magical Holiday Events That Are Worth the Drive from Vancouver.
Seattle Christmas Market
The Seattle Christmas Market is back for their 2nd season after a popular launch last year. The event promises to transport you to a winter wonderland filled with German-inspired holiday market charm.
New this year is a Winterdeck, situated on top of Fisher Pavilion, a special edition double-decker Christmas Carousel and the enchanting Fairy Tale Forest, showcasing displays and excerpts inspired by classic German fairy tales.
When & Where: November 21 – December 24 at the Seattle Centre, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Cost: $19.99 USD
Squamish at Dusk
Get ready for a dazzling holiday fusion of lights, art, and pure magic as Squamish at Dusk launches its first winter magic experience!
Guests can walk through a magical tunnel of lights, explore glowing trees, and experience an under-the-water-themed installation. The journey takes 30-45 minutes, and you can warm up at the Adventure Centre with hot drinks and fire pits.
When & Where: Every Thursday-Saturday from November 28 to December 14 at Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $7-$15
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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.
Beyond the enchanting atmosphere, the area also boasts incredible food and a variety of winter festivities across the city, ensuring a season filled with joy and discovery.
When & Where: November 21 – December 24 at 46128 Yale Rd, Chilliwack
Cost: Free or low cost
The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
You can walk in a Winter wonderland at one of the most breathtaking parks on Vancouver Island. Visit Butchart Gardens nestled in Victoria for a magical experience this holiday season.
Starting December 1st—you can look forward to The Magic of Christmas, where the park transforms into something out of the North Pole.
When & Where: December 1 – January 6 (closed Christmas Day) at The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Victoria
Cost: $37.00
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