It’s officially the last week of November.
December brings with it plenty of excitement and a plethora of seasonal attractions.
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From outdoor Christmas lights to markets, here are 25 awesome events taking place in metro Vancouver this week.
Events In Metro Vancouver This Week
Monday, November 27
Outdoor lights | Canyon Lights
Canyon Lights is taking place from Thursday, November 23rd – Sunday, January 28th, 2018. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are being transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. Guests will also get to see the tallest Christmas tree in the world!
Holiday display | Christmas at Canada Place
The 30th annual Christmas at Canada Place event returns this week from Thursday, November 23rd – Sunday, December 31st, 2017. Presented by the Port of Vancouver, the public is invited to experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, a magical holiday lighting display, the Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Christmas Trees. Admission is free.
Christmas lights | Glow Christmas Light Garden and Market
4 holiday themed light gardens and a stunning 210 ft. light tunnel. Christmas market with food, beverages, and local pop-up shops. Endless food trucks that includes a bar. Over 500,000 lights and activities for children to enjoy. Glow Christmas is Metro Vancouver’s newest seasonal market. It opens this weekend on Friday, November 24th and stay open until Saturday, December 30th, 2017.
The venue of choice is Milner Village Garden Centre. They specialize in growing poinsettias at Christmas, and garden-inspired decor and gifts all year around. As you make your way through the market, you’ll “feel the warmth and wonder of the Christmas season, under the glow of over 500,000 lights”.
Circus | Cirque du Soleil
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop. Moreover, the realm is in the 19th century, leading audiences to completely change their perception of reality. In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes. The show stays in Vancouver until Sunday, December 31st, 2017.
Exhibition | The Fabric of Our Land
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC with the Musqueam Indian Band present the remarkable new exhibition The Fabric of Our Land: Salish Weaving. It’s on display from Sunday, November 19th – Sunday, April 15th, 2018. Curated by Susan Rowley in collaboration with Salish weavers, this exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the past 200 years of Salish wool weaving.
Art | Fight for Beauty
In ‘Fight For Beauty’, Westbank attempts to encapsulate the architecture, artistry, design, fashion and city-building initiatives that have come to define their practice. It will be on display from Saturday, October 7th – Sunday, December 17th, 2017. Fight For Beauty presents public art projects undertaken with world-class creatives.
Exhibition | City on Edge
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) explores the history of our city’s street protests with City on Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism. It’s a major, new photo-based exhibition on display until Sunday, February 18th, 2018.
Art | Intangible
Featuring previously crafted, and never-before-seen creations, Intangible spotlights six trailblazing Coast Salish artists influenced by tradition as well as contemporary inspiration.
Sale | Winter Treasures Artisan Sale
The Port Moody Arts Centre is hosting their Winter Treasures Artisan Sale this holiday season until Thursday, December 21st, 2017. Sort through a collection of handcrafted gifts, art, jewellery, and fine crafts. Admission is free.
Performance | The Shipment
SpeakEasy Theatre presents the West coast premiere of Young Jean Lee’s provocative play; The Shipment. It plays in Vancouver from Wednesday, November 22nd – Saturday, December 2nd, 2017. Theatre Mania calls The Shipment “an insightful piece about black identity politics that is daring, provocative, and very, very funny”.
Market | Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza – home of the Olympic Cauldron from Wednesday, November 22nd – Sunday, December 24th, 2017. If you circle this event every year, you’ll notice it’s even better now in the festival’s 8th year. The city’s signature yuletide celebration offers its largest festivities to date. It will feature more than 75 huts stuffed with sweets, treats, and treasures.
Lights | Wish Upon a Star Christmas Light Display
One of metro Vancouver’s most magical residential Christmas light displays is ready for another big year. Reveal night for the 2017 Wish Upon a Star Christmas light display took place on Saturday, November 25th. The display will continue to be open from 5:00 – midnight nightly until Sunday, December 31st, 2017.
Outdoor lights | Lights at Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge, a display of over 100,000 Christmas lights returns to Coquitlam on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. The route will take visitors through a dazzling 1.2 kilometres of festive lights with ten themed zones. This family-friendly event is free to attend and is located near the Lafarge Lake SkyTrain station.
Train | The Polar Express Train Ride
The Polar Express Train Ride returns for another exciting year on select dates from Saturday, November 25th – Sunday, December 17th, 2017. Departing from West Coast Railway Heritage Park, hop on this magical train ride to the North Pole, while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies.
Meet the Hobo, Hero Boy, Know-It-All, and the conductor as they act out parts of the movie. Once you arrive at the North Pole take in various activities such as meeting Mr. and Mrs. Clause, visiting Santa’s workshop, the Mini-Rail and much more. Tickets start at $35.
Tuesday, November 28
Skincare | Face Value – Skincare Workshop
Join Mackin House this week to explore Rising Hemlines: 1920’s fashion and learn about the beauty routine adopted by women of that time. Customize face products to meet individual needs. Take home a chamomile cleanser, alpha hydroxy skin toner, papaya oatmeal facial scrub and aloe vera cream.
Wednesday, November 29
Play | East Van Panto
The East Van Panto is back with another amazing show planned for Snow White & the Seven Dwarves. It plays from Wednesday, November 29th – Saturday, January 6th, 2018 at York Theatre. In this story, you’ll see your hero flee the Queen of North Vancouver across the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and straight into the madness of the PNE. When she arrives here, she dances with Superdogs, takes a ride on the Coaster, and befriends washed up 80s rock stars “The Seven Dwarves”. Tickets range from $22-$135.
Thursday, November 30
Outdoor lights | Bright Nights at Stanley Park
The Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza will sparkle with over three million twinkling lights this holiday season from Thursday, November 30th – Saturday, January 6th, 2018. This family-friendly holiday attraction features lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the 14-minute train ride.
Want to come during the day? There is a matinee tree operating during the daytime that’s the perfect option for families, school groups, and groups with children. However, there is no live performers during this ride. Tickets start at $6.
Dance | Flamenco Rosario
The Dance Centre’s popular Discover Dance! noon hour series features the art of flamenco with a performance by Flamenco Rosario. It takes place on Thursday, November 30th, 2017. A mainstay of Vancouver’s flamenco scene for over 25 years, the company honours the authentic traditions of flamenco, while nurturing the evolution of the art form through artistic experimentation, crossing boundaries of history and cultures. Tickets start at $12.
Symphony | Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses comes to life in Vancouver on Thursday, November 30th, 2017. It will feature an all new movement from Skyward Sword, a much-anticipated Breath of the Wild arrangement, and the return of a classic that will stir up nostalgia!
Now in its 4th year, Symphony of the Goddesses celebrates 30 years of stirring virtual adventure and memorable soundtracks with live orchestral renditions. Tickets start at $35.
Friday, December 1
Comedian | Jerry Seinfeld
Seinfeld will be performing his signature stand-up routine at the Abbotsford Centre this week on Friday, December 1st, 2017. Many know him from his role in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David.
Music | Handel’s Messiah
Early Music Vancouver (EMV) presents Handel’s Messiah on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd, 2017. It takes place at the Vancouver Playhouse, starting at 7:30 p.m. Music director and harpsichordist Alexander Weimann will lead the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, the Vancouver Cantata Singers, and four internationally acclaimed vocalists in EMV’s first presentation of Handel’s greatest loved work. Tickets start at $18.
Collectibles | Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show
The Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show takes place at the PNE Forum from Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd, 2017. Western Canada’s largest gem show is ready to showcase in Vancouver 90+ of the best gem, mineral, and jewellery vendors from across Canada and abroad. You’ll see unique gems, fine crystals, rare fossils, handmade jewellery, fancy beads and findings, lapidary art, lectures and demos, hourly door prizes and more.
Tree | Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
One of Vancouver’s most anticipated winter events will mark the official beginning of the holiday season in the city. The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting takes place this week on Friday, December 1st, 2017. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street). Similar to past years, there will be four Christmas trees erected, with the tallest standing 76 feet tall.
Skating | Robson Square Ice Rink
The Robson Square Ice Rink is slated to open this week on Friday, December 1st, 2017 and host free skates daily until Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. Skating is free for all ages. Those who own their own skates are welcome to use them. Skate rentals are $4, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time. Furthermore, helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under. Robson Square Ice Rink will offer rentals and accept cash only.
Christmas lights | VanDusen Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights will take over the VanDusen Botanical Garden this week from Friday, December 1st – Sunday, January 7th, 2018. You can stroll through the garden and enjoy dancing light shows, photos with Santa and so much more. Dancing Lights occur every 20 minutes at Livingstone Lake. Back by popular demand, the Air France Carousel will take you on a Parisian musical experience around the world. All tickets include a free ride on the carousel.