This weekend marks one month until Christmas!
Numerous holiday events are taking place across metro Vancouver and the excitement can be felt in the city.
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From holiday light displays to Christmas markets, here are 30 awesome events taking place in metro Vancouver this weekend.
Events In Metro Vancouver This Weekend
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Friday, November 24
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.
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!
Market | Italian Christmas Night Market
Rich with flavours, the market takes place this weekend on Friday, November 24th, 2017. Held at Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, visitors will experience one of the world’s most unique cultures. 40+ vendors will be present. They include organic produce, farmers, Italian food, and more. 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.
Santa Claus | Photos With Santa At Metrotown Mall
The popular family tradition Photos with Santa is at Metropolis at Metrotown for it’s last day on Friday.. This annual holiday event will once again have all proceeds benefiting Burnaby Community Services. For a suggested minimum donation of $3 per photo, guests can have a digital shareable photo taken with Santa.
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.
Santa Claus | Photos With Santa at Central City
Photos with Santa are offered from Saturday, November 18th – Sunday, December 24th, 2017 at Santa Land, on the south side of the centre near Tim Hortons. All kids that visit Santa will receive a free activity book, hat, and candy cane (while quantities last).
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.”
Dance | Dance in Vancouver
Vancouver’s contemporary dance scene takes centre stage in Dance In Vancouver. It takes place this weekend until Saturday, November 25th, 2017. It’s a biennial event which provides a unique opportunity to experience the energy and innovation of contemporary dance generated by local artists. Tickets are $32.
Skating | Disney on Ice
Families will make unforgettable memories with Mickey, Minnie and all your Disney friends when the new ice show, Disney On Ice presents: Follow Your Heart arrives in Vancouver. It runs from Wednesday, November 22nd – Sunday, November 26th, 2017. The ice skating extravaganza features the beloved stories and characters from the smash hit animated movies Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory and Inside Out for the first time in a live production. Tickets start at $25.
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.
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Saturday, November 25
Festival | CandyTown Christmas Festival
The free Christmas event casts its magic on Yaletown on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. From 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., visitors can experience a festive Yaletown with palate-popping treats, Yuletide music and cozy carriage rides. CandyTown draws upwards of 15,000 revelers each year eager to immerse themselves in a Christmas storyland come to life.
Organizers have expanded the festival this year to Yaletown Park (Nelson and Mainland). This extra space will feature an exhibition, free Canada-themed games, and live music and performances by roaming musicians and stilt walkers. Admission is free.
Lights | Wish Upon a Star Christmas Light Display
One of metro Vancouver’s most magical residential Christmas light displays is set to be revealed for another big year. Reveal night for the 2017 Wish Upon a Star Christmas light display is taking place on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. Taking place from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., visitors will get to see over 44,000 lights, many animated characters, an interactive musical snowman, and Santa with his sleigh flying overhead.
Festival | Edmonds Festival of Lights
The Edmonds Festival of Lights takes place on Saturday, November 25th, 2017, featuring fun for the entire family. Enjoy hot chocolate, delicious food, numerous activities, and even a visit from Santa Claus. It will be held at the Edmonds Community Centre in Burnaby from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Market | Vancouver Charity Craft Fair
The 5th annual Charity Craft Fair will be held this year on Saturday, November 25th, 2017 Taking place at the Woodwards Building from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., this fair features a collection of charities, local handcrafters and small businesses. They each will be offering their wares to holiday shoppers. After a rough wildfire season in BC, organizers have chosen to donate to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. Fair admission is $4.
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.
Shopping | Portobello West Holiday Market
The Portobello West Holiday Market takes place this weekend on Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, 2017 at Creekside Community Recreation Centre. The market features 90+ local BC artisans that will showcase fashion, jewelry, art, home accessories, gourmet treats, baby & kids items, and more. Admission is $2 and children under 12 are free.
Christmas tree | Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
On Saturday, November 25th, 2017, the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival returns to City Hall. Join Mayor & Council as they flip the switch to light the City of Surrey’s official Christmas tree. This free, family event, presented by Coast Capital Savings, will feature a 55-foot Christmas tree, Christmas Market, and activities for all ages.
Numerous performances will also take place throughout the event. This year’s event will be headlined by Ruth B.
Market | Maan Farms Christmas Market
The Maan Farms 3rd Annual Christmas Market will return this holiday season. For the first time ever, they’ll be expanding to two weekends. The event will be open Saturday, November 25th/Sunday, November 26th and Saturday, December 2nd/Sunday, December 3rd, 2017. As you make your way through the market, discover the assortment of handmade products on display.
Spirits | Hopscotch Festival
The 22nd annual Hopscotch Festival is back from Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th, 2017. This festival is no longer what it used to be. It took 22 years but Hopscotch is now describes itself as an experience for the “in” that won’t be forgotten.
Last year’s festival had 80 booths and less than 300 products. 2017 will see over 130 booths and 400+ products! Guests will see a larger selection of beers, whiskies, spirits and so much more.
Fundraiser | Christmas Country Benefit Concert
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services is proud to host its 15th Annual Christmas Country Benefit Concert for Meals on Wheels. It takes place on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. The concert is produced by music sensation Rob Hess. Not to mention, the event provides essential funding for their Meals on Wheels program.
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.
Sneakers | Hype City
Hype City 2 will be taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. It runs from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., encouraging all collectors, buyers, sellers and anyone interested to come by the event to see all sorts of rare pieces. Tickets are available now online and start at $15.
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Sunday, November 26
Coffee | Beanstock Coffee Festival
The Beanstock Coffee Festival is a single-day event that showcases 25 of the best independent micro-roasters and celebrates third wave coffee culture. It takes place this weekend Sunday, November 26th, 2017 in Vancouver.
It will feature music, local food and drink selections, educational sessions from industry professionals, live demos, and unlimited coffee sampling. A curated market will be on site to purchase equipment and coffee to take home.
Produce | Steveston Cannery Farmers Market
The Cannery Farmers Market returns to Steveston from October to April, inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. It’s open this weekend on Sunday, November 26th.
Upcoming Events
November 30 | Zelda Symphony
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!
November 30 | Bright Nights Christmas Train
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.
December 2 | Magic Of Christmas
The City of Langley is excited to bring Santa Claus and his holiday spirit to town this December. Their Magic of Christmas event is taking place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017. This free family event takes place at McBurney Plaza from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.