The Grey Cup Festival is in full swing this weekend, along with the Vancouver Christmas Market, making downtown Vancouver the place to be. While these events kick off, there are also plenty of other fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver, listed below.
If you’d rather stay indoors, discover the cozy side of Vancouver this weekend, where crisp, rainy days make for the perfect excuse to explore the city’s indoor gems and seasonal comforts, like trying one of these amazing hot pot restaurants!
RELATED: 21 FREE Holiday Events to Add to Your Bucket List in Metro Vancouver
Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Grey Cup Festival (FREE)
Anticipation is building in Vancouver as the BC Lions gear up to host Canada’s largest annual sporting event for the first time in a decade.
The last time the Grey Cup was held in Vancouver was in 2014, and now the event is back with not just football but a whole lot more – live music, parties, and thrilling activities, including an exciting zipline adventure above Coal Harbour.
The festivities officially started on Wednesday Novmeber 13th with tons of food, activities and a massive drone show, and will continue until Sunday November 17th.
When & Where: November 10-17 at Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Vancouver Christmas Market Starts
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
Bear Creek Lights Ending (FREE)
Back for another year, the popular mesmerizing light displays will once again light up the trails at Bear Creek, and the best part is, you can visit for free.
Beautiful during the day and enchanting at night, this family friendly event allows visitors to stroll at their on pace on a dazzling 1km trail through breathtaking light displays. This year, the trail will feature a stunning 20-foot-long tunnel of lights.
When & Where: November 2-16 from 4:30 – 9 pm at Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Cost: Free, but registration is required
Passive Aggressive Comedy Tour (Nov 12-13)
The Passive Aggressive Comedy Tour is stopping by Van City for TWO NIGHTS ONLY to bring you premium weekday comedy at Little Mountain Gallery (@littlemountaingallery) for a reasonable price!
When & Where: November 12-13 at the Little Mountain Gallery, 110 Water Street, Vancouver
Cost: $23-$28
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
Beaver Moon (Nov 15)
The Beaver Full Moon is the name given to the full moon in November, traditionally marking the time when beavers prepare for winter by building their dams. This full moon was significant to Native American tribes, as it signaled the ideal time to set beaver traps before the water froze. The bright, late autumn moonlight is also a reminder of the changing seasons, heralding the approach of winter.
When & Where: November 15 in the sky
Cost: Free
Leonids Meteor Shower (Nov 17-18)
The Leonids Meteor Shower, peaking around November 17-18, is known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that appear to radiate from the constellation Leo. This annual event is caused by Earth passing through the debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle.
The Leonids are famous for occasionally creating spectacular meteor storms, with hundreds or even thousands of meteors visible per hour.
When & Where: Peaks November 17-18 in the sky
Cost: Free
Eastside Culture Crawl Visual Arts, Design & Craft Festival (Nov 14-17)
Featuring a lineup of over 500 artists, including 90 newcomers, the festival showcases an incredible range of artistic practices, from painting, jewelry, and sculpture to furniture, leather goods, photography, glass works, textiles, illustration, and beyond.
When & Where: November 14-17 at various locations
Cost: Varies – details can be found online here.
Day Trip to Chilliwack
If you’re up for a little trip, experience the holiday magic at District 1881 in Chilliwack, where the charming downtown will be transformed into a picturesque walkway reminiscent of a European village.
On November 14th at 6pm, they will kick off their Holly Jolly Chilliwack season with the lighting of their towering 40-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy live music from Tier 1 and indulge in festive treats, including the famous Oma’s Oliebollen from Greendale Acres
Following that, Chilliwack will also be hosting a series of events this holiday season, including:
- Christmas at Greendale Acres (Nov 22 – Dec 23)
- The Lights at Cultus Lake (Nov 23 – Jan 7)
- Tourism Ch’illiwack Visitor Centre & The CHWK Shop
- Christmas Chimes at the Millenium Clock Tower Downtown
- Meetcha At The 5 Sculpture
- Stó:lō Gift Shop
- Christmas Trees at Pine Meadows Tree Farm or Woodsong Christmas Trees in Columbia Valley
When & Where: Starting November 14th at 46128 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Cost: Free & Ticketed
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl 2024
The much-anticipated Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl is back for its 3rd annual run, and it’s bigger than ever! Over three weeks, croissant lovers can embark on a self-guided adventure across 30+ bakeries and cafés, all offering limited edition croissants that will elevate your pastry game.
Whether you walk, bike, or drive, it’s the ultimate excuse to indulge in the best buttery, flaky treats Metro Vancouver has to offer.
When & Where: November 1-21 at various locations
Cost: Varies
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.
Shop at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage
Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford is a beloved holiday haven, offering a delightful and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. With its charming décor and festive ambiance, the cottage creates the perfect setting to explore an array of unique holiday treasures, from ornaments to seasonal gifts. Whether you’re searching for the ideal Christmas gift or simply looking to immerse yourself in the magic of the season, Glenda’s Christmas Cottage is the go-to destination in Abbotsford.
When & Where: Open for instore shopping October 29-December 23 at 4557 Mt Lehman Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Free Admission
Shop at The Christmas Store at Potters
Everyone knows it’s the most wonderful time of the year when a garden store transforms into Western’s Canada’s largest Christmas store. At a sprawling 28,000 square-feet, the iconic store has something for everyone on your “nice” list.
When & Where: Open November 1 through December 24 at various times at 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free Admission
The Polygon Gallery’s Holiday Shop (Nov 13 – Jan 5) 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
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
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.
Hikes
This summer has been a hot one, so you may not have been able to enjoy a nice hike as much as you wanted to. No worries though, September in Vancouver is the perfect time to go explore the great outdoors.
So why not check out some amazing hikes before summer ends? You can explore an abandoned train wreck, or check out a beautiful waterfall. There are even hikes you can will enjoy even if you usually don’t get much exercise.
For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.
