This weekend is absolutely packed with things to do in Metro Vancouver. From must-attend events to everything else in between, this is everything worth doing in the city. Hit up a market, see a tree be lit, and enjoy the excitement of the holiday season!
39 Fun Things To Do in Metro Vancouver This Weekend (Nov 28-30)
Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Noel Surrey! Millions of lights are about to shimmer at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds this winter from November 28 to December 28, bringing the holiday spirit straight to you and your family. And with Bright Nights joining the event, Noel Surrey is sure to be packed with festive fun for everyone while also raising money to support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
If you love a light display, then you’re certainly going to be spoiled at Noel Surrey. With millions of beautiful, shimmering lights, this is one event that shines directly onto the joy of the holiday season. And as always, they’ll also have complimentary rides on their 50-ft Ferris wheel (Nov 28-Dec 19), as well as bumper cars (Dec 20-28). Best of all– kids 6 and under are completely free, have no time restrictions, and are inclusive of all entertainment, attractions, and parking. That means all children have the chance to make holiday memories with Noel Surrey for absolutely no cost.
This Christmas, head to Noel Surrey for holiday magic and festive fun that warms the heart. You can find the festival located at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Central Surrey, just minutes from Hwy 1, 10 & 15.
📅 Date: November 28 – December 28, 2025
⌛ Hours: 2:00pm/3:00pm – 9:00pm (varies by day)
📍 Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Noel Surrey 2025
Gingerbread Lane
Returning for another delicious year is Hyatt Regency Vancouver’s Gingerbread Lane, running from November 27 to December 28! As Canada’s longest-running gingerbread display, this beloved holiday tradition brings together the community with the spirit of giving, creativity, and compassion– all under one baked good roof. This amazing, free event invites you and the family to enjoy a holiday walk through some fantastic baking displays while also supporting Make-A-Wish Canada to help grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
As always, visitors are able to take part in the People’s Choice Award for this year’s gingerbread houses. You can vote for your favourite creation and celebrate the most creative and inspiring design of 2025.
This year, get into the season of giving with Gingerbread Lane. Walk through aisles of sweets, marvel at the amazing creativity of Vancouver’s bakers, and help Make-A-Wish Canada bring wishes to children who need it the most.
📅 Date: November 27 – December 28, 2025
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Vancouver
🎟️ More Info: Gingerbread Lane 2025
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the best ways to kick off the holiday season. This super-popular annual event has everything you’d ever want out of a Christmas market, including a massive tree, tons of food, and lots of shopping.
📅 Date: November 13 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: Jack Poole Plaza
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Christmas Market
Estée Lauder Companies’ Vancouver Warehouse Sale
Save the date. The massive Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale returns to Vancouver for its 4th 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.
📅 Date: November 27 – 30, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre – East Exhibition Hall B
🎟️ More Info: Estée Lauder Warehouse Sale
Our Connection To Hockey
Hockey is more than just a sport in Canada. It’s part of our culture, our history, and it’s played an important role in bringing people from all walks of life together under one game. The Museum of Surrey’s newest free exhibit is showcasing exactly that, highlighting the integral part hockey has played in Canada’s past and present. Excitingly, it also shines a light on Surrey’s local hockey heroes, as well as having plenty of interactive activities that will get the whole family hooting and hollering for a goal.
Visitors will have the chance to learn all about how hockey is part of the glue that keeps Canada together. Alongside the national icons on showcase, Surrey’s own athletes and game-changers will be under the same spotlight, as well as the untold stories of diversity in hockey. Women’s hockey, para hockey, and Punjabi broadcasters have all played some amazing parts in making the sport what it is today– especially locally.
📅 Date: October 16, 2025 – April 26, 2026
📍 Location: Museum of Surrey
🎟️ More Info: Our Connection to Hockey
Hycroft for the Holidays
One of Vancouver’s most beloved holiday traditions is back— Hycroft for the Holidays! After a brief pause in 2024, this much-beloved holiday event is returning. Guests are invited to experience the timeless charm of Hycroft, the stately Edwardian-era mansion, lavishly transformed into a Winter Garden wonderland. Once again, the Artisan Fair invites visitors to shop creations from over 40 vendors. In a festive celebration of art, design, and local craftsmanship, you can expect handcrafted treasures perfect for thoughtful holiday gifting.
📅 Date: November 27 – 30, 2025
📍 Location: Hycroft Manor
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Hycroft for the Holidays 2025
Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Charity Lots
Get into the holiday spirit with Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Charity Lots! This Metro Vancouver tradition invites you to buy a tree or volunteer with one of Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots, and help bring together the community to support youth and vulnerable moms. At Aunt Leah’s Christmas tree lots, you’ll find fresh-cut trees, condo-friendly potted trees, and festive wreaths. Every tree sold helps Aunt Leah’s provide housing, life skills, education and employment services for young people transitioning from foster care and mothers at risk of losing custody of their children.
📅 Date: November 28 – December 20, 2025
📍 Location: St. Stephen’s United Church (Vancouver), All Saints Anglican Church (Burnaby)
🎟️ More Info: Aunt Leah’s Christmas Tree Charity Lots
Wesbrook Village Holiday Market
Returning for its second year is the Wesbrook Village Holiday Market at UBC! Featuring a variety of local artisan vendors and festive fun, this market is a must-visit for anyone who adores some good holiday shopping. This is your chance to mark off everyone on your nice list, discovering unique, handcrafted goods that are perfect for gifting (or little treats for yourself). You can also look forward to a tree lighting ceremony that will be taking place on November 28! Grab your family and friends and get into the holiday spirit as the tree is lit up.
📅 Date: November 28 – December 21, 2025
📍 Location: Norman MacKenzie Square, Wesbrook Village
🎟️ More Info: Wesbrook Village Holiday Market 2025
Canyon Lights
Canyon Lights, one of Vancouver’s most beloved holiday traditions, is back – and it’s brighter, bolder and more magical than ever. The iconic suspension bridge and Park will transform into a sparkling holiday wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, festive treats and family fun! This season, guests can discover something entirely new: Wildlight, a mesmerizing 3D wildlife projection set deep within the rainforest. West Coast forest creatures such as the black bear, coyote and Great Horned Owl come to life in stunning detail across the natural landscape.
📅 Date: November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026
📍 Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Canyon Lights 2025
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
The Arts Club Theatre Company production of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women runs from November 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at the Granville Island Stage. Directed by Barbara Tomasic, this coming-of-age favourite invites audiences to rediscover one of the most cherished stories in literature with a fresh and inventive stage adaptation by acclaimed playwright Lauren M. Gunderson. With its multi-generational appeal, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women continues the Arts Club Theatre Company’s tradition of presenting uplifting and beautifully staged productions. The production’s blend of humour, emotion, and imagination will captivate longtime fans of the novel as well as audiences discovering the March sisters for the first time.
📅 Date: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
📍 Location: Granville Island Stage
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women in Vancouver
The Legendary Emily Carr University Student Art Sale
Mark your calendars because the Legendary Emily Carr University Student Art Sale and Indigenous Winter Market is returning! For art enthusiasts, collectors, and artists themselves, this is a fantastic place to discover amazing works of art from students. Find everything from one-of-a-kind pieces to limited-edition works by talented emerging artists and designers from Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) at the Legendary Student Art Sale.📅 Date: November 27 – 29, 2025
📍 Location: 520 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver
🎟️ More Info: The Legendary Student Art Sale
Naughty Vs. Nice
Returning to Tightrope Impro Theatre after a successful 2023 run is Naughty Vs. Nice! Prepare yourself for an evening packed with laughs and improv, all with a holiday twist. This show is a tag team improv battle royale where you decide who reigns supreme. You can catch performances from classic holiday characters like Santa vs. Krampus, Elves vs. Goblins, and Golden Girl vs. Baba Yaga. These favourite festive folk will be fighting for that seasonal glory, making it an outrageous improv showdown. Just be prepared to be laughing all night long!
📅 Date: November 22 – December 20, 2025
📍 Location: Tightrope Impro Theatre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Naughty Vs. Nice 2025
Arts Club Theatre Company: DISNEY’S FROZEN
Disney’s FROZEN has touched the hearts of children of all ages, including adults, since the film’s release in 2013, followed by the Broadway premiere of the musical in 2018. This production promises to reawaken the wonder and magic within us all. Families, fans of the film, theatregoers, and newcomers alike will adore this show. Experience the magic of the beloved animated movie and revel in show-stopping favourites such as “Let It Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and delight in enchanting new ones.
📅 Date: October 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026
📍 Location: Stanley BFL Canada Stage
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Disney’s FROZEN in Vancouver
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy ON TOUR
Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play. Hailed as “a child’s imagination on steroids” by London Free Press and “a masterpiece of physical comedy” by Theatre In London, critics rave for the charismatic James & Jamesy. A must-see performance on the international comedy circuit, this unstoppable duo is regarded as “one of the most popular fringe duos ever” (CBC).
📅 Date: November 12 – December 30, 2025
📍 Location: Various theatres across the Lower Mainland
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
Glow Langley 2025 – The Magic Toy Shop
Get ready to immerse yourself in Glow Langley 2025 – The Magical Toy Shop, where lights sparkle, toys come alive, and holiday wonder fills every corner. Explore dazzling displays, playful adventures, and storybook settings that bring the magic to life. All of this comes at the same affordable price for four years running.
📅 Date: November 20 – December 21, 2025
📍 Location: Glow Gardens Langley
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Glow Langley 2025
Japan Market – Christmas Market
The Japan Christmas Market is back! Hosted by Japan Market, the UBC Robson Square is about to light up with local vendors and holiday celebrations this November! The Christmas Market will also have some cultural entertainment for all to enjoy. Some of the highlights include a kimono fashion show, taiko drumming, Japanese dance and calligraphy, and martial arts demos. You can also take part in some returning fan-favourite workshops.
📅 Date: November 29 – 30, 2025 (10am – 5pm)
📍 Location: UBC Robson Square
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Japan Market – Christmas Market
Port Coquitlam’s Christmas in the Square
Get into the holiday spirit in Port Coquitlam with Christmas in the Square! Experience the joy and wonder of this annual festive event, featuring a winter market, live entertainment, photos with Santa, food, beverages and family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to stay until 5:00pm because that’s when the Christmas tree will be lit in Terry Fox Hometown Square! It’s the perfect way to end a wonderful day spent with the community during the holidays.
📅 Date: November 29, 2025
📍 Location: Port Coquitlam Community Centre
🎟️ More Info: Christmas in the Square 2025
The Winter Lodge at Stanley’s
This winter, Stanley’s Bar & Grill is transforming into Stanley’s Winter Lodge – a cozy, mountain-inspired holiday pop-up tucked beneath the trees, where lanterns glow, snowflakes twinkle, and mulled wine meets cabin-warm comfort. Think fireside dining, cozy winter flavours, twinkle-lit lodge vibes and playful touches like DIY s’mores – all without leaving the city. Inside you can expect twinkling snowfall, alpine-inspired details, and a warm, woodsy ambience – designed to feel like a mountain lodge after a day in the snow.
📅 Date: November 19 – February 1, 2026 (Open Wednesday – Sunday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm)
📍 Location: Stanley’s Bar & Grill
🎟️ More Info: Stanley’s Winter Lodge 2025 – 2026
Vancouver Game Expo
This November, come experience the Vancouver Game Expo! This exciting interactive exhibition for all ages features locally-made video games and nerdy vendors. This is a fantastic place to celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant game scene! You can expect a welcoming community of fellow gamers, game devs, and content creators at the historic Yaletown Roundhouse. There will be dozens of playable game demos, including VR and student games, some nerdy vendors to peruse, sweet merch, a photo booth to print your memories, and more! You can even win a prize by collecting stamps on your Passport just for participating!
📅 Date: November 29, 2025
📍 Location: Roundhouse Community Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Game Expo 2025
Echoes
Join the North Shore Celtic Ensemble as they follow the echoes of fiddle traditions across the Atlantic. From the Celtic nations of Europe and the Nordic countries to the many distinct styles across Canada and the United States, this concert traces the journey of the fiddle from the old world to the new. Led by Gabriel Dubreuil and Serena Eades, the NSCE has toured across North America, Europe, and China, sharing music that is joyful, collaborative, and full of energy with bold arrangements and electrifying stage presence, the ensemble will have you dancing in your seat.
📅 Date: November 29, 2025
📍 Location: Centennial Theatre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Echoes 2025
Beyond the Stage: A Holiday Fundraiser Performance Evening
Welcome to Beyond the Stage Presents: A Holiday Fundraiser Performance Evening! Join them for an unforgettable night filled with music, dance, comedy, prizes, a hot chocolate bar and concessions, interactive activities, and holiday cheer. With amazing performances from talented artists such as Jacob Brand, Pat Chessell, Payton Rector, Coco LaRosa, and Morgan Adams, you’re sure to have a spectacular time with Beyond the Stage.
📅 Date: November 29, 2025
📍 Location: Cloverdale United Church
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Beyond the Stage: A Holiday Fundraiser Performance Evening
SENSES Concert
On November 29, 2025, the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver will host SENSES Concert, an immersive orchestral experience featuring the works of award-winning Canadian composer Wendy Cheung, performed live by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (VMO). Unlike a traditional concert, SENSES integrates guided imagery, scent, light, and visual storytelling to create a multi-sensory journey. The score echoes not only the rhythm of breath, but has also been intentionally designed to evoke introspection. Each note supports emotional clarity and reflection.
📅 Date: November 29, 2025
📍 Location: The Orpheum Theatre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: SENSES Concert
Artemis Space Adventure With LEGO® Bricks
Produced by Flying Fish and supported by Science World, kids can go in their own galactic adventure with this space-themed exhibition. Guests will be able to enjoy hands-on engineering challenges and workshop stations that are inspired by the creative problem-solving that real astronauts have to do.
📅 Date: June 26, 2025 – April 6, 2026
📍 Location: Science World
Shipyards Christmas Market
Shipyards Christmas Market opens November 28 with skating, music, mulled wine, and Vancouver’s best pork hock — all with no admission fee! This winter, a brand-new free-entry Christmas market is bringing holiday magic to North Vancouver’s waterfront, and it’s headlined by one of the city’s most beloved holiday food vendors: Haxen Haus. For a Christmas market with all the fixings of a classic holiday celebration, head over to Shipyards Christmas Market!
📅 Date: November 28 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: The Shipyards
🎟️ More Info: Shipyards Christmas Market 2025
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
The lighting of the Christmas tree is a magical moment often symbolizing the beginning of the holiday season, and the lighting of the Vancouver Christmas Tree is a cherished tradition for many. Join hands and celebrate as Western Canada’s tallest Christmas tree gets lit up, marking the beginning of a season filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments spent with family and friends.
📅 Date: November 28, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Art Gallery
🎟️ More Info: Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Don’t miss this year’s VanDusen Festival of Lights, where art and nature meet in a spectacular display of winter’s beauty. Starting on November 29, 1 million+ lights will make Vancouver’s famous VanDusen Botanical Garden shine and sparkle. Witness the garden’s 15 acres covered in dazzling displays, perfect for family outings or Instagram photo ops.
📅 Date: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
📍 Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden
🎟️ More Info: VanDusen Festival of Lights
Merry & Bright at Martini Town – An Immersive Holiday Experience
Step into a world of movie magic and indulge in a unique holiday experience at Martini Town. Returning after a popular launch in 2023, 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. Visit a New York City Street, courthouse, diner, town square and small town – all at Merry & Bright. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! This is a holiday event like no other.
📅 Date: November 21 – December 31, 2025
📍 Location: 1123 272 Street, Langley
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Lights By The Lake
This annual event transforms the Harrison lakefront into a dazzling wonderland of lights. These stunning display lights up the esplanade along the lake. It covers a 2KM waterfront stretch, creating a breathtaking spectacle that promises to make your holiday season even more magical. There will be a grand opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 22nd from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. To catch the lighting, be sure to head over to Harrison Lake for this beloved event!
📅 Date: November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026
📍 Location: Harrison Lake
🎟️ More Info: Lights by the Lake
Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Experience Burnaby in all its festive beauty. The popular Festive Village event will be coming back for another enchanting year, presented with Concord Pacific. Guests can wander the museum’s 10-acre venue and take in all the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. There will also be a variety of delicious treats to enjoy from local food trucks or Mai’s Cafe, formerly known as the Ice Cream Parlour.
📅 Date: November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 (closed December 24 and 25)
📍 Location: Burnaby Village Museum
🎟️ More Info: Festive Village
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
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. With the perfect holiday backdrop, guests of all ages will be transported to a winter wonderland, complete with snow, Santa and his real reindeer, brilliant light installations and Christmas movies in the Theatre in the Sky.
📅 Date: November 21 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: Grouse Mountain
🎟️ More Info: The Peak of Christmas
Winter In The Village
The holiday season brings about many cheerful celebrations, but Steveston’s Winter In The Village is special. Special because it transforms Richmond into a month-long winter wonderland spreading Christmas joy and light. The whole family is invited to Richmond’s enchanting waterfront village for holiday festivities. Across the neighbourhood are several engaging Christmas activities including holiday light displays, Santa visits, Steveston Sips, Festival of Trees, tram rides, and selfie stations.
📅 Date: November 20 – December 31, 2025
📍 Location: Steveston Village
🎟️ More Info: Winter In The Village 2025
North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of BC
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. Departing from the Museum, trains will head either north on CN tracks near the Squamish River or south through Squamish toward the shipping port. Every train leaves from and returns to our Squamish Station at the Railway Museum of BC.
📅 Date: November 29-30 – December 6-7, 13-27, 20-21, 2025
📍 Location: Railway Museum of British Columbia
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: North Pole Express 2025
Santa’s Christmas Ships: Christmas Boat Parade
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. Nearly two dozen boats will strut their stuff on select days from November 29 – December 20, decked out with wreaths, LEDS, inflatable decorations, Santa Clauses, and snowmen.
📅 Date: Select dates from November 29 – December 20, 2025
📍 Location: various locations
🎟️ More Info: Santa’s Christmas Ships
Christmas At District 1881 Downtown Chilliwack
📅 Date: November 15 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: District 1881
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Christmas at District 1881
The Christmas Store At Potters
Everyone knows it’s the most wonderful time of the year when a garden store transforms into Western Canada’s largest Christmas store. At a sprawling 28,000 square-feet, the iconic store has something for everyone on your “nice” list.
📅 Date: November 1 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
🎟️ More Info: Christmas Store at Potters
Seattle Christmas Market
The Seattle Christmas Market is back for their 3rd season after a popular launch in 2023. The event promises to transport you to a winter wonderland filled with German-inspired holiday market charm. There will be over 80 artisanal vendors inside beautifully curated wooden huts. They offer unique, handcrafted gifts, ranging from intricate ornaments and festive decorations to delectable seasonal treats and mulled wine. The Seattle Christmas Market will also host an array of family-friendly activities, and daily live performances. It’s the perfect destination to submerge yourself in the holiday spirit, enveloped by the warmth and enchantment of Christmas.
📅 Date: November 20 – December 24, 2025
📍 Location: Seattle Center
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Seattle Christmas Market 2025
North Vancouver Shipyard’s Ice Rink
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Ice Rink is returning for another season! This massive, 12,000-square-foot outdoor rink will officially open on November 28, 2025—marking the first day to lace up and enjoy this free winter activity. The popular rink, located in Lonsdale’s waterfront district, gives skaters a chance to glide under a retractable roof with stunning city views. Whether it’s a rainy day or a crisp evening, the rink’s unique design makes it a must-visit winter experience.
📅 Date: November 28, 2025 until March 2026
📍 Location: Shipyards District
🎟️ More Info: Shipyards Ice Rink 2025-2026
Cineplex Family Favourites
Cineplex is offering $3.99 movies this November! All of this is done through Cineplex’s Family Favourites program. These films are meant for everybody, and are especially good for families. The showings are occasionally swapped out for different ones and are also dependent on which location you go to. You can check below for all the details.
📅 Date: various dates throughout November
📍 Location: various Cineplex locations in Metro Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Cineplex Family Favourites
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
If you haven’t gotten your letter from Hogwarts yet, there’s no need to worry. Instead, Harry Potter is coming straight to Vancouver this fall to treat fans to a spellbinding evening in Stanley Park! Located in Vancouver’s beloved Stanley Park, expect dazzling lights and spectacular sets that will be absolutely filled with magical creatures like Hippogriffs and mischievous Nifflers. Visitors will also be able to practice casting spells!
📅 Date: November 7 – December 7, 2025
📍 Location: Stanley Park
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
December is almost here, which means that the holiday season is getting serious. Now’s the time to get in all of your early festivities in, so mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the end of the year!
Want even more things to do? Check out our 604 Now Events Calendar to keep your plans looking fresh.