Fill the first week of December with these 27 things to do from Monday, December 3 to Thursday, December 6. Check out Sea to Sky Gondola, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, and more.
For even more things happening around town check out our events section.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Snowshoeing at Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
What: The Sea to Sky region boasts some of the deepest snow in North America, allowing a wide variety of terrain whether you’re an experienced snowshoer or a first-timer. Visitors can book a guided snowshoe tour at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, or opt for a self-guided, marked trail. Just be sure to pack a backpack full of emergency essentials, such as an extra flashlight and extra food and water.
When: From now until the end of the season
Time: Hours vary day-to-day, check online for up-to-date information
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola -36800 BC-99, Squamish
Price: Snowshoeing is free, although rentals are available for $20. Tickets to ride the Gondola cost around $40 for a roundtrip.
Ho Ho Hold On Tight at FlyOver Canada
What: Fly like Santa this Christmas on a magical flight across Canada. After meeting some of Santa’s elves, Chestnut and Pinecone, you’ll join them as they take flight across Canada looking for their fellow elves. You may even get a sneak peek of Santa’s Workshop as you soar over the North Pole.
When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Lights in the Park
What: The Town Square Park in Richmond (located beside the Steveston Museum) will warm up the chilly winter evenings as it is illuminated with a beautiful light display.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Evenings
Where: Steveston Town Square Park – 3791 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: Free
Disco Dumplings at Burdock & Co.
What: This weekly series features a savoury dumpling menu, DJ Chris Allen spinning vinyl, and a flashy disco ball setting the mood. Plates are $10 and guests can choose from an assortment of decadent dumplings including nettle and ricotta with wild greens and pork and burdock with charred chili sauce.
When: Mondays
Time: 8 pm (walk-ins only; reservations on Mondays will only be accepted until 6:30 pm)
Where: Burdock & Co – 2702 Main Street, Vancouver
Price: $10 a plate
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
What: Stroll through the streets of Burnaby Village Museum to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Many family-favourite activities are back including craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and visits with Father Christmas.
When: Now to Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65
Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs
What: A Sasquatch-themed festival that hopes to share some of Harrison’s favourite ways to spend time outdoors. Light displays on the Harrison Lakefront will showcase the mythical creature hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing. The celebration will also include a Christmas tree trail, Whoville-themed village, and cabin-style New Year’s celebration.
When: Now to Monday, January 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free
Dine at Reflections’ winter wonderland patio
What: Located on the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Reflections Winter Patio has become one of Vancouver’s most highly-anticipated winter dining experiences. The holiday-inspired destination is complete with chic holiday decor, twinkling lights, garlands, throw blankets, heat lamps, and a selection of warm tapas and beverages.
When: Open now, seven days a week, until December 31, 2018
Time: Saturday to Monday from 3 to 11 pm; Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 am to 11 pm
Where: Rosewood Hotel Georgia – 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir: Sounds of Christmas
What: Kick off the Christmas season by enjoying nearly eighty male voices singing in glorious four-part harmony. Join this celebrated choir as the singers get into the spirit of the season with traditional carols, seasonal songs and readings, and something a little zany, plus a special guest.
When: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online, $24-$39
Aurora Winter Festival
Brandon Artis Photography
What: Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival. The festival takes place at Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place and runs from
When: Now to Sunday, December 30, 2018. Closed on select days
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $14.99-$19.99. Infants 3 and under are free
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition 2018
What: The Titanic: Artifact Exhibition has been designed to focus on the real, authentic human stories of those who boarded the Titanic and bringing those tales back to life. To help recreate the memories of the passengers, more than 120 authentic pieces from the vessel will be present, as well as extensive re-creations of rooms on the ship.
When: Now to Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Lipont Place – 4211 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online, $17.95
Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild
Image: Vancouver Canucks / Twitter
What: The Vancouver Canucks face off with Minnesota Wild at Rogers Arena.
When: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Foodie Tuesday at Vancouver Christmas Market
What: Have you ever wanted to devour all the market’s delicacies, but your belly’s been too full? This year the market is offering you the chance to sip and sample with smaller portions for a lower price during Children’s Wish Weeks’ Foodie Tuesdays. Participating vendors throughout the market will be offering exclusive discounts and trial-size tastes so you can curate your very own festive food tour.
When: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Christmas Market – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Price: $10 entry, additional cost for samples; buy online
Cross-country skiing at Cypress Mountain
What: Located at the Nordic Area on Hollyburn Ridge, Cypress Mountain’s cross country skiing area features 19 km of groomed trail, 7.5 km of trail for night skiing, and the largest ski school in Canada offering both skate and classic lessons.
When: From now to closing day of the season
Time: Hours vary from day-to-day
Where: Cypress Mountain – 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Rentals: Full day rentals start at $24, $16 after 3 pm
Stanley Park Christmas Train
What: Bright Nights at Stanley Park marks the return of one of Metro Vancouver’s most popular Christmas light displays. Visitors can expect more than three million dazzling lights across acres of dark forest. The Christmas Train, located at the heart of the park is the main attraction, accompanied by music, snacks, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and his elves.
When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: Hours available online
Where: Piepeline Road, via the West Georgia Street Park Entrance
Train Tickets: Adults ride for $12
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Warm and Toasty Choir Cozy
What: Escape the dreary chill outside and cozy up to two East Van community choirs at the Red Gate Arts Society as they regale you with your favourite (or soon to be) indie, folk, pop, and rock covers. Proceeds from the show will go to WISH Drop in Centre, an organization who provide services, supports and opportunities to women engaged in Vancouver’s street based sex industry.
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Red Gate Arts Society – 1965 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12
Holiday Hi-Light Festival
Holiday Hi-Light Festival (Park And Tilford)
What: This annual event features a majestic festival of illumination with more than 150,000 lights on display over three acres. Entry is by donation, with 100% of proceeds to the North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation
Lighting of the Fire Hall
What: Bring your friends and family out to the Hamilton Fire Hall No. 5 and join in the annual celebration of the lighting of this building with an afternoon of activities, entertainment and refreshments.
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time: 3:30 to 5 pm
Where: Fire Hall No. 5 – 22451 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Admission: Free
God is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special
What: God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to skewer everything from fruit cake to Boxing Day in an all new and holiday special. Featuring an opening act performing all of the holiday favourites. Performed by Mike Delamont.
When: Wednesday, December 5 to Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: Studio 1398 – 1398 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Carol Ships Dinner Cruise
Carol ship/Harbour Cruises
You may need to save up for this excursion but it’s likely one of the most unique experiences you’ll have during the winter season. In addition to boarding a beautifully decorated ship, passengers are entertained by live carolers and a traditional holiday menu, featuring slow-roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham. If interested, be sure to call and book in advance.
When: Various dates from now to December 23, 2018
Time: Boarding typically begins at 6:30 pm with sailing from 7 to 9 pm
Where: 501 Denman Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Admission starts at $76.95 plus taxes and gratuity
Fanny Bay Seafood & Brews Dinner
What: Enjoy a four-course seafood menu paired with beer from Parallel 49 Brewing at Fanny’s downtown Vancouver oyster bar location.
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market – 762 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Price: $77; buy online
Story Story Lie: Family Feuds
What: Warm up for the holidays with Story Story Lie. Six comedians share unbelievable family stories, and one of them is lying. Spot the liar right and you could win your very own ugly christmas sweater.
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10
Thursday, December 6, 2018
In Conversation: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir/Olympics.ca
What: Join the most decorated figures skaters in the history of the sport, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir as they discuss their new book, Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold. Photo opportunity to follow. Individuals must purchase a copy of Tessa and Scott: Our Journey from Childhood Dream to Gold to get a wristband and then join the photo line
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Where: Chapters Metrotown Metropolis – Metrotown 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Steveston’s Winter Hayrides
What: Hop on board for this old-time favourite experience around Steveston Village that includes a sing-a-long and viewing of local, holiday displays. Trips leave at 30-minute intervals, snacks and hot chocolate available by cash donation. To register, please come in to Steveston Community Centre or call 604-238-8080. Pre-registration required.
When: Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: 6 to 8:30 pm (Thursday), 6 to 9 pm (Friday)
Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Price: $7 per person. Children under one year old are free. 12 year olds and under must be accompanied by an adult who also needs to register.
It’s A Wonderful Life
What: A heartwarming holiday musical for the whole family. It’s a Wonderful Life, set to soaring songs from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, is a timeless holiday classic. With a little help from his guardian angel, George Bailey, is brought back from despair on Christmas Eve to see how he has truly touched all the people in his life.
When: Various dates from Thursday, December 6 to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online
Winter Fun at Willingdon
What: Bring your family and friends for a night of live music, arts and crafts, games and festive movies. Santa will be making a guest appearance throughout the night for photos. All ages, children must have an adult attend with them.
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Willingdon Community Centre – 1491 Carleton Avenue, Burnaby
Register: Online, $2
JP Maurice & Friends
What: JP Maurice has been working since the smoke-filled days of summer on a 14-song Christmas album featuring his band with a number of very special guests. The album is almost ready and will be released just in time for Christmas but to celebrate the release of the first single and to give everyone a preview of the album, JP is hosting a Christmas concert featuring a number of guests from the album along with a few special surprises. The night will be kicked off with a set from Vancouver’s Healing Days.
When: Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10
Yule Duel Vancouver 2018 carolling competition
Photo: Yule Duel 2017 / yuleduel.com
What: Hundreds of voices from Vancouver’s best choirs will again echo through the streets of Gastown on Thursday, December 6, 2018, during Yule Duel: BC’s largest outdoor carolling competition.
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Gastown
Admission: Free, but a $5 donation to May’s Place is suggested
Tobogganing and snow tubing at Mount Seymour
What: Love to hit the mountains, but your significant other can’t ski or snowboard? Fortunately, everyone knows how to sit on a toboggan, meaning it’s a friendly date idea for any non-skier or snowboarder. After any number of rides down the hill, wind down afterwards with a warm drink at the Enquist Lodge, complete with snacks, a roaring fireplace, and beautiful views.
When: Now until the end of the winter season
Time: Hours of operation are based on weather conditions, check online for up-to-date information
Where: Mt. Seymour – 1700 Mt. Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $25 per person for two hours, $15 for every additional hour
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