10 things to do in Vancouver today: Sunday, December 2

Nov 30 2018, 1:40 am

Fill your Sunday Funday with these 10 fun events happening in Vancouver today, Sunday, December 2. Santa Claus Parade, Festival of Lights, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

The 2018 Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

What: Each year, the parade’s 60 entries and floats, as well as over 2,500 participants draw in a whopping 300,000 spectators – so you better arrive early if you want to snag a prime viewing spot. Those who do arrive early are treated to spectacular views of floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and other live performances. According to event organizers, the Santa Claus Parade is the largest Christmas parade celebrated in Western Canada, as well as one of the largest fundraising events for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: The parade begins at 12 pm
Where: The parade begins at West Georgia Street, ending on Howe and Davie
Admission: Free of charge, although donations are encouraged

Peter Pan the Panto

What: Fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy and Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Enjoy a fun-filled tale that will captivate you from the opening number right until Captain Hook meets his timely reward. Featuring a huge cast, live band, enchanting characters, and lots of songs and dances.

When: Now to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants vs Tri-City Americans

What: Vancouver Giants face off against the Tri-City Americans in WHL action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Mann Farms Christmas Market 2018

What: Now in its fourth year, the Maan Farms Christmas Market will feature themed markets to celebrate key elements of the Christmas season: Love, Taste, and Cheer. Along with each themed market, the Christmas Market will feature over 50 vendors, breakfast with Elsa and Anna, food trucks, photos with Santa, a cooking demo with Mama Maan, mulled wine, and many more festive activities.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday until December 9, 2018
Time: 10 to 5 pm
Where: Maan Farms – 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Admission: A donation to the Fraser Valley Development Centre

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden

lights

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What: The botanical garden is covered in more than a million lights. Reindeer and Scandinavian gnomes also roam the trails, and visitors can walk through the gingerbread wood, lantern alley, and Make-a-Wish candle grotto.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018, to Monday, January 7, 2019
Time: 4:30 pm to 9 pm. Hours extended to 10 pm between December 15 and 24.
Where: VanDusen Gardens – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Online: Pricing: Adults $18.50 online and $20 at the gate. Prices vary for youth, children and seniors. Tickets available online.

Christmas Open House

What:  Drop into the Nature House to enjoy crafts and complimentary refreshments or join a guided nature walk. Presented by Burnaby Lake Park Association, all ages.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 2 pm. Drop in anytime
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Chalet Place Lights for Charity

What: A home up in the high hills of North Vancouver has been lighting up with over 100,000 lights each Christmas for a few years, to raise donations for three good causes – the BC Epilepsy Society, Harvest Project, and Shriners Care For Kids. This will be the final year of Chalet Place Lights for Charity, so don’t miss it.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018, to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: 4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2018

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a Sleigh Ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic Reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital. And if you really want to get to know St. Nick, join him breakfast from Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 23, and be sure to get on his good list.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

Illuminating The Night at Galleria Concord Gardens

What: A magically illuminating experience at Concord Pacific’s Richmond Sales Centre. Enjoy an afternoon of hot beverages, snacks, prizes, silent auctions and live performances by talented local artists. Plus witness the colourful lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm, and chances to win tickets to Aurora Winter Festival every hour.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 1 to 6 pm
Where: Galleria at Concord Gardens – Richmond Presentation Centre – 8511 Capstan Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

The fifth annual Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair features local handmade items, live music, as well as a number of raffles and prizes. Proceeds from the event go towards the music program at Burnaby Central Secondary School.

When: Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Burnaby Hall – 7837 Canada Way, Burnaby
Admission: Admission by donation

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