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The shortest day of the year is upon us, and we’re ready to celebrate with our list of seven things to do around Vancouver.
Experience it all, from the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival to The Funk Hunters, and everything in between.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival 2017
- What: Two huge Labyrinths of Light are being set up in Vancouver to celebrate December 21 – also known as the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year. The labyrinths come care of the Secret Lantern Society, which is marking the day with a series of celebrations throughout the city. For the 24th year in a row, there will be lanterns, fire, singing, and dancing, beginning at 6 pm with processions in Yaletown, Granville Island, Strathcona, and Chinatown.
- When: Thursday, December 21, 2017
- Time: Procession starts at 6 pm
- Where: Yaletown – procession starts at Gathering Place Community Centre – 609 Helmcken St, Vancouver; Granville Island – procession starts at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre – 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver; Chinatown and Strathcona – details TBC
- Tickets: General admission free, with $5 donation gratefully accepted; Labyrinth of Lights tickets available online, $8, with kids under 13 going free.
Xavier Omar
- What: The American R&B singer is on tour to support his latest EP release The Everlasting Wave.
- When: Thursday, December 21, 2017
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
- Tickets: Online, $15
Winter Treasures
- What: Winter Treasures is a boutique style show and sale featuring handcrafted gifts, art, décor and fine craft items created by local artisans. It is brimming with inspired ideas to wrap up your shopping list and simplify the holidays. It also includes visual arts, ceramics, jewelry, textile arts, leather, woodworking and more.
- When: Now to Thursday, December 21, 2017
- Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
- Admission: Free
The Funk Hunters
- What: Borrowing inspiration from classic funk and hip hop, The Funk Hunters are putting the soul back into electronic dance music. Having honed their craft at more than 450 performances in 16 countries, the DJ duo’s show is a brilliant technical display of creative collaboration between 4 turntables.
- When: Thursday,
- Time: Doors 8 pm
- Where: Commodore Ballroom – 867 Granville Street, Vancouver
- Tickets: Online, $37.75
The Festival Of Hope
- What: A six-day festival to raise money for a young man with muscular dystrophy in the last stages of his life. Featuring live music, comedy and variety acts from Divinder Purewal, Richard Glen Lett, Erin Jeffery and more. Hosted by Jacques Lalonde.
- When: Thursday, December 21 to Saturday, December 23 and Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30, 2017
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
- Admission: By donation
5th Annual Christmas Tree Festival
- What: Check out the Christmas Trees at the Port Coquitlam Museum and Archives and partner locations Leigh Square, Terry Fox Library, and City Hall. Take part in the Christmas Tree Festival Scavenger Hunt for more festive fun.
- When: Now to Sunday, December 31, 2017
- Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave Port Coquitlam
- Admission: Free
Vancouver Christmas Tree at Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver’s official 2017 Christmas Tree (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)
- What: Vancouver has a new official Christmas Tree in the heart of the city centre, and it’s brighter and taller than ever.
- When: Now to Sunday, December 31
- Where: West Georgia Plaza at the Vancouver Art Gallery
- Admission: Free
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