27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: December 14 to 16

Dec 11 2018, 7:52 am

The last weekend of fall is officially here! Fill your time with these 27 great events in Vancouver on Friday, December 14, Saturday, December 15, and Sunday, December 16. Fridays on Front Holiday Market, Tea Tastings at MUJI, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Fridays on Front Holiday Market

Holiday Market

Holiday Market/Shutterstock

What: New West’s weekly summer night market Fridays is returning for a one-night holiday version this winter. On Friday, December 14, marketgoers can head to the festivities happening under the parkade on Front Street and enter for free to enjoy a selection of delicious local eats and drinks available for purchase.

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Time: 4 to 9 pm
Where: Under the parkade on Front Street in New West
Price: Free entry

Burnaby Firefighters Breakfast in Support of the Angel Toy Drive

What: The Burnaby Firefighters’ 7th Annual Pancake Breakfast in support of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau’s Angel Toy Drive and the CKNW Kid’s Fund. Bring a brand new toy or cash donation for a free pancake breakfast served by the Burnaby Firefighters, or take your breakfast to go. Plus enjoy performances by The West Coast Symphony, The Vancouver Fire Fighters Band Burnaby South Secondary School Bands (Grade 9, 10, 11, 12), and more.

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Time: 6 to 10 am
Where: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown – Crystal Ballroom – 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby
RSVP: Online, Free

Vessi Holiday Pop-Up Store

Vessi

@chrisdaleyyy/@vessifootwear/Instagram

What: Vessi Footwear, creators of the world’s first waterproof shoe, is hosting a holiday pop-up at the location of the former Canucks Team Store that once occupied Robson Street. There, customers both new and old will have a chance to check out their waterproof Cityscape shoes in person, as well as score a number of discounts and limited-edition gifts.

The first 10 customers to visit the pop-up will have a chance to win a pair of free Vessis. There’s a catch though — they’ll have to step into a pool of ice-cold water while wearing a pair of their current shoes.

Free swag like tote bags and candy cane laces will also be up for grabs and throughout the entire weekend, the company will be selling their shoes tax-free. Vessi will also have their two newest models, the Everyday and the Skyline, up for display — although they’re only available through Kickstarter for now.

When: Friday, December 14 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Friday: 11 to 9 pm; Saturday: 10 to 8 pm; Sunday: 10 to 9 pm
Where: 1151 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

What: A shore-side celebration to see the Carol Ships sail by. Come to Barnet Marine Park and watch the flotilla of carol ships sail past. The ships are expected to sail by between 8 to 8:30 pm, times may vary depending on the weather. Please come early to avoid missing the ships. Drink concession will be available, weather permitting from 6:30 to 9 pm.

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Barnet Marine Park – 8181 Barnet Road, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Vancouver Giants vs Everett Silvertips

What: Vancouver Giants take on the Everett Silvertips in WHL action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Christmas with Chor Leoni 

What: Christmas with Chor Leoni men’s choir promises to bring you all the “sparkle and shine” of the season with a mix of music favourites ranging from classical to pop, and everything in between.

When: Friday, December 14 to Monday, December 17, 2018
Time: Various times
Where:

  • December 14, 16, 17 at St. Andrew’s Wesley Church, 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver
  • December 15 at West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave, West Vancouver

Tickets: 1.877.840.0457 or online $20 – $45

Holiday Heights at Bloedel Conservatory

What: Experience a winter wonderland at Queen Elizabeth Park filled with magical lights, festive music, and a holiday scavenger hunt. There will also be 150 free-flying tropical birds and 500 plants inside the indoor tropical garden.

When: Daily from Friday, December 14 to Sunday, January 6, 2018. Closed Christmas Day.
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park — 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $6.50 for adults, $4.35 for youth (13-18), $3.15 for children (4-12).

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The 4th annual Big Elf Run

elf run

Running Tours/Facebook

What: Over 700 runners and walkers are expected to join the holiday-themed event which rallies around fitness, festiveness, and a charitable spirit. It’s the fourth consecutive year for the fun run, with all of the proceeds going to support the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Participants will have their choice of a 1 km “wee elf” run or a 5 km or 10 km “big elf” run or walk, both of which take place around the beautiful Stanley Park. Live DJs, dancing, prize giveaways, and vendors will add to the festive atmosphere.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Lumberman’s Arch Concession, Stanley Park – 3301 Stanley Park Drive
Tickets: $30 to register for the 10 km or 5 km portion

English Bay Beach Cleanup & Christmas social

What: Join Surfrider for their last Beach Cleanup of 2018. Put on your best ugly Christmas Sweater (there will be a prize for the ugliest), invite a friend, and help preserve and protect English Bay. Reusable gloves, buckets and pickers will be provided. However, cleaners are invited to bring their own as there is a limited supply. Also, wear closed-toe shoes and bring your own reusable mug.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – 1790 Beach Avenue (Meet at the seawall just north of Cactus Club Cafe), Vancouver
Register: Online

Very Vintage Christmas

What: Step back in time to a retro holiday party for the whole family. After you play old school games and make a vintage decoration, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Sip free hot chocolate as you bask at our huge textile themed Christmas tree. Then do a selfie scavenger hunt for a chance to win $100. Also enjoy the various exhibits such as Dinosaurs Unearthed and the TD Explore Zone.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave, Surrey
Admission:
 Free

Tea with Santa

What: A festive afternoon tea, benefiting Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon Foundation, with the man in red himself.
Get into the spirit of the season at this family-friendly event where attendees will enjoy a festive afternoon tea menu, a visit and take-home picture with Santa, cookie decorating station, hot chocolate bar and other special surprises. Proceeds from every ticket go to Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon Foundation, granting the wishes of children living with life-threatening conditions. Reserve by calling 604-248-3281 or emailing [email protected].

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Fairmont Vancouver Airport – 3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Price: $79 per adult, $35 children 12 and under

Light & Dark: A Seasonal Arts Experience

What: Celebrate the season with an arts experience for the whole family. Enjoy interactive art activities, a labyrinth of light cause & effect, circus family entertainment and more.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 3 to 8 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone

What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone, the beloved holiday classic starring a young Macaulay Culkin as 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who gets left behind as his family sets off for Christmas vacation. You’ll be able to enjoy the film on the big screen as the VSO performs the score — composed by the renowned the John Williams — live.

When: Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online

Tea Tastings at MUJI Robson Street

Tea/Muji Canada

What: Take a relaxing break at MUJI‘s flagship store on Robson Street, where they will be hosting free tea tastings in collaboration with Vancouver’s O5 Tea Bar. The events aim to help de-stress Vancouverites, whilst promoting wellness and showcasing MUJI’s vision to improve the way people live through simplicity.

When: Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 6 pm (Friday), 4 pm (Saturday)
Where: MUJI – 1125 Robson Street, Vancouver
Price: Free

Vancouver Babes Who Brunch

What: Enjoy a brunch and connect with other ladies at this monthly event in Vancouver. Each brunch has a speaker who will chat with guests about their personal and professional journey.

When: Saturday, December 15. 2018
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Per se Social Corner – 891 Homer Street, Vancouver
Price: $45–$55; buy online

SantaCon 2018

What: Holiday revellers can get into the spirit of the season by being part of a giant, Santa-themed bar crawl, on Saturday, December 15. Those who would like to attend are reminded that they must be of legal drinking age (19+) to do so.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: The starting location and stops will be announced the morning of the event

Highstreet Holiday Show 

What: The Highstreet Holiday Show includes a 30-minute live show, and a multi-media light display which uses over 6,000 LED bulbs, set to your holiday favourites. Enjoy the arrival of Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and Spandy Andy the Dancing Elf. An oversized mailbox will also be available for kids to drop off their letters to Santa and for every letter collected, Highstreet will donate a can of food to the Food Bank.

When: Now to Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 5 pm
Where: High Street – 3122 Mt. Lehman Rd, Abbotsford
Tickets: Free

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Aurora Winter Festival

Aurora Winter Festival Toronto

Aurora Winter Festival Toronto/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 three and under are free

Make It! Holiday Show

Make It! The Handmade Revolution

Make It! The Handmade Revolution

What: The Make It! Holiday Show is a fun, upbeat shopping experience that hosts a number of artists, crafters, and makers from all across Canada. Each year, in addition to more than 265 exhibitors, the holiday show features a beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Parking for this market is $12.

When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Times vary based on date
Location: The PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: $8 at the door, kids ages 12 and under are free

Gingerbread Village 2018

What: The Downtown Surrey BIA’s 2nd annual Gingerbread Village is a charity event that raises money for the Surrey Christmas Bureau. The creations will be on display at Central City Shopping Centre from December 8 to 16 near the Winners and can be viewed during mall hours. Make a cash donation anytime during Gingerbread Village to vote for your favourite, and the creation that raises the most money will win. All donations raised will go toward the Surrey Christmas Bureau to help them support low-income families during the holidays.

When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Regular Mall Hours
Where: City Central Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Blvd, Surrey
Admission: Free

Eastside Flea Holiday Markets

What: Boasting a DJ, beer, and a wide selection of eats from a variety of food trucks, this flea market plays more like a party than anything else. Find plants, collectibles, handmade items, and vintage clothing from over 5o vendors. On-leash dogs are permitted at the market.

When: Saturday, December 15 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: $3 for single-day entry, $5 for the entire weekend

Christmas Tea on the Train

What: Climb aboard Port Moody Station Museum’s decorated 1920s passenger train car, the Venosta, and enjoy tea, hot chocolate, and scones while listening to Christmas music.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: One hour seatings at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm
Where: Port Moody Station Museum – 2734 Murray St., Port Moody
Admission: $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 or under ( Kids two or under free). Reserve at 604-939-1648 or email [email protected]

In the BAG Family Sundays

What: Come and make art. Get your minds humming with a visit to the gallery and then into the studio for family-friendly art projects. October’s theme is Chinese brush painting.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Suggested $5 donation

Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers

What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their regular season vs the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Polar Express Train Ride 2018 

What: Hosted by West Coast Heritage Railway Park in Squamish, it’s an opportunity for kids and not-so-grown-ups to be whisked away on a magical trip to the North Pole. Guests will sip on hot chocolate and munch on cookies as they experience a fantastic festive adventure. Passengers are also encouraged to get cozy and wear their pyjamas – just like in the book. Once you arrive at your destination you’ll have the chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and even visit Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.

When: Weekends from now to Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Time: See full schedule online
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Tickets: $35 to $59, available online

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: The annual Gingerbread Lane has taken over the lobby of the Hyatt Regency. This year’s display features more than 30 gingerbread creations designed by secondary schools, professionals, and amateur culinary artists. As well as providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for local charities with more than $80,000 secured to date.

When: Now to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street
Admission: Free

Santa at Capilano Mall

What: Santa Claus has arrived at Capilano Mall ahead of his busiest day of the year. Kick off the holidays with a traditional visit to Santa who will be available for photos from now through December 23. There’s going to be special giveaways for those who purchase photo packages with Santa. Feel bad about leaving your pet at home?

Capilano Mall is hosting evenings dedicated for pet photos and visits with Santa. Simply bring your pet along to the mall on December 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Remember that all pets must be leashed or in crates and kept calm while they’re at Capilano Mall.

When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Times: Times vary by date
Where: 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Price: $19.99 – $34.99 – Purchase Santa photo package on the day of visit

See also

Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

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