27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: November 30 to December 2

So long November, hello December! Start your new month with these 27 events happening in Vancouver on Friday, November 30, Saturday, December 1, and Sunday, December 2. Santa Claus Parade, The Cardboard Project, and more.

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

Friday, November 30, 2018

Vancouver Christmas Tree at Robson Square

What: Taller than Rockafeller: A huge Christmas tree will light up Robson Square, and people will celebrate the holiday season with free snacks, photos with Santa, and a holiday concert. You can also Buy-a-Bulb to raise funds for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. For $5 you can purchase five bulbs to help light the tree, or you can get 15 for $10.

When: Tree is lit on Friday, November 30, 2018, and remains lit throughout December
Time: 6 to 7 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

The New Conformity (+ Alphonse & Lola)

What: Three skilled jugglers use their tools of the trade plus martial arts to tell a story that’s laugh-out-loud funny. And to start, a short dance piece where a dancer and a fiddler turn everyday situations into something laughably ridiculous.

When: Friday, November 30, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online, $25-$35

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2018

What: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl prowl, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now to Sunday, January 27, 2019 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six

National Geographic: Symphony for our World

What: The event pairs the stunning visual footage of National Geographic with an original symphony composed by Emmy and BAFTA-nominated Bleeding Fingers Music. The result is a spectacular show of natural history combined with compositions performed live by a full-size orchestra and choir. National Geographic describes the show as a five-part composition that brings viewers from “the depths of the sea, up to coastlines, over mountains, and soaring into the sky.”

When: Friday, November 30, 2018
Time: Show at 8 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, starting at $47

TOQUE Fundraiser and Craft Fair

What: TOQUE, Western Front’s annual fundraiser and craft fair features more than 30 Vancouver-based artists and designers. Visitors will be able to find textiles, ceramics, jewellery, books, bags, and home and body products. In between shopping, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including bratwurst and hot drinks.

When: Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Friday from 6 to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Aurora Winter Festival

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

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

What: The annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair features over 100 BC-based artisans, turning the Poirier Forum into a winter wonderland, full of artisan crafts, prepared foods, holiday gifts, and decor.

When: Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Friday: 5 to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Poirier Forum – 618 Poirier Forum, Coquitlam
Admission: Adults: $3; Seniors: $2; Children ages 12 and under: Free

Saturday, December 1, 2018

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 1 and Sunday, December 2, Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, and Saturday, December 15 and 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

2018 Santa Shuffle

What: More than 1,000 people are expected to take part in a festive-focused fun run on Saturday, December 1 with the goal of helping the less fortunate in the community. The 2018 Santa Shuffle 5 km fun run and 1 km Elf Walk takes place at 10 am in Stanley Park, beginning at Lumberman’s Arch. The coast-to-coast event raises money for the Salvation Army.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
Time: 10 am
Tickets: Available online

Dehli 2 Dublin

What: They have performed in front of tens of thousands on concert stages throughout the world, ranging from Glastonbury to Burning Man. And this December, Vancouver-based band  Delhi 2 Dublin returns home to wrap up their latest Western Canada tour. Since forming in 2006, Delhi 2 Dublin has developed their own decisive genre they refer to as “Subcontinental Pop,” bringing their South Asian influences to Western pop music. Founding members Tarun Nayar, Sanjay Seran and Ravi Binning have, from the beginning, followed their own path from warehouse raves to major stages.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street
Tickets: $38.73, available online

Strathcona Winter Craft Fair

What: The Strathcona Winter Craft Fair puts a heavy emphasis on local and grassroots vendors, meaning that you’ll feel great heading over to get some holiday gifts. In addition, 15% of their tables go to not-for-profit vendors and feature artists across Vancouver’s Strathcona and Eastside Communities.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Strathcona Community Centre Association – 601 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Admission: General admission is $2, kids aged 12 and younger free

Dundarave Festival of Lights 2018

What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is back for another Christmas, offering festive, free concerts, a Christmas fair, and a Forest of Miracles. The festival begins on Saturday, December 1 on Dundarave Beach. You’ll be able to enjoy concerts in the Longhouse and the Nativity Pavilion for free, decorate the festival’s Christmas tree, and shop at the Christmas Fair.

When: Saturday, December 1, Saturday, December 8, Saturday, December 15 and Saturday, December 22
Time: Every Saturday afternoon
Where: Dundarave Beach – 25th Street at Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
Admission: Free

Crafty Affaire Holiday Market

What: The Crafty Affair Holiday Market promotes a unique mix of modern, handmade items as well as vintage treasures. The event will rotate at three different locations over the course of three weeks and every week, the first 25 visitors will receive a free goodie bag. Admission to all markets is by donation.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Robson Square Ice Rink 2018

What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is slated to reopen on December 1 for the 2018 and 2019 season. As per tradition, skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site for a fee. An on-site concession stand will also serve warm drinks and snacks.

When: Daily from December 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019
Time: Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm – Holiday hours vary
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street and Howe Street)
Cost: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time)
Note: Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

What: 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

The Cardboard Project

What: An exhibit that features a collection of written experiences by Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents is set to be unveiled on the first weekend of December. Known as the Cardboard Project, the exhibit is the brainchild of Employ to Empower and is asks those from the DTES to share something in their past that’s changed who they are today. To top it all off, a fun photobooth is included for you to share your cardboard story hashtagging #MyCardboard to start a powerful movement beyond the exhibition.

The event is made possible through the support of a number of sponsors: Telus; Co-llective Marketing, Vancouver’s first go-to marketing agency with over 65+ partners; Daily Hive; Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association, an organization that takes a leadership role in managing a more sustainable local economy; Plan Institute, a non-profit that supports families with disability in Canada; 312 Main Street, a social innovation based co-working space for thought leaders; 604 Now; and Frontrvnners, a streetwear brand that believes in staying loyal to your craft.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 1 to 6 pm
Where: 312 Main Street
Admission: Free, but a $5 donation is suggested; tickets available online

Heritage Christmas at Historic Stewart Farm

What: Taste fresh-baked festive treats, string popcorn and experience Christmas the Victorian way at Historic Stewart Farm. There will be a new craft to make each day of Heritage Christmas, plus check out the signature Christmas Open House on December 8 from 11 am to 3 pm, featuring live music and photos with Old Saint Nick.

When: Every weekend from Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Admission: Free

Sunday, December 2, 2018

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

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.

2018 Christmas with the Horses

What: This free, family-friendly event features pony rides, crafts, barn tours, drill team, demos and more. BBQ and snacks available.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Burnaby Equestrian Center – 9080 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby
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

See also

• Get your holiday shop on at Vancouver's Eastside Flea Holiday Market
• Over a million dazzling lights will shine at VanDusen Festival of Lights this December
• Aziz Ansari to headline Just For Laughs festival in Vancouver