20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: December 16 and 17

Embrace your weekend freedom with our list of 20 things to do on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 2017. Christmas concerts, Vancouver Canucks, and more to explore.

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

Saturday, December 16, 2017

A Baroque Christmas: Bach and More

• What: Always a popular draw, The Vancouver Chamber Choir is celebrating the Christmas season with selections by Bach, Vivaldi, and popular carols that will have audiences singing “Hallelujah!”. This one-night-only production will feature guest conductor John William Trotter and the ensemble’s family of choirs, orchestra, and soloists.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouve
• Tickets: At Ticketmaster, $24-$55

Crafty Affaire Holiday Market

• What: ​​The Crafty Affaire Holiday market promotes unique and modern handmade items, as well as some vintage treasures. There will also be food trucks at this market.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Price: $2 admission, kids 12 and under free

Hey, Hey, It’s the Garbage Sisters’ Improv Show!

• What: Denea Campbell and Stacey McLachlan are The Garbage Sisters improv duo, who are definitely biologically related and definitely bio-waste management professionals. They will be joined for their magical night of comedy by Marta Wesselhoff, Maarten Bayliss, Shane McLean, Ronald Dario and Ryan D. Anderson.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 10 pm
• Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $5

The Electric Express

• What: See the characters, listen to the Christmas music, travel the Electric Express back in time to 1917, and visit the special workshop of Father Christmas.
• When: December 16 to 17, 2017
• Time: Various times.
• Where: Cloverdale Station – 17630 56th Avenue, Surrey
• Tickets: Online, $10-$20, children 3 and under free

Mad House – The Jedi Doth Return 

• What: A live reading of “William Shakespeare’s The Jedi Doth Return” by Mad House Productions. Featuring costumes, door prizes, and more.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Seven Dining Lounge – 53 West Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: $5

Almost, Maine

• What: The midwinter night is cold and clear as the northern lights dance above: it’s the perfect night to fall into, or out of, love. A charming, almost-magical tapestry of the joys and perils of romance, set in one night in a small town in Maine.
• When: Now to December 16, 2017
• Time: Various times
• Where: Pacific Theatre – 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Nora En Pure

• What:  The Duchess of deep house, Nora En Pure brings her bright, euphoric rhythms to #CelebsPlayhouse.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: Doors 10 pm
• Where: Celebrities– 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20

ECCW – Wrestling with Hunger

• What: ECCW celebrates the holiday season with wrestling action. Featuring Scotty Mac, Nicole Matthews, “Ravenous” Randy Myers, and more. Bring a blanket, non-perishable food item or unopened toy to enter to win raffle prizes.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Sapperton Pensioners Hall – 318 Keary Street, New Westminster
• Tickets: $20-$24

Woodwards Atrium Market

• What: Vintage and Handmade Society Markets and Woodwards presents the Woodwards Weekend Pop-Up, a community event that features incredible goods made from artisans, crafters and original or vintage goods.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 12 to 6 pm
• Where: Woodward’s Building – 128 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Star Wars Art Show

• What: To celebrate the release of the new Star Wars movie The Last Jedi. DJ Chong Wizard has curated a collection of Star Wars inspired art pieces from various artists from around the world. Featuring live music, cosplay contest, and more.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 2017
• Time: 8 pm to 1 am
• Where: The FALL – 644 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames

• What: The Vancouver Canucks take on the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena.
• When: Saturday, December 17, 2017
• Time: 5 pm
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Weirdos Holiday Market 2017

• What: Presented by the folks who select the oddities and trinkets at local curio shop, This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven, the Weirdos Holiday Market will showcase an eclectic array of unconventional gift ideas, from the delightfully quirky to the downright macabre. Alongside the strange shopping, visitors to the market can also enjoy a tarot card reading, tasty tamales topped with fermented vegetables from popular secret pop-up restaurant, HandTaste Ferments, and even enjoy a drink from the bar.
• When: December 16 and 17, 2017
• Time: 11 am to 7 pm
• Where: Betamax Art Studios – 2244 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Price: $2 at the door

Nativité with musica intima

• What: Juno-nominees musica intima are performing a series of traditional Christmas concerts around Vancouver to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their album Nativité. The show will feature arrangements by former ensemble members Jonathan Quick and Derrick Christian, in addition to seasonal pieces like “Ave Maria” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”.
• When: December 16, 17, 19 and 22, 2017
• Time: Various times
• Where: Various venues around the city
• Tickets: At Brown Paper Tickets; $20-$30

Gulf of Georgia Cannery Winter Farmer’s Market

• What: The Cannery Farmers’ Market has products from local food producers and artisans who follow a “Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Catch it” philosophy. BC-produced vegetables, fruits, and meats are the central draw to this market, but there is also entertainment and guided tours of the heritage site (pay by donation).
• When: Sunday, December 17, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree

• What: A beloved Vancouver Christmas tradition returns to town this December with the Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree. And while tickets to the event’s 50th Anniversary are now sold out, those who did manage to purchase a ticket can look forward to the family-friendly festive atmosphere the event has become so well-known for. Taking place at Broadway Church on select dates in December, the event features a choir of over 100 singers, as well as ensembles, an orchestra, actors, dancers and acrobats.
• When: Select dates until December 17, 2017
• Time: 3 pm and 7 pm and 7:30 pm, depending on the date
• Where: Broadway Church – 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Sold out. Those who do have tickets to any one of the performances are reminded that all tickets expire 30 minutes before each show begins, at which point others who have not pre-purchased a ticket are allowed to enter.

London Heritage Farm Jingle Bell Tea

• What: Step back in time when the pace of everyday living was a little slower and enjoy some old-fashioned hospitality. Relax in a cozy Tea Room with family and friends while sipping on signature London Lady Tea and savoring delicious baked goods.
• When: Saturdays and Sundays until December 17, 2017
• Time: Noon to 5 pm
• Where: London Heritage Farm Society – 6511 Dyke Road, Richmond
• Price: $14 per person

Jon and Carson’s Sunday Funday Christmas Talent Extravagaza

• What: A Christmas talent and comedy show, featuring headliner Rory Dunn, Nick Cecconi, Héctor Rivas, Anastasia and more. Hosted by Jon Gagnon and Carson Bokenfohr.
  
• When: Sunday, December 17, 2017
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Yagger’s Downtown Restaurant and Sports Bar – 433 West Pender, Vancouver
• Tickets: By donation

River District Winter Craft Fair 2017

• What: River District’s Winter Craft Fair features unique items from local artisans, perfect for your Christmas shopping needs.
• When: Every Sunday to December 17, 2017
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm
• Where: 8683 Kerr Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Christmas at The Loafing Shed

• What: Enjoy complimentary seasonal beverages and warm up in the studio while you enjoy the glass gallery, see glass blowing demos, and shop a special display of small gift items by local artists and artisans.
• When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to December 17, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: The Loafing Shed Glass Studio – 9060 184th Street, Port Kells, Surrey
• Price: Free

Eastside Flea Holiday Markets

• What: This flea market is more like a party because it has a DJ, beer, and a delicious selection of hot eats from a variety of food trucks. Check out the 50-plus vendors offering plants, collectibles, handmade items, and vintage clothing.
• When: Every weekend until December 17, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 5 pm
• Where: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
• Price: $3 admission, $5 for a weekend pass