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It’s been a long week, and the best two days are officially here!
From Christmas markets to the Rogers Santa Parade, this weekend is full of festive events.
Here are 20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend, Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Saturday, December 3
Bark-Making Class at Purdy’s Chocolatier
Image: Chocolate/ Eventbrite
- What: Learn from Purdys’ experienced connoisseurs how to create your own scrumptious chocolate bark with your choice of nuts, dried fruits or other crunchy inclusions.
- Where: Purdys Chocolatier South Granville – 2705 Granville Street, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, from 1 to 3 pm
- Tickets: $30 to $60 on Eventbrite
Vancouver Christmas Market 2016
- What: The Vancouver Christmas Market returns for 2016 with a bigger edition of old country tradition at its brand new home at Jack Poole Plaza. Making things merry and bright at the expansive seaside site, visitors are invited to indulge in the authentic German market’s array of mouth-watering delicacies and so much more.
- Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
- When: From November 26 to December 30; open daily 11 am to 9 pm, closed 6 pm on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day
- Tickets: $8 online
Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra December Concert
- What: Join conductor Jin Zhang and the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra for an lovely evening of music with guest artist Nancy DiNovo on violin.
- Where: Shaughnessy Heights United Church – 1550 West 33 Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, 8 to 10 pm
- Tickets: By donation ($15 suggested)
Big Joy Festival 2016
- What: Celebrating four years of Big Joy this December the festival will play host to another two days of talented artists serving up a broad spectrum of Vancouver’s music scene.
- Where: Remington Gallery and Studio – 108 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3 at 5 pm
- Admission: $12 per night online
Lumiere
- What: Lighting up Vancouver’s iconic West End, Morton Park and Jim Deva Plaza will come alive with a series of light art installations, performances and community building initiatives.
- Where: Various West End venues
- When: Saturday, December 3
- Cost: Free
Wesbrook Community Craft and Artistry Fair
- What: Local artists and artisans from around BC will be selling items in knitting, soap, jewelry, baked goods and much more.
- Where: Wesbrook Community Centre – 3335 Webber Lane, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost: Free to attend
West Point Cycles Drop In Spin Sessions
- What: Don’t put away your bike! West Point Cycles offer these unique indoor spin classes that enable clients to ride their own bikes throughout the year on brand new CycleOps SuperMagneto Pro Trainers. This means that participants enjoy the comfort of their personal set up while developing physiological gains in the exact position they will use outdoors.
- Where: West Point Cycles – 215 East 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, at 7:30 pm
- Tickets: $20 on Eventbrite
Versatile
Meghan McCrone pottery/ (Versatile Gallery)
- What: Versatile is Vancouver’s premier opportunity to see this as a yet untapped vein of talent who are debuting their art in the city.
- Where: The Little Mountian Shop – 4386 Main Street, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 8 pm
- Admission: Free
Friends of the VPL: Christmas Used Book Sale
- What: Looking for a special gift for someone on your holiday shopping list? Find thousands of gently used children’s and adult books, DVDs, CDs and more – all at bargain prices.
- Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 5 pm daily
- Cost: Free
Santa Shuffle 2016
- What: The 2016 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 takes place in 42 cities and raises money for the Salvation Army.
- Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
- When: Saturday, December 3, at 10 am
- Register: Online, $15-$225
Sunday, December 4
Rogers Vancouver Santa Claus Parade 2016
Rogers Santa Claus Parade/ Facebook
- What: The event has become a Vancouver tradition with hundreds of colourful floats and performances. With over 3,500 participants, the parade features bands, choirs, and community groups.
- Where: This year’s parade has a slightly different route. It will start at the same location – Georgia Street at Broughton, continue east along Georgia, turning south on Howe. It will now end on Howe and Smithe.
- When: Sunday, December 4 at noon
- Cost: Free!
Appliqué Postcard Workshop
- What: Using a simple “in and out” stitch and simply drawing techniques, you will learn how to hand sew a little scene into cloth. After mounting the piece and lining the back, you will have a postcard that you can then frame, wrap or mail.
- Where: Tiny Finery – 2162 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 1 to 4 pm
- Cost: $75
Christmas at the Chan Centre
- What: Award-winning conductor Dr. Joel Tranquilla, Director of Choral Activities for Trinity Western University, brings together four choirs and a full orchestra in an exquisite program featuring Christmas music from around the world.
- Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
- When: Sunday, December 4, 2:30 pm
- Tickets: $22.50 to $25 online
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights
- What: Santa comes to Cloverdale escorted by a lighted convoy of Big Rigs, vintage cars, floats, marching groups, horses, boats, mascots and much more.
- Where: Cloverdale Town Centre
- When: Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm
- Admission: Free. Please bring a non-perishable food donation or gift item that will go to the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.
Hastings Park Winter Farmer’s Market
- What:The Hastings Park Farmers Market features a great selection of local produce; nursery items, fish, meat & dairy; artisan prepared foods, baking and treats; the best in local crafts, and of course, hot food trucks.
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 10 am to 2 pm
- Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – Hastings & Renfrew, Vancouver
- Price: Free
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Wreath Making/ Eventbrite
- What: This workshop is a freestyle exploration of the seasonal materials, each participant will create a wall hanging reflective of their personal style.
- Where: 50 Powell Street, Vancouver
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 10 am to noon
- Tickets: On Eventbrite, $125, includes materials and light refreshments.
Ninjitsu Sundays
- What: Ninjitsu is the ancient art of the ninja shadow warriors of Japan. It is a unique method of moving and thinking which developed a system often referred to us the art of winning. It is a practice based in self-regulation and self-awareness.
- Where: Vital Health Medical Clinic Kitsilano – 1855 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 10:30 am to noon
- Tickets: Free, register on Eventbrite
Christmas with the Bach Choir
- What: Ring in the festive season with the sound of the Vancouver Bach Choir. More than 400 singers raise their voices in joyful song for a heartwarming afternoon of cherished Christmas carols that illuminate the true spirit of the season.
- When: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street at Seymour, Vancouver
- Where: Sunday, December 4, from 2 to 4:30 pm
- Tickets: Available on Tickets Tonight, $29-$110.72
4th Annual Winter Wonderland at Ocean Park Hall
- What: The Ocean Park Community Association and Ocean Park Dental invite you to join us for the 4th Annual Winter Wonderland at the Ocean Park Hall. Get your photos taken with Santa, enjoy some festive activities and pizza dinner courtesy of Harman at Ocean Park Panago. Adults can enjoy some holiday cheer at the cash bar and catch up with neighbours before the holiday bustle kicks in!
- Where: Ocean Park Hall – 1577 128 Street, Surrey
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 4 to 6 pm
- Admission: Free!
Christmas in Steveson Village 2016
- What: Share the magic of the holiday season in Steveston Village with businesses decked out in holiday style, the arrival of Santa by boat. There will be a Christmas classic car parade and the Cannery Farmer’s Market.
- Where: Steveson Village, Richmond
- When: Sunday, December 4, from 1 to 5 pm (various times for events, check website for details).
- Admission: Free. Donations encouraged for various activities, check website for details.
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