35 things to do in Vancouver this week: November 27 to December 1

The last week of November is here so let’s fill our time with fun events around the city! Get the action started with our list of 35 things to do from Monday, November 27 to Friday, December 1. Christmas at Canada Place, Jerry Seinfeld, and more.

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

Monday, November 27

Christmas at Canada Place

• What: The 30th annual Christmas at Canada Place invites you to experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, a magical holiday lighting display, the Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Christmas Trees. Presented by the Port of Vancouver.
• When: Now to December 31, 2017
• Time: 8 am to 11 pm (closes at 6 pm on December 31)
• Where: Canadian Trail (west promenade) and North Point, Canada Place
• Admission: Free

Artist Talk with Sean Alward

• What: A new public artwork graces the windows of the Newton Recreation Centre expansion. Learn more about Fern Façade by artist Sean Alward at his artist talk.
• When: Monday, November 27, 2017
• Time: 7 to 8 pm
• Where: Newton Recreation Centre – 13730 72 Avenue, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Romantic Rachmaninoff

• What: Renowned Irish pianist Barry Douglas performs Rachmaninoff’s Romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 is described as possibly the best-loved piano work of all time, with famous melodies, dense virtuosic writing for the piano, and rich orchestral score.
  
• When: Monday, November 27, 2017
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Orpheum – 884 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Dim Sum Diaries: Live Play Reading and Dinner Fundraiser

• What: Fabulist Theatre’s first show of the season is a live reading of Dim Sum Diaries by Mark Leiren-Young, performed at the Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant while you are served a full dim sum dinner. There will be special guests, a talkback session and a raffle with prizes. This event is a fundraiser for Fabulist Theatre, with profits going towards the mounting of our spring musical.
• When: Monday, November 27, 2017
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Where: Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant – 1132 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $50

20th Annual European Union Film Festival

• What: The Cinematheque’s annual showcase of new cinema from the European Union is presented with the Vancouver consulates and the Ottawa embassies of the member states of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. This year’s festival features entries from 25 EU members.
• When: Now to December 4, 2017
• Time: Various times
• Where: The Cinematheque – 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Brewers Q&A and Book Signing with Author Stephen Beaumont

• What: Stephen Beaumont, author of The Indispensable Guide to the World’s Best Craft and Traditional Beers, joins Brewmaster Gary Lohin and Dageraad Brewing’s Ben Coli for a craft beer Q&A.
• When: Monday, November 27, 2017
• Time: 5 to 7 pm
• Where: Central City Brewers Downtown – 871 Beatty Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Holiday Traditions Start At Vancouver Aquarium

• What: Delight in Scuba Claus visits, magical aquatic displays, and special seasonal activities at Vancouver Aquarium this holiday season.
• When: Now to January 7, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Tuesday, November 28

Vancouver Giants versus Seattle Thunderbirds

• What: Vancouver Giants face off with Seattle Thunderbirds in Western Hockey League action.
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
• Tickets: Online

Sophie Buddle Live Album Taping

• What: Vancouver based comedian Sophie Buddle records her first album live at The Comedy Mix. She is hot off her third run at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, and was runner up in SiriusXM’s Top Comic.
• When: November 28 and 29, 2017
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: the Comedy MIX – 1015 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

So You Think You Can Dance – Live Tour

• What: Stars from So You Think You Can Dance season 14 perform live at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Featuring all-stars Jasmine Harper and Marko Germar.
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $49.50-$75

Civil Rights Lawyer Amir Whitaker Book Signing/Performance

• What: Amir Whitaker combines live music, hip hop, dance, poetry, and soul music to add texture to his story telling. In his book reading performance, Amir fuses the music of artist like Jimi Hendrix and Kendrick Lamar with personal stories of overcoming adversity. A provocative visual presentation of still images, videos, and animations accompany the performance.
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Spartacus Books – 3378 Findlay Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Amplify Her – Vancouver Purple Carpet Premiere

• What: Amplify Her is a film, graphic novel and animated motion comic series that explores the rise of female artists in the electronic music scene. Imagined and brought to life by more than 21 female creators across North America – mainly from the Pacific Northwest – the 89-minute feature follows seven up-and-coming stars as they find their unique voices within a male-dominated realm. Early show features DJ set by Ingrid Hakanson and performance by C O Z Y, and late show features DJ set by Ingrid Hakanson and performance by KYTAMI.
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 6 and 8:30 pm
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $15-$47

Business with Purpose

• What: A night of networking, refreshments, vendors, prizes and an inspiring panel of women who have created purposeful businesses. Hosted by Vancity Business Babes in partnership with Brainstation Vancouver.
  
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 6 to 9 pm
• Where: BrainStation – 455 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $41.70

Knit Night at Fibre Art Studio

• What: Fibre Art Studio’s first knit night. Bring your project to get help, or spend time with fellow knitters. There will be door prizes.
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Fibre Art Studio – 1610 Johnston Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Wednesday, November 29

Whistler Film Festival

• What: 87 films from over 15 countries will be shown at the Whistler Film Festival this year, featuring great Canadian content with a strong emphasis on female directed films. This year’s lineup includes buzz-worthy award season contenders such as the festival’s opening film Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman and Lily James, and closing gala The Moment, a BC-shot documentary that follows a crew of mountain biking adventure seekers who changed the sport forever.
• When: November 29 to December 3, 2017
• Time: Various times
• Where: Various locations around Whistler
• Tickets: At WFF, $16.50

The Naughty Nutcracker Luminesque Dance 2017

• What: Described as “an intimate retelling of a holiday classic.. but with a twist,” the show features the Sugar Bum Fairy, delinquent dolls, and sexy soldiers. Performed by the fabulous troupe over at Luminesque Dance; an organisation that helps everyday women develop dance technique, confidence and authentic connections, it offers a perfect piece of counter-programming to your usual festive fare.
• When: November 29 to December 2, 2017
• Time: Doors 7:30 pm (November 29 and 30), Doors 6:30 pm (December 1 and 2)
• Where: Celebrities Nightclub – 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Online, from $20.

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
• Time: Various times
• Where: Pacific Theatre – 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Alternate Dualities

• What: ​​​Alternate Dualities is Mathieson McCrae’s weekly duo improv comedy showcase where he forms a new duo with a different guest each time. November 29th’s guest is Allie Entwistle (Brunch, Instant Theatre).
  
• When: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
• Time: 8:30 pm
• Where: The Toast Collective – 648 Kingsway, Vancouver

Building a Better Canada

• What: The University of British Columbia welcomes Order of Canada recipients David Suzuki, Shelagh Rogers, Trevor Linden, Wade Davis, Sophie Pierre and Robert Silverman to the Chan Centre to share their thoughts about our shared future. It’s the culmination of a day-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Order of Canada—the nation’s top civilian honour—that will bring together some of British Columbia’s most inspiring and influential citizens to challenge some of our most pressing societal issues.
• When: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Chan Shun Concert Hall at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
• Price: $10 – Tickets available via the Chan Centre at UBC

Conflict Is Not Abuse: Sarah Schulman

• What: New York author Sarah Schulman reads from and talks about her much discussed, award-winning book Conflict Is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair
• When: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Pulpfiction Books – 2422 Main Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

You Are It – with Deb Williams and Carmen Aguirre

• What: You Are It is a new creation by Vancouver theatre artists Deb Williams and Sherry J. Yoon and featuring Carmen Aguirre. A Silver Commission of the Arts Club Theatre company, phase two in the development of this piece digs deeper into the inherent comedy and touching vulnerabilities present in female friendship. As with all Micro Performance Series shows, the audience is both a spectator and participant.
• When: November 29 to December 9, 2017
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: #100 1398 Cartwright St at The Fishbowl on Granville Island, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20

Thursday, November 30

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

• What: Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. The attraction is also accompanied by a train ride, musics, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017 to Saturday January 6, 2018. Closed on December 25 for Christmas.
• Time: Times vary, check website for details.
• Where: Miniature railway area at Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Admission: Bright Nights entry by donation ($4 is suggested), Christmas train tickets available on Ticketleader, from $6-$12.

The Quiplash Comedy Show: November Reign at Seven Dining Lounge

• What: Join The Fictionals and some of Vancouver’s funniest improvisers as they battle it out for the Quiplash Crown. Your votes via smartphone decides which punchline inspires the comedy, and who leaves 7DL this month’s champion. Plus sign up for the pre-show Audience Tournament for your chance to play against the comedians in the main event.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Seven Dining Lounge – 53 West Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: At the door, $7 or $5 for students

Slow Magic

• What: Slow Magic is the sound made by an unknown imaginary friend.
  
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: Doors 9 pm
• Where: Venue – 881 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $17

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

• What: The Symphony of the Goddesses is a multimedia symphony concert with music by game composer Koji Kondo.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $73-$115

Gay Places and E-Spaces: How online dating changed Davie

• What: Hosted by Vancouver drag queen, Peach Cobblah, Gay Places and e-Spaces is the Momentum Health Study’s attempt at exploring how the online dating has changed the sense of community connectedness, and what impact hook-up app use have had on the individual and collective health of the gay community?
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where: The Junction – 1138 Davie Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, Free

Anza Live!

• What: Anza Live is a community showcase put together to give local artists an opportunity to level up and grow their craft while showcasing the amazing talent of Vancouver. Featuring headliner Alex Maher.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: The Anza Club – 3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

Pitch for the Purse 2017 Semi-Finals

• What: Pitch for the Purse is a program that aims to educate and mentor women across Canada who want to elevate their businesses and need the money to do so. The program is divided into four sections designed to educate and mentor every step of the way. It starts off with pitch training, which leads to the semi-finals (10 semi-finalists), mentorship, and lastly, a pitch finale (between three finalists). Each finalist could be walking away with $25,000 CAD in cash to fund their business.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 2017
• Time: 8 to 11:30 am
• Where: The Vancouver Club, Grand Ballroom – 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $75 general | $500 for a table of four (includes company logo recognition) – Tickets available via Picatic

Friday, December 1

VanDusen Festival of Lights

• What: VanDusen Gardens’ annual Festival of Lights features more than a million lights to bring in the Christmas season. All tickets include a free ride on the Air France Carousel. Visitors can also stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, sing along to your favourite holiday classics at the Festival Stage, listen to stories and take a selfie with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the new licensed fireside lounge.
• When: December 1 to January 7, 2017
• Time: 4:30 to 9 pm, until 10 pm between December 15 and December 24
• Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
• Price: $15.24 for adults, $8.57 for children. Available online.

Robson Square Ice Rink 2017

• What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is slated to reopen on December 1 for the 2017/2018 season, and 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. A concession stand on the side will also serve warm drinks and snacks.
• When: December 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday; 9 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
• Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street & Howe Street)
• Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are $4, 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.

Steveston Festival of Trees 2017

• What: The event allows merchants and community groups from the Steveston area to show off their creative talents by decorating their own Christmas trees, which will be on display inside the historic cannery for a friendly competition. Favourite designs are decided by votes, and the winners take a prize. The multi-day festival kicks off on December 1 at the Cannery Farmers’ Market, and runs right through until New Years Eve.
• When: December 1 to 31, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: Cannery Farmers’ Market – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

• What: The annual Gingerbread Lane 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 local charities with more than $80,000 secured during its 26 year history to date.
• When: December 1 to 29, 2017
• Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver – 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair

• What: The Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair raises funds for Western Front, an artist-run centre for contemporary art and new music based in Vancouver. The centre produces and presents visual art, exhibitions, concerts and workshops, media-art residencies, and performance art. The Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair showcases a curated selection of designers and artists, as well as offering shopping, a back deck barbecue, and bake sale.
• When: December 1 to 3, 2017
• Time: Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm, both weekend days from 11 am to 5 pm
• Where: Luxe Hall at Western Front – 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
• Admission: By donation

Vancouver Christmas Tree at Robson Square

• What: 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 lighting is Friday, December 1; tree remains lit throughout December 2017
• Time: Tree lighting on December 1, 2017 from 5 to 7 pm
• Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Jerry Seinfeld

• What: Originally a stand-up comedian, Seinfeld was catapulted to stardom in the 1990s with the success of his now legendary sitcom Seinfeld. Since the show ended its nine-year run in 1998, Seinfeld returned to stand-up comedy and in 2009, began a successful web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
• When: Friday, December 1, 2017
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Abbotsford Centre Tickets – 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $59-$159