20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: December 2 and 3

The first weekend of December is here, so let’s get it started with our checklist of 20 things to do this weekend, Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, 2017. Lumiere, Santa Claus Parade, and more.

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

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Abbotsford Winter Jubilee 2017

What: The free festival on December 2 includes a family-friendly craft beer and wine garden, food trucks, Christmas carollers, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus in a parade to Downtown Abby, live entertainment, children’s activities, pony rides, handmade and artisan marketplaces, a family photo booth and a Christmas fireworks display.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Essendene and Montrose Avenues in Downtown Abbotsford
Price: Free

Lumière YVR 2017

Luna the Whale/Image: Alison Boulier

What: On December 2, Lumiere will be back to light up Vancouver’s West End with an evening of artistic expression, community engagement, and of course, lights. Led by artistic curator, Wil Aballe of WAAP projects, the annual event will see Vancouver’s Morton Park and Jim Deva Plaza lit up with a series of art installations and performances. And yes, before you ask, Luna the iconic Lumiere Whale, will return for another year, alongside a host of new installations.
When: Launching December 2, 2017
Where: West End, English Bay, and Jim Deva Plaza.
Price: Free

Christmas in Kerrisdale Festival

What: Each Saturday afternoon in December, residents and visitors can head down to Kerrisdale Village on West 41st Avenue between Larch St. and Maple St. to take part in the free festive activities. Brass bands, Santa, horse and carriage rides, and roving carollers are all part of the cherished family event. In addition to the events taking place on the four Saturdays, free ice skating will also be offered at the neighbourhood arena from 5:30 to 7 pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
When: December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2017
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: Kerrisdale Village – West 41st Avenue between Larch and Maple Street
Price: Free

Ukrainian Food Fair & Bazaar

What: The Ukrainian Food Fair & Bazaar features free admission, free parking, and Ukrainian food served all day. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, 50/50 draws, baking, preserves, crafts, and rummage. Get your fill of perogies, cabbage rolls and sausage rings.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 3150 Ash Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

2017 Santa Shuffle

What: More than 1,000 people are expected to take part in a festive-focused fun run on Saturday, December 2 with the goal of helping the less fortunate in the community. The coast-to-coast event takes place in 42 cities and raises money for the Salvation Army. Last year, The Salvation Army’s programs and services helped over 1.9 million people, so get involved and give something back this holiday season.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
Tickets: Available online

Vancouver Canucks versus Toronto Maple Leafs

Image: Vancouver Canucks / Twitter

What: Vancouver Canucks face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Arena.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: 4 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Shipyards Christmas Festival 2017

What: The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland, full of family friendly activities, plus the Sky Wheel and a new Winter Artisan Market. There will also be ornament/lantern making, gingerbread decorating, a storytime tent, face painting, balloon creations and live music. The Mayor of North Vancouver will be officially lighting the Christmas tree, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017
Time: Starts at 4 pm. Ferris wheel runs from 4 pm to 10 pm, Christmas tree lighting at 5 pm
Where: The Shipyards – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome.

Nat Bailey Stadium Winter Market

What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal crafts.
When: Every Saturday until April 21 (except December 30)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street
Admission: Free

Friends of the VPL: Christmas Used Book Sale

What: Stocking up on new reads for the holidays? Or maybe you’re looking for a special book 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. Everything is half-price on Saturday. Please bring your own bags.
When: Now to December 2, 2017
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Price: Free

Bibish de Kinshasa – Théâtre la Seizième

What: Set as far away from winter wonderlands as humanly possible, this French-language play (with English surtitles) is about a journalist leaving her native Congo for a brighter future. Enjoy a traditional Congolese fish dish, prepared live on stage as storyteller Marie-Louise Bibish Mumbu paints a new picture of Africa through her personal memories. Baby, you’ll forget it’s cold outside.
When: Now to December 2, 2017
Time: 8 pm
Where: Studio 16 – 1555 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: At Brown Paper Tickets; $26-$30

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Santa Claus Parade 2017

Santa Claus at a previous parade in Vancouver (Sergei Bachlakov/Shutterstock)

What: Father Christmas returns to the city on Sunday, December 3, with thousands of people expected to participate in the parade and line the parade route. The parade starts at noon, at West Georgia and Broughton, then travels east along West Georgia, before turning south on Howe and finishing at Howe and Davie. The event has become a Vancouver tradition with hundreds of colourful floats and performances from bands, choirs, and community groups.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: Christmas Square from 10 am to noon, parade starts at noon
Where: Christmas Square outside Vancouver Art Gallery; Parade starts at West Georgia and Broughton, ends at Howe and Davie – Vancouver
Tickets: Free! Donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank are encouraged.

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: Now to December 3, 2017
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Luxe Hall at Western Front – 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Heritage Christmas

What: Heritage Christmas with old-fashioned fun. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians.
When: Now to January 5, 2018
Time: November 25 to December 15: Monday to Friday 1 to 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 9 pm; December 16 to January 5: daily 1 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

River District Winter Craft Fair 2017

What: The River District Craft Fair aims to support local businesses by featuring BC artisans from the area. Head here to get your holiday fill of food and gifts.
When: Every Sunday to December 10, 2017
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 8683 Kerr Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Hastings Park Winter Farmer’s Market

What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks.
When: Every Sunday until April 29 (except December 24 and 31)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free

2017 Grad Show – Stand Up for Mental Health

What: Led by award-winning counsellor and stand up comic David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma. This show features Granirer, the 2017 class and the SMH Alumni.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: 7 pm
Where: Yuk Yuks – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $20

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

What: The 4th annual Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair features 80% local handmade items and live music along with a raffle and prizes. Partial proceeds from the craft fair go towards the music program at Burnaby Central Secondary School.
When: Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bonsor Recreation Complex – 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: By Donation

12th Annual Surrey Santa Parade

Cloverdale BIA / Facebook

What: Visit the Cloverdale Town Centre in Surrey and celebrate the arrival of Santa with a magical, evening, lighted parade. There will be vintage cars, vintage trucks, floats, boats, and more. There will be several groups along with the route selling food and novelties, with proceeds going to charity. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation or gift item for the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: 5 pm
Where: Downtown Cloverdale
Price: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation or gift item for the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

Sweet Sip at The Keefer Bar

What: Sweet Soul Burlesque’s Sweet Sip is ready to kick off your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Crystal Precious, with performances by Cherry On Top, Melody Mangler, Ariel Helvetica, special guest Ginger Valentine, and DJs Roy Abel and Tina Tank Gyal.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Keefer Bar – 135 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $15

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

What: The 37th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair will feature over 100 BC artisans. The Poirier Forum will be turned into a holiday wonderland offering attendees artisan crafts, prepared foods, holiday gifts, and decor.
When: Now to Sunday, December 3, 2017
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Poirier Forum – 618 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
Price: $3 at the door, kids 12 and under free