Though the year may be winding down, the fun is just starting to ramp up. Here are 20 fantastic things to do around Vancouver from Dec. 1 to 7.
Check out Sonder: Lights in Life, John Legend, and more as the most festive month of the year begins.
Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Make It The Handmade Revolution
Make It!
What: Looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list? Want to support local and Canadian makers this season? Then you’ll be excited to know that Make It is returning in December.
With over 100 vendors and makers to discover, you’re sure to find unique items perfect for gifting to loved ones or for treating yourself.
Shoppers at this year’s massive market will find apparel, jewellery, food, artwork, home decor, personal care products, sustainable treasures, one-of-a-kind items, and more.
When: Dec. 4 to 11, Dec. 11 to 14, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (Thursday), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: $15 at the door, tickets also available online; Kids ages 12 and under enter for free
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink
What: This is the first-ever activation of the public plaza in Surrey City Centre with an outdoor ice rink, and the City of Surrey is aiming to potentially turn this into a new annual civic tradition.
The ice rink spans an area of 4,000 sq. ft., with 5,000 gallons of water used to create the slick surface. Moreover, it is fully covered under a large tent, protecting it from inclement weather.
When: Open daily from Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, until Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free for all ages. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.
A John Waters Christmas: Live!
What: The Rio Theatre welcomes legendary cult filmmaker and artist John Waters for his solo holiday comedy show. Get ready for a hot, irreverent take on the season, plus lots of laughs in your stocking.
When: Dec. 3 to 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, register online
H Tasting Lounge’s Winterlust
H Tasting Lounge
What: Winterlust is once again taking over the stunning H Tasting Lounge’s patio. The event consists of five private translucent domes decorated with seasonal evergreen elements and Alpine-themed accents. Visitors will also enjoy views of the North Shore mountains and Coal Harbour.
Each dome can accommodate up to six guests and is fully equipped with heaters and fresh-air circulation to keep things nice and cozy. Additionally, each dome has an independent sound system so you can enjoy your own tunes while dining.
When: Now until Sunday, March 1
Where: H Tasting Lounge — 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver
Reservations: Online
Taste South America! Sample wines from Cabernario, Dona Paula, Viña Carmen & Santa Rita
What: Join BCLIQUOR for a taste of South America. Sip on a variety of delicious wines from Cabernario, Dona Paula, Viña Carmen, and Viña Santa Rita.
Enjoy tasty appetizers and explore a mix of unique products that celebrate the flavours and culture of the region.
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR 39th and Cambie — 5555 Cambie St., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Vancouver Canucks
What: The Canucks are back this week with two games at Rogers Arena, including the Utah Mammoth on Friday, Dec. 5, and the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, Dec. 6.
When: Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. (Friday), 7 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Sonder: Life in Lights
What: Yaletown has transformed into an immersive light gallery for the holiday season with SonderL Life in Lights.
From now to Jan. 11, guests can explore a self-guided route through the Heritage District and discover a series of cinematic light projections designed in collaboration with acclaimed creative studio Best Coast.
Visitors can follow a self-guided route from Hamilton and Mainland all the way to the waterfront along Marinaside Crescent, where the reflections off the harbour make some of the projections feel especially magical. It’s free, open nightly at 5 p.m., and perfect for cozy holiday date nights or anyone looking to experience something magical in the city this season.
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Time: Nightly starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Self-guided route from Hamilton and Mainland to the waterfront along Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Robson Square Ice Rink
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
What: The Robson Square Ice Rink will soon reopen for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice during the holidays and into the new year.
Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip.
The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will kick off on Monday, Dec. 1 and will operate until the end of February. Over 100,000 skaters are expected to visit each year.
When: Open daily from Monday, Dec. 1, until Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson St., Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.
Jingle + Mingle at Bentall Centre
What: Guests are invited to sip on holiday-inspired cocktails in the Fa la la la la lounge served up by FUNK. Coffee Bar by House of Funk. There will also be comforting chowder by Jack’s Chowder and treats by Lee’s Donuts to enjoy while listening to festive music by Lions Gate Chorus.
You can also explore an outdoor market featuring local vendors, get creative with holiday crafts and candle-making workshops, and snap a photo in front of Bentall Centre’s dazzling 45-foot holiday tree.
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Portraits with Santa Paws
What: The Metropolitan Hotel is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday photo experience for guests and their beloved pets.
Marriott Bonvoy members can book an exclusive 10-minute photo session with Santa at the centrally located, pet-friendly hotel for just $30. A professionally captured photo gallery will be delivered to your inbox within 48 to 72 business hours, and all proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
When: Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 14 and 18, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolitan Hotel – 645 Howe St., Vancouver
Cost: $30, all proceeds donated to a local charity. Purchase online
The Glenlivet Holiday Engraving Event
What: As the holiday season approaches, treat yourself or your loved ones to the refined taste of The Glenlivet. Head to BCLIQUOR Cloverdale to discover a range of expressions, from the smooth and delicate to the bold and complex and find the ideal companion for cozy winter evenings and celebratory gatherings.
You can also create the perfect custom gift for the holidays. The Glenlivet will be bringing its premium bottle engraving station to the store so you can customize your bottle of The Glenlivet.
When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR Cloverdale – 101-17780 56 Ave, Surrey
Cost: Free
John Legend
A.PAES/Shutterstock
What: Thirteen-time Grammy winner John Legend brings the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour to Rogers Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
John Legend is an EGOT winner with multiple Grammys, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Tony, and three Emmys under his belt. Fans will also recognize him as The Voice‘s senior coach on the hit reality singing competition.
The Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour will showcase the entirety of the double-platinum album Get Lifted, which won him legions of fans with hits like “Ordinary People,” “Used to Love U,” and “Number One.”
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets for sale online
Vancouver Goldeneyes vs New York Sirens
What: Vancouver Goldeneyes, the city’s new pro women’s hockey team, takes the ice at Pacific Coliseum in December for a home game this week. Cheer them on as they face the New York Sirens on Saturday, Dec. 6.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online
Botanist x Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018
What: Guests can enjoy a gastronomic and cultural journey where heritage, terroir, and culinary excellence come together at Botanist through the La Grande Dame 2018 x Garden Gastronomy pairing, created by Executive Chef Hector Laguna.
The feature pairing includes fermented potato, cured egg, Parmesan, and wagyu beef tartare served with a glass of Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame 2018.
When: Now until Dec. 5, 2025
Where: The Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Reservations: Online
19th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship Finals
Vancouver Story Slam
What: The 19th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship is the grand finale of the 2025 Vancouver Story Slam season. Ten storytellers bring their best stories to the longest-running storytelling event of its kind in Canada.
The winner, selected by an anonymous audience ballot, will receive a share of $2,500 in cash prizes as well as the title of the year’s Vancouver Story Slam Champion. Stories are not pre-screened and are as unique and entertaining as the people telling them.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Burnout Paradise
What: Theatre collective Pony Cam from Melbourne, AU, brings the hilariously unpredictable Burnout Paradise to Vancouver. Witness four performers attempt to complete an escalating series of everyday tasks, such as cooking pasta or brushing their teeth, all while running on treadmills.
The chaotic and comedic show explores the daily grind in a sweaty, entertaining ride.
When: Now until Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch Historic Theatre – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree
What: Broadway Church’s Singing Christmas tree is full of songs, drama, dance, and more. This year’s holiday production is themed “The Music Box” and will treat audiences to performances by singers, an orchestra, dancers, actors, and acrobats.
The highlight is a massive Christmas tree filled with over 80 choir members singing on 10 levels.
When: Dec. 5 to 7 and Dec. 12 to 14, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fridays), 3 and 7 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Broadway Church – 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online
Dave Chappelle
© Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times/USA TODAY NETWORK
What: Dave Chappelle announced a series of arena shows this December, and the screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor is performing at Rogers Arena on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The Chappelle’s Show co-creator and star has earned over 30 nominations and awards for television and film projects, including a Best Comedy Album Grammy for The Dreamer.
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers’ fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.
When: Every Saturday until Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley
Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs
What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival.
The village’s annual Lights by the Lake will happen until Sunday, Jan. 11. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights celebrating the local wildlife as well as the elusive Sasquatch.
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Time: Dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: Free