20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Dec. 15 to 21

One of the most festive weeks of the year is upon us, and we’re here to help you celebrate with our list of 20 great events around Vancouver from Dec. 15 to 21.

Check out the CP Holiday Train, Elf in Concert, and more!

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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Vancouver Christmas tree and Ferris wheel

What: As part of the wintertime Destination Downtown Vancouver activations and programming, the temporary Ferris wheel has once again returned to the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The Ferris wheel is closed on Mondays, but operates on all other weekdays and weekends from the afternoon into late evening, with hours varying by day. It will not run on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Admission is $7 per person, with tickets available onsite.

However, every Tuesday in December 2025, rides are free, courtesy of Downtown Van, the local business improvement association.

When: Now until Jan. 3, 2026
Time: Mondays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day — closed; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — 3 to 9 p.m.; Fridays — 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays — noon to 10 p.m.; Sundays — noon to 8 p.m.; Boxing Day — 3 to 10 p.m.; New Year’s Eve — 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: North Plaza (West Georgia Street) of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: $7 ride per person; tickets available on site. Free rides on Tuesdays in December 2025 (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30).

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Grant Lawrence & Friends: A Very Vancouver Christmas

What: Award-winning local author and broadcaster Grant Lawrence is throwing a holiday party at Hollywood Theatre. The all-star lineup for the all-ages show includes Jill Barber, Torquil Campbell (Stars), Dan Moxon (Bend Sinister), Charlie Demers, Ayla Tesler-Mabe and Aaron Chapman.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre — 3123 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase here

Holiday Splash at Vancouver Aquarium

What: If you thought the holidays couldn’t get any more magical, wait until you experience what they’re like underwater.

The Vancouver Aquarium has transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for its annual Holiday Splash celebration — and it’s one of the most enchanting seasons yet.

This year’s event is pulling out all the stops with over one million twinkling lights, whimsical holiday decor at every turn, and lots of Insta-worthy photo ops.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Cost: Day tickets start at $39.95 — Available here

Vancouver Goldeneyes

What: Vancouver Goldeneyes take the ice at Pacific Coliseum this week for several home games. Cheer them on as they face the New York Sirens on Saturday, Dec. 6, the Ottawa Charge on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and the Montreal Victoire on Saturday, Dec. 20.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Wine & Whisky Holiday Engraving with Dalmore and Mission Hill

What: Join BCLIQUOR for an exclusive holiday tasting experience featuring the refined elegance of Mission Hill wines and the bold sophistication of Dalmore Scottish whisky.

Sip, savour, and personalize your perfect gift with complimentary bottle engraving—a luxurious touch for the connoisseur in your life.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR Nordel Crossing – 116-12080 Nordel Way, Surrey
Cost: Free

Elf in Concert

What: Elf, one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time, is celebrating a milestone birthday this holiday season in Vancouver. The Will Ferrell comedy classic is getting the live concert treatment at the Orpheum Theatre.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will bring John Debney’s heartwarming score to life while the film is projected onto a massive 40-foot movie screen.

When: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Breakfast With Santa at Good Co Granville

What: Celebrate the holidays with an all-ages breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Good Co. Granville, presented by Downtown Van.

There will be a delicious holiday pop-up menu and a free Santa & Mrs. Claus photobooth for the whole family to enjoy. A 19+ bar is available, and complimentary table reservations can be made online.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 3 to 6 p.m. (free photobooth from 4 to 6 p.m.)
Where: Good Co Granville – 965 Granville St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, reserve a table online

CP Holiday Train

What: The CPKC Holiday Train rolls back into B.C. this December, bringing lights, holiday cheer, and one of Canada’s favourite music acts to a bunch of communities across the province and Metro Vancouver.

The 27th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the U.S. this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CPKC Holiday Train stop in B.C. will also enjoy a free and festive concert by eight-time Juno winners, the Barenaked Ladies.

When: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged

Paws of Nude Meets Santa

What: The Paws of Nude Meets Santa event invites pet owners to bring animals of any kind for a printed and digital photo with Santa in exchange for a donation of any amount.

Guests can expect festive pet photos, free local goodies, and an opportunity to support critical rescue dog training programs.

All proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association, a non-profit that trains avalanche search and rescue dogs for Canada’s mountains.

Nude Beverages donates a portion of every sale to animal rescues and has contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to organizations across Canada with a goal of hitting $1 million in the next five years.

When: Sat. Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: By donation to Carda

The Perfect Bite

What: Time to pick up your magnifying glass, detectives! An official Netflix murder mystery dinner has come to Vancouver, and you’re invited to take a bite out of crime.

Secret City Adventures is collaborating with Netflix on the event, which will see guests watching a murder case unfold while deciphering clues. Of course, they will also enjoy a delicious dinner that is simply to die for.

When: Select dates until Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
Time 7 p.m.
Where: Glowbal — 590 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, including individual tickets, tables of four, and VIP. More info online

Goh Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

What: It simply wouldn’t be the holidays without The Nutcracker. That’s why we’re excited that Vancouver’s own Goh Ballet will soon be bringing the beloved show to life, along with some international stars.

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is taking over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for five performances. With its iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky played live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and a diverse cast of over 250 dancers, watching this ballet in December is a tradition that spans generations.

When: Thursday, Dec. 18 to 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Christmas with Chor Leoni

What: Chor Leoni is getting festive with its annual Christmas show. The holiday tradition is filled with folk music favourites, ancient chants and modern classics. The program is set to include traditional songs in bright new arrangements. There will also be world premieres and musical guests during the performances.

When: Thursday, Dec. 18 to Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church – 1022 Nelson St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man

What: Take part in a thrilling Jury in an interactive, live theatre courtroom drama where you help make the final verdict.

The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man will see the audience making the difficult decisions to help guide the story. Get ready to unpack evidence, dissect witness testimonies, and weigh the arguments at Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Starlight with Santa

What: Holiday cheer meets science at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

For one weekend only, Starlight with Santa allows families to blast off into a festive adventure where they can explore the magic of the season while discovering the wonders of the night sky.

The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and ticket holders get to choose a showtime at the immersive 360° star theatre: Messenger of Time and Space at 1 p.m., World of Ice at 2 p.m., Big Astronomy at 3 p.m., or One Big Sky Project: Dream of the Stars at 4 p.m.

Each show ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, and guests are encouraged to arrive early or stick around after to enjoy the rest of the festive activities available.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St.
Tickets: $26.20 for adults, purchase online

Le Petit Chef and Family

What: Le Petit Chef and Family will be headed to the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, where guests will be able to watch an extravagant meal prepared right before their very eyes by a very tiny chef using video projection and state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology.

The event will follow the story of Le Petit Chef as he falls in love in spring, stars a family, and shares moments of joy, surprise, and connection across the season. Each chapter unfolds through immersive projection mapping right onto the dining table.

While following the chef’s journey, guests will enjoy a four-course meal that includes options for children, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free.

When: Select dates until Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel — 7551 Westminster Hwy., Richmond
Price: From $155 for adults and $75 for children; buy tickets here

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. 18, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolitan Hotel – 645 Howe St., Vancouver
Cost: $30, all proceeds donated to a local charity. Purchase online

Miracle on Rae Street

What: There’s one house in Port Coquitlam that draws visitors from all around to its driveway every December – the “Miracle on Rae Street.”

This house has had its windows, rooftops, lawns, driveway, and gigantic evergreen tree completely decked out with holiday lights to help onlookers get into the spirit of Christmas. Venture into Frosty’s Whimsical Forest and help raise funds for Share Family and Community Services.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Where: 3313 Rae St., Port Coquitlam
Cost: By donation to Share Society