December is zooming by, so let’s slow down and enjoy these 28 things to do in Vancouver from December 16 to December 19. There’s the CP Holiday Train, Peak of Christmas, and more.
For even more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Monday, December 16
CP Holiday Train BC 2019
CP Holiday Train/ Facebook
What: The 21st edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will travel across Canada this holiday season and will be making its annual stop in Metro Vancouver this December. Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank, and enjoy live performances by Terri Clark and Dallas Smith.
When: December 16 and 17, 2019
Time: Pitt Meadows between 8:55 to 9:35 pm (Monday), Port Moody between 5:20 and 6:15 pm; Port Coquitlam between 7 and 7:45 pm (Tuesday)
Where: Pitt Meadows – Corner of Harris Road and Advent Road, at the railway crossing; Port Moody — 300 loco Road, behind Arena and Rec Centre; and Port Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station
Admission: Free
Photos and Visits with Santa at Capilano Mall
What: Santa Claus is at Capilano Mall ahead of his busiest day of the year. Kick off the holidays with a traditional visit to Santa, who will be available for photos through December 24.
There are special giveaways for those who purchase a photo package with Santa. Plus bring your pet for a visit and a photo with Santa on December 16, and December 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
When: Now until December 24, 2019
Time: Varies by date
Where: Capilano Mall — 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Price: Purchase Santa photo package on the day of visit; option to schedule appointment online at capilanomall.com/event-promotions
Christmas Tree Festival at Museum of Surrey
What: Bring the family and enjoy the 25 Christmas trees at the Museum of Surrey that have been custom decorated by Cloverdale businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite one.
When: Now until December 22, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey — 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2019
What: The Canyon Lights features thousands of sparkling lights illuminating the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.
When: Now until January 26, 2020 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily; holiday activities run from 4 to 9 pm
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents
Vallea Lumina
What: Vallea Lumina is a 45-minute adventure that follows two hikers seeking “a mystical valley where stardust falls from the sky.” The interactive experience gives hikers the chance to play, touch, and engage with Vallea Lumina’s ever-changing environment, and is presented by Montreal-based entertainment studio, Moment Factory and Whistler’s “The Adventure Group.”
When: Now until April 2020
Time: Shows begin at sundown
Where: Cougar Mountain, free shuttles from Whistler Village
Tickets: Online, $29.99 per adult; $24.99 per child
Catoro Cafe Community Nights
@foodcomaislife/Instagram
What: Catoro, Vancouver’s magical cat cafe, is hosting a number of “community nights,” in December. Enjoy a different holiday film every Monday in December, including Home Alone on December 16. There will also be board games and trivia on December 18. Each event will cost $25, is 90 minutes in duration, and includes a drink and plenty of cats.
When: December 16, December 23, December 30 (films); December 18 (activities)
Time: 6:30 pm (Monday), 7:30 pm (Wednesday)
Where: Catoro Cafe — 666 E Broadway, Vancouver
Register: Online
The Sound of Music
What: Arts Club Theatre brings the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical to life at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Enjoy classics like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and more with the family.
When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage — 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Tuesday, December 17
Vancouver Christmas Market
What: The 10th annual authentic German-inspired Christmas Market features a selection of traditional food and beverages, over 80 artisan vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and the opportunity to ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. Guests can also enjoy $10 admission at the gate every Tuesday.
When: Daily until December 24, 2019
Time: November 20 to December 23, 11:30 am to 9:30 pm; December 24, 11:30 am to 6 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adult, $12.99; seniors, $10.99; youth $6.99 (online) / adult, $15; seniors, $13; youth, $9 (gate admission). There is also free admission for children six and under, $8 Early-Bird Admission on weekdays before 2 pm (gate admission), and $10 admission all day every Tuesday (gate admission)
Bah Humbug 2019
Bah Humbug 2018 SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs.
What: Jim Byrnes stars in the 10th annual and final edition of the modern re-telling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, set in the Downtown Eastside. Scrooge, played by JUNO-award winning Byrnes, is a pawnshop operator and hotel landlord who renovicts his tenants. The production is part of SFU Vancouver’s 30th Anniversary.
When: Now until December 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: SFU Woodard’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts — 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Vancouver Canucks vs Montreal Canadians
What: Vancouver Canucks hit the ice against Montreal Canadians at Rogers Arena on December 17.
When: December 17, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Good Tidings: A Good Noise Gospel Christmas
What: The Good Noise Gospel Choir is the Gospel Choir in residence at Christ Church Cathedral. This holiday season the group is putting on a series of concerts with guest jazz vocalist Maureen Washington.
When: December 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: St. John’s Shaughnessy Church — 1490 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver (December 17)
Tickets: Online
Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2019
Ice skating/Grouse Mountain
What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a sleigh ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital. And if you really want to get to know St. Nick, join him for breakfast from Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 23, and be sure to get on his good list.
Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.
When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain — 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket. Tickets online. Discounted rates are also available for BC residents
Girlfriend
What: Fighting Chance Productions presents the Canadian premiere of the pop/rock musical Girlfriend, based on the titular album by Matthew Sweet. Social outcast Will and popular football player Mike explore their relationship and discover that there is more to life than what high school taught them.
When: Now until December 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Nest — 1398 Carwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Vancouver Giants vs Prince George Cougars
What: Vancouver Giants face off with the Prince George Cougars at Langley Events Centre on December 17.
When: December 17, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre — 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online
Wednesday, December 18
Aurora Winter Festival 2019
Aurora
What: The Aurora Winter Festival, now one of the largest events of its kind in Western Canada, is returning for the 2019 holiday season. The six-week, North Pole-inspired festival will be expanding its event to fifteen acres in size and relocating to Hastings Park.
Upgrades from last year include a larger surface for ice skating, a longer tube park, and double the number of rides and games. Other attractions include a light tunnel showcasing the Aurora Borealis, a story-time theatre with Santa for kids, a giant tube park, ice skating on a frozen pond, six amusement park rides, games, some of Vancouver’s best food trucks, and a market with 40 holiday-inspired vendors.
When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, General Admission passes start at $17.99 / Senior and Child passes start at $12.99 / Family passes start at $49.99
Winter Treasures
What: The fifth Annual Winter Treasures features handcrafted gifts, fine crafts, art, and décor by local artisans. The Winter Treasures Artisan Market is held in conjunction with Blackberry Gift Shop’s annual Christmas Marketplace.
When: Now until December 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free
Improv Against Humanity: Christmas Special
What: The Fictionals and special guest Chase Padgett celebrate the Christmas Season with a Horrible Holiday Special at the Rio Theatre. Enter to play in the CAH tournament for your chance at Christmas gifts, enjoy hilarious comedy, and help crown the new Most Horrible Person in Vancouver. Plus wear your best Ugly Christmas Sweater for more chances to win prizes.
When: Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
VanDusen Festival of Lights 2019
VanDusen Gardens Festival of Lights/VanDusen Gardens Festival of Lights
What: The dazzling botanical garden will be covered in more than a million lights to help ring in the Christmas season. Visitors can stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, take a photo with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the licensed fireside lounge. All tickets, which can be purchased online or at the gate, and includes a free ride on the carousel.
When: Now until January 5, 2020 (closed Christmas Day)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4 to 9:30 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $19 online and $21 at the gate. Youth and seniors: $14.50 online and $16 at the gate.
Steveston Festival of Trees
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. Receive a token with your admission to vote for your favourite tree, or bring a donation for the Richmond Food Bank to receive a voting token on market days.
When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Cannery Farmers’ Market — 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Regular admissions apply
Anonymous Art Show 2019
What: Anonymous Art Show is a group exhibition and North Vancouver Community Arts Council fundraiser showcasing work by over 300 emerging and established artists. The artists behind each 8” x 8” artwork remains anonymous until the piece has been bought.
When: Now until December 18, 2019.
Time: 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
Where: CityScape Community Art Space – 335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Admission: Free
Holiday Hi-Light Festival
What: The 31st Annual Holiday Hi-Light Festival has more than 150,000 lights on display over three acres. Entry is by donation and 100% of proceeds go to North Vancouver Firefighters and their various appointed charities
When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation
Thursday, December 19
Christmas Glow Vancouver
Courtesy of Glow Gardens
What: Christmas Glow will take place inside the Harbour Convention Centre, and visitors will be able to enjoy nearly 50,000 sq. ft. of enchanting twinkling lights and holiday activities.
This year’s theme for Vancouver is “Santa’s Lost Presents.” Guests will be able to help the elves find Santa’s lost presents. Themed light-up structures, including Santa’s sleigh and his trusty reindeer, will be set up around the venue. Adults will be able to enjoy the licensed bars, seasonal beverages, and live music while interactive activities and festive playgrounds will keep the kids busy.
When: Now until January 5, 2020 (Closed Christmas Day)
Time: Hours of operation vary depending on date of visit. Check the calendar here.
Where: Harbour Convention Centre — 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Christmas Markets at Moody Ales
What: Shop for everyone on your Christmas list while enjoying a pint at Moody Ales. Each week has a different variety of vendors showcasing crafts, jewellery, chocolates, and more.
When: December 19, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Moody Ales — 2601 Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free
The Vegan Night Market – Holiday Party
What: This festive party will feature 30+ plant-based food, beverage, clothing vendors to name a few. There will also be DJ sets and a zero-waste wrapping station. Cash donations go to P.E.A.C.E. Everywhere.
When: December 19, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: The Waldorf – 1489 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: Minimum $5 donation or clothing, canned food, pet food, or toiletries donation for WISH Drop-In Centre Society
Smoke Show Cabaret YVR
What: The Smoke Show features a cast of nine women, and it combines humour and seduction in the form of an interactive dance cabaret. Inspired by modern and classic genres, expect to see influences from Motown, Fosse, Jazz, Rock, and Burlesque.
When: December 19, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Central Studios – 856 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online $30, show is 19+
Gastown’s Not-So-Silent Nights
What: Some of Vancouver’s most talented choirs will be taking over the corner of Water and Cambie Street in Gastown on various nights in December to carol for charitable causes.
The Leckie Building (Water and Cambie Street) will also turn into a giant living holiday story as a 120-ft animated video projection, created by students at Vancouver Film School (VFS), will play every 30 minutes in sync with the chime of the famed Gastown Steam Clock during each Not-So-Silent Nights. There will also be late-night shopping, mistletoe treasure hunts, on-street treats, and giveaways and surprises to enjoy.
When: December 19 and 20, 2019
Where: Gastown Vancouver
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Admission: Free. Choirs will be accepting donations for charities
Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights
What: Vancouver Canucks take on the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena on December 119.
When: December 19, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online
Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
What: The annual Gingerbread Lane has taken over the lobby of the Hyatt Regency. This year’s display features 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 for Make-A-Wish.
When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street
Admission: Free
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