20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: December 19 to 25

The festive week is finally upon us, and we’re here to help you celebrate with our checklist of 20 great events around Metro Vancouver from December 19 to 25.

Invite your family, friends, and loved ones to join you at the Festival of Lights, VIFF’s Wes Anderson film celebration, and more this week.

And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2022

VanDusen Botanical Garden/Facebook

What: VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden throughout the holiday season, with over one million lights across 15 acres to discover.

You’ll be filled with holiday cheer as you go for a stroll by the VanDusen lakeside and take in the returning Dancing Lights. Invite that special someone to explore the romantic Rose Garden, and then bring the family to stop by the Scottish Shelter to light a candle and donate to Make-A-Wish.

When: Now until January 2, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: $11-$21, free for children 4 years and under. (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online

You might also like:
• Back with a Splash: Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on New Year's Day
• Wes World: There's a Wes Anderson film celebration happening in Vancouver this month
• Comedy legend Maria Bamford is coming to Vancouver in 2023

Holiday Dining at Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier

What: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier in North Vancouver is ensuring everyone is getting their fill of festive feasts this holiday season. Head to the Shipyards District for seasonal menus and events, including an impressive weekday Holiday Lunch Buffet, a mouthwatering Christmas Day Brunch, and a magnificent three-course plated dinner.

Enjoy delicious dishes such as roasted Montreal spiced cured beef striploin, salmon en croute, acorn squash risotto, and so much more.

When: Holiday lunch buffet on until December 23, 2022. Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner on December 25, 2022
Time: Various times
Where: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier – 138 Victory Ship Way,  NorthVancouver
Cost: Various cost, make reservations online

Canadian Christmas Festival

What: The first annual Canadian Christmas Festival, hosted by The Vancouver Fish Company, happens every Friday to Sunday until December 24. From 12 to 8 pm, attendees of the free event will discover local artisan vendors, enjoy tasty seasonal treats, and more on the boardwalk in front of the popular restaurant.

When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 24, 2022
Time: 12 to 8 pm
Where: The Vancouver Fish Company – 1517 Anderson Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Wes World: 10 Films by Wes Anderson

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (VIFF/Submitted)

What: Vancouver International Film Festival’s Wes World: 10 Films by Wes Anderson is a celebration at VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre that features all 10 of Wes Anderson’s films.

An opening night party will be held on Wednesday, December 21 along with a screening of Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, which earned him his first Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. Dress up in your best Wes Anderson-inspired costume as there will be chances to win prizes. The festive celebration will also feature trivia, a poster gallery, an exclusive cocktail, and more.

When: December 21, 2022, to January 5, 2023
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online.
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $10 for students and accessible pricing, $13 for seniors, and $15 for adults. 3-pack of tickets available for $27-$30. Purchase online

The Christmas Store at Potters

What: The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 18th year of delighting shoppers with its opulent holiday displays and a massive array of decor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Every year, this garden centre transforms its 28,000-square-foot space into a festive wonderland.

When: Now until December 24, 2022
Time: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm; Wednesday and Friday, 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

The Sounds of Noël at Showcase Restaurant

What: Inspired by beloved holiday jingles, The Sounds of Noël are six exclusive festive cocktails to get you in the merry spirit this Christmas. From A Wonderful Christmasthyme, served in an ornament, to Christmas Vacation in Cousin Eddie’s go-to moose mug, Showcase Restaurant & Bar has options for everyone on the naughty or nice list.

Stopping by with a group? Try the Noël Cocktail tree with all six festive and fun cocktails.

When: Now until December 31, 2022
Where: Showcase Restaurant & Bar at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown – 1128 West Hastings, Vancouver
Reservations: Online or call 604-639-4040

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park/capbridge.com

What: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is welcoming guests to its annual Canyon Lights for the holiday season.

The natural wonderland will be transformed into a magical holiday experience, with thousands of sparkling lights illuminating the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park.

When: Now until January 22, 2023 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online

Happy (Hectic) Holidays at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv centre presents Happy (Hectic) Holidays, a festive family-friendly show celebrating the magic and mayhem of having loved ones over for the holidays.

The new show will explore what really makes the season special, and the audience’s suggestions will play a big part in making the live comedy a hilarious hit.

When: Thursday to Saturday until December 23, plus a matinee on December 24, 2022
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $25.50 to $32.50, purchase online

The Parlour Magic Holiday Show

What: Vancouver’s only monthly variety magic show celebrates the holiday with a comedic and mystifying showcase of magic and variety. Enjoy a festive assortment of tricks, stunts, and unusual skills from talented performers from across the province.

When: December 21, 2022
Time: Doors 9:30 pm, show 10 pm
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Purchase online

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Laurenne Karmel/Daily Hive

What: Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience was developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society and opens on the 100th anniversary of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time: the discovery of the boy king’s tomb in 1922.

Drawing from National Geographic Society archives, Beyond King Tut combines cinematic storytelling and immersive projections by Montreal-based Normal Studio for a one-of-a-kind journey through ancient and modern Egypt. Guests will meet Ancient Egyptian gods like Ra and Anubis before descending into King Tut’s burial chamber and joining his quest for immortality.

When: Now until January 8, 2023
Time: Various time slots from 10 am to 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday (final entry 7 pm), and 10 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday (final entry 8 pm)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place
Tickets: Available online

Cougar Creek’s A Very Creepy Xmas

What: Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors has returned with its latest Creepy Xmas creations. The live horror experience is inviting brave guests to its two terrifying Christmas haunts: The Kaverns of Krampus and Hotel Frozen Terror.

One ticket allows visitors to experience both haunts, live actors and holiday sounds helping create the tongue-in-cheek festive spirit. There will also be warm drinks served as well as special treats such as the warm and tasty 7 Deadly Sin-namon Buns.

When: December 21 to 23, 2022
Time: Various timeslots from 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC
Tickets: Starting from $29.99 plus fees, purchase online

Me Love BINGO!: Best In Snow

What: Me Love BINGO! is an immersive show that is described as a “reality-blurring experience of community and camp.” Go on an unexpected journey filled with guest performances and nuanced storytelling with drag-clad host, Kyle Loven, and his pals Leslie Dos Remedios, Jenna Klein, and Joey Lespérance.

When: Tuesdays to Sundays from December 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $25 purchase online

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Secret Lantern Festival/Facebook

What: The 29th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival will take place in three different neighbourhoods simultaneously: Yaletown, Granville Island, and Strathcona.

Both Yaletown and Granville Island will also have a mesmerizing labyrinth of light experiences. You can take a meditative walk through a maze of lanterns in a massive space filled with the honeyed scent of 600 glowing beeswax candles.

When: December 21, 2022
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Yaletown, Granville Island, and Strathcona
Tickets: Labyrinth of Light tickets online from $10

Little Mountain Shop Holiday Pop-up at The Polygon 

What: For the second year in a row, the Little Mountain Holiday Pop-Up Shop is calling The Polygon Gallery its home for the holiday season. Discover a carefully curated lineup of handcrafted and one-of-a-kind products from local vendors, with a special focus on creations by women and BIPOC.

Plus every weekend includes a festive Meet the Makers social that everyone is welcome to, with demos, a photo booth, and a lively, festive atmosphere.

When: Now until December 24, 2022 (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery – 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Christmas Dining at Showcase Restaurant and Bar

What: Showcase Restaurant and Bar is hosting two festive feasts on Christmas Day at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. After you’ve finished opening the presents, treat yourself to a Christmas Day Brunch Buffet with roasted Montreal spiced cured beef striploin, sushi bar and chilled crab, and more.

Then in the evening, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of delicious food with a three-course plated dinner. Options include the grilled lamb chop, slow-roasted citrus brined turkey with sour cream and soffritto cornbread, chocolate hazelnut yulelog, and more.

When: December 25, 2022
Time: Brunch is from 11 am to 2:30 pm, dinner is from 4:30 pm
Where: Showcase Restaurant and Bar – 1122 W Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $95 per person for brunch, $75 per person for dinner. For holiday reservations, email [email protected]

A Christmas Carol

What: The Firehall Arts Centre presents a special edition of A Christmas Carol, with all 40 characters in this one-man version of the Charles Dickens classic performed by Stratford/Shaw stalwart Sanjay Talwar. Produced by Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre.

When: Tuesday to Sunday from December 14 to 24, 2022
Time: Various showtimes
Where: Firehall Arts Centre – 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

FlyOver Canada – Soar With Santa

FlyOver Canada/Facebook

What: Experience the magic of Christmas this December with FlyOver Canada’s Soar With Santa. Fly across Canada and up to the North Pole in this festive flight happening until January 3, 2023.

There are even special Breakfast with Santa events planned as well as seasonal treats being served in The Flying Whale Waterfront Cafe

When: December 8, 2022, to January 3, 2023 (Closed on December 25)
Time: Various times
Where: 999 Canada Place, Canada, Vancouver, BC
Tickets: Available on-site or online. Booking online beforehand is advised.

Santa’s Brunch Series at Paradox Hotel Vancouver

What: Paradox Hotel is launching a festive buffet series this month called Santa’s Brunch, with Executive Chef Manpreet Sethi curating a selection of over 20 premium mouth-watering dishes for the all-ages, family-friendly seatings.

The menu includes artisan bacon & chicken apple sausages, wild mushroom ravioli, buttermilk whipped potatoes, and more. Chef-attended stations will serve up freshly sourced seafood and turkey.

When: December 11, 18, and 24, 2022
Time: Seatings at 10 am and 1 pm. All ages are welcome, and families are encouraged.
Where: Paradox Hotel Vancouver – 1161 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Price: Adult $99.00 + tax & gratuity | Child (3-12 years) $55.00 + tax & gratuity | Infant (2 & under) Complimentary. Purchase online

The Sound of Music

What: Arts Club Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless classic, The Sound of Music, for the holiday season. Follow the journey of Maria and the von Trapp family and hear beloved songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Edelweiss.” The show promises to be a favourite for the whole family, whether it’s your first time or 100th time enjoying the tale.

When: Various dates until December 24, 2022
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Starting from $43, purchase online

Bear Creek Park Christmas Train

Bear Creek Park Trains/bctrains.com

What: Bear Creek Park Train presents its annual Winterfest celebrations throughout December, with passengers able to climb aboard the Daytime Santa Express and the Christmas Night Train.

Whichever ride you choose, you’ll climb aboard Eddy the Engine for a colourful and delightful journey at one of Surrey’s most popular parks.

When: Now until December 31, 2022 (closed on Christmas Eve after 4:30 pm and on Christmas Day)
Time: Daytime Santa Express from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Christmas Night Train from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Bear Creek Park & Mini Golf – 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
Price: $12.60 per person, children 2 and under are free

Batch on Plaza Holiday Celebrations

What: Batch on Plaza, a pop-up bar concept housed in a shipping container, is hosting holiday celebrations throughout December. With live music and seasonal eats and drinks, it’s sure to make your spirits bright throughout the season.

When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays until Christmas
Time: 2 to 10 pm (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 2 pm to late (Fridays), 12 pm to late (Saturdays), 12 to 9 pm (Sundays)
Where: 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Admission: Free cover