63 things to do in Vancouver this December

December has arrived and Vancouver is packed with fun events. From holiday markets to Christmas lights, Vancouver Canucks to Childish Gambino, here are 62 things to check out around the city this month!

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

Explore the great outdoors

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2018

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 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 to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

Christmas Open House

What:  Drop in to the Nature House to enjoy crafts and complimentary refreshments or join a guided nature walk. Presented by Burnaby Lake Park Association, all ages.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 2 pm. Drop in anytime
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

2018 Christmas with the Horses

What: This free, family-friendly event features pony rides, crafts, barn tours, drill team, demos and more. BBQ and snacks available.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Burnaby Equestrian Center – 9080 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Casual Birding Walk

What: Check out shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and more on this 2.5 hour birdwatching amble. Bring binoculars. Presented by Boundary Bay Park Association, all ages.

When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Bounday Bay Regional Park – Meet at Cammidge House
Admission: Free

English Bay Beach Cleanup & Christmas social

What: Join Surfrider for their last Beach Cleanup of 2018. Put on your best ugly Christmas Sweater (there will be a prize for the ugliest), invite a friend, and help preserve and protect English Bay. Reusable gloves, buckets and pickers will be provided. However, cleaners are invited to bring their own as there is a limited supply. Also, wear closed-toe shoes and bring your own reusable mug.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – 1790 Beach Avenue (Meet at the seawall just north of Cactus Club Cafe), Vancouver
Register: Online, Free

Explore the city

Bacio Rosso: Gourmet Cabaret Cirque 2018

What: A one-of-a-kind gourmet cabaret cirque production that puts fine dining, comedy, and circus under a giant enclosed tent. Bacio Rosso is a three-hour performance that features artists from around the world, including magicians, jugglers, trapeze artists, contortionists, clowns, singers, and comedians. All the while, spectators will feast on a delicious four-course gourmet meal curated by La Quercia’s Adam Pegg, an award-winning Vancouver chef who specializes in Italian cuisine.

When: Wednesday to Sunday from now to December 31, 2018
Time: Wednesday to Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
Price: $119 to $219. Online

Conan O’Brien & Friends: An Evening of Stand-up and Investment Tips

What: Conan O’Brien’s Vancouver stop will feature performances from Ron Funches (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Black-ish), Laurie Kilmartin (Conan, Last Comic Standing), Moses Storm (Father of the Year) and Flula Borg (Pitch Perfect 2, Curb Your Enthusiasm).

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre —  630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $55.75 to $75.75

In the BAG Family Sundays

What: Come and make art. Get your minds humming with a visit to the gallery and then into the studio for family-friendly art projects. October’s theme is Chinese brush painting.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Suggested $5 donation

Guo Pei: Couture Beyond Exhibition

What: Renowned for combining China’s rich aesthetic tradition with modern sensibilities, the exhibition will showcase more than 40 of Guo Pei’s breathtaking designs, including opulent avant-garde silhouettes. Couture Beyond looks at the the evolution of Guo Pei’s designs over 10 years, beginning with examples from her early collections, Samsara (2006), An Amazing Journey in a Childhood Dream (2008) and 1002 Nights (2010), with a lively installation in the Gallery’s rotunda of the collection from her 2015 MAC Cosmetics collaboration.

When: Now to Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street
Price: $6.50 – $24 – Tickets available via Vancouver Art Gallery

Egypt: The Time of the Pharaohs

What: Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs takes a look at over 300 original artifacts that teach us about the lives of everyday Egyptians and those who ruled them. And the exhibition is bringing in a rare 3,500-year-old artifact that’s going to inspire your journey back to ancient Egypt – the bust of a female Pharaoh Hatshepsut.

When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Royal BC Museum –  675 Belleville Street, Victoria
Tickets: $26.95 adults, $18.95 students, free for children three- to five-years-old, tickets available via Royal BC Museum

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition 2018

What: The Titanic: Artifact Exhibition has been designed to focus on the real, authentic human stories of those who boarded the Titanic and bringing those tales back to life. To help recreate the memories of the passengers, more than 120 authentic pieces from the vessel will be present, as well as extensive re-creations of rooms on the ship.

When: Now to Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Lipont Place – 4211 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online, $17.95

Christmas and Holiday events

Aurora Winter Festival

What: Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival. The festival takes place at Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place and runs from

When: Now to Sunday, December 30, 2018. Closed on select days
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $14.99-$19.99. Infants 3 and under are free

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Stroll through the streets of Burnaby Village Museum to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Many family-favourite activities are back including craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and visits with Father Christmas.

When: Now to Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65

Merry Kiss-mas

What: Vancouver TheatreSport’s cheeky, affectionate homage to onscreen Christmas nostalgia, stuffed with a turkey-full of big belly laughs. The show’s first half takes suggestions from the audience to recreate well-known holiday movie scenes and characters. That’s followed by a completely improvised, audience-driven second half in which the cast create a brand new festive special.

When: Now to Monday, December 24, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Heritage Christmas at Historic Stewart Farm

What: Taste fresh-baked festive treats, string popcorn and experience Christmas the Victorian way at Historic Stewart Farm. There will be a new craft to make each day of Heritage Christmas, plus check out the signature Christmas Open House on December 8 from 11 am to 3 pm, featuring live music and photos with Old Saint Nick.

When: Every weekend from Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Admission: Free

2018 Santa Shuffle

What: More than 1,000 people are expected to take part in a festive-focused fun run on Saturday, December 1 with the goal of helping the less fortunate in the community. The 2018 Santa Shuffle 5 km fun run and 1 km Elf Walk takes place at 10 am in Stanley Park, beginning at Lumberman’s Arch. The coast-to-coast event raises money for the Salvation Army.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
Time: 10 am
Tickets: Available online

God is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special

What: God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to skewer everything from fruit cake to Boxing Day in an all new and holiday special. Featuring an opening act performing all of the holiday favourites. Performed by Mike Delamont.

When: Wednesday, December 5 to Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: Studio 1398 – 1398 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Yule Duel Vancouver 2018 carolling competition

What: Hundreds of voices from Vancouver’s best choirs will again echo through the streets of Gastown on Thursday, December 6, 2018, during Yule Duel: BC’s largest outdoor carolling competition.

When: Thursday, December 6, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Gastown
Admission: Free, but a $5 donation to May’s Place is suggested

Gingerbread Village 2018

What: The Downtown Surrey BIA’s 2nd annual Gingerbread Village is a charity event that raises money for the Surrey Christmas Bureau. The creations will be on display at Central City Shopping Centre from December 8 to 16 near the Winners and can be viewed during mall hours. Make a cash donation anytime during Gingerbread Village to vote for your favourite, and the creation that raises the most money will win. All donations raised will go toward the Surrey Christmas Bureau to help them support low-income families during the holidays.

When: Saturday, December 8 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Regular Mall Hours
Where: City Central Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Blvd, Surrey
Admission: Free

The 4th annual Big Elf Run

What: Over 700 runners and walkers are expected to join the holiday-themed event which rallies around fitness, festiveness, and a charitable spirit. It’s the fourth consecutive year for the fun run, with all of the proceeds going to support the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Participants will have their choice of a 1 km “wee elf” run or a 5 km or 10 km “big elf” run or walk, both of which take place around the beautiful Stanley Park. Live DJs, dancing, prize giveaways, and vendors will add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Lumberman’s Arch Concession, Stanley Park – 3301 Stanley Park Drive
When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tickets: $30 to register for the 10 km or 5 km portion

Improv Against Humanity: HO HO HOrrible Holiday Special

What: The Fictionals and special guests Those Guys are celebrating the Christmas Season with a HO HO HOliday Special at the Rio Theatre. Enter for your chance at Christmas gifts, enjoy hilarious comedy inspired by a live CAH tournament, and help crown the new Most Horrible Person in Vancouver.

When: Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12

Holiday markets and craft fairs

Eastside Flea Holiday Markets

What: Boasting a DJ, beer, and a wide selection of eats from a variety of food trucks, this flea market plays more like a party than anything else. Find plants, collectibles, handmade items, and vintage clothing from over 5o vendors. On-leash dogs are permitted at the market.

When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2018
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: $3 for single-day entry, $5 for the entire weekend

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair

The 11th annual Kensington Holiday Craft Fair features holiday gifts and stocking stuffers crafted by local artisans. In addition to free parking, the event hosts a raffle and door prizes for attendees.

When:  Sunday, December 1, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location:  Kensington Community Centre – 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free of charge

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

The fifth annual Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair features local handmade items, live music, as well as a number of raffles and prizes. Proceeds from the event go towards the music program at Burnaby Central Secondary School.

When: Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Burnaby Hall – 7837 Canada Way, Burnaby
Admission: Admission by donation

Jingle Bell Market

What: Finish your last minute holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and vendors. Unique and interesting, nature-related gifts will be available for purchase.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Richmond Nature Park – 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Admission: By donation

38th Annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

What: Over 100 vendors will be selling locally handmade artisan crafts and prepared foods. Focused primarily on Christmas and holiday gift ideas; the diversity of vendors also include baked goods, specialty craft and fine art vendors, and unique prepared foods.

When: Friday, November 30, Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 5 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Poirier Forum – 618 Poirier Street, Coquitlam 
Admission: $3 adults, $2 senior, free for children

3rd Annual Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair

What: Browse over 40 vendors and craft tables and you may find that perfect Christmas gift for that someone special. Enjoy handcrafted items, snacks, raffle prizes, and entertainment. Admission by donation with all proceeds to Share Family Services Society.

When: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Port Moody Civic Centre – Galleria 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Strathcona Winter Craft Fair

What: The Strathcona Winter Craft Fair puts a heavy emphasis on local and grassroots vendors, meaning that you’ll feel great heading over to get some holiday gifts. In addition, 15% of their tables go to not-for-profit vendors and feature artists across Vancouver’s Strathcona and Eastside Communities.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Strathcona Community Centre Association – 601 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Admission: General admission is $2, kids aged 12 and younger free

TOQUE Fundraiser and Craft Fair

What: TOQUE, Western Front’s annual fundraiser and craft fair features more than 30 Vancouver-based artists and designers. Visitors will be able to find textiles, ceramics, jewellery, books, bags, and home and body products. In between shopping, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including bratwurst and hot drinks.

When: Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Friday from 6 to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Make It! Holiday Show

What: The Make It! Holiday Show is a fun, upbeat shopping experience that hosts a number of artists, crafters, and makers from all across Canada. Each year, in addition to more than 265 exhibitors, the holiday show features a beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Parking for this market is $12.

When: Wednesday, December 12 to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Times vary based on date
Location: The PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: $8 at the door, kids ages 12 and under are free

Got Craft? Holiday Edition

What: Got Craft? works to create a community supporting handmade and do-it-yourself culture. Since being founded in 2007, their bi-annual fairs bring together more than 75 designers and craft workshops, tasty treats, music, free bags, and a collective attendance of more than 5,500 per year.

When: Saturday, December 8 to Sunday, December 9, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Maritime Labour Centre – 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver
Admission: Admission costs $3

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy

Established in 2003, Shiny Fuzzy Muddy features all kinds of handmade goods and products for the holiday season. In addition, the market constantly aims to discover and develop new artists, as well as connect guests with gifted artisans in their community.

When: Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, 2018
Time: Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Location: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Admission: $4 admission online or at the door

Weirdos Holiday Market

The Weirdos Holiday Market unites Vancouver’s most extravagant and out-of-this-world local artists and vendors. The result is a holiday market that’s anything but ordinary and an eclectic mix of the unusual. Find a selection of witchy wares, anatomical curiosities, jewellery, textiles, and one-of-a-kind art.

When: Saturday, December 8 to Sunday, December 9, 2018
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Location: The Hall – 1739 Venables Street, Vancouver
Admission: $2 admission

Fridays on Front Holiday Market

New West’s weekly summer night market Fridays on Front wrapped up in August, but the much-loved event is returning for a one-night holiday version this winter. On Friday, December 14, marketgoers can head to the festivities happening under the parkade on Front Street and enter for free to enjoy a selection of delicious local eats and drinks available for purchase.

When: Friday, December 14, 2018
Time: 4 to 9 pm
Where: Under the parkade on Front Street in New West
Price: Free entry

Vancouver Christmas Market

What: The 9th annual authentic German-inspired Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere to get into the holiday spirit. Experience a selection of traditional food and beverages, and browse vendors offering authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery, and other unique gifts. There will be kids activities, live entertainment, and the opportunity to ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel.

When: Now to Monday, December 24, 2018
Time: Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm (closes at 6 pm on Christmas Eve)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: available soon online

Holiday and Christmas Lights

Dundarave Festival of Lights

What: Fabulously festive and absolutely free, the Dundarave Christmas Fair kicks off their 10th anniversary in 2018, featuring four Saturdays of free concerts in the Festival Longhouse on Dundarave Beach. Claim a tree in the Forest of Miracles and enjoy one of the most spirited decorating parties anywhere.

When: Saturday, December 1 to Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Dundarave Park, West Vancouver
Admission: Free

Chalet Place Lights for Charity

What: A home up in the hills of North Vancouver has been lighting up with over 100,000 lights each Christmas for a few years, to raise donations for three good causes – the BC Epilepsy Society, Harvest Project, and Shriners Care For Kids. This is the final year of the display, so make sure to add it to your list.

When: Sunday, December 2 to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: 4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Lights in the Park

What: The Town Square Park (located beside the Steveston Museum) will warm up the chilly winter evenings as it is illuminated with a beautiful light display.

When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Evenings
Where: Steveston Town Square Park – 3791 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: Free

Heritage Building Light Display

What: During this holiday season, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is lighting up their beautiful heritage buildings for all to see. Come down in the evenings and see the site all merry and bright.

When: Saturday, December 1 to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Evenings
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond
Admission: Free

Holiday Hi-Light Festival

What: This annual event features a majestic festival of illumination with more than 150,000 lights on display over three acres. Entry is by donation, with 100% of proceeds to the North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.

When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

What: A Sasquatch-themed festival that hopes to share some of Harrison’s favourite ways to spend time outdoors. Light displays on the Harrison Lakefront will showcase the mythical creature hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing. The celebration will also include a Christmas tree trail, Whoville-themed village, and cabin-style New Year’s celebration.

When: Now to Monday, January 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free

Lights at Lafarge Lake

What: Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver, and features more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. The display is located just steps from SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and the lights will remain on from dusk each night until 11 pm.

When: Now to Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Bright Nights at Stanley Park 2018

What: Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. The attraction in the heart of the park is also accompanied by a train ride, music, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves. The annual tradition, now in its 21st year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – it is a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year, with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life supporting and life enriching services to people in BC.

When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019. Closed on Christmas Day
Time: Schedule available online
Where: Pipeline Road, via the West Georgia Street park entrance.
Train tickets: Adults: $12 / Seniors: $9 / Youth: $9 / Child: $8

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2018

What: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate 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, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now to Sunday, January 27, 2019 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden

What: The botanical garden is covered in more than a million lights. Reindeer and Scandinavian gnomes also roam the trails, and visitors can walk through the gingerbread wood, lantern alley, and Make-a-Wish candle grotto.

When: December 1, 2018, to January 7, 2019
Time: 4:30 pm to 9 pm. Hours extended to 10 pm between December 15 and 24.
Where: VanDusen Gardens – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Online: Pricing: Adults $18.50 online and $20 at the gate. Prices vary for youth, children and seniors. Tickets available online.

New Year’s Eve

Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver: Countdown to 2019

What: One of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canada, the fireworks spectacle on the Coal Harbour waterfront in downtown Vancouver on this auspicious night sees an attendance of over 100,000 people. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver’s celebration is promising dazzling fireworks shows, a free outdoor street party at Jack Poole Plaza, and an extravagant premium indoor party held inside Vancouver Convention Centre West.

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration at Grouse Mountain

What: Enjoy performances throughout the night as well as a special 9 pm countdown for the littlest revelers that will be sure to light up the sky with a boom.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Festivities starts at 5 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain Resort – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online (available soon)

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their regular season in December, with home games including Nashville Predators on December 6, Edmonton Oilers on December 16, and Winnepeg Jets on December 22.

When: December 1, 4, 6, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 22, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants

What: Vancouver Giants continue their WHL season in December at Langley Events Centre, with games against Tri-City Americans on December 2, Prince George Cougars on December 16, and more.

When: December 1, 2, 8, 14 and 16, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley (December 1 and 8 games are at Pacific Coliseum)
Tickets: Online

Eat fresh with farmers’ markets

Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ 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 to April 27, 2019 (except December 30)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza – 50E. 30th Ave., Vancouver, Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Hastings Park Farmers’ 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. There is free parking for market shoppers at Gate 2 off of Renfrew St.

When: Every Sunday to April 28 (except December 30)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free

Port Moody Winter Farmers Market

What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.

When: Every Sunday to April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Sing along at a concert

Delhi 2 Dublin

What: They have performed in front of tens of thousands on concert stages throughout the world, ranging from Glastonbury to Burning Man. And this December, Vancouver-based band  Delhi 2 Dublin returns home to wrap up their latest Western Canada tour. Since forming in 2006, Delhi 2 Dublin has developed their own decisive genre they refer to as “Subcontinental Pop,” bringing their South Asian influences to Western pop music. Founding members Tarun Nayar, Sanjay Seran and Ravi Binning have, from the beginning, followed their own path from warehouse raves to major stages.

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street
Tickets: $38.73, available online

Warm and Toasty Choir Cozy

What: Escape the dreary chill outside and cozy up to two East Van community choirs at the Red Gate Arts Society as they regale you with your favourite (or soon to be) indie, folk, pop, and rock covers. Proceeds from the show will go to WISH Drop in Centre, an organization who provide services, supports and opportunities to women engaged in Vancouver’s street based sex industry.

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Red Gate Arts Society – 1965 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12

JP Maurice & Friends

What:  JP Maurice has been working since the smoke-filled days of summer on a 14-song Christmas album featuring his band with a number of very special guests. The album is almost ready and will be released just in time for Christmas but to celebrate the release of the first single and to give everyone a preview of the album, JP is hosting a Christmas concert featuring a number of guests from the album along with a few special surprises. The night will be kicked off with a set from Vancouver’s Healing Days.

When: Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Childish Gambino

What: The incredible Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning, multi-talented recording artist, actor, and producer will be on tour with special guest Rae Sremmurd.

When: Friday, December 7, 2018
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Shakey Graves

What: Rocker Shakey Graves from Austin, Texas brings The Tour X9 World Tour to Vancouver with guests Kolars.

When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: Doors at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 600 Block Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Tenacious D

What: The musical comedy duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass will be taking over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with guests, Wynchester. The band had a variety series on HBO that aired in 1999. Their self-titled album was released in the fall of 2001 with Epic Records and was quickly certified at gold-selling status, and has since been certified platinum. In 2014, Tenacious D won a Grammy in the category of Best Metal Performance for their cover of Ronnie James Dio’s “The Last In Line.”

When: Thursday, December 13, 2018
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, Show 7:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street
Tickets: $39.50, $59.50, $79.50, available online

The Funk Hunters

What: Canadian electronic music act and DJ duo The Funk Hunters bring Funk The Halls to the Commodore with guests Mat The Alien and Neon Steve.

When: Friday, December 21 to Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $30 and up

Cirque Musica Wonderland

What: Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland, n all-new concert experience featuring the cast of Cirque Musica. Featuring favorite holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 3 pm
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thievery Corporation

What: Electronic music duo Thievery Corporation bring their Treasures From The Temple Tour to the Commodore with special guests The Suffers.

When: Thursday, December 27, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

First Annual East Van Holiday Dance

What: The First Annual East Vancouver Holiday Dance feature beer, German food and polka music by Polka Time and The Dreadnaughts.

When: Saturday, December 29, 2018
Time: Doors at 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Alpen Club – 4875 Victoria Dr. Vancouver
Tickets: Online

See also

• This is your first look at Vancouver's brand new winter festival (PHOTOS)
• Aziz Ansari to headline Just For Laughs festival in Vancouver
• See classical music master Andrea Bocelli perform live in Vancouver in 2019