28 things to do in Vancouver this week: December 24 to 27

Dec 18 2018, 8:54 am

A brand new week full of Christmas cheer. Plan your festive time with our picks of 28 things to do from Monday, December 24 to Thursday, December 27. Vancouver Christmas Market, Beauty and the Beast, and more.

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

Monday, December 24, 2018

Vancouver Christmas Market

Christmas markets

Image courtesy of Vancouver Christmas Market

What: The ninth 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

Feast of Seven Fished at Cibo Trattoria

What: Enjoy a seven-course Italian-inspired menu this month for two nights only at Cibo. Features on the spread include slow-cooked octopus and tons of local seafood.

When: Now to Monday, December 24, 2018
Where: Cibo Trattoria – 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Price: $88; $163 with wine pairings

Carols for the City 

What: If you’ve had your fill of Christmas cookies and are looking for something to feed the soul, this is event to check out. Carols for the City is a mix of Christmas concert and a Christmas Eve service of sorts. Traditional Christmas carols are interspersed with readings from scripture, prayer, and a blessing by the Salvation Army band. Doors open early and seats fill up fast.

When: Monday, December 24, 2018
Time: Doors 3 pm, show 4 pm
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St., Vancouver
Tickets: Not required. Show up early to secure a seat. Seats cannot be held past 3:30.

Chalet Place Lights for Charity

What: A home up in the high 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 will be the final year of Chalet Place Lights for Charity, so don’t miss it.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: 4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

What: Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, Christmas at Pemberley brings the Bennet sisters together for Christmas at the home of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. An unexpected visitor could be a really awkward attempt at a set up, or a Mary’s chance at romance.

When: Now to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: The Arts Club Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street
TicketsOnline from $24 to $54.99

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2018

Canyon Lights/Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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

A Charlie Brown Holiday Double Bill

What: Carousel Theatre for Young People’s A Charlie Brown Christmas is back and playing in a special double bill feature with You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Experience the ups and downs of everyday life with Charlie Brown and his friends, then join Charlie as he tries to direct his friends in the school Christmas pageant.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

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

Christmas at Canada Place 2018

What: Free Christmas attractions will be taking over the Canadian Trail, along the west promenade of Canada Place. This year’s festivities include giant light installations at the Canada North light display, the historic Woodward’s Windows, and the festive Avenue of Trees. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sounds of live Christmas performances along the west promenade of Canada Place from 12 to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For the whole of the Christmas celebrations, the iconic white sails of Canada Place will be illuminated with festive colours and designs.

When: Now to Thursday, January 3, 2019
 Time:  8 am to 11 pm. On December 31, Christmas at Canada Place will close at 6:00 pm
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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 more than 30 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 local charities with more than $80,000 secured to date.

When: Now to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street
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 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

Sea of Lights

Scuba Claus/Vancouver Aquarium

What: Immerse yourself in a Sea of Lights at the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch Scuba Claus dive daily in the Strait of Georgia habitat until December 24. Enjoy the wave of childlike wonder as you watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 4-D theatre. Marvel at Vancouver’s most shocking holiday display as you stand in the glow of the Electric eel-powered Christmas tree in the Teck Connections Gallery. And delight in the magic of the season as you watch the enchanting jelly snow globe display in the Tropics Gallery.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (until 4 pm on certain dates)
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Superhero Chanukah on Ice

What: Chabad East Van presents their eighth annual Chanukah on Ice. Enjoy donuts, dreidels, gelt and Chanukah music, plus skate with Batman and Superman.

When: Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Hillcrest Ice Rink – 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $5 admission, $5 skate rental

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

2018 Year in Review with Vancouver TheatreSports

2018 Year in Review/VTSL

What: Vancouver TheatreSports 2018 Year in Review takes an improvised look at the year’s top stories and adds a much-needed comedic perspective to prepare for the coming year. No event is safe from ridicule and, as always, the scenarios will be based on audience suggestions challenging the quick-witted improvisers to create instant, unscripted comedy.

When: Wednesday, December 26 to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Ellie King’s Hansel, Gretel and the Strolling Players

What: Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents a traditional Panto adventure with Hansel, Gretal and the nefarious Mistress Grimm. Join in the fun by booing the bad guys and cheering the good guys, sing along with toe-tapping music, and groan at corny old jokes.

When: Wednesday, December 26 to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online

IIHF World Junior Championship: Czech Republic vs Switzerland and Canada vs Denmark

What: IIHF World Junior Championship continues with Czech Republic versus Switzerland and Canada facing off with Denmark at Rogers Arena.

When: Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Time: 1 pm (CZE vs. SUI), 5 pm (CAN vs. DEN)
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

What: One rainy day, the Pevensie children discover that an old wardrobe is actually a doorway to the enchanted land of Narnia. A magical re-imagining of CS Lewis’s classic tale by Ron Reed of hope, change, and sacrifice in a world where it is always winter and never Christmas. Directed by Sarah Rodgers, featuring Rebecca deBoer and John Voth.

When: Now to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Time: Various times
Location: Pacific Theatre – 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Aurora Winter Festival

Aurora Winter Festival Vancouver

Aurora Winter Festival Vancouver/Brandon Artis Photography

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. Children three and under are free

Stanley Park Christmas Train

What: Bright Nights at Stanley Park marks the return of one of Metro Vancouver’s most popular Christmas light displays. Visitors can expect more than three million dazzling lights across acres of dark forest. The Christmas Train, located at the heart of the park is the main attraction, accompanied by music, snacks, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and his elves.

When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: Hours available online
Where: Piepeline Road, via the West Georgia Street Park Entrance
Train Tickets: Adults ride for $12

Boxing Day Party at Blarney Stone

What: Blarney Stone’s annual Boxing Day Party features drink specials and DJ Zeus heating up the dance floor.

When: Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Time: 10 pm to late
Where: Blarney Stone – 216 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Thievery Corporation

What: Electronic music duo Thievery Corporation brings 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

Glow Christmas

What: Glow Christmas brightens up Langley’s Milner Village Garden Centre with over 500,000 lights spanning 103,000-sq-ft of holiday magic. The display will feature four different light gardens, food trucks (and bar!), over 40 vendors, and – the cherry on top – a 210-foot musical light tunnel.

When: Select dates to January 19, 2019
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Milner Village Garden Centre – 6690 216 St, Langley
Tickets: Available online, $8.99 to $39.99. Kids under three are free.

IIHF World Junior Championship: Russia vs Denmark and Switzerland vs Canada

What: The World Juniors continue with Russia versus Denmark and Switzerland against Canada in a double-header at Rogers Arena.

When: Thursday, December 27, 2018
Time: 1 pm (RUS vs. DEN), 5 pm (SUI vs. CAN)
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Spirit of Christmas at Sea to Sky Gondola

What: Discover the magic of Christmas 2,800 feet above sea level, in a forest strewn with fairy lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sing carols, enjoy cocoa by the fire, and take in views to fill you with the joy of the season.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola -36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: Online

Pay What You Can Nights in December at Museum of Vancouver

What: Learn something new about the city this holiday season at the Museum of Vancouver. Experience MOV’s exhibitions including Haida Now: A Visual Feat of Innovation and Tradition, Wild Things: The Power of Nature in our Lives and in/flux: Art of Korean Diaspora.

When: Thursday, December 27 to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Time: 5 to 8 pm (Thursday), 5 to 9 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Where: Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Admission: Pay what you can

Arts Club Theatre Company presents: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast / Arts Club Theatre

What: A tale as old as time returns to Vancouver this holiday season. The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Stanley Industrial Alliance stage. Watch the magic behind the castle walls come alive in this brilliant adaptation of the Academy Award-winning animated film.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Times: Various showtimes, check website for details
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage — 2750 Granville St, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, starting at $39

Holiday Break at The Space Centre

What: This holiday season head to the Space Centre and celebrate David Saint-Jacques, the latest Canadian astronaut heading to space. David will travel to the International Space Station on his first mission “Perspective” this December. He will spend six months in space doing experiments and operating the Canadarm2.

Learn how David will live on the space station, how he will eat, where he will sleep, and what experiments he’ll be doing in micro-gravity during our live science demonstrations. Create your own mission patch, just like David did, and make mini astronaut figurines to take home.

When: Wednesday, December 26 to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: HR MacMillan Space Centre – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

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