21 things to do in Vancouver this weekend

Here are some of the top events to check out in Vancouver between December 4 and 6. For a complete list of events, check out the Vancouver Events Calendar.

Make It!

What: 250 of Canada’s best designers and producers showcase their work for the Make It! Vancouver fair at the PNE Forum.
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack Poole Plaza

What: The Christmas Tree Lighting at Jack Poole plaza has become an annual holiday tradition for Vancouver families. Back for its ninth year, the Christmas tree lighting will take place on December 4, where four beautiful trees will be lit up with festive lights (one that’s over 50 feet tall).
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Friday, December 4; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Whistler Film Festival

What: Loved by filmmakers and film lovers alike, the Whistler Film Festival is a place where artists are celebrated, audiences are inspired and new ideas enter the cultural dialogue. The festival features 89 innovative and original films from around the world alongside opportunities to connect with the people who created them.
Where: Whistler, B.C.
When: Wednesday, December 2 to December 6

Spirit of Christmas at Sea to Sky Gondola

What: High up in the alpine range lies the Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish, offering unparalleled views of snow-capped mountains. The Christmas festivities include snowshoeing, tubing, a forest walk, warm and cozy storytime and a brunch with Santa himself. There will also be a Christmas Market at the mountain base and local choirs singing holiday carols, including a special holiday concert.
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola – off Highway 99 just before Squamish
When: Friday, December 4 to January 3, 2016

Vancouver Men’s Chorus: Making Spirits Bright

What: The Vancouver Men’s Chorus sings all the Christmas classics, set in the beautiful halls of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. They say it will be a “feast for the senses”.
Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church – 1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver
When: December 4, 5, 10 ,and 11; 8 p.m., December 6 and 12; matinees at 3 p.m.

Vancouver Chamber Choir Christmas Concerts

What: The Vancouver Chamber Choir is putting on three fabulous Christmas concerts this season, beginning on December 4 with Christmas in the Orpheum, a collection of renaissance, baroque & carols. Next is A Dylan Thomas Christmas, followed by the ever-popular A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver & Shaughnessy Heights United Church – 1550 West 33rd Ave, Vancouver
When: Friday, December 4, December 18, and December 19; 8 p.m.

Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium

What: Now in its 9th year, this weekly market offers visitors locally-grown fruit and vege, meat, and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal craft.
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street
When: Saturdays, November 7 to April 23, 2016 (excluding December 26); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas in Kerrisdale

What: Brass bands, Santa Claus and his merry elves, horse and carriage rides and free ice skating are all part of the annual Christmas in Kerrisdale celebration.
Where: Kerrisdale Village – West 41st Avenue between Larch St and Maple St.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 5, 12, 19, 23; noon to 4 p.m.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash

What: Port Moody’s most festive 5 km run returns December 5, with the Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash. Don your most heinous holiday attire and take a jaunt around Port Moody, raising money for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.
Where: Rocky Point Park – 870 Washington Drive, Port Moody
When: Saturday, December 5; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Eastside Flea North Shore Holiday Market

What: The Eastside Flea Market comes to North Vancouver for a two-day holiday market, selling everything from craftsman items, food, jewellery, household goods, collectibles and much more.
Where: The Pipe Shop Building at the Shipyards – 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 5 to December 6; 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair

What: Shop for beautiful and unique handmade goods at the Kensington Holiday Craft Fair. With a collection of over 50 vendors attendees are guaranteed to find a range of imaginative gifts and stocking stuffers.
Where: Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street
When: Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dundarave Festival of Lights

What: A beloved West Vancouver tradition returns with the Dundarave Festival of Lights.
Where: Dundarave Park – 25th Street and Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
When: Every Saturday from November 28 until January 2; noon to 6 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks v.s. Boston Bruins

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 5; 7 p.m.

Hastings Park Farmers’ Market

What: The farmers’ market, which will be operating for the entire winter season, will feature a diverse selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat, dairy and nursery items.
Where: Hastings Skatepark – Renfrew Street
When: Sundays, November 8 to May 1, 2016 (excluding December 27); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

What: Every year, hundreds of floats, marching bands, and performers take to the streets in celebration of the holiday season. Organizations, businesses, and communities across Vancouver are represented, with a visit from the big man himself, Saint Nicholas. It will feature 3,500 participants and an estimated 300,000 spectators in downtown Vancouver.
Where: East down Georgia Street, starting at Broughton Street, then south on Howe Street to Davie Street
When: Sunday, December 6; 1 p.m.

Christmas with the Bach Choir

What: The Vancouver Bach Choir knows a thing or two about how to nail a Christmas carol. More than 400 singers will fill the stage to sing all the beloved Christmas classics during this afternoon concert, featuring the Children’s Chorus and Youth Choir.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, December 6; 2 p.m.

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden

What: Stroll with friends and family through interactive themed areas and enjoy the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, the gnome performance and the Vancouver Public Library’s Tales for a Winter’s Night. Have photos taken with Santa, savour holiday treats, and delight in much more.
Where: Vandusen Gardens – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, December 1 – Thursday, December 31; click here for hours.

Ice Skating at Robson Square

What: The rink at Robson Square is operated seasonally by the provincial government when the temperatures begin to dip, running from morning into the late evening hours. Skaters can skate for free if they bring their own skates while those without skates can rent a pair on-site. There is also a concession stand serving snacks and warm drinks.
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
When: December 1, 2015 until February 28, 2016; times vary

Gingerbread Lane At Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: The sweetest lane in the city celebrates its 25th annual return to the lobby of Hyatt Regency Vancouver from December 4 through December 27. Executive Chef Jeff Szombaty and the engineering team are hard at work constructing this year’s stunning gingerbread house, built to serve as the centrepiece for more than 30 gingerbread creations designed by secondary schools, professionals and amateur culinary artists.
Where: Hyatt Regency – 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
When: December 4 – December 27

Star Wars Trivia Night

What: The Galactic Empire is rewarding $500 creds to the bravest stormtroopers to seek out the last standing Jedis. Drink giveaways all night long with the best costume, Leia Buns and Darth Vader Impressions! Themed food will be available for purchase by CAVO Bar & Kitchen. Ready are you? Gather your rebels and send their full names and your team name to [email protected].
Where: Venue – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, December 6; 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Menorah Lighting at the Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Celebrate the first night of Chanukah, with the lighting of the tallest Menorah in Canada, the Silber Family Agam Menorah, at the Vancouver Art Gallery, corner Georgia and Hornby St. There will be live entertainment, refreshments and greetings from politicians and dignitaries.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, December 6; 5 p.m.