20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Dec. 8 to 14

What are you in the mood for this week, Vancouver?

Perhaps you’re looking for great live music or festive holiday lights? Or maybe you need a tasty mocktail?

We’ve got you covered with our checklist of 20 fantastic things to do from Dec. 8 to 14 around Metro Vancouver. Enjoy The Magic of Gastown, Steveston Holiday Dog Parade, and more.

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: Merry & Bright returns to Martini Town this holiday season, transforming the Langley outdoor film set into a festive wonderland.

Wander through movie-perfect streets twinkling with cheery lights, nostalgic window displays, and film-style “snow.” Meet Santa nightly, browse artisan gifts in the Market Lane, and enjoy cozy eats and treats from local vendors.

With live entertainment, roaming characters, and movie-magic décor, it’s the perfect place to make — and capture — holiday memories. A portion of all proceeds from Merry & Bright will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.

When: Now until Dec. 31, 2025 (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays)
Time: Various time slots from 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for youth ages 13 to 17, $12 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages five and under. Purchase online

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Zoo Lights

What: Zoo Lights is a multi-sensory journey at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Explore glowing displays and colourful lanterns in the festive event the whole family can enjoy together.

While you’re at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, climb aboard the Arctic Express, take a photo with Santa, shop the holiday market, and more.

When: Now until Jan. 10, 2026
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: 5048 – 264th St., Aldergrove
Admission: General admission starts at $16, memberships also available. Purchase online

Make It The Handmade Revolution

What: Looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list? Want to support local and Canadian makers this season? Then you’ll be excited to know that Make It is returning in December.

With over 100 vendors and makers to discover, you’re sure to find unique items perfect for gifting to loved ones or for treating yourself.

Shoppers at this year’s massive market will find apparel, jewellery, food, artwork, home decor, personal care products, sustainable treasures, one-of-a-kind items, and more.

When: Dec. 11 to 14, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (Thursday), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: $15 at the door, tickets also available online; Kids ages 12 and under enter for free

The Magic of Gastown

What: Gastown invites visitors to experience The Magic of Gastown throughout December, with festive entertainment, nostalgic traditions, local businesses’ creative displays, and more.

Enjoy roaming carolers and discover neighbourhood elves as you get all your holiday shopping done underneath the twinkling holiday lights. Plus, on Dec. 14 and 21, you can take a free horse-drawn carriage ride on Gastown’s historic cobblestones.

Enter the Elf on the Shelf contest, listen to a mariachi band, and check out the community-decorated trees. There is also free parking offered on Sundays, so you can make the most of the holiday season.

When: Now until Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Various times for activities and entertainment
Where: Throughout Gastown
Cost: Free

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks are back at Rogers Arena this week with games including the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, Dec. 8 and Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, Dec. 11.

When: Dec. 8 and 11, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Dipt Kicks 25 Years Anniversary Event and Limited Edition Collection

What: Vancouver’s Dipt is celebrating 25 years at its original location with an in-store event on Thursday, Dec. 11. The celebration includes giveaways, complimentary drinks, and the launch of Dipt’s limited-edition 25th Anniversary Collection.

When: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Dipt – 819 Hornby St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Glow Langley

What: Glow Langley is an outdoor Christmas lights festival known for its immersive themes, with the 2025 season featuring the Magic Toy Shop.

The event includes over one million twinkling lights, the newly expanded Ice Palace with dazzling photo opportunities, and six themed lands to explore, including DinoLand and Gingerbread Lane. There is also GlowQuest, the Audio Adventure, and the Glowcomotive train to enjoy this holiday season.

While you’re at Glow Langley, check out the Merry Makers Market with over 20 vendors and seven food trucks.

When: Now until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 6690 216th St., Langley
Tickets: $19.99 plus fees for ages 16 and up, $14.99 plus fees for ages 4 to 15 and 65 years and up. Toddlers 3 and under are free. Family pack of tickets are also available. Purchase online

Strathcona Holiday Market

What: This holiday season, get your shopping done in one fell swoop while supporting local businesses and artisans in the process.

The Strathcona Holiday Market is happening at 873 and 868 East Hastings on Dec. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s the perfect opportunity to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

The two-day market features locally made goods and artisan products in a unique shopping experience that celebrates East Vancouver’s culture and community. Browse candles, jewellery, vintage clothing, and more.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 873 and 868 East Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: Free

NFL Football at PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge at Parq Casino Grand

What: NFL Football is officially back for the 2025/2026 season, and Parq Casino is doing it up big for NFL Pick’em.

As Vancouver’s premier sports-viewing venue, the PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge is hosting each game on a massive 50-foot screen, complete with surround sound and stadium-style energy. Hang out with friends and other football enthusiasts while cheering for the teams that bring you together.

And of course, no football viewing is complete without epic eats and delicious drinks, which is why, along with the classic Sportsbook Lounge menu, you can enjoy a special NFL brunch menu.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge at Parq Casino – 39 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Tits The Season!

What: Tits the Season! by Helvetica Productions at the Rio Theatre is an over-the-top festive extravaganza featuring the city’s best drag, burlesque, circus, and variety performers. There are two shows hosted by Miss Kiss and headlined by King Molasses, the first-ever winner of King of Drag.

Other acts that will bring the holiday cheer to the stage include Batty Banks, La Dame Derrière, Helvetica’s Follies, Homo Hardware, Ariel Helvetica, Cali Cobalt, the Vancouver Burlesque Co., Mx Bukuru, and Quantum Roller Duo.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. (early show), 10 p.m. (late show)
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $40-$75 plus fees, purchase online

Luna Li

What: Luna Li, the Korean-Canadian, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist songwriter, composer and producer got her start during the pandemic. She began self-recording her instrumental jam sessions, layering herself playing violin, piano, guitar, and more.

Li went viral, racking up over 100 million streams and producing a fiercely loyal following. Now with two albums under her belt, she’s worked with artists like Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus, and Hope Tala. See her live for a night of dreampop and divine feminine energy.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $30, purchase online

Vancouver Warriors vs. Las Vegas Desert Dogs

What: The Vancouver Warriors continue the National Lacrosse League season at Rogers Arena this month with a game against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Saturday, Dec. 13.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol

What: Described as one of the most unique theatrical interpretations of the famous Charles Dickens’ story, A Wonderheads Christmas Carol is bound to put you in the holiday mood.

Get ready to enjoy 10-foot-tall puppets, stunning masks, an enchanting original score, and moving stagecraft at The Arts Club this holiday season.

When: Now until Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Fairgrounds public racket club opening weekend

What: Fairgrounds public racket club is debuting its first West Coast location in North Vancouver at Capilano Mall.

The grand opening celebration includes free play on the 15 indoor pickleball courts and programming from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be activations and giveaways from local businesses like Lee’s Donuts, Greenhouse, Formula Fig, Myo, Barbet, and more. Open to all skill levels.

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Capilano Mall – 935 Marine Dr, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Steveston Christmas Dog Parade

What: Your favourite canine companions don’t have to feel left out of the festive fun this holiday season, thanks to the Steveston Christmas Dog Parade.

Dozens of paw-dorable dogs and puppies will dress up in holiday attire and parade along Imperial Landing on Sunday, Dec. 14.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where there is more seasonal fun for the community to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. start
Where: Starts at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Cost: Free

Xmas in Skaville 22

What: Xmas in Skaville is bringing high-energy holiday cheer to the Wise Hall in December. The lineup for the 22nd edition includes Balkan Shmalkan, Brehdren, Brasser, The Wavebirds, and Bobbi-Jo Moore & The Elixxxirs. The show promises to heat up the cold winter’s night, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Wise Hall – 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver
Tickets: $25 plus fees in advance, purchase online

Free Spirit

What:  Free Spirit, billed as the city’s biggest non-alcoholic wine, beer, and cocktail tasting, is happening at Mount Pleasant’s Heritage Hall on Monday, Dec. 8.

When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $48; purchase online

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: A huge gingerbread display is back for its 33rd year in Vancouver as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.

Gingerbread Lane will take over the lobby of the Burrard Street hotel until Sunday, Dec. 28. Previously recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records for housing the tallest gingerbread man, Gingerbread Lane welcomes more than 20,000 visitors annually. And this year promises to be another feast for the eyes (if not the stomach).

When: Now until Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free