18 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Nov. 16 to 22

November is just zooming by! Slow down and have some fun this week!

There’s plenty of excitement to discover around Vancouver, including the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, Eastside Culture Crawl, and more! Here are 18 fun things to do from Nov. 16 to 22.

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

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Vancouver Christmas Market 2026

What: Vancouver Christmas Market is transforming Jack Poole Plaza into a huge German-style holiday event from Monday, Nov. 16, to Thursday, Dec. 24.

A popular holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the market features dozens of food and drink vendors, as well as plenty of artisans and makers at over 90 wooden huts.

When: Monday, Nov. 16, to Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026
Time: Various time slots
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Yes Shef

What: Yes Shef is happening on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, with live entertainment, gourmet food and beverages, and more.

Guests will get to indulge in unlimited tastings from 15 chefs, sommeliers, brewers, and mixologists. Yes Shef will also treat attendees to curated wine, beer, and cocktail pairings.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Star Sapphire Ballroom — 1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: $220 plus GST; purchase online

Eastside Culture Crawl 2026

What: The 30th annual Eastside Culture Crawl returns this November to dozens of buildings across Vancouver’s eastside.

Hundreds of artists ranging from painters to glassblowers and mixed-media creators are expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to their studios.

When: Nov. 19 to 22, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Thursday and Friday) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Various locations throughout East Vancouver

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market

What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers’ fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.

When: Every Saturday until Dec. 5, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: Experience the magic of the holidays at Merry & Bright, returning to Langley’s Martini Town on select dates from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31.

The outdoor film set transforms into a festive wonderland featuring dazzling new décor, a towering 30-foot Christmas tree made entirely of stacked presents, live entertainment, character appearances, a refreshed Christmas Market with local vendors, and an expanded selection of food, treats, and festive drinks. With movie-inspired touches and holiday fun for all ages, it’s a seasonal tradition worth celebrating.

When: Select dates from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m. (Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot)
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

Heart Felt Holiday at The Improv Centre

What: The holiday season can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. That’s why the funny folks at The Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island are helping chase away the winter blues with its new seasonal show, Heart Felt Holiday.

Audiences will help the improvisers create a brand-new rom-com about a puppet searching for love while juggling work, family drama, developing friendships, and all the general messiness of the holiday season.

When: Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 30, with an opening night performance on Thursday, Nov. 19 and additional matinee and evening shows on select dates in December
Time: 7:30 p.m. (plus 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, 20, 24, and 27)
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Got Craft Holiday Market

What: The Got Craft Holiday Market returns for two festive weekends, bringing together 100 Canadian makers and small businesses, food trucks, a Mini Makers area featuring kid entrepreneurs, free hands-on workshops, and limited-edition swag bags with a new tote design each weekend.

With 50 per cent new vendors joining the lineup for Weekend Two, each weekend offers something different and even more reasons to shop local, discover new favourites, and to visit twice.

When: Nov. 21 and 22, Nov. 28 and 29, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 for one weekend of $8 for both weekends. Purchase online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Lights by the Lake

What: Lights by the Lake returns to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, transforming the lakeside promenade into a holiday wonderland from dusk until 11 p.m. every day from Nov. 21, 2026 to Jan. 10, 2027.

Stroll past glowing light displays and charming winter window paintings, then lace up at the Starlight Skating Rink (bring your own skates). Kick things off at the opening ceremony on Nov. 21 with fireworks, hot chocolate, and live entertainment, plus don’t miss Festive Nights on Dec. 5 and 19.

When: Daily from Nov. 21, 2026 to Jan. 10, 2027
Time: Dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: Beachfront, Harrison Hot Springs 
Cost: Free

29th Annual European Union Film Festival

What: The Cinematheque’s annual celebration of new cinema from the European Union is presented with the Canadian Film Institute, EUFF Toronto, and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. This year’s festival showcases entries from 27 EU member states.

When: Now to Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Cinematheque – 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market

What: A returning pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this month is ready to help you treat your loved ones to unique gifts while supporting the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market is happening on Friday, Nov. 20, at Heritage Hall on Main Street.

The free Make Change Market will showcase a wide variety of gift ideas, including artisan soaps, jewelry, workshops, peer support counselling, beauty services, and more.

When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall — 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Free; register online

100 Hour Sale at Dueck Auto Group

What: To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Dueck Auto Group, which opened in Vancouver in 1926, the team is running a 100 Hour Sale from 1 p.m. on Wednesday to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Dueck Auto Group is offering 30 per cent off all 2027 Bolt EVs and $13,500 on Equinox EVs.  More offers are going to be introduced throughout the event, including more discounts on other models plus giveaways and bonuses.

When: Nov. 18 to 22, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. on Wednesday to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 888 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver
More Info: Online

Bear Creek Lights

What: The City of Surrey will host the 13th annual Bear Creek Lights from Nov. 6 to 20 at one of its most popular green spaces. Invite your friends and family to join you at Bear Creek Park’s one-kilometre garden walking loop.

The dazzling lights are crafted to enhance the natural landscape of one of Surrey’s most popular parks. The illuminated path is designed to be safe and accessible and can be walked at your own pace.

When: Friday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 20 (closed on Remembrance Day)
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (lights turn off at 9:30 p.m.)
Where: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88th Ave, Surrey
Tickets: Free; register online. Walk-up guests may be admitted if space is available after pre-registered tickets are sold out.

East Van Opry

What: The 13th annual East Van Opry features a variety of Vancouver musicians, including The Western Playboys, Stringband Sundae, Desirée Dawson, Ringo Supernova & the East Van Playpeople, and more. Bring your dancing shoes and join the party.

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Time: Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $37 plus fees (Early Bird), $40 plus fees (GA). Purchase online

Homes for the Holidays

What: Enjoy all the sparkle and joy of holiday decorating at the 21st anniversary of Homes for the Holidays. Award-winning interior designers and leading home decor vendors are working their magic on UBC’s iconic Cecil Green Park House, and you can check them out for two days only in November. There will also be stunning decorated trees, live entertainment, and more.

Proceeds support YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Housing Action Fund, which aims to raise $5 million to accelerate the development of new, affordable housing for women and their children.

When: Nov. 21 and 22, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday). Flexible or timed entry during event hours, or an all-weekend access pass available
Where: Cecil Green Park House – 6251 Cecil Green Park Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

What: The 16th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, at Surrey Civic Plaza.

The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Fall Series

What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is helping to inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels with its 2026 Fall Series, taking place until Nov. 22 across four cities and a Sea to Sky destination.

The in-person screenings and events feature a thrilling lineup of films celebrating skiing, climbing, mountain biking, and more.

When: Now until Nov. 22, 2026 (in-person), Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2026 (online)
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices. Multi-Show Saver Pass: Buy tickets to two or more shows and save 15 per cvent off your total. Gather Your Crew Four-Pack: Buy three in-person tickets to the same select show, and get a fourth ticket free for selected shows. Purchase online

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

What: Now celebrating 20 years, Canyon Lights is a beloved annual tradition that illuminates the park and the breathtaking suspension bridge with millions of shining lights, which will extend to brand-new displays this year.

Aside from the lights, guests can enjoy live entertainment, raise a cup of mulled wine or eggnog, cozy up at The Cliffhouse Restaurant and Bar, and find gifts at the Trading Post Gift Shop.

When: Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $76.95 per adult