20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Nov. 16 to 23

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 20 fun things to do from Nov. 16 to 23.

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

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Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

What: The 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 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.

And new for this year is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink where you can skate for free!

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market

What: A returning pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this week 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, sponsored by BC Rentals, is happening on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Heritage Hall on Main Street.

The free event features creative gift ideas and giveaways, and offers an opportunity to meet low-income entrepreneurs from around Vancouver.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

IndieFest 2025

What: IndieFest, presented by re:Naissance, is a showcase of new and genre-defying live performances that highlight the people and stories that have been overshadowed by history and tradition.

This year’s festival is themed “Colliding Art Forms” and will delve into the surprising ways that artists and audiences connect. Highlights include the musical premiere concert experience of Inferno: A Hip Hop Opera, Future Mythologies showcase, and more.

When: Various dates from Thursday, Nov. 20 to Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: DigiBC Creative Tech Studio and The Annex
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC

What: The Whitecaps are in the MLS Western Conference semi-final for the first time in eight years, with a chance to go further than they’ve ever gone before.

The team will take on LAFC in a playoff rematch for the third year in a row, but this time around, the Whitecaps are the ones with home-field advantage. Get your tickets and cheer them on at BC Place on Saturday, Nov. 22.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Time: TBA
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Burnout Paradise

What: Theatre collective Pony Cam from Melbourne, AU, brings the hilariously unpredictable Burnout Paradise to Vancouver in November. Witness four performers attempt to complete an escalating series of everyday tasks, such as cooking pasta or brushing their teeth, all while running on treadmills.

The chaotic and comedic show explores the daily grind in a sweaty, entertaining ride.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch Historic Theatre – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week

What: Craft beer lovers have cause for celebration because Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week is returning to highlight all the incredible breweries in the area.

You’ll be able to take part in a host of special events at different North Shore breweries, distilleries, and cideries that feature music, food pop-ups, special events, and more.

When: Now until Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Participating breweries across the North Shore

Got Craft Holiday Market

What: Vancouver can’t get enough of holiday markets, and Got Craft is back to help festive shoppers find the perfect gifts this season.

The Got Craft Holiday Market returns with not one, but two festive weekends at the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver. This year’s markets will feature 100 local makers and small shops, plus food trucks, hands-on workshops, free DIY zine making, a mobile bookshop, an expanded Mini Makers area for kidpreneurs, and limited-edition swag bags for the first 50 people through the doors each day.

When: Nov. 22 and 23, Nov. 29 and 30, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

‘Tis the Sitcom 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, ‘Tis the Sitcom.

Audiences will help the improvisers create a brand-new sitcom about a group of friends living in the big city each night. The cast will navigate festive dilemmas, create comedic commercial breaks, and have you laughing all the way through the holiday special.

When: Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, with an opening night performance on Thursday, Nov. 20 and additional shows on Dec. 14, 20, 23, 24, 28 and 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (plus 2 p.m. on Dec. 14, 20 and 24)
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Free Public Exhibition

What: One of the most anticipated events in Vancouver’s art calendar is coming up fast, and there’s still time for you to take part in all of the festivities.

The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Dinner & Award Presentation is happening on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Those wanting a look at the work by all of the 2025 recipients across both programs can check out the free public exhibition at the Roundhouse from Tuesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 25.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: Free

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.

From Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 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: Nov. 21 to 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 5 and under. Purchase online

FlyOver – Legendary Iceland

What: FlyOver at the Canada Place pier in downtown Vancouver is transporting guests to Iceland in its latest immersive flight ride. Passengers will soar over majestic landscapes in the state-of-the-art ride experience. There will also be a pre-show that showcases Iceland’s landscapes, history and legends.

When: Now until Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Available on-site or online. Booking online beforehand is advised.

Oakridge Park presents The Autumn Palette

What: This fall, Oakridge Park presents The Autumn Palette – a six-week pop-up at the Oakridge Park Gallery celebrating Beauty and Fashion. 

Enjoy a personalized Colour Analysis by Nu’An Colour, a Styling Session with celebrity stylist Michelle Addison using Oakridge Park’s AI-powered mirror, and an indulgent Dior Beauty experience featuring a hand massage, skincare consultation, and a full-size Dior Lip Glow Butter with a custom charm to personalize it

Discover your colours, refine your style, and embrace a touch of luxury this season. Limited tickets are available via the Oakridge Park website or through the link on their Instagram bio.

When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 20, 2025
Time: By appointment between 12 and 5 p.m.
Where: Oakridge Park Gallery – 1067 W Cordova St., Vancouver,
Cost: $95, which gives guests full access to both the Beauty and Fashion activations.. Purchase online

Vancouver Goldeneyes vs Seattle Torrent

What: Vancouver Goldeneyes, the city’s new pro women’s hockey team, take the ice at Pacific Coliseum in November to face fellow expansion team Seattle Torrent on Friday, Nov. 21.

When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Jokers Comedy

What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional stand-ups all over Metro Vancouver. Featuring acclaimed comics that have performed at Just For Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival, on CW and the CBC, and more.

This week, Jokers is bringing the laughs to The Roxy in Vancouver on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Invite your friends and get ready to laugh all night long.

You can also save 35 per cent off your Roxy show tickets by using the promo code DailyHive35.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Roxy – 932 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Eastside Culture Crawl 2025

What: The 29th annual Eastside Culture Crawl returns this November to dozens of buildings across Vancouver’s eastside.

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

When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
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
Admission: Free

Bear Creek Lights

What: The City of Surrey will host the 13th annual Bear Creek Lights from Nov. 7 to 21 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. 21 (closed on Remembrance Day)
Time: 4:30 to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday)
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.

Exclusive Seven-Course Pastry Collaboration Dinner

What: On Nov. 18, Fairmont Pacific Rim pastry chef Kate Siegel will welcome Boulevard’s Kenta Takahashi, Wentworth Hospitality Group’s Oliver Bernadino, and Monarque’s Lisa Yu for a one-night-only pastry collaboration dinner at Botanist.

Together, the team of award-winning pastry chefs will serve a dessert-forward, seven-course, beverage-paired tasting menu, with each dish reflecting the chef’s unique approach to “the last course.”

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Where: Botanist — 1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Cost: $145 plus tax and gratuity

Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on for the week. There are also several artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.

When: Every Sunday until Apr. 26, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Ave. and Trafalgar St., Vancouver

Bonus Stage Ultimate

What: Metro Vancouver-based Bonus Stage is celebrating its tenth anniversary with an Ultimate one-night-only variety show all about video games. The evening will feature live music by missingNo, Thennecan, and The Last Seahorse. There will also be improv comedy, burlesque performers, a costume contest, trivia, and more.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: The Pearl — 881 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: $35 advance, $40 at the door, $50 VIP, plus fees. Purchase online

Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars

What: The Canucks are back at Rogers Arena to take on the Dallas Stars on Thursday, Nov. 20, as the NHL season continues.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online