18 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Nov. 9 to 15

Nov 8 2026, 9:00 pm

It’s a shortened work week in Vancouver for many, so let’s fill the time with some fun things to do.

Here are 18 great events happening around Vancouver from Nov. 9 to 15. Remembrance Day ceremonies, a fireworks display, and more.

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

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Lumière Festival 2026

things to do Vancouver

Lumière Festival

What: Vancouver’s free, family-friendly Lumière Festival returns for its 13th annual celebration, lighting up public spaces in the West End, Downtown Vancouver and Gastown.

Explore illuminated art installations, music, storytelling and artistic experiences by predominantly local artists. Wander between neighbourhood plazas after dark, rediscover familiar places and enjoy three evenings of art and community. The full artist lineup and installation details will be announced closer to the festival.

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Where:
 Various locations in and around downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

The Christmas Store at Potters

What: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at a massive holiday-themed paradise that has opened its doors in Metro Vancouver.

The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 22nd year of delighting shoppers with a huge array of décor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Every year, the garden centre transforms its 28,000-square-foot space into a yuletide wonderland. And it’s less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver.

When: Now until Dec. 24, 2026
Where: 19158 48th Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free

Astra Lumina

What: Astra Lumina, an immersive celestial night walk created and presented by Moment Factory, has arrived in Vancouver.

The self-guided outdoor night walk will feature giant light installations, massive projections, scenography, soundscapes and more in the urban park setting.

Guests will visit nine thematic zones on an illuminated pathway in the Stanley Park Railway area while listening to an original cosmic soundtrack.

When: Now until Dec. 31, 2026
Time: Various time slots
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: More information online

Coquitlam Remembrance Day Ceremony

What: Coquitlam’s Remembrance Day ceremony and parade is hosted by the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263 and is open to the public to pay respects.

The parade will start from the Como Lake Middle School at approximately 10:25 a.m. and wind its way along Winslow Street to the Cenotaph on Veterans Way at Blue Mountain Park for a ceremony starting roughly at 11 a.m.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:25 a.m. (parade start), 11 a.m. (ceremony start)
Where: Como Lake Middle School — 1121 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam (parade start), Blue Mountain Park- 975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam (ceremony)

St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks

lights of hope

St. Paul’s Foundation

What: St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign for nearly 30 years.

More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on as of Thursday, Nov. 12, and fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.

There will also be a variety of popular food trucks and vendors on-site for attendees to enjoy.

Lights of Hope 2026 is a momentous occasion as St. Paul’s Hospital approaches its transition to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus next year.

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 (lights will be on display until early January)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free; donations can be made online

Chor Leoni – The Soul Flies Away

What: Chor Leoni presents the 35th annual Remembrance Day observance at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United. The program of music and readings showcases diverse perspectives on war and injustice and honours those who sang their songs. The Soul Flies Away is a concert for community contemplation, reflection, and dreams of peace.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 2 and 5 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church – 1022 Nelson St., Vancouver
Tickets: $20-$73.50, purchase online

INK & DRINK Vancouver

What: On Nov 10, Prophecy Cocktail Bar is hosting a one-night-only pop-up where you can sip a complimentary cocktail, hang out at one of the city’s coolest bars and — if you’re feeling adventurous — get some new ink.

INK & DRINK by Mi Campo Tequila is bringing together cocktails, flash tattoos, and a night out in the city, with Vancouver being one of three stops across Canada.

Where: Prophecy Cocktail Bar, 801 W Georgia St. 
When: Nov 10, 2026
Cost: Book appointments here

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Fall Series

Outdoor Film Festival

Paul Zizka/Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is helping to inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels with its 2026 Fall Series, taking place from Nov. 13 to 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: November 13 to 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

Remembrance Day at City Hall Cenotaph

What: New Westminster is honouring the service of veterans past and present with a Remembrance Day parade followed by a ceremony at City Hall Cenotaph. There will also be livestreamed coverage beginning at 10:25 a.m. on YouTube.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m. parade assembly, 10:25 a.m. ceremony
Where: City Hall Cenotaph — 511 Royal Ave., New Westminster

Gregory Gourdet and Chanthy Yen — Pacific Northwest Dinner Series

What: Chef Gregory Gourdet, from one of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, is set to join Top Chef Canada season 11 winner Chanthy Yen at Touk for a special, one-night-only five-course dinner.

Guests can expect a multi-course menu that moves between Cambodia, Haiti, Oregon, and B.C., with each course reflecting their individual culinary languages while exploring a shared sense of place. Ingredients sourced from producers across the Pacific Northwest will serve as a common thread throughout the meal.

When: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
Where: Touk — 1152 Alberni St., Vancouver
Cost: $199 per person

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum Theatre this fall. The event is led by the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register online

CF Richmond Centre Holiday Tree Lighting

Christmas Tree

Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive

What: Watch Metro Vancouver’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree light up at CF Richmond Centre. The 78-foot tree glows to life in the Outdoor Plaza with live entertainment and a community countdown.

Can’t make the big night? The fully programmable LED tree puts on Light and Music shows every two hours from 2 to 8 p.m. daily through Jan. 3. Pair it with a visit to Santa’s brand-new Mailroom inside.

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Outdoor Plaza, CF Richmond Centre — 6551 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: Free

Vancouver Asian Film Festival

What: Canada’s oldest Asian film festival returns with over 100 films, panel discussions, workshops, networking, and more. This year’s theme is “VAFF at 30,” with filmmakers exploring genres from drama to comedy to much more.

Where: Nov. 5 to 15, 2026
Time: Various times
When: Various locations, including online
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

IndieFest 2026

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 highlights include the Vancouver premiere of Cloud Bodies as well as a two-night showcase of works from re:Naissance’s Convergence Cohort artists. There will also be workshops, networking events, and more.

When: Various dates from Nov. 15 to 21, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: DigiBC Creative Tech Studio and The Annex
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Remembrance Day at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial

poppy

Iryna Tolmachova/Shutterstock

What: All are welcome to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park that begins at 10:30 am. There will be light refreshments and a presentation by Taka Lee Chamber Opera at the Pavilion in Stanley Park after the ceremony.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park

Chutzpah! Festival

What: The annual Chutzpah! Festival celebrates all aspects of Jewish culture, with Canadian and international artists performing theatre, comedy, dance, music, and more at venues around Vancouver.

When: Now until Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Abbotsford Canucks vs Colorado Eagles

What: Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this week, with two home games against the Colorado Eagles on Nov. 10 and 11.

When: Nov. 10 and 11, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Forum – 33800 King Rd., Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

UBC Farm Farmers’ Market

What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, providing students, faculty, and staff with the chance to engage with the community and support local farming.

Shop for farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, seeds and more at the Saturday Multi-vendor UBC Farm Farmers’ Market, which also features coffee and food trucks, baked goods, and more.

When: Every Saturday until Nov. 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Dr., Vancouver

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