10 things to do in Vancouver today: Sunday, December 16

Dec 12 2018, 3:25 am

Start up your Sunday with our rundown of 10 great things to do in Vancouver on December 16. Make It! Holiday Show, Vancouver Canucks, and more in store!

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Make It! Holiday Show

What: The Make It! Holiday Show is a fun, upbeat shopping experience that hosts a number of artists, crafters, and makers from all across Canada. Each year, in addition to more than 265 exhibitors, the holiday show features a beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Parking for this market is $12.

When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Times vary based on date
Location: The PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: $8 at the door, kids ages 12 and under are free

Gingerbread Village 2018

Gingerbread house (Leena Robinson/Shutterstock)

What: The Downtown Surrey BIA’s second annual Gingerbread Village is a charity event that raises money for the Surrey Christmas Bureau. The creations will be on display at Central City Shopping Centre from December 8 to 16 near the Winners and can be viewed during mall hours. Make a cash donation anytime during Gingerbread Village to vote for your favourite, and the creation that raises the most money will win. All donations raised will go toward the Surrey Christmas Bureau to help them support low-income families during the holidays.

When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: Regular Mall Hours
Where: City Central Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Blvd, Surrey
Admission: Free

Eastside Flea Holiday Markets

What: Boasting a DJ, beer, and a wide selection of eats from a variety of food trucks, this flea market plays more like a party than anything else. Find plants, collectibles, handmade items, and vintage clothing from over 5o vendors. On-leash dogs are permitted at the market.

When: Now to Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: The Ellis Building – 1024 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: $3 for single-day entry, $5 for the entire weekend

Christmas Tea on the Train

What: Climb aboard Port Moody Station Museum’s decorated 1920s passenger train car, the Venosta, and enjoy tea, hot chocolate, and scones while listening to Christmas music.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: One hour seatings at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm
Where: Port Moody Station Museum – 2734 Murray St., Port Moody
Admission: $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 or under ( Kids two or under free). Reserve at 604-939-1648 or email [email protected]

In the BAG Family Sundays

What: Come and make art. Get your minds humming with a visit to the gallery and then into the studio for family-friendly art projects. October’s theme is Chinese brush painting.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Suggested $5 donation

Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers

What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their regular season vs the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena.

When: Sunday, December 16, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Polar Express Train Ride 2018

What: Hosted by West Coast Heritage Railway Park in Squamish, it’s an opportunity for kids and not-so-grown-ups to be whisked away on a magical trip to the North Pole. Guests will sip on hot chocolate and munch on cookies as they experience a fantastic festive adventure. Passengers are also encouraged to get cozy and wear their pyjamas – just like in the book. Once you arrive at your destination you’ll have the chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and even visit Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.

When: Weekends from now to Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Time: See full schedule online
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Tickets: $35 to $59, available online

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: The annual Gingerbread Lane has taken over the lobby of the Hyatt Regency. This year’s display features more than 30 gingerbread creations designed by secondary schools, professionals, and amateur culinary artists. As well as providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for local charities with more than $80,000 secured to date.

When: Now to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street
Admission: Free

Aurora Winter Festival

Aurora Winter Festival Toronto

Aurora Winter Festival Toronto/Brandon Artis Photography

What: Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival. The festival takes place at Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place and runs from

When: Now to Sunday, December 30, 2018. Closed on select days
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $14.99-$19.99. Infants three and under are free

Santa at Capilano Mall

What: Santa Claus has arrived at Capilano Mall ahead of his busiest day of the year. Kick off the holidays with a traditional visit to Santa who will be available for photos from now through December 23. There’s going to be special giveaways for those who purchase photo packages with Santa. Feel bad about leaving your pet at home?

Capilano Mall is hosting evenings dedicated for pet photos and visits with Santa. Simply bring your pet along to the mall on December 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Remember that all pets must be leashed or in crates and kept calm while they’re at Capilano Mall.

When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Times: Times vary by date
Where: 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Price: $19.99 – $34.99 – Purchase Santa photo package on the day of visit

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