10 things to do in Vancouver today: Sunday, December 22

Dec 20 2019, 1:00 pm

Keep the good times rolling this Sunday, December 22 with our picks of 10 things to do in Vancouver today. Check out Vancouver Christmas Market, Christmas at Canada Place, and more.

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

Vancouver Christmas Market

vancouver christmas market

Vancouver Christmas Market

What: The 10th annual authentic German-inspired Christmas Market features a selection of traditional food and beverages, over 80 artisan vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and the opportunity to ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. Guests can also enjoy $10 admission at the gate every Tuesday.

When: Daily until December 24, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Now until December 23), 11:30 am to 6 pm (December 24)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adult, $12.99; seniors, $10.99; youth $6.99 (online) / adult, $15; seniors, $13; youth, $9 (gate admission). There is also free admission for children six and under, $8 Early-Bird Admission on weekdays before 2 pm (gate admission), and $10 admission all day every Tuesday (gate admission)

It’s a Wonderful Christmas-ish Holiday Miracle

What: It’s a Wonderful Christmas-ish Holiday Miracle is a new Canadian comedy by Marcus Youssef about a family during a complicated season. With music from Songs for Christmas and Silver & Gold by Sufjan Stevens. Presented by Arts Club Theatre.

When: December 22, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Goldcorp Stage at The BMO Theatre Centre — 162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Christmas at Canada Place 2019

What: Free Christmas attractions presented by the Port of Vancouver will be taking over the Canadian Trail, along the west promenade of Canada Place from now until January 1, 2020, from 8 am to 11 pm daily. This year’s festivities include a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place being illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays. And make sure to stop by Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” a massive 15-ft-tall moose light sculpture. Snap a photo to commemorate a fun time at Christmas at Canada Place.

When: Now until January 1, 2020
 Time: 8 am to 11 pm Daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

East Van Panto: Pinocchio

What: East Van Panto returns for their seventh year with Pinocchio, created by playwright Marcus Youssef, composer Veda Hille, and director Stephen Drover. When a lonely old ice-cream seller named Gelato is given a puppet by the mysterious Beckwoman of Commercial Drive, his dreams of having a child suddenly come true. Join a locally famous cricket, an angry orca, and a dastardly fox as poor Pinocchio does his best to tell everyone the truth and become a real boy. But why are Pinocchio’s limbs always growing?

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Christmas Tree Festival at Museum of Surrey

What: Bring the family and enjoy the 25 Christmas trees at Museum of Surrey that have been custom-decorated by Cloverdale businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite one.

When: December 22, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey — 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

A Traditional Christmas with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: A Traditional Christmas

What: The VSO plays its annual Traditional Christmas concerts at Orpheum Theatre on December 22. Enjoy singing, storytelling, and holiday cheer with host Christopher Gaze, and special guests.

When: December 22, 2019
Time: 4 and 7:30 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Heritage Christmas

What: Take a trip back to holidays past at Burnaby Village Museum with Heritage Christmas. See vintage-themed displays, listen to live music, and enjoy theatre performances. There will also be crafts for children, baking in the Farmhouse, and visits with Father Christmas.

When: Now until January 3, 2020 (closed December 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65

Festive Afternoon Tea

What: H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore offers a Festive Afternoon Tea during weekends from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm until December 29. Guests can expect a Tourtière, a Confit Turkey Sandwich, a Squash Soup, and a Smoked Salmon & Cucumber sandwich on rye bread, alongside a Yule Log, Festive Profiterole, Frangipane Cake, Gingerbread Cake, and a picture-perfect Festive Cotton Candy Bonsai Tree.

Whether you choose to sip on Tealeaves Nutcracker Black Tea Blend, the Tealeaves Organic Herbal Sugar Plum Fairy, or dabble in boozy concoctions like Mulled Wine, the limited-time menu is bound to get you in the holiday spirit.

When: Weekends until December 29, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: H Tasting Lounge (Westin Bayshore) – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Price: $55 per person; reserve online

6 Holly Jolly Sundays of Art at the Pacific Arts Market

What: This market features local artists exhibiting paintings, jewellery, pottery, photography, and leather goods, to name a few. Each Christmas market will feature tastings, crafts, wine, and more.

When: Every Sunday until December 22, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: 2nd floor 1448 W Broadway, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Soak up the Season at the Vancouver Aquarium

What: Scuba Claus will be visiting the Vancouver Aquarium daily to don his flippers and dive with the colourful cold-water creatures in the Strait of Georgia habitat. Returning holiday favourites at the Aquarium also include the electric-eel-powered Christmas tree (with feedings daily at 11:30 am), the tot-friendly kelp maze, and the picture-perfect jelly snow globe. Don’t forget to check out the mistle-toad” near the Frogs Forever Gallery and sneak a kiss or two with your loved ones. After wandering the galleries with cocoa in hand, it’s time for a journey to the North Pole in the Vancouver Aquarium’s 4-D theatre, where The Polar Express 4D Experience plays daily. 

Visitors can also pose for a photo with Scuba Claus between 10 am and 3:30 pm from December 20 to 24 (cost: $23). 

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Adult: $38 | Senior/Student: $30 | Child (4-12): $21 | Child (0-4): $0 

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