10 things to do in Vancouver today: Sunday, December 23

Dec 18 2018, 3:57 pm

More holiday fun in store for your Sunday! Check out Santa at Capilano Mall, Polar Explorer, and these 10 great Vancouver events on December 23, 2018.

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

Santa at Capilano Mall

Santa Claus/Getty Images

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?

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

IIHF World Junior Championship: Switzerland vs Russia and Canada vs Finland

What: Lordco Road to the World Juniors tournament wraps up with Switzerland taking on Russia in Burnaby and Canada facing Finland in Vancouver.

When: Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 6:30 pm (Burnaby), 7 pm (Vancouver)
Where: Bill Copeland Arena – 3676 Kensington Ave, Burnaby; Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Feast of Seven Fished at Cibo Trattoria

What: Enjoy a seven-course Italian-inspired menu this month for two nights only at Cibo. Features on the spread include slow-cooked octopus and tons of local seafood.

When: Sunday, December 23 and Monday, December 24, 2018
Where: Cibo Trattoria – 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Price: $88; $163 with wine pairings

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2018

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a Sleigh Ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic Reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital. And if you really want to get to know St. Nick, join him breakfast from now to Sunday, December 23, and be sure to get on his good list.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

Family “Science Discovery Fair”

What: Perk your children’s interest in Science in this fun afternoon of discovery and exploration. East Van Kids STEAM’s guest is Wes Wong of the Open Science Network, who will share his incredible collection of Science items that will spark curiosity and wonder. This workshop is supported by the Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) Youth Engagement Committee.

When: Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 pm, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library-Kensington Branch – 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

It’s A Wonderful Life

What: A heartwarming holiday musical for the whole family. It’s a Wonderful Life, set to soaring songs from the 20s, 30s, and 40s, is a timeless holiday classic. With a little help from his guardian angel, George Bailey, is brought back from despair on Christmas Eve to see how he has truly touched all the people in his life.

When: Various dates from now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online

Bright Nights at Stanley Park 2018

What: Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. The attraction in the heart of the park is also accompanied by a train ride, music, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves. The annual tradition, now in its 21st year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – it is a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year, with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life supporting and life enriching services to people in BC.

When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019. Closed on Christmas Day
Time: Schedule available online
Where: Pipeline Road, via the West Georgia Street park entrance.
Train tickets: Adults: $12 / Seniors: $9 / Youth: $9 / Child: $8

East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz

What: When a pipeline bursts, Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land of Oz, aka Nanaimo and Hastings. There, Dorothy is pursued by a Wicked Witch, meets a trio of new friends, and embarks on a magical journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage … and Yoga Pants.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Carol Ships Dinner Cruise

Carol ship/Harbour Cruises

What: You may need to save up for this excursion but it’s likely one of the most unique experiences you’ll have during the winter season. In addition to boarding a beautifully decorated ship, passengers are entertained by live carolers and a traditional holiday menu, featuring slow-roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham. If interested, be sure to call and book in advance.

When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: Boarding typically begins at 6:30 pm with sailing from 7 to 9 pm
Where: 501 Denman Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Admission starts at $76.95 plus taxes and gratuity

Polar Explorer – A Vancouver Maritime Museum Christmas Celebration

What: Drop by the Vancouver Maritime Museum for a winter experience straight from the Arctic. Climb onboard the original polar Explorer, the RCMP boat, the St. Roch. Visit with Santa Claus in the North Pole and build your very own polar explorer that looks just like the St. Roch. There will also be carolers and music to make your visit even more magical.

When: Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: The Vancouver Maritime Museum – 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $11

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