7 things to do in Vancouver today: Wednesday, December 18

One week to Christmas. Here are seven events to get you in the festive mood on Wednesday, December 18, including Aurora Winter Festival, Festival of Lights, and more.

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

Aurora Winter Festival 2019

What: The Aurora Winter Festival, now one of the largest events of its kind in Western Canada, is returning for the 2019 holiday season. The six-week, North Pole-inspired festival will be expanding its event to fifteen acres in size and relocating to Hastings Park.

Upgrades from last year include a larger surface for ice skating, a longer tube park, and double the number of rides and games. Other attractions include a light tunnel showcasing the Aurora Borealis, a story-time theatre with Santa for kids, a giant tube park, ice skating on a frozen pond, six amusement park rides, games, some of Vancouver’s best food trucks, and a market with 40 holiday-inspired vendors.

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, General Admission passes start at $17.99 / Senior and Child passes start at $12.99 / Family passes start at $49.99

Winter Treasures

What: The fifth Annual Winter Treasures features handcrafted gifts, fine crafts, art, and décor by local artisans. The Winter Treasures Artisan Market is held in conjunction with Blackberry Gift Shop’s annual Christmas Marketplace.

When: Now until December 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Improv Against Humanity: Christmas Special

What: The Fictionals and special guest Chase Padgett celebrate the Christmas Season with a Horrible Holiday Special at the Rio Theatre. Enter to play in the CAH tournament for your chance at Christmas gifts, enjoy hilarious comedy, and help crown the new Most Horrible Person in Vancouver. Plus wear your best Ugly Christmas Sweater for more chances to win prizes.

When: Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2019

What: The dazzling botanical garden will be covered in more than a million lights to help ring in the Christmas season. Visitors can stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, take a photo with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the licensed fireside lounge. All tickets, which can be purchased online or at the gate, include a free ride on the carousel.

When: Now until January 5, 2020 (closed Christmas Day)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4 to 9:30 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $19 online and $21 at the gate. Youth and seniors: $14.50 online and $16 at the gate.

Steveston Festival of Trees

What: The event allows merchants and community groups from the Steveston area to show off their creative talents by decorating their own Christmas trees, which will be on display inside the historic cannery for a friendly competition. Receive a token with your admission to vote for your favourite tree, or bring a donation for the Richmond Food Bank to receive a voting token on market days.

When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Cannery Farmers’ Market – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Regular admissions apply

Anonymous Art Show 2019

What: Anonymous Art Show is a group exhibition and North Vancouver Community Arts Council fundraiser showcasing work by over 300 emerging and established artists. The artists behind each 8” x 8” artwork remains anonymous until the piece has been bought.

When: Now until December 18, 2019.
Time: 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
Where: CityScape Community Art Space – 335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Holiday Hi-Light Festival

What: The 31st Annual Holiday Hi-Light Festival has more than 150,000 lights on display over three acres. Entry is by donation and 100 per cent of proceeds go to North Vancouver Firefighters and their various appointed charities

When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation