17 things to do in Vancouver this weekend

Here are some of the top events to check out in Vancouver between November 20 and 22. For a complete list of events, check out the Vancouver Events Calendar.

Vancity Buzz Pop Up Shop

What: Vancity Buzz is launching Vancity Shop, its very own online shopping platform to showcase local brands and businesses! To celebrate the launch, we’re opening a pop-up shop in Chinatown from November Monday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22.
Where: The Playground – 434 Columbia Street, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22; noon to 6 p.m., 5 p.m. on Sunday

Eastside Culture Crawl

What: Explore East Vancouver through culture, arts, design and crafts. The event is focused on the area inside Main Street, 1st Avenue, Victoria Drive and the Waterfront and last year received over 25,000 visitors.
Where: Various shops inbetween Main Street, 1st Avenue, Victoria Drive and the Waterfront, East Vancouver
When: Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22

Deer Lake Craft Festival

What: The first day of one of the best and biggest craft fairs in Burnaby. Everything handcrafted you could ever hope for; jewellery, pottery, clothing, accessories, and more. It’s a dream come true, if you dream of quality handcrafted handbags.
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
When: Friday, November 20; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mercato Italian Christmas Market

What: The MERCATO Italian Market gets into the Christmas mood with a themed market selling delicious Italian goods, homemade products, fruits and vegetables and delicious food.
Where: Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver
When: Friday, November 20; 4 to 8 p.m.

Once – A New Musical

What: Broadway Across Canada presents Once, an eight-time Tony Award-winning musical about a Dublin street musician and the love of his life.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, November 17 to Sunday, November 22; 8 p.m. & matinee dates

Heritage Christmas

What: The Heritage Christmas event is full to the brim with traditional holiday trappings, with brilliant strings of lights lining every building, branch, and bough. Carollers, musicians, dancers, and more will entertain the crowds, and children and adults alike can take part in crafts, baking, theatre performances, and a visit with Santa himself. As always, the famous Burnaby Village Carousel will be offering rides on their authentic 18th Century merry-go-round.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
When: November 21 to January 1; various times

Santa Land at Metropolis at Metrotown

What: Santa Claus will be arriving at Metropolis at Metrotown straight from the North Pole, moving into SantaLand on Friday, November 20th and staying until Christmas Eve. As always, children are encouraged to drop off their letters to Santa at Santa’s mailbox. Just make sure to include a return address and Santa might write back!New this year: Interact with our giant light curtain by choosing your favourite snowflake pattern!
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
When: Santa arrives November 20 unti December 24. Click here for hours.

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

What: A massive Christmas tree at Surrey’s City Hall Plaza will be lit for all to see on Saturday, November 21. The lighting will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m. and the evening will also include performances, story-telling, road hockey, arts and crafts, Santa Claus, a ferris wheel, and more. The SFU Holiday Trolley will also take revelers from Surrey City Mall to City Hall for the event.
Where: The Plaza at New City Hall and Atrium – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
When: Saturday, November 21; noon to 7 p.m.

Hopscotch Festival

What: This festival is all about beer, whiskey and spirits and will provide plenty of tastings, learning events and food pairings. Some tickets are already sold out, so get yours quick.
Where: Grand Tasting, PNE Forum and events/classes at multiple locations
When: Monday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22

Christmas at Hycroft

What: The University Women’s Club of Vancouver at Hycroft presents Christmas at Hycroft, a 40 year long tradition from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22. The stunning Edwardian mansion will be filled with fun holiday themed splendour, including a variety of unique boutiques, crafters, local artisans, and treats.
Where: Hycroft Manor – 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver
When: Thursday, November 19, to Sunday, November 22. Thursday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium

What: Now in its 9th year, this weekly market offers visitors locally-grown fruit and vege, meat, and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal craft.
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street
When: Saturdays, November 7 to April 23, 2016 (excluding December 26); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vancouver Christmas Market

What: Back once again on Queen Elizabeth Plaza, this bustling temporary alpine village will boast unique eats, handcrafted goods, and lots of fun for kids young and young-at-heart alike. The Vancouver Christmas Market will run from November 21 to December 24, and play host to more than 50 vendors selling gift-able treats from holiday ornaments to handmade toys.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Plaza – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
When: November 21 to December 24, 2015, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 24)

CandyTown at Yaletown

What: The free outdoor Christmas festival will transform Mainland Street into a winter wonderland, complete with live music, street performers, local artisans and of course, holiday shopping, plus more.
Where: Mainland Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
When: Saturday, November 21; noon to 7 p.m.

It’s a Wonderful Life

What: The Arts Club has been putting on It’s a Wonderful Life for so many years it has now become an annual Christmas tradition. “George Bailey performs countless good deeds for friends and townsfolk in Bedford Falls, yet all that seems to count for naught when he faces financial adversity. At George’s most woeful moment, his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, swoops in to remind him that faith, hope, and family make life truly wonderful.” – The Arts Club
Where: Granville Island Stage – 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
When: Now until December 26; evening and matinee productions

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Saturday, November 21; 7 p.m.

Hastings Park Farmers’ Market

What: The farmers’ market, which will be operating for the entire winter season, will feature a diverse selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat, dairy and nursery items.
Where: Hastings Skatepark – Renfrew Street
When: Sundays, November 8 to May 1, 2016 (excluding December 27); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks vs. New Jersey Devils

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Sunday, November 22; 7 p.m.