10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in December | Daily Hive

Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree

Enjoy the Vancouver theatre and arts scene with our list of 10 great shows happening in December!

This month features The Nutcracker, The Singing Christmas Tree, East Van Panto, and more happenings on stages all around the city.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.

Goh Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Goh Ballet

What: It simply wouldn’t be the holidays without The Nutcracker. That’s why we’re excited that Vancouver’s own Goh Ballet will soon be bringing the beloved show to life, along with some international stars.

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is taking over the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for five performances. With its iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky played live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and a diverse cast of over 250 dancers, watching this ballet in December is a tradition that spans generations.

When: Thursday, Dec. 18 to 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

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Fleurs de Villes Noël

What: The seventh annual Fleurs de Villes Noël is happening in Vancouver from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 15. The stunning activation creates a “floral art trail” that decorates Vancouver’s downtown core with some of the city’s top florists and local businesses being inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas.

When: Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 15, 2025
Where: Various locations in Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol

What: Described as one of the most unique theatrical interpretations of the famous Charles Dickens’ story, A Wonderheads Christmas Carol is bound to put you in the holiday mood.

Get ready to enjoy 10-foot-tall puppets, stunning masks, an enchanting original score, and moving stagecraft at The Arts Club this holiday season.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Dave Chappelle

What: Dave Chappelle announced a series of arena shows this December, and the screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor is performing at Rogers Arena on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The Chappelle’s Show co-creator and star has earned over 30 nominations and awards for television and film projects, including a Best Comedy Album Grammy for The Dreamer.

When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery

What: The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until Sunday, Jan. 4. Visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor throughout the season will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists. There will also be weekly interactive activities for guests to enjoy.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver
Cost: Free

19th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship Finals

Vancouver Story Slam

What: The 19th annual Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship is the grand finale of the 2025 Vancouver Story Slam season. Ten storytellers bring their best stories to the longest-running storytelling event of its kind in Canada.

The winner, selected by an anonymous audience ballot, will receive a share of $2,500 in cash prizes as well as the title of the year’s Vancouver Story Slam Champion. Stories are not pre-screened and are as unique and entertaining as the people telling them.

When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man

What: Take part in a thrilling Jury in an interactive, live theatre courtroom drama where you help make the final verdict.

The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man, will see the audience making the difficult decisions to help guide the story. Get ready to unpack evidence, dissect witness testimonies, and weigh the arguments at Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Tits The Season!

What: Tits the Season! by Helvetica Productions at the Rio Theatre is an over-the-top festive extravaganza featuring the city’s best drag, burlesque, circus, and variety performers. There are two shows hosted by Miss Kiss and headlined by King Molasses, the first-ever winner of King of Drag.

Other acts that will bring the holiday cheer to the stage include Batty Banks, La Dame Derrière, Helvetica’s Follies, Homo Hardware, Ariel Helvetica, Cali Cobalt, the Vancouver Burlesque Co., Mx Bukuru, and Quantum Roller Duo.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. (early show), 10 p.m. (late show)
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $40-$75 plus fees, purchase online

East Van Panto: West Van Story

What: East Van Panto’s latest all-ages theatrical extravaganza tells the story of a holiday romance caught in the middle of a dance battle and a housing crisis

Follow Holly and Joes as they try to find love and laughter as two families and two cities struggle over development and low-income housing.

When: Now until Jan. 11, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree

What: Broadway Church’s Singing Christmas tree is full of songs, drama, dance, and more. This year’s holiday production is themed “The Music Box” and will treat audiences to performances by singers, an orchestra, dancers, actors, and acrobats.

The highlight is a massive Christmas tree filled with over 80 choir members singing on 10 levels.

When: Dec. 5 to 7 and Dec. 12 to 14, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fridays), 3 and 7 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Broadway Church – 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online