20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend

Cherish your time off. Here are 20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend.

For more things to do around town, check out our events calendar.

Holiday Fun

Christmas Lights via Shutterstock

Curious Flea Christmas Market

What: We feature collectors who’s wares begin with antiques, run through the vintage and end in the refurbished and kitschy, as well as an excellent selection of artisans who hand make their products from upcycled or recycled bits, or find themselves inspired by the antique, vintage or collectible!
Where: 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
When: Saturday, December 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pop Up Pet Shoppe

What: Local, handmade products for your pets. Pictures with Santa Paws (by donation to The New Westminster Animal Shelter)! Free admission! Support small businesses! Shop local!
Where: 42 6th Street, New Westminster
When: Saturday, December 12; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Got Craft? Holiday Edition

What: Got Craft? brings together 80 makers and indie craft designers showcasing organic bath and body products, accessories, home décor items, toys, greeting cards, and so much more. Holiday shopping is made easy with something for everyone including the tough-to-buy-for foodie, organic fanatic or purist on your list.
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vancouver Christmas Market

What: Over 50 vendors are featured in the event modeled after a classic German Christmas market. It sells festive gifts from holiday ornaments to handmade toys, and is also known for its wide array of authentic European and West Coast fare – from sausages and glühwein to gluten-free goodies and sweets.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Hamilton and Georgia, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Carol Ship Dinner Cruise

What: Book your private table today and be apart of the annual carol ship tradition. Enjoy a night on the water dining our gourmet buffet while viewing the beautiful skyline of our amazing city of Vancouver.
Where: Various locations. Click here for more.
When: Saturday, December 12; various times.

Family Chanukah Party

What: Celebrate Chanukah! Treat yourself to gelt and latkes, make a dreidel and spin it, light the menorah, sing songs and listen to the story of Chanukah. Enjoy this family fun event for all ages.
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre – 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
When: Sunday, December 13; 10:30 a.m. to noon

Check out some Christmas lights

Christmas Tree Lights at Jack Poole Plaza

What: The Christmas Tree Lights at Jack Poole plaza has become an annual holiday tradition for Vancouver families. The lighting ceremony took place on December 4, where four beautiful trees were be lit up with festive lights (one that’s over 50 feet tall). So go to Jack Poole Plaza and check them out – they’re up until the start of January.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hop

What: A longstanding annual tradition at St. Paul’s Hospital has returned: Over 100,000 light bulbs, spanning a length of more than 10 kilometres, are up for the Christmas-time Lights of Hope charity campaign supporting the hospital’s initiatives.
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
When: Display is up throughout November and December.

Holiday Hi-Light Festival

What: More than 50,000 Christmas lights + Family Night with Santa, hot chocolate, face painting and more, supporting North Vancouver Firefighters.
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens, North Vancouver
When: Friday, November 27 to December 31

Dundarave Festival of Lights

What: A beloved West Vancouver tradition returns with the Dundarave Festival of Lights.
Where: Dundarave Park – 25th Street and Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
When: Every Saturday from November 28 until January 2; noon to 6 p.m.

Trinity Street Christmas Lights Festival

What: Located in Hastings-Sunrise, Trinity Street is a residential neighbourhood that goes completely overboard – in a good way – at Christmas time. Take a wander down the street to check out all the houses’ many light displays, and maybe get a few ideas for your own.
Where: Trinity Street – Hastings-Sunrise, Vancouver
When: Throughout December

Chalet Place, North Vancouver Light Display

What: A home up in the high hills of North Vancouver has been lighting up with over 100,000 lights each Christmas for a few years, all in a good cause. The homeowners welcome visitors but encourage a donation to the Harvest Project in return.
Where: 4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
When: Throughout December

Miscellaneous

Pop-up Meditation Studio

What: The Social Yoga, Vancouver’s only mobile yoga studio, is planting a meditation space in front of lululemon on Robson Street on December 12 to allow frazzled holiday shoppers a reprieve from the madness.
Where: In front of lululemon – 970 Robson Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 12; all day.

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

Ice Skating at Robson Square

What: The rink at Robson Square is operated seasonally by the provincial government when the temperatures begin to dip, running from morning into the late evening hours. Skaters can skate for free if they bring their own skates while those without skates can rent a pair on-site. There is also a concession stand serving snacks and warm drinks.
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
When: December 1, 2015 until February 28, 2016; times vary

Music For Refugees

What: A concert by local choirs and musicians to help the Refugees. All donations received will be donated to support Refugees. Please come join us. There will also be a short talk and refreshments.
Where: All Saints Anglican Church – 7405 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby
When: Sunday, December 13; 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Visit a Farmers’ Market

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.

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.

Granville Island Public Market

What: Open year-long, the Public Market at Granville Island is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. There are several produce vendors, along with local food and craft artisans, prepared foods, and much more to see and do.
Where: 1661 Duranleau Street – Granville Island
When: Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vancouver Farmers’ Holiday Market

What: The Vancouver Farmers’ Market gets in the Christmas spirit once a year at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Seasonal vegetables and other goodies will be available to purchase, along with other artisanal items and VFM gift cards and merchandise.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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