Another festive weekend has arrived in Vancouver, and there’s so much to see and do!
Here are 15 exciting events happening around town from Dec. 12 to 14, including holiday markets, pickleball, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Strathcona Holiday Market
Shane Gallagher / ASTA Studio
What: This holiday season, get your shopping done in one fell swoop while supporting local businesses and artisans in the process.
The Strathcona Holiday Market is happening at 873 and 868 East Hastings on Dec. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s the perfect opportunity to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.
The two-day market features locally made goods and artisan products in a unique shopping experience that celebrates East Vancouver’s culture and community. Browse candles, jewellery, vintage clothing, and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 873 and 868 East Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Zoo Lights
What: Zoo Lights is a multi-sensory journey at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Explore glowing displays and colourful lanterns in the festive event that the whole family can enjoy together.
While you’re at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, climb aboard the Arctic Express, take a photo with Santa, shop the holiday market, and more.
When: Now until Jan. 10, 2026
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: 5048 – 264th St., Aldergrove
Admission: General admission starts at $16, and memberships are also available. Purchase online
Give the Gift of Bordeaux
What: Celebrate the season of giving with a timeless gesture. At BCLIQUOR’s Bordeaux Engraving Event, when you purchase any Bordeaux wine over $100, you’ll receive a complimentary personalized engraving for your bottle—perfect for gifting someone special.
Bordeaux wines are known for their elegance, heritage, and depth. Now, you can make your bottle even more meaningful with a custom message that turns a fine wine into a cherished keepsake.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR Park Royal – 785 Park Royal N., West Vancouver
Cost: Free
Make It The Handmade Revolution
What: Looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list? Want to support local and Canadian makers this season? Then you’ll be excited to know that Make It is returning in December.
With over 100 vendors and makers to discover, you’re sure to find unique items perfect for gifting to loved ones or for treating yourself.
Shoppers at this year’s massive market will find apparel, jewellery, food, artwork, home decor, personal care products, sustainable treasures, one-of-a-kind items, and more.
When: Dec. 11 to 14, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (Thursday), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: $15 at the door, tickets also available online; Kids ages 12 and under enter for free
The Magic of Gastown
Gastown BIA
What: Gastown invites visitors to experience The Magic of Gastown throughout December, with festive entertainment, nostalgic traditions, local businesses’ creative displays, and more.
Enjoy roaming carolers and discover neighbourhood elves as you get all your holiday shopping done underneath the twinkling holiday lights. Plus, on Dec. 14 and 21, you can take a free horse-drawn carriage ride on Gastown’s historic cobblestones.
Enter the Elf on the Shelf contest, listen to a mariachi band, and check out the community-decorated trees. There is also free parking offered on Sundays, so you can make the most of the holiday season.
When: Now until Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Various times for activities and entertainment
Where: Throughout Gastown
Cost: Free
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
Luna Li
What: Luna Li, the Korean-Canadian, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist songwriter, composer and producer got her start during the pandemic. She began self-recording her instrumental jam sessions, layering herself playing violin, piano, guitar, and more.
Li went viral, racking up over 100 million streams and producing a fiercely loyal following. Now with two albums under her belt, she’s worked with artists like Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus, and Hope Tala. See her live for a night of dreampop and divine feminine energy.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $30, purchase online
Vancouver Warriors vs. Las Vegas Desert Dogs
What: The Vancouver Warriors continue the National Lacrosse League season at Rogers Arena this month with a game against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Saturday, Dec. 13.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Dundarave Festival’s Forest of Miracles
Dundarave Festival’s Forest of Miracles
What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia. Discover over 150 uniquely decorated trees and vote for your favourites in several categories, including Most Sustainable, Glitz & Glam, and Most Creative.
The Forest of Miracles is open to the public 24 hours a day until Jan. 7, 2026.
When: Now until Jan. 7, 2026
Time: 24 hours a day
Where: West Vancouver Waterfront from the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach
Admission: Free
Xmas in Skaville 22
What: Xmas in Skaville is bringing high-energy holiday cheer to the Wise Hall in December. The lineup for the 22nd edition includes Balkan Shmalkan, Brehdren, Brasser, The Wavebirds, and Bobbi-Jo Moore & The Elixxxirs. The show promises to heat up the cold winter’s night, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Wise Hall – 1882 Adanac St., Vancouver
Tickets: $25 plus fees in advance, purchase online
Glow Langley
What: Glow Langley is an outdoor Christmas lights festival known for its immersive themes, with the 2025 season featuring the Magic Toy Shop.
The event includes over one million twinkling lights, the newly expanded Ice Palace with dazzling photo opportunities, and six themed lands to explore, including DinoLand and Gingerbread Lane. There is also GlowQuest, the Audio Adventure, and the Glowcomotive train to enjoy this holiday season.
While you’re at Glow Langley, check out the Merry Makers Market with over 20 vendors and seven food trucks.
When: Now until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 6690 216th St., Langley
Tickets: $19.99 plus fees for ages 16 and up, $14.99 plus fees for ages 4 to 15 and 65 years and up. Toddlers 3 and under are free. Family packs of tickets are also available. Purchase online
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters of all ages to glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 12 to 8 p.m. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: Now until end of season
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)
Fairgrounds public racket club opening weekend
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
What: Fairgrounds public racket club is debuting its first West Coast location in North Vancouver at Capilano Mall.
The grand opening celebration includes free play on the 15 indoor pickleball courts and programming from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be activations and giveaways from local businesses like Lee’s Donuts, Greenhouse, Formula Fig, Myo, Barbet, and more. Open to all skill levels.
When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Capilano Mall – 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Steveston Christmas Dog Parade
What: Your favourite canine companions don’t have to feel left out of the festive fun this holiday season, thanks to the Steveston Christmas Dog Parade.
Dozens of paw-dorable dogs and puppies will dress up in holiday attire and parade along Imperial Landing on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where there is more seasonal fun for the community to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. start
Where: Starts at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Cost: Free
Bright Walk in White Rock
What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night throughout the holidays and into the new year. You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront and Memorial Park
Cost: Free