20 fun things to do in Vancouver this long weekend: December 22 to 25

Merry Christmas weekend, everyone!

Keep the spirits bright by checking out these 20 fun things to do in and around Vancouver from December 22 to 25. Elf: The Musical, Bright Nights at Stanley Park, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.

Christmas at Canada Place 2023

Christmas at Canada Place

What: Vancouver may not have any reindeer, but visitors can enjoy the sight of a giant illuminated moose this holiday season at Christmas at Canada Place.

Free Christmas attractions, presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will be taking over the Canadian Trail along the west promenade of Canada Place.

Visitors will get a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays.

When: Now until January 2, 2024
 Time: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Liven UP- Coal Harbour

What: Liven UP – Coal Harbour is a new and free family-friendly activation that brings magic and meaning to the seawall in December. The monthlong event will see lighting installations, artists, musicians, and storytellers showcased along a stunning walk from Canada Place to Cardero Park. Make sure to visit the Harbour Green Stage & Bar for great live entertainment and delicious refreshments.

According to organizers, Liven UP will not only entertain and create a sense of wonder, it will bring people together to share experiences and connect with cultural groups that have helped shape Vancouver.

When: Now until December 30, 2023. Live activations every Friday and Saturday night
Times: Lighting available all day, performances on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 10 pm
Where: Coal Harbour seawall from Canada Place – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver to Cardero
Park – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Back to the Holidays at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre presents Back to the Holidays, a festive family-friendly homage to Back to the Future and A Christmas Carol that is filled with holiday laughs.

Discover the holidays of the past, present, and future through the point of view of an eccentric scientist tasked with helping the hero learn the true meaning of the season and save the town from ruin.

When: Thursday to Saturday until December 23, plus a matinee on December 24, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

City of North Vancouver/Facebook

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is now open, and skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 1 to 8 pm. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Daily until March 31, 2024
Time: 1 to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

Riley Park Winter Farmers Market

What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.

When: Every Saturday until March 30, 2024
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver

Christmas & NYE at Diva at the Met

What: Vancouver’s acclaimed Diva at the Met restaurant is helping guests eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season!

Make plans for its special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts serving up a mouth-watering four-course menu. Each delicious dish is reimagined with a global twist, so make sure to bring an appetite.

Then invite your friends to kickstart 2024 with a fabulous four-course NYE dinner at Diva at the Met! The delectable creations of the talented culinary team are the perfect way to celebrate the year that was and toast what’s to come in the new year.

When: December 24, 25 and 31, 2023
Time: 5 pm onwards
Where: Diva at the Met inside the Metropolitan Hotel – 645 Howe Street, Vancouver
Cost: $99 per person (Christmas feasts), $125 per person (NYE Dinner). Reserve online

Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

Vancouver Christmas Market/Submitted

What: The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and the city’s largest and longest-running Christmas market will be back to delight all ages this holiday season.

Vancouver Christmas Market is transforming Jack Poole Plaza into a huge German-style holiday event until December 24. A popular holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the market offers over 90 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures. There are also plenty of festive activities and live entertainment to enjoy.

When: Now until December 24, 2023
Time: Various time slots available, stay as long as you like
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, children ages 0-6 are free. Purchase online

Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks

What: The Canucks take the ice at Rogers Arena for a pre-Christmas showdown with the San Jose Sharks on December 23.

When: December 23, 2023
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Plant-Babes Christmahanakwanzika Drag Brunch

Enjoy food from Mila’s plant-based menu served with a side of Vancouver’s hottest and most talented performers. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their ugliest Christmas sweaters for a chance to win prizes from Lush Cosmetics, To Live For Bakery, Mila, and more.

When: December 24
Where: Mila — 185 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Time: 11:30 am to 2 pm
Tickets: $43.93

Bright Walk in White Rock

@cityofwhiterock/Instagram

What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night until January 7, 2024.  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 January 7, 2023
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront
Cost: Free

Lebanese Feast Nights

What: Visit Jamjar Canteen in North Vancouver for an all-you-can-eat Lebanese feast. What’s even cooler is you can watch your food cooked right in front of you at one of the many cooking stations placed throughout the restaurant. But be sure to arrive hungry because each ticket to this event includes unlimited access to all the food.

When: December 23, 2023
Where: Jamjar Canteen North Vancouver — 125 Victory Ship Way, Vancouver
Tickets: $42.87 per person

Dockside Happy Hour with Harbour Cruises

What: What’s better than Happy Hour? How about Happy Hour floating by the water with stunning park and water views, a delightful festive atmosphere, and the perfect blend of tasty drinks?

Harbour Cruises is serving up a magical holiday experience every Friday and Saturday until December 23, with 50% off select bottles of wine, $8 1oz highballs, and chilled beers from just $6 to $8. Light bites will also be available to complement the festive vibes.

When: Every Friday and Saturday until December 23. 2023
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Harbour Cruises – 501 Denman Street, Vancouver
Reservations: Book online

Go on a winter hike

Capilano River Regional Park near the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver (StandbildCA/Shutterstock)

What: The days are getting shorter and snow is falling on many of Metro Vancouver’s most popular trails.

But winter is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the nature surrounding our beautiful city. Wandering in the woods and breathing fresh mountain air is a sure way to beat the winter blues, and we have you covered with 15 easy hikes to enjoy year-round.

A Christmas Cocktail Story

What: Each visit to A Christmas Cocktail Story includes a welcome holiday drink, shareable fondue, and holiday treats by chef Karl Gregg. You’ll have your choice of classic craft cocktails with a seasonal twist by Vancouver bartending legend Scotty Marshall. Additional food and drinks are available to purchase at the event as well.

When: Now until December 23, 2023
Where: Dalina Main Street — 687 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $40 per person

Elf: The Musical

What: Arts Club Theatre presents the classic film Elf in a magical musical for the holiday season. All ages will love following along with Buddy the Elf from the North Pole to New York City as he tries to win over his new family with Christmas cheer and syrupy spaghetti. But what can he do when his dad’s on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Jolly Old St. Nick himself?

When: Now until December 31, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Starting from $39, purchase online

Notch8 December Festive Lunch Buffet

Notch8

What: You may have heard about Notch8’s Holiday Haus Afternoon Tea, but get ready to wear your stretchy pants for this event because Notch8 is hosting its December buffet. Indulge in a prime rib carvery station, cheese fondue, rigatoni short rib rags, and plenty more at this all-you-can-eat feast.

When: December 1 to 22
Where: Notch8 Restaurant & Bar — 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: $89 per adult and $50 per child

The Sunday Service

What: The Sunday Service is an award-winning improv comedy troupe that has performed together since 2005. Head down to the Fox Cabaret to wrap up your weekends with a night of laughter. Each show will be inspired by the audience’s suggestions, and you never know when a surprise guest may show up to join the fun.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: $20, purchase online

Ugly Christmas Sweater Toonie Skate

What: Bring family, friends, and your finest Ugly Christmas Sweater for a holiday toonie skate at Bill Copeland Sports Centre. There will be crafts, face painting, and reindeer games for the little ones. Children of all ages can also enjoy a visit from Santa and friends.

When: December 23, 2023
Time: 10:30 am to 2 pm
Where: Bill Copeland Sports Centre – 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: $2, free for children three years and under

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Bright Nights at Stanley Park (Dave Harcus/Submitted)

What: Though the Christmas Train tickets may be all sold out, there’s still lots to see and do at Bright Nights in Stanley Park throughout the holidays. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza.

Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment on their way to the North Pole workshop, where you can take a photo with Santa and his firefighter friends.

When: Now until January 6, 2024 (closed on December 25)
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
Admission: Free for Bright Nights

Blind Date

What: Blind Date is a side-splitting combo of clowning, improv, theatre, and social experiment. Join Mimi, the lead character of the show, as she goes on a blind date with a different person every night. There’s a catch though – her date is picked right out of the audience. Starring Tess Degenstein and Ali Froggatt in rotation and created by Rebecca Northan.

When: Now until December 23, 2023
Time: 6:45 pm (mingle), 7:30 pm (show time)
Where: Tightrope Theatre – 2343 Main Street Vancouver
Tickets: $40 plus fees, purchase online

Abbotsford Canucks vs Ontario Reign

What: Abbotsford Canucks welcome the Ontario Reign for two AHL home games at the Abbotsford Centre.

When: December 20 and 21, 2023
Time: 7 pm
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Various, purchase online