You worked hard all week and deserve some fun in your life! We’re here to help with our latest rundown of great things to do in Vancouver!
From a holiday tree lighting to the Circle Craft Holiday Market and more, here are 14 fantastic things to do from Nov. 13 to 15.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Fall Series
Laura Szanto / Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is helping to inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels with its 2026 Fall Series, taking place from Nov. 13 to 22 across four cities and a Sea to Sky destination.
The in-person screenings and events feature a thrilling lineup of films celebrating skiing, climbing, mountain biking, and more.
When: November 13 to 22, 2026 (in-person), Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2026 (online)
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices. Multi-Show Saver Pass: Buy tickets to two or more shows and save 15 per cvent off your total. Gather Your Crew Four-Pack: Buy three in-person tickets to the same select show, and get a fourth ticket free for selected shows. Purchase online
Lumière Festival 2026
What: Vancouver’s free, family-friendly Lumière Festival returns for its 13th annual celebration, lighting up public spaces in the West End, Downtown Vancouver and Gastown.
Explore illuminated art installations, music, storytelling and artistic experiences by predominantly local artists. Wander between neighbourhood plazas after dark, rediscover familiar places and enjoy three evenings of art and community. The full artist lineup and installation details will be announced closer to the festival.
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Where: Various locations in and around downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
The Christmas Store at Potters
What: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at a massive holiday-themed paradise that has opened its doors in Metro Vancouver.
The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 22nd year of delighting shoppers with a huge array of décor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Every year, the garden centre transforms its 28,000-square-foot space into a yuletide wonderland. And it’s less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver.
When: Now until Dec. 24, 2026
Where: 19158 48th Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free
Weekend
Forbidden Vancouver’s Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour
kubilayaltug34/Shutterstock
What: Get festive and forbidden this season with the Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour. Acclaimed guided walking tour company Forbidden Vancouver invites you to step inside downtown’s iconic buildings and discover stories of intrigue, jealousy and murder.
Guests will also enjoy beautiful holiday displays in some of Vancouver’s finest hotel lobbies, get a private viewing inside the Marine Building, and stay warm with a delicious hot chocolate from Trees.
When: Nightly starting Sunday, Nov. 15, plus additional tours on weekends and during Christmas week
Time: Various start times
Where: Meet outside 738 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: $49-$54 per person. Purchase online
Astra Lumina
What: Astra Lumina, an immersive celestial night walk created and presented by Moment Factory, has arrived in Vancouver.
The self-guided outdoor night walk will feature giant light installations, massive projections, scenography, soundscapes and more in the urban park setting.
Guests will visit nine thematic zones on an illuminated pathway in the Stanley Park Railway area while listening to an original cosmic soundtrack.
When: Now until Dec. 31, 2026
Time: Various time slots
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: More information online
Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres
What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum Theatre this fall. The event is led by the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.
When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register online
CF Richmond Centre Holiday Tree Lighting
Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive
What: Watch Metro Vancouver’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree light up at CF Richmond Centre. The 78-foot tree glows to life in the Outdoor Plaza with live entertainment and a community countdown.
Can’t make the big night? The fully programmable LED tree puts on Light and Music shows every two hours from 2 to 8 p.m. daily through Jan. 3. Pair it with a visit to Santa’s brand-new Mailroom inside.
When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Outdoor Plaza, CF Richmond Centre — 6551 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: Free
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 p.m.
Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: Sliding scale $15-$25, purchase online
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
What: Canada’s oldest Asian film festival returns with over 100 films, panel discussions, workshops, networking, and more. This year’s theme is “VAFF at 30,” with filmmakers exploring genres from drama to comedy to much more.
Where: Now until Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
When: Various locations, including online
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
IndieFest 2026
What: IndieFest, presented by re:Naissance, is a showcase of new and genre-defying live performances that highlight the people and stories that have been overshadowed by history and tradition.
This year’s festival highlights include the Vancouver premiere of Cloud Bodies as well as a two-night showcase of works from re:Naissance’s Convergence Cohort artists. There will also be workshops, networking events, and more.
When: Various dates from Nov. 15 to 21, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: DigiBC Creative Tech Studio and The Annex
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week
North Vancouver Craft Beer Week
What: Craft beer lovers have cause for celebration because Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week has returned to highlight all the incredible breweries in the area.
You’ll be able to take part in a host of special events at different North Shore breweries, distilleries, and cideries that feature music, food pop-ups, special events, and more.
When: Various dates until Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Participating breweries across the North Shore
Circle Craft Holiday Market
What: It’s never too early to start shopping for those on your holiday gift list, and a long-running artisan fair has returned to the Vancouver Convention Centre to help make the experience a snap.
The 2026 Circle Craft Holiday Market is taking place until Sunday, with over 300 Canadian artisans to discover. You can find clothing designers, jewellers, gourmet food makers, and bath and body product creators — just to name a few.
When: Now until Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Chutzpah! Festival
What: The annual Chutzpah! Festival celebrates all aspects of Jewish culture, with Canadian and international artists performing theatre, comedy, dance, music, and more at venues around Vancouver.
When: Now until Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Abbotsford Canucks vs Colorado Eagles
What: Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this week, with two home games against the Colorado Eagles on Nov. 10 and 11.
When: Nov. 10 and 11, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Forum – 33800 King Rd., Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online