15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: Nov. 21 to 23

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

What: The 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held at Surrey Civic Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23.

The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more.

And new for this year is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink where you can skate for free!

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market

What: A returning pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this week is ready to help you treat your loved ones to unique gifts while supporting the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market, sponsored by BC Rentals, is happening on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Heritage Hall on Main Street.

The free event features creative gift ideas and giveaways, and offers an opportunity to meet low-income entrepreneurs from around Vancouver.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

Got Craft Holiday Market

What: Vancouver can’t get enough of holiday markets, and Got Craft is back to help festive shoppers find the perfect gifts this season.

The Got Craft Holiday Market returns to the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver. This year’s markets will feature 100 local makers and small shops, plus food trucks, hands-on workshops, free DIY zine making, a mobile bookshop, an expanded Mini Makers area for kidpreneurs, and limited-edition swag bags for the first 50 people through the doors each day.

When: Nov. 29 and 30, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC

What: The Whitecaps are in the MLS Western Conference semi-final for the first time in eight years, with a chance to go further than they’ve ever gone before.

The team will take on LAFC in a playoff rematch for the third year in a row, but this time around, the Whitecaps are the ones with home-field advantage. Get your tickets and cheer them on at BC Place on Saturday, Nov. 22.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Botanist x Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018

What: Guests can enjoy a gastronomic and cultural journey where heritage, terroir, and culinary excellence come together at Botanist through the La Grande Dame 2018 x Garden Gastronomy pairing, created by Executive Chef Hector Laguna.

The feature pairing includes fermented potato, cured egg, Parmesan, and wagyu beef tartare served with a glass of Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame 2018.

When: Nov. 22 to Dec. 5, 2025
Where: The Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim — 1038 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Reservations: Online

Santa’s Merry Arrival at Capilano Mall

What: Santa is officially coming to Capilano Mall on Saturday, Nov. 22. To celebrate his grand entrance and the first day of photos and visits with Santa, head down for the Holiday event in the Grand Court from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be an enchanting appearance by Goh Ballet dancers, festive entertainment by young performers from Ava Music & Art Centre Ltd, and more holiday fun for the whole family. Children can get their faces painted like a reindeer and get creative at the reindeer-inspired craft station.

Don’t worry if you can’t make the official arrival, because Santa will be sticking around to spread the holiday cheer with photo opportunities until Dec. 24.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Santa sticks around until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Capilano Mall — 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Burnout Paradise

What: Theatre collective Pony Cam from Melbourne, Australia, brings the hilariously unpredictable Burnout Paradise to Vancouver in November. Witness four performers attempt to complete an escalating series of everyday tasks, such as cooking pasta or brushing their teeth, all while running on treadmills.

The chaotic and comedic show explores the daily grind in a sweaty, entertaining ride.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch Historic Theatre — 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Holiday Light & Music Shows at CF Richmond Centre

What: CF Richmond Centre will host daily lighting celebrations in the outdoor plaza for the holidays

Guests can enjoy the music and light shows, presented by PayPal Pay in 4, showcased on the brand-new, 78-foot holiday tree, billed as the tallest Christmas tree in the region

There will also be visits with Santa, live performances by local musicians, two displays that are part of Fleurs de Villes NOËL, and more for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Now until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Mall hours
Where: CF Richmond Centre – 6551 Number 3 Rd., Richmond

Bonus Stage Ultimate

What: Metro Vancouver-based Bonus Stage is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an ultimate one-night-only variety show all about video games. The evening will feature live music by missingNo, Thennecan, and The Last Seahorse. There will also be improv comedy, burlesque performers, a costume contest, trivia, and more.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: The Pearl — 881 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: $35 advance, $40 at the door, $50 VIP, plus fees. Purchase online

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: Merry & Bright returns to Martini Town this holiday season, transforming the Langley outdoor film set into a festive wonderland.

From Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, wander through movie-perfect streets twinkling with cheery lights, nostalgic window displays, and film-style “snow.” Meet Santa nightly, browse artisan gifts in the Market Lane, and enjoy cozy eats and treats from local vendors.

With live entertainment, roaming characters, and movie-magic décor, it’s the perfect place to make—and capture—holiday memories. A portion of all proceeds from Merry & Bright will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.

When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025 (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays)
Time: Various time slots from 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for youth ages 13 to 17, $12 for children ages six to 12, and free for children ages five and under. 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. Highlights include the musical 8 Gays of Channukah, The Flame storytelling, and more.

When: Now until Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Goldeneyes vs Seattle Torrent

What: Vancouver Goldeneyes, the city’s new pro women’s hockey team, take the ice at Pacific Coliseum in November to face fellow expansion team Seattle Torrent on Friday, Nov. 21.

When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

‘Tis the Sitcom at The Improv Centre

What: The holiday season can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. That’s why the funny folks at The Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island are helping chase away the winter blues with its new seasonal show, ‘Tis the Sitcom.

Audiences will help the improvisers create a brand-new sitcom about a group of friends living in the big city each night. The cast will navigate festive dilemmas, create comedic commercial breaks, and have you laughing all the way through the holiday special.

When: Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, with an opening night performance on Thursday, Nov. 20 and additional shows on Dec. 14, 20, 23, 24, 28 and 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (plus 2 p.m. on Dec. 14, 20 and 24)
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Eastside Culture Crawl 2025

What: The 29th annual Eastside Culture Crawl returns this November to dozens of buildings across Vancouver’s eastside.

Hundreds of artists ranging from painters to glass-blowers and mixed-media creators are expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to their studios.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Thursday and Friday) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Various locations throughout East Vancouver
Admission: Free

Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Free Public Exhibition

What: One of the most anticipated events in Vancouver’s art calendar is coming up fast, and there’s still time for you to take part in all of the festivities.

The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Dinner & Award Presentation was on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Those wanting a look at the work by all of the 2025 recipients across both programs can check out the free public exhibition at the Roundhouse from Tuesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 25.

When: Now until Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: Free