27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: November 22 to 24

Nov 22 2019, 1:00 pm

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Another Vancouver weekend ready for you to enjoy! Here are 27 fun things to do on November 22, November 23, and November 24, including Canyon Lights, Christmas On The Drive, and more.

And for more things happening around town, be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, November 22

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2019

What: The Canyon Lights features thousands of sparkling lights illuminating the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: November 22, 2019 to January 26, 2020 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily; holiday activities run from 4 to 9 pm
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents

Aurora Winter Festival 2019

What: The Aurora Winter Festival, now one of the largest events of its kind in Western Canada, is returning for the 2019 holiday season. The six-week, North Pole-inspired festival will be expanding its event to fifteen acres in size and relocating to Hastings Park.

Upgrades from last year include a larger surface for ice skating, a longer tube park, and double the number of rides and games. Other attractions include a light tunnel showcasing the Aurora Borealis, a story-time theatre with Santa for kids, a giant tube park, ice skating on a frozen pond, six amusement park rides, games, some of Vancouver’s best food trucks, and a market with 40 holiday-inspired vendors.

When: November 22, 2019 until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, General Admission passes start at $17.99 / Senior and Child passes start at $12.99 / Family passes start at $49.99

Tyler Shaw: The Wanted Tour

Tyler Shaw

What: Tyler Shaw, platinum-selling artist, Juno nominee, producer, and actor, is bringing his hits to Vancouver on November 22. He’s racked up more than 17 million YouTube views on the video for the romantic “With You.” His platinum single “Kiss Goodnight,” released in 2012, was a radio favourite, and his recently released “To The Man Who Let Her Go” broke the Top 10 on the Shazam Hot 100 Songs in Canada. The Chinese-Canadian’s new album, Intuition, embraces his heritage. His sophomore release features his Chinese name on the cover. Toronto-based Indie-rocker Craig Stickland will open the show.

When: November 22, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Imperial — 319 Main Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $22.00 (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Eventbrite

Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler

What: True Pulse Theatre Co. presents their first show: Hedda Gabler by Norwegian realist Henrik Ibsen. The psychological drama explores truth in emotion and aims to showcase human behaviour and mental illness in authenticity. Directed by Emilio Merritt.

When: November 22, November 29, December 6, December 7, December 13, December 14 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre — 7646 Prince Albert, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Deer Lake Craft Festival

What: The annual Deer Lake Craft Festival features over 60 artisans selected by a jury for their high-quality handcrafted creations. Browse and buy from sculptors, fashion and jewellery designers, bakers, and more. There will also be live entertainment and a cookie-decorating station for children.

When: November 22, November 23, and November 24, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2019

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a sleigh ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital. And if you really want to get to know St. Nick, join him for breakfast from Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 23, and be sure to get on his good list.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, go here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket.

The Double Axe Murders

What: The Double Axe Murders by Berni Stapleton is a psychological thriller, steeped in Newfoundland folklore, that is based on true events. Directed by Tamara McCarthy and produced by Rusticate Theatre.

When: Now until November 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre — 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online

Saturday, November 23

Santa’s Arrival at Capilano Mall

What: Santa is arriving at Capilano Mall on Saturday, November 23. To celebrate the first day of Photos & Visits with Santa, there will be a “Live from the North Pole” holiday concert and a gingerbread decorating workshop with Mrs. Claus. Plus the first 100 children (age 10 or younger) that purchase a photo package will receive a free Santa lollipop from Purdys Chocolatier. There will also be complimentary Starbucks hot chocolate available at Guest Services.

When: November 23, 2019 (photos available now until December 24)
Time: 11 am to 3 pm. Photo times vary by date.
Where: Capilano Mall — 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Price: Purchase Santa photo package on the day of visit; option to schedule appointment online at capilanomall.com/event-promotions/

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

Christmas Tree

City of Surrey

What: The City of Surrey will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market with a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree. Visitors will be able to enjoy live music and performances by Begonia, Leisure Club, Hotel Mira, and more. Between sets, attendees can ride the Tree Lighting Express, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, or check out the many activities, including holiday market and village, food trucks, and holiday fun zone.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 12 to 8 pm (tree lighting at 6:30 pm)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza and Atrium – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Admission:
 Free

Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair

What: The 37th annual Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair showcases a wide variety of gifts, including handcrafted chocolates, lavender lotions, handmade goods, and more. There will also be live entertainment, prizes, and samples to enjoy.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Dunbar Community Centre – 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Edmonds Festival of Lights

What: Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and hot dogs, and check out the live entertainment and activities. Then watch as the huge tree is lit.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Edmonds Community Centre – 7433 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Vancouver Giants vs Edmonton Oil Kings

What: Vancouver Giants hit the ice against the Edmonton Oil Kings at Langley Events Centre. This evening’s promotional theme is White Spot Legends Weekend.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Infected Mushroom: Head of Nasa Tour 2019

What: Infected Mushroom, the visionary electronic-dance duo, have announced their Vancouver show, which will take place at the Commodore Ballroom on November 23. The act, a combined force of Israeli producers Amit Duvdevani and Erez Eisen, is world renowned for their genre-defying sound and unrivalled production quality.

After two decades of making waves in the electronic music world, Infected Mushroom has earned their reputation as a leader in electronic dance music. They’ve twice been ranked among the 10 Best DJ’s by DJ Magazine, with streaming numbers in the tens of millions.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: Doors open 9 pm, show starts 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $35 (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

LaSalle College Vancouver Open House

What: LaSalle College Vancouver hosts an open house and a variety of free creative workshops on Saturday, November 23. Go on a guided tour of the college, then take part in workshops including VFX, Game Design & Programmin, Interior Design, Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry, and more.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 9:30 to 10 am (check-in), 10 to 10:30 am (guided tour), 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (creative workshops)
Where: LaSalle College Vancouver – 2665 Renfrew Street, Vancouver (at Renfrew Skytrain station)
Register: Online, free admission

Steveston’s Christmas Craft Fair

What: Explore up to 169 vendors with homemade crafts, jewellery, baking, and more at Steveston’s annual Christmas Craft Fair. Treats will also be available for purchase at the concession stand.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
Admission: By cash donation or a non-perishable food item in support of the Richmond Food Bank.

Shaun Majumder

What: Award-winning comedian and actor Shaun Majumder brings the Hate Tour to the Massey Theatre on November 23. His credits include JFL, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, 24, and his documentary series, Majumder Manor. Presented by Laughter Zone 101.

When: November 23, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Massey Theatre — 735 8th Avenue, New Westminster
Tickets: Online

Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs

Graham Osborne/Slap Communications

What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this holiday season, thanks to the return of its annual Winter Light Festival. Light displays on the Harrison Lakefront will showcase the mythical creature hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing. The event will also feature a Christmas tree trail and a brand-new synthetic outdoor ice rink.

The grand opening of Lights on the Lake will take place on Saturday, November 23 from 4:30 to 7 pm, with the lights turning on at 5:30 pm.

When: November 23, 2019 until January 12, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free

Sunday, November 24

Christmas on The Drive 2019

drive

Horse-drawn carriage on Commercial Drive (Christmas on The Drive)

What: Christmas on The Drive, celebrating its seventh year, features traditional festive fare such as horse-drawn carriage rides, a spectacular tree lighting finale, a kids zone with face painters and balloons, and even a visit from Santa himself. There’s also live music, and everyone who attends will receive free hot chocolate and treats.

When: November 24, 2019
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Grandview Park – 1657 Charles Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Luzia by Cirque Du Soleil

What: For the first time in British Columbia, guests will be invited to witness the imaginative and stunning production titled LUZIA, a waking dream of Mexico. Naturally, viewers can expect aerialists, trapeze artists, hoop diving, contortionists, jugglers, and even football freestylers, to name a few of the production’s members. The performance will take place at the redesigned white-and-gold Big Top at Concord Pacific Place.

When: November 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

7th Annual Christmas Tree Festival

What: Get in the festive spirit by checking out the Christmas trees at the Port Coquitlam Museum and Archives and partner locations Leigh Square, Terry Fox Library, and City Hall.

When: Now until January 4, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

West End Holiday Craft Fair

What: The West End Holiday Craft Fair makes a point of offering exclusively handcrafted items and goodies. Located at the West End Community Centre, the market also offers free entry.

When: November 24, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: West End Community Centre – 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

The Black Keys

The Black Keys

The Black Keys / Instagram

What: The Black Keys are performing at Rogers Arena on November 24 on their Let’s Rock Tour. Featuring Modest Mouse and Shannon & the Clams.

When: November 24, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Heart to Home Holiday Market

What: The Heart to Home Holiday Market features local artists’ creations, including chocolates, jams and jellies, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and more. Hot apple cider and live music will be served.

When: November 24, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Heritage Christmas

What: Take a trip back to holidays past at Burnaby Village Museum with Heritage Christmas. See vintage-themed displays, listen to live music, and enjoy theatre performances. There will also be crafts for children, baking in the Farmhouse, and visits with Father Christmas.

When: Now until January 3, 2020 (closed December 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65

6 Holly Jolly Sundays of Art at the Pacific Arts Market

What: This market features local artists exhibiting paintings, jewellery, pottery, photography, and leather goods, to name a few. Each Christmas market will feature tastings, crafts, wine, and more.

When: Every Sunday until December 22, 2019 (except December 1)
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: 2nd floor 1448 W Broadway, Vancouver
Admission: Free

OCIN presents The Break Room

What: Taking place at The Apartment by Case Study Studios, the series of events will see lifestyle and eco-swim brand OCIN showcase their Chapter I collection. Attendees will have the chance to shop the pieces in person, as well as the opportunity to book a free private fitting with OCIN’s founder, Courtney Chew. Also at the pop-up will be like-minded brands: beautiful suitcases and lifestyle travel pieces from Monos, blankets from Minca, and home and gift pieces from Litchfield.

When: Now until November 24, 2019
Time: 

  • Friday, November 22: 12 to 7 pm* (Private OCIN fitting appointments available)
  • Saturday, November 23: 2 to 7 pm * (opens at 2 pm due to morning events)
  • Sunday, November 24: 12 to 5:30 pm

Where: The Apartment by Case Study Studios — #304-857 Beatty Street
Tickets: Pop-up is free; Events starting at $15 — Available via Eventbrite
RSVP: via the Facebook event page

Soak up the Season at the Vancouver Aquarium

What: Scuba Claus will be visiting the Vancouver Aquarium daily to don his flippers and dive with the colourful cold-water creatures in the Strait of Georgia habitat. Returning holiday favourites at the Aquarium also include the electric-eel-powered Christmas tree (with feedings daily at 11:30 am), the tot-friendly kelp maze, and the picture-perfect jelly snow globe. Don’t forget to check out the mistle-toad” near the Frogs Forever Gallery and sneak a kiss or two with your loved ones. After wandering the galleries with cocoa in hand, it’s time for a journey to the North Pole in the Vancouver Aquarium’s 4-D theatre, where The Polar Express 4D Experience plays daily. 

Visitors can also pose for a photo with Scuba Claus between 10 am and 3:30 pm on Saturday, December 7; Sunday, December 8; Saturday, December 14; Sunday, December 15; and December 20 through 24 (cost: $23). 

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Adult: $38 | Senior/Student: $30 | Child (4-12): $21 | Child (0-4): $0 

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