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The last weekend of November has arrived! Get into the holiday spirit with these 27 events happening in Vancouver on Friday, November 23, Saturday, November 24, and Sunday, November 25. Aurora Winter Festival, Heritage Christmas, and more.
And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Aurora Winter Festival
What: Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop to lacing up your skates on the Frozen River, there is something for every age at the Aurora Winter Festival. The festival takes place at Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place and runs from
When: Friday, November 23 to Sunday, December 30, 2018. Closed on select days
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $14.99-$19.99. Infants 3 and under are free
Hopscotch 2018 – Grand Tasting Hall
@hopscotchfestival/Instagram
What: One of the most exciting events happening during the festival is the Grand Tasting Hall, taking place from November 23 to 24 at the PNE Forum. Attendees will be able to peruse the 50,000-sq-ft venue and enjoy food, wine, music, and of course whisky and spirits too. The 23rd run of the spirited event will feature local food vendors including The Pawn Shop, Dixie’s BBQ, Juno Kim, and BKH along with 116+ beverage brands.
When: Friday, November 23 to Saturday, November 24. Hopscotch on until Sunday, November 25
Time: Various times
Where: Grand Tasting Hall at PNE Forum
Price: Tickets vary; buy online
Limited Bourbon County Brand Stout release in Vancouver
What: Brewers at Goose Island use 100% malt for Bourbon County Stout, and six different malts weighing a total of nearly 5,000 pounds are used in every brewhouse turn. Soon you’ll be able to get a taste of Goose Island’s iconic brew because 84 bottles of Bourbon County Brand Stout 2018 are being released in Vancouver on the most appropriate day: Black Friday, November 23. To get your hands on a bottle, visit the Liquor Depot at 3415 Cambie Street where doors will be opening at 9 am. Since there are only a limited number of bottles, it’s wise to arrive early as a lineup is expected for this ultimately famed brew.
When: Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: Doors 9 am
Where: Liquor Depot – 3415 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Price: Free to attend, bottles available for purchase (must be legal drinking age)
More info: Online
Christmas in Leigh Square
What: Vendors will be offering a wide variety of local, handmade products. From prepared foods to artisan crafts there is sure to be a treasure found for everyone. Throughout the weekend there will be food trucks, kids crafts and holiday characters to get everyone in the festive spirit.
When: Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 4 to 8 pm (Friday) 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday)
Where: Leigh Square – 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
FUSE: Art/Music/Performance
FUSE November 2017/Scott Little
What: An evening filled with art, music, and performance. Since its inception in 2005, thousands of art enthusiasts have visited the Gallery to experience innovative and experimental live art, explore the exhibitions on view, and relax in the artist bars. FUSE: Object Lessons derives inspiration from the couture gowns presented in Guo Pei: Couture Beyond, where Chinese cultural tradition combines with heritage and contemporary aesthetics. The event is further provoked by Dana Claxton: Fringing the Cube. Claxton uses regalia, clothing, and other culturally specific objects in her videos, photos and performances to think through representations of Indigenous peoples and cultures.
When: Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: 8 pm to midnight; doors open at 7:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street
Price: General admission $29 | Members $15 – Tickets available via Vancouver Art Gallery
Black Friday Weekend at Metropolis at Metrotown
What: BC’s largest mall, Metropolis at Metrotown, is hosting its sixth annual Black Friday weekend event so you can start your holiday shopping early. Kicking off on Friday, November 23 at 8 am, there’s going to be incredible promos and deals happening right through Sunday, November 25. Working late on Friday? Not a problem — Metropolis at Metrotown is extending mall hours to 10 pm so you can stop by at a time that works with for your schedule. With over 100 participating retailers, you’ll easily find new staples for your winter wardrobe, gifts, accessories, perfumes, and much more.
When: Friday, November 23 to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Various
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
More Info: Online
Enchant Christmas Light Maze Seattle 2018
What: Enchant is billed as the world’s largest Christmas light maze. The event made its debut in Vancouver in 2016. If you want to relive the magic, a three-hour drive down south will allow you to enjoy Enchant once again. The Seattle event is similar to Vancouver’s and will include a giant Christmas market, an ice skating trail, food and drink vendors, live entertainment, and Santa’s workshop. The massive holiday light maze in the middle of the field is the main attraction.
When: Friday, November 23 to Sunday, December 30, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Safeco Field — 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle
Tickets: Available online, $19.00 to $49.99
Saturday, November 24, 2018
CandyTown – A Yaletown Holiday Festival
What: The Yaletown Business Improvement Association hosts the 7th annual free outdoor Christmas festival –CandyTown. Last year, an estimated 15,000 people came out to Candytown to kick off the holidays at Downtown Vancouver’s only free winter festival. Holiday shoppers are invited to start their seasonal gift buying in Yaletown with local merchants as well as a specialty market carrying unique gifts and holiday treats. Stilt walkers and roaming holiday characters will interact with revellers, to the wonderment of tots – while live music and carolling will set the stage for Yuletide cheer. There will also be horse carraige rides by donation, visits with Santa and the Ice Queen, and more entertainment.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 12 to 7 pm (tree lighting at 6:30 pm)
Where: Yaletown
Admission: Free
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market
City of Surrey
What: The City of Surrey will be hosting their 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 Warren Dean Flandez, Dawn Pemberton, Lovecoast, the Westcoast Harmony Chorus, and The Piano Man. In between sets, attendees can enjoy a number of food trucks, take part in ice carving demos, join in a five-hour road hockey game, take pictures with a life-sized snow globe, and meet a number of athletes from the BC Lions. Children will be able to ride a miniature Christmas Train, as well as free amusement park rides from Shooting Star Amusements, including a “berry-go-round” and a miniature Ferris wheel. And of course, what holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa?
When: Saturday, November 24, 2019
Time: 12 to 7 pm (tree lighting at 6:30 pm)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza and Atrium – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
Vancouver Giants vs Victoria Royals
What: Vancouver Giants take on the Victoria Royals in WHL action at Langley Events Centre.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online
Edmonds Festival of Lights
What: Visit Santa and enjoy hot chocolate, hot dogs, entertainment and activities. Great for all ages.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Edmonds Community Centre – 7433 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair
What: The 36th annual Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair will feature over 140 local artisans, hundreds of handmade crafts, food, and entertainment. Over 2,000 visitors attend each year, with tickets available online, by phone, or in person.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Dunbar Community Centre – 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
Admission: $4 if purchased in advance; $5 at the door
Blueprint 2018
What: UBC Biztech is inviting scientists, artists, tech-lovers, entrepreneurs, and students to attend the 2018 Blueprint conference. Blueprint provides attendees with the opportunity to experience and learn about emerging and groundbreaking fields in the tech industry. There will be 10 engaging workshops to attend, all taught by industry leaders. Ten companies will also be on site to showcase how technology is impacting our community.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Where: UBC Nest
Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm
Tickets: Available online, $25 for members, $35 for non-members
Christmas Craft Fair
What: Check out up to 169 vendors with homemade crafts, baking, jewellery, foodie items and more. A great shopping opportunity for unique gifts that takes place in Steveston Community Centre’s Net Shed. A concession stand will be available with yummy treats.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton St., Richmond
Admission: By donation or a non-perishable food item in support of the Richmond Food Bank.
Santa at Capilano Mall
Santa Claus/Getty Images
What: You don’t have to wait until December to experience the magic of Christmas because Santa Claus is coming to Capilano Mall this weekend. Like any magical holiday icon, Santa will be making a grand entrance at his arrival event on Saturday, November 24. Visit the mall’s Grand Court from 11 am to 3 pm where you’ll get to enjoy a live performance and fun for the whole family. This includes a ‘Live from the North Pole’ Christmas concert featuring local band Rellish, who will be performing Christmas classics.
When: Saturday, November 24 to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Times: Times vary by date
Where: 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Price: $19.99 – $34.99 – Purchase Santa photo package on the day of visit
Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair
What: The 35th annual Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair will feature thousands of handmade crafts, 140 local artisans, various entertainers, and prizes. Over 2,000 people attend each year and find wonderful gifts and delicious prepared foods such as cakes, cookies, jams, and jellies.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Dunbar Community Centre – 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online
Vancouver Babes Who Brunch
What: The November edition of Vancouver Babes Who Brunch features local boss babe Kaya Dorey, the Creator of Novel Supply Co. She cares about the mark we leave on our planet and is disrupting the fashion industry through a closed-loop conscious apparel lifestyle brand.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am to noon
Where: Per se Social Corner – 891 Homer Street, Vancouver
Price: $45; buy online
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Heritage Christmas
Sleigh and reindeer/Burnaby Village Museum
What: Stroll through the streets of Burnaby Village Museum to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Many family-favourite activities are back including craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and visits with Father Christmas.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018 to Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65
A Day for the Birds
What: Drop-in for a tour of the park’s wildlife garden and learn how to make a bird’s garden habitat with responsible feeding practices. This event is for all ages.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Richmond Nature Park – 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Admission: By donation
The Legendary Student Art Sale at Emily Carr University
What: The Legendary Student Art Sale at Emily Carr University is back for its 45th year, and it needs to be seen to be believed. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, some artwork and items to bring new life to your home, or you simply want to buy nice things for yourself, this sale should be an appointment event for you. Once you arrive, you’ll find original paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculpture, along with photographs, prints, wearable works, housewares, greeting cards and more — created by more than 200 students. Best of all, you’ll discover and support the work of emerging designers and artists while you shop.
When: Friday, November 23 to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 12 pm to 8 pm on Friday, 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday/Sunday
Where: Emily Carr University of Art and Design, 520 East 1st Ave, Vancouver BC
Admission: Free
Lights at Lafarge Lake
What: Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver, and features more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-kilometre loop through 10 themed zones. The display is located just steps from SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and the lights will remain on from dusk each night until 11 pm.
When: Begins Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free
The Bocuse d’Or Team Canada Brunch Vancouver
What: A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience featuring 16 of the city’s top chefs cooking up a storm for a fundraising brunch in support of Bocuse d’Or Team Canada, the country’s national representation at the most prestigious culinary competition in the world. Guests will be able to enjoy several food stations featuring Canadian products such as foie gras, caviar, salmon, and chocolate to name a few.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Vancouver Club – 915 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Price: $75; buy online
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: Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: West End Community Centre – 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Admission: Admission to the event is free.
Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs
Graham Osborne/Slap Communications
What: A sasquatch-themed festival that hopes to share some of Harrison’s favourite ways to spend time outdoors. Light displays on the Harrison Lakefront will showcase the mythical creature hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing. The celebration will also include a Christmas tree trail, Whoville-themed village, and cabin-style New Year’s celebration. An inaugural lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 24 at 5:30 pm, including hot chocolate and treats, a Sasquatch, and a number of other surprises.
When: Saturday, November 24 to Monday, January 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free
Bloom Holiday Market
What: Established in 2011, Bloom Market runs multiple times per year at the historic Fort Langley Community Hall. Admission is $2, and kids under 12 are always free. And proceeds from each market benefiting a local charity, which changes with each Bloom Market.
When: Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Fort Langley Community Hall – 9167 Glover Road, Langley
Admission: $2 admission, kids ages 12 and under are free
Rollin’ With The Expert & Rox.C.Rolla
What: The High-End Dinner Series Presents: Rollin’ With The Expert & Rox.C.Rolla. Kick off the event at with ‘Joint Rolling 101’, an instructional workshop taught by ‘The Expert’ Craig Ex of EXPERT JOINTS, assisted by Rox.C.Rolla. Visit the complimentary ‘Bud Bar’ to choose from premium selections to roll up, munch on gourmet infused sushi rolls by The High-End Dinner Series Culinary Director and Red Seal Chef, The Budder Chef – Adam Barski. Finally, mix, mingle and sesh at 4:20 pm at the indoor/outdoor space as the DJ spins hot hip hop tracks.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 2 to 7 pm
Where: Main St, just outside Chinatown. Exact address will be emailed to guests prior to the event.
Tickets: Online
Kit And Ace Metrotown Pop-Up Shop
What: Kit and Ace has opened a pop-up shop at Metropolis at Metrotown to celebrate the holiday season, and this is the first-ever time the brand has had a physical presence in Burnaby. Visitors to the pop-up will have the chance to win a head-to-toe Kit and Ace look featuring both the Navigator and Brushed French Terry fabrics. Look for the mannequins wearing these looks and leave your email address to be entered to win. Two winners will be selected at the end of each month. Shop the latest products at the Kit and Ace pop-up in Burnaby or at the brand’s other locations in Vancouver. This includes the flagship store at 165 Water Street and the West 4th Avenue location in Kitsilano.
When: Open now through Thursday, January 31, 2019
Time: Regular mall hours
Where: Level 1 through Entrance 4 on the left, Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Price: Free admission
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