27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: November 29 to December 1

The last weekend of November has arrived! Check out these 27 Vancouver events happening on Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1. Winter in the Village, Vancouver Warriors, and more.

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

Friday, November 29

Vancouver Warriors vs Calgary Roughnecks

What: The Vancouver Warriors kickoff the new National Lacrosse League season with a home game on November 29 against the Calgary Roughnecks.

Fans will receive a complimentary Budweiser, Bud Light, or a non-alcoholic option from 6 to 7 pm. Vancouver’s pro lacrosse team is also offering happy hour pricing from 6 pm until the end of the first quarter, including $2 popcorn, $4 hot dogs, and $5 beer/ciders. The first 2,000 fans will also receive a free Warriors toque.

When: November 29, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Cultus Lake Christmas

What: Cultus Lake Christmas happens at Main Beach and will include a children’s colouring contest, a visit from Santa Claus, a bonfire with marshmallows, hot chocolate and hot cider, and an artisan gift market. Of course, there will also be the lighting of the trees within the park.

When: November 29 and 30, 2019
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Main Beach – Cultus Lake
Admission: Free

Knockout Punchlines: Improv and Stand-Up Showdown

What: Knockout Punchlines Round 2 features stand-up comedians Alannah Brittany, Harris Anderson, Amber Harper-Young, and Byron Bertram inspiring a dozen improvisers to create hilarious scenes. The winning team – as voted on by the audience – will win the Knockout Punchlines Title Belt and the chance to come back to defend their title. Cheer on your favourites.

When: November 29, 2019
Time: Doors 10 pm, show 10:30 pm
Where: Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15

Black Friday Gastown

What: Black Friday Gastown is a shopping experience with real people behind counters selling things that were made thoughtfully at a price that may only come once a year. Explore a variety of curated shops for uncommon and well-made gifts, treat yourself to some of the best culinary fare in the city, and end your day or night out with a cocktail or two.

When: November 29 until December 2, 2020
Time: All Day
Where: Stores throughout Gastown
More Info:Online

Bright Nights at Stanley Park 2019

What: Bright Nights at Stanley Park features over three million dazzling lights decorating acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for all to see and enjoy. The attraction in the heart of the park is also accompanied by a train ride, music, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves.

The annual tradition, now in its 22nd year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year, with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life-supporting, and life-enriching services to people in BC.

When: Now until January 1 (closed on Christmas Day)
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Park Miniature Railway – Pipeline Road, Stanley Park
Admission: $8.40 – 12.60, available online

A Christmas Carol

What: Ron Reed adapts Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and plays Scrooge and 43 other characters in the performance at Pacific Theatre. Directed by Morris Ertman.

When: Various dates from now until December 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Theatre – 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

TOQUE Fundraiser and Craft Fair

What: TOQUE, Western Front’s annual fundraiser and craft fair, features more than 30 Vancouver-based artists and designers. Visitors will be able to find textiles, ceramics, jewellery, books, bags, and home and body products. In between shopping, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including bratwurst and hot drinks.

When: Now until December 1, 2019
Time: November 29 from 6 to 10 pm; November 30 from 11 am to 5 pm; December 1 from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Western Front – 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Saturday, November 30

CandyTown – A Yaletown Holiday Festival

What: The Yaletown Business Improvement Association hosts the eighth annual free outdoor Christmas festival, CandyTown, turning Yaletown into a winter wonderland. Holiday shoppers can finish their shopping list at the local merchants and specialty market while enjoying roaming holiday characters, live music and carolling, and food trucks. Vancouver’s only free outdoor winter market also offers photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a festive cocktail tour. Plus check out the “Winter is Coming” attraction, with ice sculptures, a live swordplay demos, and more.

When: November 30, 2019
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: Yaletown — Mainland Street, Hamilton Street, and parts of Davie Street
Admission: Free

Eastside Flea

What: Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade independent-maker wares to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan food, and more. You’ll also find food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

When: November 30 and December 1, December 7 and 8, December 14 and 15, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Eastside Studios – 550 Malkin Avenue, Vancouver
Price: $3 admission, no one turned away for lack of funds

UBC Farm Markets

What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm and three weekly farm markets (June through October) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming. This market now accepts cash, credit, and debit.

When: Every Saturday until November 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: UBC Farm (UBC’s South Campus) – 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver
Admission: Free

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2019

What: The dazzling botanical garden will be covered in more than a million lights to help ring in the Christmas season. Visitors can stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, take a photo with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the licensed fireside lounge. All tickets, which can be purchased online or at the gate, include a free ride on the carousel.

When: November 30 until January 5, 2020 (closed Christmas Day)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4 pm to 9:30 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $19 online and $21 at the gate. Youth and seniors: $14.50 online and $16 at the gate.

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2019 and 2020 season, and as per tradition, skating is free for all ages. Wedged under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink is operated seasonally by the government when temperatures begin to dip.

Skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site, for a fee. An on-site concession stand will also serve warm drinks and snacks.

When: Daily from November 30, 2019 to February 29, 2020
Time: Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm – Holiday hours vary.
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street and Howe Street)
Price: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates. (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time.) Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only. Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under.

Sum 41 and The Offspring

What: Canadian rock band Sum 41 and American rock band The Offspring will be kicking off a nationwide tour with Dinosaur Pile-Up. The 14-city tour includes a stop at the Abbotsford Centre on November 30.

When: November 30, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Abbotsford Centre — 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online

Dundarave Festival of Lights 2019

What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is back for another season, offering festive, free concerts, a Christmas fair, and a Forest of Miracles. The festival begins with a Christmas tree decorating beach party on Saturday, November 30, at Dundarave Beach. You’ll be able to enjoy concerts in the Longhouse and the Nativity Pavilion for free, decorate the festival’s Christmas tree, and shop at the Christmas Fair.

Dusk will see the official lighting of the Festival’s Forest of Miracles, the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia. It’s free to wander among the magical Christmas trees, which are decorated and sponsored to help raise funds to end homelessness.

When: November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21, 2019
Time: Every Saturday afternoon
Where: Dundarave Beach – 25th Street at Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
Admission: Free

Illenium

What: Chicago DJ and record producer Illenium brings The Ascend Tour to Pacific Coliseum on November 30 with special guests Dabin and William Black.

When: November 30, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: PNE Forum — 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair

What: The Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair is returning for a third straight year. With dozens of unique and exciting vendors, it’s a fantastic place to find locally made gift ideas and stocking stuffers. In addition, all proceeds from the event are donated to the DTES Women’s Centre.

When: November 30, 2019
Time: November 30 from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Admission: Admission by donation

Mensch Jewish Delicatessen Pop-up

What: Mensch will be popping up on select dates at Kafka’s Coffee (577 Great Northern Way) where a selection of eats like its signature slow-brined, smoked, hand-cut New York-style hot pastrami sandwich on fresh rye bread will be available.

When: November 30 and December 14, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Kafka’s Coffee – 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Sunday, December 1

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

What: One of Vancouver’s largest holiday events – the 16th annual TELUS presents the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade – is happening on Sunday, December 1. More than 300,000 spectators are expected to show up for this year’s event, with the parade including over 2,500 participants, 40 floats, marching bands, dance troupes, choirs, and community groups. There will also be a Breakfast with Santa at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Christmas Square at the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza square, and TELUS Photos with Santa happening throughout the day.

When: December 1, 2019
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 am (Breakfast with Santa), 10 am to 12 noon (Christmas Square at the Vancouver Art Gallery), 12 noon (parade), 2 to 4 pm (TELUS Photos with Santa)
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Admission: Free

Winter In The Village

What: Steveston’s Winter in the Village is back for another season. Santa arrives at Fisherman’s Wharf at 1 pm in true nautical style, aboard a whale watching boat. Everyone is invited to take a a photo with Santa inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 2 to 4 pm. Then until December 31st, enjoy a variety of festive events including winter hayrides, Christmas caroling, photos with Santa and other free holiday happenings around the village.

When: December 1, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm. Santa arrives via whale watching boat at 1 pm. Photos with Santa from 2 to 4 pm
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf and Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – Steveston Wharf – 3800 Bayview St., Richmond
Admission: Free

Vancouver Christmas Market – Kids Day

What: On December 1, bring the young ones for Kids Day at Vancouver Christmas Market in support of Children’s Wish Foundation! There will be delicious Kinderpunsch, free arts and crafts, family-friendly live entertainment, carousel rides by donation, a market-wide treasure hunt and more. The 10th annual authentic German-inspired Christmas Market also features a selection of traditional food and beverages, vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and more

When: Kids Day on December 1, 2019. Vancouver Christmas Market open daily until December 24, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Now until December 23), 11:30 am to 6 pm (December 24)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adult, $12.99; seniors, $10.99; youth $6.99 (online) / adult, $15; seniors, $13; youth, $9 (gate admission). There is also free admission for children six and under, $8 Early Bird Admission on weekdays before 2 pm (gate admission), and $10 admission all day every Tuesday (gate admission)

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-km 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: November 30, 2019 until January 19, 2020
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Christmas Tree Festival at Museum of Surrey

What: Bring the family and enjoy the 25 Christmas trees at Museum of Surrey that have been custom decorated by Cloverdale businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite one.

When: December 1 until December 22, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey — 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Photos and Visits with Santa at Capilano Mall

What: Santa Claus is at Capilano Mall ahead of his busiest day of the year. Kick off the holidays with a traditional visit to Santa, who will be available for photos through December 24.

There are special giveaways for those who purchase a photo package with Santa. Plus bring your pet for a visit and a photo with Santa on December 9, December 10, December 16, and December 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

When: Now until December 24, 2019
Time: Varies 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/

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: Now until 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 Price

What: United Players of Vancouver presents Arthur Miller’s The Price. The play tells the story of a New York cop and his rich, estranged surgeon brother meeting for the first time in 18 years to sell off their parents’ furniture. Along the way, they discover the consequences of past decisions.

When: Now until December 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Jericho Arts Centre — 1675 Discovery St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers

What: Vancouver Canucks take on the Edmonton Oilers on December 1 at Rogers Arena.

When: December 1, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party

What: Disney On Ice features acrobatics and stunts on ice with all of your favourite Disney characters. Featuring characters and worlds from Peter Pan, Coco, Frozen, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, and Moana.

When: Now until December 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online