Things to Do in Vancouver in December
Visiting Vancouver this holiday season and looking for things to do? Or perhaps you’re a local looking for a one-stop shop for all things festive in the city?
Our Concierge Team has made a list (and checked it twice) rounding up all the best events and and attractions for you to experience in December. From your festive favourites to a few new additions, this comprehensive and curated list of Christmas markets, sporting events, concerts, and more has got you covered for all your 2023 winter outings. Enjoy!
MARKETS & FESTIVALS
Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza
Dates: November 16- December 24
For times, please visit their website: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/hours-location/
PNE Winter Fair
Dates: December 8-9 & December 14- 23
Times: From 4:00pm- 10:00pm
Location: Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Christmas Artisan Markets
Dates: December 16 & 17
Location: Pipe Shop at the Shipyards in North Vancouver
Vancouver’s Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Date: December 21
Location: Granville Island
Japan Christmas Market Fair
Date: December 2- 3
Location: Robson Square Ice Rink, the Christmas market will include delicious food, crafts, and merchandise from over 75+ vendors.
Liven Up
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays from December 1- 30
Times: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Along the Sewall from Canada Place to Cardero Park
Enjoy a free month-long family-friendly activation that will see lighting installations, artists, musicians, and storytellers animate this spectacular walk.
EVENTS & THEATRE
Big Elf Run
Date: December 9th
This holiday themed run offers a 5km/10km/15km Big Elf Run/Walk (2pm) as well as a 1km Wee Elf Run/Walk (1pm) around scenic Stanley Park. Please note there are closures for the run.
Elf: The Musical
Dates: November – December 31
Location: Stanley Alliance Industrial Stage
Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
Dates: October 21- December 31
Location: Concord Pacific Place
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Celebrate the holidays immersed in the sound of Vancouver’s singing lions.
Dates: December 15,16, & 18 at various times
Location: St. Andrew’s- Wesley United Church
Ravel: La Valse & Boléro
Dates: December 1 at The Orpheum
Dates: December 3 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre
The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Caberet @Newmont Stage
Date: December 1- December 17
Location: BMO Theatre
Vancouver Men’s Chorus presents Making Spirits Bright
Dates: December 8th-10th
Location: Vancouver Playhouse
Ballet BC presents Royal Winnipeg Ballet Nutcracker
Dates: December 7-10
Location: The Centre for Performing Arts
Home Alone in Concert (VSO)
Dates: December 13 & December 14
Location: The Orpheum
GOH Ballet’s: The Nutcracker
Dates: December 14-17
Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The Snowman
Date: December 17
Location: The Orpheum
Magical things happen at the VSO this holiday season! Fun for young and old alike with the festive favourite film The Snowman™ and more wintry musical fun.
CONCERTS
Glass Tiger
Date: December 3
Location: Vancouver Playhouse
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & Ricky Martin
Date: December 10 & 11
Location: Rogers Arena
Contact Winter Music Festival ( Electronic)
Dates: December 27- December 28
Location: Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
SPORTS
Vancouver Warriors vs. Panther City Lacrosse Club
Date: December 1
Location: Rogers Arena
Canada WNT vs. Australia Friendly
Date: December 5
Location: BC Place
Vancouver Canucks vs. New Jersey Devils
Date: December 5
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild
Date: December 7
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Date: December 9
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Date: December 12
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. Florida Panthers
Date: December 14
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Warriors vs. Georgia Swarm
Date: December 16
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks
Date: December 23
Location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver Canucks vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Date: December 28
Location: Rogers Arena
ONGOING EVENTS
Canyon Lights
Dates: November 17-January 21
Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge
Tickets available through your concierge
Soar with Santa- Fly Over Canada
Experience the magic of Christmas this winter as you fly across Canada and up to the North Pole with Santa!
Our Flying Whale Café is hosting Breakfast With Santa on the following weekends: December 2, 3,9 and 10th. Rates -$85 adults / $55 kid includes delicious hot breakfast at 8:30am, admission tickets for the 10am and a souvenir photo. Taxes not included.
Tickets available through your concierge
Bright Nights
Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park.
Dates: November 30- January 1, 2024 (Closed December 25) Open during the holiday season from around 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Please note that tickets to the train are sold out however the light display is available
Location: Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. If using GPS to get there, type in 690 Pipeline Road
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Dates: November 24- January 7, 2024
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Tickets are available exclusively online for a designated time entry. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit vandusenfestivaloflights.ca
Holiday Lights at Granville Island
Dates: November 12 through early January.
Location: Granville Island
Note: If you go between around 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, you can see all the Christmas lights but also shop while the market and all the stores are still open
Holiday Harbour Cruises
Carol & Dinner 2.5 hour Cruise- Dates: December 6- December 21 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Prices: $159 per adult plus applicable taxes
Carol, Dinner & Dancing 3.5 hour Cruise- December 1- December 23 on Fridays & Saturdays only.
Prices: $179 per adult plus applicable taxes
Tickets available through your concierge
Grouse Mountain- The Peak of Christmas
Dates: November 24- December 25
Meet Santa in his workshop, see reindeer Dancer and Vixen, experience the enchanting Light Walk, glide across the Mountaintop Skating Pond, and so much more.
Breakfast with Santa: Advance reservations required. Dates: December 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Mountain admission tickets available through your concierge
Happy holidays!
