10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Dec. 22-26)

This week marks your last chance to check out Vancouver’s most popular Christmas markets, so in case you needed a bit of last-minute holiday inspiration and magic, you know where to find it. And if you’d rather get your rave gear in order for the upcoming Contact Winter Music Fest, we say go for it. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Dec. 22-26).

Now in its second year, the Shipyards Christmas Market is a European-inspired holiday market that’s completely free to attend, and it’s transformed North Vancouver into a jolly winter wonderland.

When: Until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

It’s the final days to enjoy this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market as well. Don’t miss out on all the new treats to try this year. It’s a staple holiday tradition in the city for a reason!

When: Until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $12 per person

Millions of twinkling lights await at Noel Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. In addition to the light walk, you can snap a photo with Santa, see roaming holiday characters in the Noel Village, and shop local from an on-site Christmas market.

When: Open all week except Dec. 24 and 25, 2025
Time: Time slots between 2 and 8 p.m.
Where: 17905 62 Ave., #17607, Surrey
Cost: $26.25 per adult, $19.95 per child (ages 7 to 18)

Last call for last-minute holiday shopping! Made in the 604 is capping off its holiday night market series this week, with plenty of locally made treasures to shop from at The Pipe Shop in North Vancouver.

When: Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Known as Canada’s ultimate winter rave, Contact Winter Music Fest is returning to the Pacific Coliseum the day after Christmas for two wild nights of electrifying performances and rave visuals.

When: Friday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 100 North Renfrew St. 
Cost: $222.50

You’ve still got time to check out VanDusen’s magical Festival of Lights, which turns the garden’s 15 acres into a walking Christmas fantasy. The series of illuminated paths lights the way through themed displays and interactive exhibits, including the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit.

What makes this experience truly special are the garden’s Dancing Lights, which come to life every 20 minutes from the top of the hour. This year, visitors can enjoy three festive Dancing Lights sets set to holiday music.

When: Until Jan. 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $29 per adult, $19 for youth and seniors, and $12 per child

It’s time for some holiday laughs at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. This new improv show follows a classic sitcom style, with “commercial breaks,” drama, and plenty of festive jokes — and no night is the same.

When: Until Dec. 30, 2025
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $25+

The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest in Canada, and as such, its holiday transformation is something to look forward to every year. Starting Nov. 12, 2025, its Holiday Splash festivities will be back in full swing, with the return of Scuba Claus and a picture-perfect holiday backdrop, the Jelly Snow Globe.

Those who visit the aquarium between Nov. 12 and Jan. 4 will be greeted by over one million glowing lights, bringing a whole new level of warmth and holiday cheer to all the exhibits and marine life.

When: Nov. 12, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Time: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 per person (ages 13 to 64)

Canyon Lights is a quintessential holiday experience in the Vancouver area for a reason. Millions of glowing holiday lights illuminate your way as you explore the iconic suspension bridge and suspended paths.

When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $78 per adult

Langley’s Martini Town filming backlot is once again transformed for the holidays, and you can check it out until the end of the month. Nostalgic window displays, twinkling lights, nightly carolling, and sweet treats galore all await.

When: Until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 per adult, $20 per senior, $18 for youth (ages 13 to 17), and $12 for children (ages 6 to 12)

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