10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (December 23-27)

The holidays are here, and the city is glistening with twinkling lights and magical activities for the whole family to enjoy. So no matter what your plans are, we’re here to add one or two more fun-filled events, art exhibits, and holiday shows into the equation. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (December 23-27).

Canyon Lights

Capilano’s world-famous suspension bridge has transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with dazzling light tunnels, a forested flowing path, and twinkling displays galore, and you still have a couple of weeks to check it out.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 19, 2024
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $71.95 per adult

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol 

Set in the 1930s in East Tennessee, this uplifting holiday musical reimagines the classic character of Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where he is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew.

When: Now until Dec. 24, 2024
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Cost: $39+

Sponsored pick: ZWILLING In-Store Boxing Week Sale in the Greater Vancouver Area

From Dec. 9 to 24, enjoy exclusive pre-Boxing Week deals on premium cookware, knives, and kitchen tools. Then, from Dec. 26 to 31, the official Boxing Week Sale offers even more savings. Upgrade your kitchen, find the perfect foodie gift, or treat yourself to Zwilling’s high-quality products. Available in all stores

When: Pre-Boxing Week Sale from Dec. 9 to 24, Boxing WEek Sale from Dec. 26 to 31, 2024
Where: All GVA and Victoria Store Locations
Cost: Free admission

‘To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces’ at the MOA

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC reopened this June, premiering the world exhibition of “To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900-1965.” Taking place in the Audain Gallery, the immersive, mixed-media exhibit explores the ways First Nations in BC represented themselves as Indigenous in urban public spaces during periods of erasure in Canada.

When: Now until Mar. 30, 2025
Where: Museum of Anthropology, UBC
Cost: $25 per adult

Earth Matters at Science World

This immersive exhibition allows you to interact with the natural world and find answers to questions about biodiversity, rising temperatures, and carbon emissions. From exploring a coral reef to visiting an insect hotel, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn more about the planet at Science World this season.

When: Now until Jan. 9, 2025
Where: Science World
Cost: $34.85 per adult, $23.65 to $28.10 per child

Robson Square Ice Rink

For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content at the Robson Square Ice Rink from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.

When: Now open
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals

Shipyards Christmas Market 

This week is your last chance to check out the first annual Shipyards Christmas Market, which has over 75 wooden stalls to peruse. Visitors can also celebrate the season with festive music, ice skating on the outdoor ice rink, mulled wine and cocoa, and North Vancouver’s shining Christmas tree.

When: Friday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, 2024
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Christmas Market 

This year’s Vancouver Christmas Market is in full swing, and it’s the only open-air, authentic German Christmas Market in the city. Enjoy festive lights, sweet treats, free carousel rides, shopping, drinks, and photos under a massive outdoor Christmas tree.

When: Now until Dec. 24, 2024
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $15 for single-entry, $31 for a season pass

Merry / Happy / Jolly at the Improv Centre

Tis’ the Season for laughs at the Improv Centre! Get ready for an interactive show with a festive twist that will turn even the most stubborn grinches into Christmas believers.

When: Now until Dec. 29, 2024
Where: The Improv Centre, Granville Island
Cost: $35 per person

Contact Winter Music Festival

Cap off the week with the annual Contact Winter Music Festival, which is returning with two days of high-energy live music. This year, guests can expect to see deadmau5, Seven Lions, Max Styler, James Hype, and more.

When: Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
Cost: $226.75+

And that’s a wrap on the week, Vancouver!