10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (December 27-29)

We hope you’re staying cozy and enjoying the holidays, Vancouver, but we’re here to share a couple of exciting developments you might just want to leave the house for. From This year’s Contact Winter Music Fest to the VanDusen Festival of Lights, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (December 27-29).

Contact Winter Music Festival

The annual Contact Winter Music Festival is returning for two days of high-energy live music this weekend, and you won’t want to miss it. 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+

Vandelux 

Evan White (AKA Vandelux) is a Vancouver-born artist playing multiple instruments, who also happens to sing and produce his own music. And he’s coming to town on Saturday, Dec. 28.

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $72.50+

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 

It’s a holiday classic for a reason! Drag queens and artists Jinkx and DeLa (as seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race) are back with a new holiday show that is sure to knock your socks off.

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $84

Steel Panther 

On the flipside, Steel Panther is an American glam metal band consisting of lead singer Michael Starr, Ralph Saenz, Satchel, and Stix Zadinia. Originally formed as “Metal Skool” and “Metal Shop,” the group is known for their energetic live shows and revival of 80s metal.

When: Sunday, Dec. 29. 2024
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $72.50+

Gimme Gimme Disco 

Get your party hats and dancing shoes on, because the Commodore is transforming for an ABBA-inspired ‘Gimme Gimme Disco’ this Friday.

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 2024
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $34.75

VanDusen Festival of Lights

VanDusen’s iconic Festival of Lights will have over one million sparkling holiday lights, so if you haven’t gotten the chance to explore its interactive mycelium displays yet, now’s your chance!

When: Now until Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $28 per adult, $11 per child, $18 per senior/youth

Canyon Lights

There’s still time to check out the enchanting light tunnels, forested pathways, and twinkling lights at Capilano’s world-famous suspension bridge this season.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $71.95 per adult

The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop 

Want to pick up a few gifts for New Year’s as opposed to Christmas? You’ll find plenty at this year’s  Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs until Jan. 5.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

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.

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

Shipyards Skate Plaza 

It’s never a bad idea to lace up those skates at the Shipyards to kick off the weekend! The season of Christmas markets might be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still festive fun to enjoy here.

When: Now open
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

So there you go – Vancouver! Enjoy the last couple of days of 2024!