As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect upon the year and enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer. With plenty of holiday markets, light displays, pop-up bars, and shows to check out, consider this list your one-stop shop for activity ideas this upcoming month. From VanDusen’s annual Festival of Lights to an all-new Christmas market, here are 32 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this December.
Live events & concerts
TALK: Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees Tour
This Canadian singer-songwriter hails from Stittsville, Ontario, and is best known for his hit 2021 single “Run Away to Mars.”
When: Monday, December 2nd
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $41.75
Billie Eilish
That’s right, Billie is bringing her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour to Vancouver at the start of the month, and fans won’t want to miss it.
When: Tuesday, December 3rd
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $518+ on SeatGeek
Taylor Swift
Yup, it’s finally time, Swifties! Taylor is making her way to the city on December 6th, 7th, and 8th for her Vancouver leg of the Eras Tour. If you’re one of the lucky fans who managed to get tickets, consider starting (or capping off) your night with a sip at one of these Vancouver bars as different eras.
When: Friday, December 6th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $3,261+ on SeetGeak
The Eras Pre-Party at the Bentall Centre
Speaking of, on Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th, Swifties can get concert-ready at the Bentall Centre from 3 to 6 pm with an array of Taylor-themed fun, all free to access!
When: Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir Street
Cost: Free
The Eras Food Tour (Granville Island’s Version)
Vancouver Foodie Tours is hosting a special edition food tour that Swifties won’t want to miss. The Eras Food Tour will take participants on a tour of Granville Island’s very best, with Eras-themed eats at Benton Brothers Local Cheeses, Lee’s Donuts, Hobbs Pickles, and more.
When: Friday, December 6th to Sunday, December 8th
Where: Granville Island Public Market
Cost: $118.93 per person
Marianas Trench
Juno Award-nominated pop-rock band Marianas Trench is in town this month, and they’re from Vancouver! So get ready to celebrate local talent at the Orpheum on Thursday, December 12th.
When: Thursday, December 12th
Where: The Orpheum
Cost: $178.50
Squamish At Dusk
This holiday season marks the return of the Lower Mainland’s newest winter lights tradition: Squamish At Dusk. Equal parts art exhibition and festival of lights, Squamish at Dusk is an enchanting winter experience marked by whimsical light installations and family activities in the Adventure Centre.
When: Thursday, November 28th to December 14th
Where: 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $7 to $15 per person
Sponsored pick: Christmas at Canada Place
Open 7 am to 11 pm daily from November 29th to January 1st (even on the holidays), Christmas at Canada Place is your go-to spot for holiday cheer. This year, you can experience the nostalgic tradition of Woodward’s Windows, the twinkling of the iconic Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Trees.
When: November 29th to January 1st, open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
Where: Canada Place
Cost: Free admission
The 9th Annual Funk The Halls Featuring The Funk Hunters
The Funk Hunters are a Canadian EDM and DJ duo from Vancouver, and every year, they put on a two-day, high-energy Christmas show. This year, they’re performing at the Commodore on Friday, December 20th.
When: Friday, December 20th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $53.75
Contact Winter Music Festival
The annual Contact Winter Music Festival is returning to Vancouver this December 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, December 27th and Saturday, December 28th
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.
When: Saturday, December 28th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $72.50+
Steel Panther
Switching gears a bit – 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, December 29th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $72.50+
Candlelight Jazz: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Looking for a cozy date night experience just in time for the holidays? Consider a candlelit orchestra concert featuring music from the beloved classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
When: Saturday, December 21st
Where: Christ Church Cathedral
Cost: $45+
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen’s iconic Festival of Lights will have over one million sparkling holiday lights this year, as well as a new interactive mycelium installation and a display inspired by BC’s gamed Great Bear Rainforest.
When: Friday, November 29th to January 5th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $28 per adult, $11 per child, $18 per senior/youth
Arts & Culture
Shipyards Christmas Market
The brand-new Shipyards Christmas Market will feature over 75 wooden stalls adorned with twinkling holiday lights, with a variety of unique artisanal gifts for sale. Visitors can also celebrate the start of 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, November 29th to December 24th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Holiday Shop: Wreath Making Workshop
Want to craft your own Christmas wreath to really ‘wow’ your guests over the holidays? There’s a free wreath-making workshop at The Polygon that you won’t want to miss this upcoming month, and no previous experience is required!
When: Sunday, December 1st
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Charity Thrift Store
On Saturday, December 14th, local thrift and consignment store Fits the Bill will be hosting a charity thrift sale, with proceeds going towards the local non-profit Fresh Roots, which transforms urban spaces into places where young people can grow their own food.
The sale will feature amazing quality women’s and men’s apparel for a great price, and shoppers will help further an even better cause.
The sale will be held at the City Centre Motel on Main St, with lots of great quality men’s & women’s clothing available at (true!) thrift prices.
When: Saturday, December 14th
Where: City Centre Motel
Cost: Free admission
Free night at Vancouver Art Gallery
The next free night at Vancouver Art Gallery is coming up on Friday, December 6th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, December 6th and the first Friday of every month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Free admission
Japan Market Christmas Fair
A group of Japanese-Canadian vendors have teamed to put on this two-day Japan-inspired market, complete with local art, crafts, and delicious eats. Early bird tickets go for just $4 a pop, or $7 for two adult tickets. Note that each ticket is good for one of the two days that the Christmas Fair runs.
When: Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $4 to $7
The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop
If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 13th to January 5th.
When: Now until Sunday, January 5th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Make It Vancouver
Vancouver’s premier handmade market is back with its 16th-anniversary celebration and market from December 12th to 15th at the PNE Forum, and there will be a whopping 250 local vendors to check out, including food trucks and licensed beverage vendors.
When: Thursday, December 12th to Sunday, December 15th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $10 to $12 per person
Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
With whimsical characters, daring acrobatics, and vibrant costuming and sets, ECHO is a celebration of everything we know & love about Cirque du Soleil. And Vancouverites will be able to see it all unfold onstage starting this October, so be sure to snag tickets sooner rather than later!
When: Wednesday, October 9th to December 15th
Where: Under the Big Top, Concord Pacific Place
Cost: $68 to $78+
Food & Drink
Winterlust – H Tasting Lounge
Reservations are now available for this year’s Winterlust dome dining experience at H Tasting Lounge, which boasts heated interiors and panoramic views of the city. Up to six guests can indulge in a feast of tableside-flamed mains and inventive sides and sips.
When: Starting Friday, November 1st
Where: 1601 Bayshore Drive
Cost: $150 minimum food & beverage per dome
Vancouver Christmas Market
Looking ahead to the holiday season? The Vancouver Christmas Market is coming back earlier than you might think! While it’s not free to enter, single-entry is currently priced at $15 per person, which will be the market’s lowest price this year. So snag your tickets early if you’re eyeing a couple of dates!
When: Now until December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $15 for single-entry, $31 for a season pass
New West Farmers Market Holiday Market
The fifth annual New West Farmers Market Holiday Market is this December, and you won’t want to miss it. Holiday shoppers will have the chance to shop from over 80 local artisans and food vendors, enjoy live music, and soak up the best of the season.
When: Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th
Where: 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster
Cost: Free admission
The Holiday Bazaar in Cedar
Granted, this one’s a bit further out of Vancouver, but we had to include the free-to-enter Holiday Bazaar in Nanaimo. With an array of locally-crafted art, gifts, and sweet treats, you’re sure to enjoy your time perusing and find some great gifts in the process.
On December 7th, there will be an appearance by Santa from 12 pm to 3 pm.
When: Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
Where: 2388 Cedar Road, Nanaimo
Cost: Free admission
Outdoors & Sports
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.
When: Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, January 19th
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $71.95 per adult
PNE Winter Fair
From 4 to 10 pm on 12 nights in December, the PNE is transforming for its annual Winter Fair, and the cheapest days to check it out are December 6th to 8th, 12th, and 16th and 17th, when admission is priced between $14 and $20 if you purchase your tickets ahead of time!
So take advantage of those times and enjoy this year’s dazzling light displays, indoor skating, and Christmas-themed concerts.
When: December 6th to 8th and December 12th to 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $14 to $20 for online tickets
Robson Square Ice Rink
Who’s ready to kick off ice skating season at Robson Square? For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.
Upon opening, the ice rink will operate from 9 am to 9 pm.
When: Opens Friday, November 29th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Shipyards Skate Plaza
Speaking of ice skating, you can soon lace up at the Shipyards’ popular skate plaza starting on November 30th.
When: Opens Saturday, November 30th
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights
The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is on this year, bringing a mix of decorated antique cars, trucks, and floats to the historic town centre of Cloverdale.
The parade will start at 5 pm on Sunday, December 1st. Note that there will be several groups along the parade route selling food and novelties as well, with proceeds going to charity!
When: Sunday, December 1st
Where: Cloverdale, BC
Visit a Japanese garden
The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden is somehow even more magical in the fall and winter, with vibrant maple leaves to welcome you. Enjoy a quiet stroll or simply sit and immerse yourself in nature.
When: Open throughout the fall
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, UBC
Cost: $7 per person
And that’s a wrap on December things to do and 2024, Vancouver!
