Bust out your ugliest holiday sweaters because we’re officially heading into December this week! The city is buzzing with festive energy and bustling with all kinds of fun activities, from skating on a rooftop to winter festivals and holiday villages. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this week.
Robson Square Ice Rink
After taking a hiatus last year, the Robson Square Ice Rink is set to reopen in downtown Vancouver this week! The ever-popular attraction now has an indoor cafe and rental shop, which does make getting your skates off and on that much more convenient.
When: Opens for the season Thursday, December 2nd
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Varies per rental
PNE WinterLights
The PNE’s drive-through holiday experience is back! Load up the car with friends or family and go enjoy nine different light display areas, ranging from ‘Polar North’ to ‘Santa Street’. Really kick of the festivity by grabbing a hot chocolate at the start of the experience, too.
When: Starts Friday, December 3rd
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Cost: $37+ per car
Lumiere Vancouver
This is your last chance to check out some stunning light displays all around Vancouver, and for free we might add! Lumiere has set up shop in English Bay, Granville Island, and in the heart of downtown to name a few spots, offering some very fun installations to see.
When: Ends Tuesday, November 30th
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Free
Dine Strathcona
This local food festival also ends this week! Not only is this is a great way to enjoy some of the best spots in the city, but $5 from each specialty meal/offering will go towards the HAVE Culinary Training Society, which helps disadvantaged members of the community learn about, and find a job in, the tourism and hospitality industry.
When: Ends Tuesday, November 30th
Where: Spots all over Strathcona
Pleasant Pairings
For one night only on Wednesday, December 1st, a variety of shops around Mount Pleasant will be hosting wineries and distilleries from the Naramata region. And, in addition to selling their products, these wineries will also be hosting ‘complimentary tastings’ for thirsty shoppers.
When: Wednesday, December 1st
Where: All around Mount Pleasant
Toque Craft Fair
Don’t tell nobody, but this might just be our favourite option for Christmas markets in Vancouver. Presented by Western Front, Toque Craft Fair is a highly-curated selection of some amazing local makers, and especially those with an eye for design. Say goodbye to flannel-print mugs, and say hello to unique ceramics, jewelry and more that will look good in any space.
When: Starts Wednesday, December 1st
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Emerging From Architecture
Whether it’s a heritage home redone in bubblegum pink, or a brand new home in East Van, this exhibition offers insight into the process and designs of some of BC’s, and by extension Canada’s, most exciting architecture firms. We do write weekly articles on cool homes for sale around BC, after all. So naturally, we think it’s a good idea.
When: Open throughout the week
Where: 2-258 East 1st Ave
Cost: Free to access
VanDusen Festival of Lights
With well over a million lights and a wide variety of installations, the Festival of Lights at VanDusen is a must-see option in the city. After all, it combines an incredible setting with some mind-boggling technology, and that’s a winning combination.
When: Open throughout the week
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Tickets: $17.50
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
For those looking for something a little more active during the holidays, we’ve got the Peak of Christmas. The upper area at Grouse Mountain transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, complete with a mountaintop skating pond, illuminated light walks, and even reindeer!
When: Open throughout the week
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $61 for GA (or $109 for a family of 4)
Grab a Christmas tree
We know, we know, we’re being real early birds about this. But, the sooner you go to pick up a Christmas tree (or get one delivered) the better selection you’ll have. Not that we don’t love the Charlie Brown Christmas vibe, but this year we’re thinking it’d be fun to go all out.
Where: Click the link above for more info
That’s what we have in mind this week, Vancouver!
