Welcome to the end of the weekend, Vancouver! We hoped that you’ve enjoyed the past few days, in spite of the hardships the province has been facing. As we head into the new week, we’re also hoping you can find some fun here and there, and we’ve got a few ideas in mind.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this week.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

With well over a million lights and a wide variety of installations, the Festival of Lights at VanDusen is another 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: Starts Friday, November 26th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Tickets: $17.50

Bright Nights Christmas Train

After taking a hiatus last year, the Bright Nights Christmas Train returns to Stanley Park next week! Having only started in 2019, the experience immediately became a must for anyone looking for some family-friendly festivities. And now, it’s back for the season!

When: Starts Friday, November 26th
Where: Stanley Park
Cost: $13+ for GA

Milky Chance

German indie rock favourites Milky Chance are headed to the Orpheum, bringing their nostalgia-infused sounds to the city. Honestly, it’ll be worth it to hear ‘Stolen Dance’ live, cuz that was an anthem for like 2 years straight back in the day.

When: Monday, November 22nd
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $46.50+

Tinseltown

Can’t wait to dive into the eggnog? You’ll be happy to know that a Christmas-themed pop-up bar lands in Vancouver this month. The folks at Hidden Events are hosting a downright devoted bar, which will be packed to the gills with Christmas cheer (and drinks).

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 904 Granville Street
Tickets: $8+

Get Romantic

That’s right folks, maybe this week is the week you and that special someone enjoy a romantic night out. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite picks for the season in one convenient place!

Where: Click the link above for our picks

Cypress Mountain

The first of the Metro Vancouver mountains has opened for the ski season! While the terrain open at Cypress is limited to say the least, this is still a great way to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the views of Vancouver. Laps after work one day? Sounds nice to us.

When: Now open for the season!
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road
Cost: Varies

Steven Shearer Solo Exhibition

The world-renowned artist Steven Shearer is the focus of a new solo exhibition at the Polygon Gallery. Not only has he been featured in spots ranging from The Met to Tate Modern, but this is his first show of this kind in Vancouver in some 14 years.

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: Admission by donation

Student Art Sale

For those looking for even more artsy options, but get some holiday shopping at the same time, this is a great option. If there’s one thing we recommend, it’s the annual student art sale from Emily Carr. Sure, one of them might become a highly-sought after artist. But more importantly, you get to support emerging talent!

When: Starts Friday, November 26th
Where: 520 E 1st Avenue
Cost: Free to attend

Dine Strathcona

This local food festival has returned for another instalment! 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: Now until November 30th
Where: Spots all over Strathcona!

Canyon Lights 2021

That’s right folks, this iconic event is back for the holiday season! There’s no denying that Canyon Lights is a bucket-list activity for tourists and residents alike. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or looping back around to capture the magic, it’s an easy pick this weekend.

When: Starts Saturday, November 20th
Where: 3735 Capilano Road
Tickets: $54.95

That’s our roundup for this week, Vancouver! Can you feel the holidays creeping up? We sure can.