We’re getting close to the holidays, folks. And you know what that means: Holiday light installations, pop-up bars, and exciting holiday concerts all await. So if you haven’t had the chance to treat yourself to something festive yet, now is a great time to do it. Without further ado, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (December 12-16).
PNE Winter Fair
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For 10 nights in December, the PNE Winter Fair will feature Christmas-themed concerts, an indoor skating rink, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, and of course, a quintessential winter light display. Oh, and plenty of tasty doughnuts and holiday treats to go around, of course. And the grand holiday event kicks off this week on Wednesday, December 14th!
When: Wednesday, December 14th to Friday, December 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $15 for Fair admission, concerts additional (require fair admission)
Home Alone in concert
This year, you can see this holiday fave in concert in addition to your screen at home. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone in concert, performing renowned composer John Williams’ “charming and delightful score.”
When: Wednesday, December 14th and Thursday, December 15th
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $31.90+
Music for the Winter Solstice
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Music on Main is returning to Heritage Hall this December with a special concert ahead of Winter Solstice 2022. And while the concert doesn’t technically fall on the astronomical first day of winter, it’s definitely bringing all of the warm, candlelit vibes we need to pretend that it is. If you’re looking for a cute date night idea or event to mark a special occasion, this is it!
When: Wednesday, December 14th and Thursday, December 15th
Where: 3102 Main Street, Heritage Hall
Cost: $18 to $49
Kane Brown
American singer Kane Brown is bringing his Drunk or Dreaming Tour to Rogers Arena on Thursday, December 15th. And he’s come a long way since first capturing the public’s attention with his EP in 2015. His highly-anticipated third studio album was just released this September, and he even made 2021’s Time list of 100 most influential people in the world.
When: Thursday, December 15th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $48.75+
Check out this holiday rave
Yes, you read that right. The Beaumont Studios is hosting a holiday-themed rave by Leave Us Lost & Jk Gaultier, and we’re sure this one will definitely get you on your feet.
When: Friday, December 16th
Where: 316 West 5th Avenue
Cost: $22.75
Make a gingerbread house
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They’re fun to make, and even more fun to eat – and let’s face it, a little friendly gingerbread-house-making competition never hurt anyone. Luckily, these spots around Vancouver are offering guests the option of making their own gingerbread houses, either in-store or at home.
Where: See picks above
Vancouver Giants
This Friday, December 16th, the Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Winterhawks. So if you need a break from the World Cup viewing, head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre.
When: Several dates in November
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $16 GA
Visit the largest Christmas store in Western Canada
It’s now peak holiday shopping season – and the perfect time to pay a visit to the largest Christmas store in Western Canada. And we don’t just mean for gifts – it’s officially time to bust out the Christmas decor, if you ask us. Thankfully, Surrey is home to the largest Christmas store in Western Canada, with over 28,000 square feet of ornaments, lights, and more.
When: Now open
Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Check out a new restaurant
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From a new rustic Italian spot called The Farmhouse, to the highly-anticipated launch of Novella Coffee Bar, here are some exciting new restaurants & cafes to check out in Vancouver this month.
Where: See what’s opening above
Enjoy some covered patios
There’s no better way to enjoy the season than with a couple of patio drinks shielded from the cold. And if there are fire pits or heaters to warm your stay – even better.
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on this week, everyone. We’ll check back in soon.
