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With a rainfall warning issued for the North Shore and no signs of the rain letting up (at least for very long) anywhere in Metro Vancouver, it’s a good idea to pull out your list of things you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Maybe it’s an art gallery visit, a trip to an indoor holiday market, the Granville Island Public Market, or bowling. Whatever it is, now’s your chance to do it!
The Museum of Anthropology is undoubtedly one of Vancouver’s best museums, offering an incredible look at Indigenous cultures from across the world, with a focus on First Nations history in B.C. Its latest exhibition is the world premiere of Jaad Kuujus: Everyone Says I Look Like My Mother, which kicked off at the start of the month.
Jaad Kuujus–Meghann O’Brien is a weaver of Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Irish descent, born in Alert Bay, B.C. Her innovative approach to traditional weaving connects to the rhythms and patterns of nature and machine, and this marks her first solo exhibition
When: Current exhibition runs until March 29, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday
Where: 6393 North West Marine Dr.
Cost: $26 per adult
This month, the Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Victoria Royals (Dec. 13 and Dec. 19), Spokane Chiefs (Dec. 14), Kamloops Blazers (Dec. 28), and Calgary Hitmen (Dec. 30) at the Langley Events Centre.
When: Games throughout December 2025
Time: Various start times
Where: 7888 200th St., Langley
Cost: Varies per game
We consider this to be a quintessential Vancouver activity, regardless of the weather, perfect for any spontaneous day out on the town. The indoor market at Granville Island is always filled with local bites, colourful produce stands, fresh seafood, and artisanal treats, and even if your views are compromised on a rainy day, it’s a beautiful place to roam solo or with a friend.
When: Open daily
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Granville Island
Cost: Free admission
This family-owned bowling alley has been a fixture in the East Vancouver community and a Commercial Drive staple since it first opened in 1947, especially when the weather makes it absolutely miserable to be outside. There are five and ten-pin lanes to choose from, including glow-in-the-dark bowling.
When: Open daily
Time: Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 10 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 2195 Commercial Dr.
Cost: $6.99 to $7.49 per game/person, or $64.99 to $$69.99 per hour/lane
This one’s for coffee and pottery lovers. You can treat yourself to a bit of both at Café au Clay, which doubles as a pottery studio. Here, you can enjoy drop-in pottery painting for $25 to $70 per person, during which time you’ll craft a trinket dish, cup, vase, bowl, mug, plate, or larger piece, and pick it up after 10 to 14 days. This is perfect for those just beginning their pottery journey, or those who want the ambiance of a cafe while creating a gift for a loved one.
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (cafe operations open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: 1612 West 3rd Ave.
Cost: $25 to $70 per person
Whether it’s at an indoor ice skating rink or a covered outdoor one, there are plenty of options when it comes to ice skating in and around Vancouver. It’s a classic cold-weather activity for a reason!
When: Rinks open through February 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Indoor and outdoor ice rinks across Vancouver
Cost: $2 to $10 for skate rentals
Maybe a little bit of culture is what you’re after. And, you’ll absolutely find it when you sit down in the Orpheum Theatre for a VSO performance. From Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons to Home Alone in Concert, to Traditional Christmas music across multiple venues, there are plenty of options to choose from.
When: Concert times vary
Time: Various times
Where: 601 Smithe St. and multiple locations
Cost: Varies per concert
Situated in Queen Elizabeth Park, this conservatory is the place to have a colourful getaway on a grey, drizzly Vancouver day. Escape the downpour and meet some pretty cool tropical birds in the process.
When: Open daily
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 2025
Where: 4600 Cambie St.
Cost: $8.05 per person
Mosaic Art Studio in New West offers guests the chance to create their own, one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamps ($150 for two people), with plenty of workshop dates coming up this month. No prior knowledge or experience is needed to partake, and you get to take home your beautiful creations.
They also have Turkish coffee workshops that dive into the brewing traditions and tasting culture of the region.
When: Dates in December 2025
Time: Time slots between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: 332 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: $150 for two
From The Beatles to Coldplay and Justin Bieber, to timeless composers like Mozart and Bach, there are a ton of Candlelight Concerts taking place across the city this season. And honestly, there’s nothing more romantic than dim lighting and beautiful orchestral music, no matter which genre or era you choose.
When: Upcoming concerts
Time: Varies per concert
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Varies per concert
You don’t have to splurge on museum tickets to enjoy some local art. These free-to-enter museums and galleries have tons of exciting new exhibits covering a wide range of mediums, artistic themes, and countries of origin.
When: Various opening times
Time: Varies per museum
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Right now, you’ve got the added bonus of checking out the free-to-enjoy Shipyards Christmas Market during your next stroll around Lonsdale Quay. Take in the twinkling lights and holiday displays, enjoy a cup of cocoa or mulled wine, and seek shelter when it’s pouring inside the Lonsdale Quay Market.
And if you’re looking to do a bit of holiday shopping while you’re there, you’ve got no shortage of options to peruse at The Polygon Gallery’s free market and the Pipe Shop.
When: Shipyards Christmas Market runs until Dec. 24, 2025, and Lonsdale Quay Market is open daily
Time: Lonsdale Quay Market open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 123 Carrie Cate Crt., North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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