Welcome to the first week of December, Vancouver! Time to lace up your skates (literally) and start making those plans for the holidays, because they’re coming up rather quickly now. So we’ll get right to it: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (December 2-4).
Check out the World Cup matches (even the early morning ones) at this local spot on Davie Street
Get in on the World Cup frenzy this weekend! And if you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch a match, then look no further than The Park Pub & Restaurant on Davie Street. Known for being a prime spot for sports viewing thanks to their 14 screens and killer menu, they’ll be opening at 7 AM this Saturday and Sunday (as well as for all early morning matches throughout the duration of World Cup) with drinks being available as early as 9 AM. And unlike many places, the sound will be ON! Plus they even take resos, so check out their online sports calendar to book your table in advance.
Where: The Park Pub & Restaurant at 1755 Davie Street
When: Now until the end of the World Cup which wraps up on Sunday, December 18th, 2022
Go on a holiday-themed Forest Walk
The Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting a ton of festive events & activities starting this weekend, including a Decorated Forest Walk decked out with festive lights and Scandinavian-style decor. For a unique wintertime experience that combines the best of the holiday season with BC’s breathtaking natural landscape, head on over to Squamish.
When: Saturday, December 3rd to Saturday, December 31st
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Check out this three-day music festival
View this post on Instagram
From Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 4th, the City Centre Artist Lodge on Main Street will come alive with the ultimate three-day community festival. So get ready to dance in your toques and scarves! The massive event will bring together an open studio art sale, live music, food trucks, a full bar, and prizes.
When: Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 4th
Where: 2111 Main Street
Cost: $22.23
Bright Skies Drone Show
And now, for a non-traditional but no less exciting holiday light display: Canada’s largest drone show. Over 300 drones are slated to light up the night sky on Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd in a dazzling 10-minute synchronized show, so make sure you don’t miss it!
When: Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd
Where: Canada Place
Eastside Flea Holiday Markets
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Vancouver without the Eastside Flea. And luckily, their first holiday market of the year is coming up this weekend. Every year, the organizers bring over 50 local vendors selling a diverse selection of goods to Eastside Studios. Shoppers can expect to find everything from handmade jewelry, pottery, art, home decor, etc to vintage clothing, collectibles, and more.
When: Every weekend from Saturday, December 3rd to December 18th
Where: 550 Malkin Avenue
Cost: $10 for admission to all three winter markets
Spirit of the Season Festival
View this post on Instagram
And speaking of holiday pop-ups, North Van’s Little Mountain Shop is a must-hit on your market itinerary. But the headlining act at the Shipyards this weekend is none other than the return of the Spirit of the Season Festival. Enjoy free cocoa, a variety of food truck eats, music, dance, & ice skating performances, and of course, a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting.
When: Saturday, December 3rd
Where: The Shipyards
Cost: Free
Vancouver Tree Lighting
And if you’re looking for another tree lighting closer to home, why not check out the classic downtown Vancouver Tree Lighting? This year’s event will take place outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery ( šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square). And if previous years are any indication, visitors can expect to grab a complimentary cup of cocoa at the free event, and enjoy live musical entertainment.
When: Friday, December 2nd
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Japan Market Christmas Fair
The return of the Japan Market Christmas Fair is almost here. Three 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 3rd and Sunday, December 4th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $4-$7
Rent some skates & lace up
Whether you hit up the Shipyards Skate Plaza or Robson Square, this is a great weekend to get back into ice skating. And for just $5-$7 for skate rentals, this is a no-brainer.
When: Friday, December 2nd to February 28th, 2023
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way or 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 to $7 for skate rentals
Check out a new restaurant
Last but certainly not least, it’s time to fill your stomachs with food from all of Vancouver’s newcomers to the dining scene. From a new Chop Steakhouse location to the highly-anticipated launch of To Live For Cafe, here are some exciting new restaurants & cafes to check out in Vancouver this month.
Where: See what’s opening above
And that’s a wrap on this weekend, Vancouver. We hope it’s a great one!
