Nothing says it’s the holidays like a slew of free-to-enter Christmas markets, a festive Ferris wheel, and multiple paths illuminated by warm, twinkling lights. It’s hard not to get into the holiday spirit when the city transforms like this every year. So with that in mind, here are 12 of the best things to do in Vancouver this week (Dec. 1-5).

Vines Art Society Holiday Market

Vines Art Society is hosting a holiday market this week, where you’ll be able to explore the work of over 30 queer, BIPOC, and DTES artists.

When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: 312 Main St. 
Cost: Free to reserve your spot

African Christmas Market  

The African Friendship Society is hosting its third annual Christmas market at the Moberly Arts Centre, where you’ll find a wide variety of authentic African goods, arts, and crafts. Plus, your free admission includes complimentary African snacks and free arts and culture activities for children up to 12 years old.

When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 7646 Prince Albert St. 
Cost: Free admission

Sponsored pick: Destination Downtown Vancouver

Destination Downtown Vancouver brightens up the city centre this winter with festive, family-friendly and affordable activities. Enjoy all the city has to offer, including Ferris wheel rides, skating and free entertainment, sparkling lit words and animals tucked around every corner, contests, and more.

The Ferris wheel will operate from Tuesday to Sunday at the following hours:

  • 3 to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday
  • Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays
  • Noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays

The skating rink will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with performances on select nights.

When: Dec. 2, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026 (ferris wheel), Dec. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026 (skating and free performances)
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
Cost: Free admission

Shipyards Christmas Market

Now in its second year, the Shipyards Christmas Market is a European-inspired holiday market that’s completely free to attend, and it’s transforming North Vancouver into a jolly winter wonderland.

When: Until Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden 

VanDusen’s stunning Festival of Lights has transformed the garden’s 55 acres into a magical network of illuminated pathways. Highlights include themed displays and interactive exhibits like the mycelium installation, the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit, and, of course, the Dancing Lights, which come to life every 20 minutes from the top of the hour.

When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $29 per adult, $19 for youth and seniors, and $12 per child

Sponsored pick: 12 Days of Downtown 

This December, Downtown Van is teaming up with twelve downtown Vancouver businesses to turn up the holiday cheer! From December 1-12, 2025, each day brings something new, from special promotions and festive deals to exciting giveaways to make your downtown visit even brighter.

When: Dec. 1 to 12, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Multiple participating businesses
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Christmas Market

It’s officially time to get in the holiday spirit, because the Vancouver Christmas Market is back in full swing. Sip on mulled wine, peruse this year’s vendors and check out the new holiday bites and attractions.

When: Thursday, Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $6.99 for GA until Nov. 12, 2025

MPNH Holiday Market

This holiday market at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House will focus on Latin American and Middle Eastern women entrepreneurs, with attendees from the Women in Power and Women in Motion programs. Vendors have been growing their skills through a series of workshops and will be debuting their creations at this market.

When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 800 East Broadway 
Cost: Free admission

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Canyon Lights is a quintessential holiday experience in the Vancouver area for a reason. Millions of glowing holiday lights illuminate your way as you explore the iconic suspension bridge and suspended paths.

When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $78 per adult

‘Tis the Sitcom

It’s time for some holiday laughs at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. This new improv show follows a classic sitcom style, with “commercial breaks,” drama, and plenty of festive jokes — and no night is the same.

When: Until Dec. 30, 2025
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $25+

Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Heritage Museum has opened its annual Festive Village, which is completely free to enjoy. Visitors can expect roving seasonal entertainment, festive bites, warm lights and light installations throughout the open-air museum, exhibits centred around the theme of sports and games for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 1 to 9 p.m. on weekends (closed on Mondays)
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free admission

Kringle’s 

Holiday sips, anyone? The ultimate holiday pop-up bar is back at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Kringle’s will bring twinkling lights and cozy, decorated corners to the forefront, where guests are beckoned in by Christmas spirit and Christmas spirits.

When: Until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: 900 West Georgia St. 
Cost: Book a table online

Have a great week ahead.

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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