Photo via @vsorchestra/Instagram
It’s getting colder as we descend into the shortest days of the year, but that doesn’t mean the fun starts and ends in your living room this weekend. From a singalong holiday concert to The Nutcracker, here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this weekend (Dec. 19-21).
The Nutcracker is a time-honoured holiday classic, and it’s coming to the stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre thanks to the talented Goh Ballet. Running through the weekend from Dec. 18 to 21, you’ve only got a handful of days to check it out!
When: Thursday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Time: Shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $98.30+
This magical two-hour performance is inspired by the music and story behind one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time, Elf.
When: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $49.50 to $145 per person
Imagine perusing dozens of locally made goodies and treasures at a festive night market. That’s exactly what you’ll find at this Made in the 604 series at The Pipe Shop, and the next holiday night market is coming up this Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
When: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
A holiday concert is coming to Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver, and you can sing along! There’s nothing more festive than gathering with your loved ones for some classic holiday cheer.
When: Friday, Dec. 19 to Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Time: Shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1399 Lower Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver
Cost: $15 to $35 per person
Millions of twinkling lights await at Noel Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. In addition to the light walk, you can snap a photo with Santa, see roaming holiday characters in the Noel Village, and shop local from an on-site Christmas market.
When: Open all week except Dec. 24 and 25, 2025
Time: Time slots between 2 and 8 p.m.
Where: 17905 62nd Ave., #17607, Surrey
Cost: $26.25 per adult, $19.95 per child (ages 7 to 18)
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+
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
Now in its second year, the Shipyards Christmas Market is a European-inspired holiday market that’s completely free to attend, and it’s transformed 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
If you’re on or near the UBC campus, this one’s for you. Wesbrook Village is hosting holiday markets three times a week leading up to Christmas. Visitors can drop by for a lineup of talented local artisans, festive lights, and live music at Norman MacKenzie Square.
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 21, 2025, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 3 to 9 p.m. on Fridays (live music from 4 to 7 p.m.), noon to 7 p.m. on weekends (live music from 2 to 5 p.m.)
Where: 3378 Wesbrook Mall
Cost: Free admission
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
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