Photo via Shutterstock
With December underway, it’s time to get your holiday plans together and enjoy all that the city has to offer during this magical season. Pick up a couple of locally made gifts for your loved ones, sip on mulled wine, see a show, or enjoy some holiday lights. Or do it all — here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Dec. 5-7).
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
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
Santa Sundays are back at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, offering the perfect chance to capture those holiday memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For $5 per person, you can get a special photo and a fun booklet craft activity that allows you to collect stamps around the Garden.
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: 578 Carrall St.
Cost: $5 per person
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
Merry & Bright at Martini Town has transformed the backlot of Martini Film Studios in Langley, and it has everything you need to feel the holiday magic. Nostalgic window displays, festive lights, carolling, nightly visits from Santa, and sweet treats galore. Plus, a portion of all proceeds from the experience will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.
When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 per adult, $20 per senior, $18 for youth (ages 13 to 17), and $12 for children (ages 6 to 12)
This whimsical theatrical production by Wonderheads reimagines the classic holiday tale, The Christmas Carol, featuring 10-foot-tall puppets, an original score, and dazzling masks. And somehow, the story is told without a single word of dialogue!
When: Until Dec. 14, 2025
Time: Showtimes vary
Where: 162 West 1st Ave., #203
Cost: $39+
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
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 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
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+
Recent Posts:
B.C.’s beach town will soon glow with thousands of floating Christmas lights
Vancouver’s Massy Books is having a huge sale and everything is priced at $5 or less
The long weekend is almost here, and although the weather is looking a little gloomy,…
There's something about Drumheller that truly does not feel like Alberta. Maybe it's the massive…
We’re up for another fabulous weekend in the city! And this time, it's a long…
Time to stop saving them for “some day” 💲💸
The long weekend is almost here, and so are tons of other fun festivities, including…
Splitsville Bowl is coming to Toronto, bringing a new spot for bowling, arcade games, delicious…