Photo via @canucks / Instagram
Whether it’s a silent film accompanied by live music, a Canucks game, or The Nutcracker, you’re in for a jam-packed week of fun in Vancouver. All that’s left to do is fill your weekday schedule with some of the events below. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Dec. 8-12).
Cheer on the Canucks first thing this week as they face off against the Detroit Red Wings.
When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $88.56
Do you love revisiting old cinema? Why not immerse yourself in the 1920s silent movie era this Monday? The Orpheum hosts Silent Movie Mondays, screening popular silent films accompanied by live music on the historic Wurlitzer organ, which is the last of its kind still played in its original home.
When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 884 Granville St.
Cost: $23.40
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
The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest in Canada, and as such, its holiday transformation is something to look forward to every year. Starting this week, its Holiday Splash festivities will be back in full swing, with the return of Scuba Claus and a picture-perfect holiday backdrop, the Jelly Snow Globe.
When: Nov. 12, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Time: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 per person (ages 13 to 64)
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to the stage in Vancouver with its iconic production of The Nutcracker, and it kicks off this week. As one of North America’s most historic dance companies, it’s a holiday show that’s not to be missed!
When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $34 to $166
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
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
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+
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
For the first time in Canada, Harry Potter fans of all ages can visit the “Forbidden Forest” at Stanley Park. Visitors follow an illuminated path filled with magical creatures like unicorns and hippogriffs to a themed village, where they’ll find nostalgic bites and sips, souvenirs, and bespoke Harry Potter merch.
When: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, to February 2026
Time: Slots available between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m.
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $43+
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
Glacier-fed lakes are gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but it's always a win when you…
A new cultural garden is officially coming to Toronto, and organizers say it will become…
Saving and donating 🚗🔥
If you're tired of the same old shopping trips to the mall, there's a new…
Immerse yourself in the quiet of nature!
If you thought the Calgary Stampede lineup announcements were slowing down, think again. Cowboys Music…