If you’re ready for an action-packed weekend no matter the weather, tune in. From winter markets and pop-up holiday attractions to lacrosse and hockey games, here are 13 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (December 15-17).
Made in the 604 Winter Pop-up Market
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This weekend is the last pop-up ‘Made in the 604’ market of the year, so get ready to check out a ton of local vendors at Heritage Hall on Main Street to round up your holiday shopping needs.
When: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Sponsored pick: Vancouver Warriors Lacrosse
Who says sporting events have to be expensive? Starting at only $20 a ticket, Rogers Arena hosts this one-of-a-kind experience that combines live sport, music, food and drinks all under one iconic roof. Don’t know the rules of lacrosse? Doesn’t matter! It’s equally as fun for those who love the sport as those who are just getting to know it. So, whether you’re looking for something to do on family night, or needing to unwind after exam week, there’s no better event this Saturday.
When: Saturday, December 16th at 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets starting only at $20
YOTTO
Tune in, house and techno lovers. Yotto is a Finnish DJ, songwriter, and record producer signed with an English deep house label, known for his debut album Hyperfall, which garnered over 15 million streams.
When: Saturday, December 16th
Where: Harbour Event & Convention Centre
Cost: $37 to $54
Eastside Flea Holiday Markets
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Vancouver without the Eastside Flea. 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. And this weekend happens to be the last market of the season.
When: Every weekend from now until December 17th
Where: 1101 Union Street
Cost: $5 admission
Sponsored pick: Gohs Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by RBC
Don’t miss the enchantment as Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by RBC, arrives in Vancouver! Immerse yourself in this magical holiday experience—a whimsical evening for families with children, couples, and friends alike. This isn’t just a traditional ballet; it’s a showcase of world-class artists with the city’s finest performers, live music from the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and the nostalgic musical numbers you know and love.
When: Thursday, December 14th – Sunday December 17th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets starting at $96 per person
KFB 16th Annual Christmas Party Matinee: Peach Pit and More
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Ready for another jam-packed all-ages Christmas show? The 16th annual Kingfisher Bluez Christmas Party will have a matinee show featuring Peach Pit, young friend, Cam Blake, Max Boonch, Kylie V, Be Afraid, Flat Earth, Tall Mary, Nonarchy, and Dawson Gool. Best of all? All proceeds from the show go towards 1-800-SUICIDE / Crisis Centre BC.
When: Sunday, December 17th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $48
Sponsored pick: By Far Brand Exclusive Pop-Up Sale
Ready to shop AND save on your holiday shopping? Head to Richmond’s Signature Sandman for Couture Pop-ups brand exclusive event with Luxury European brand, BY FAR. Save on luxury shoes, scents and clothing, with prices starting as low at $45. Grab your shopping bags because the pop-up starts this Friday and wraps up on Sunday, December 17th.
When: December 15th to 17th, 10am to 9pm daily
Where: Sandman Signature, 10251 St Edwards Dr, Richmond BC
Santa’s Workshop at Pacific Arts Market
Now, we come to the one-stop shop for your last-minute Christmas shopping needs. Pacific Arts Market is hosting a final holiday market on December 17th from 1 to 5 p.m., complete with live art demos, craft goods, and a visit from Santa.
When: Sunday, December 17th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $11.98
Sponsored pick: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
Need a little R&R? How about a luxe staycation? The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is a resort-style hotel in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour with spectacular marina views and amenities that deliver year-round. Unwind with one of the many wellness programs or enjoy one of the hotel’s unique winter experiences. Try Winterlust, a Christmas dining experience or a lunch buffet with Santa at H2 Kitchen + Bar. The location makes it ideal for exploring the city and kicking back at the end of the day to enjoy the finer things.
Batch Vancouver Holiday Pop-ups
Batch on Plaza and Batch on Granville are already solid go-tos for happy hour and catching up with friends, and now both locations have transformed into festive spaces filled with holiday cheer and themed drinks, seasonal bites, and live music.
When: December 6th to 8th and 13th to 15th (Batch), November 19th to December 23rd (Batch 200)
Where: 770 Pacific Boulevard and 200 Granville Street, Suite 700
Sponsored pick: The Cowichan Region on Vancouver Island
Itching for a little getaway this holiday season? Then you’ve got to check out the Cowichan region – it’s probably Vancouver Island’s best-kept secret! It’s all the island charm with none of the crowds. Cowichan is home to countless wineries, distilleries, and breweries, along with a thriving arts scene and world-class outdoor attractions. If you’re thinking about the holidays, then you have to visit in December. From the Ladysmith Festival of Lights to some of Hallmark’s most iconic holiday filming destinations, there’s hardly anywhere more festive!
The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop
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If you’re looking for a holiday market that extends past Christmas, there’s still plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 15th to January 7th. The gallery’s main floor will once again transform into a beautifully decorated shop with unique vendors, gifts, art, and interactive activities.
When: November 15th to January 7th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Giants
For the hockey lovers out there, the Vancouver Giants are playing multiple home games at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this month. This weekend? They’re up against the Cougars and the Thunderbirds, and tickets start at just over $20 a pop.
When: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Happy holidays.
