Get ready, Vancouver, because there are a ton of highly-anticipated festive events taking place across the city this weekend. From pop-up holiday bars and candlelit concerts to this year’s “Funk the Halls” music festival, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (December 22-25).
ELF in Concert
A family-friendly holiday concert featuring the music from the movie ELF is taking place this weekend, so get ready to relive the heartwarming tale of Buddy the Elf. The beautiful score by John Debney will come to life through the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on December 21st and 22nd.
When: Thursday, December 21st and Friday, December 22nd
Where: The Orpheum
Cost: $21.19 to $109.19
Candlelight: Holiday Special ft. “The Nutcracker” and More
Vancouver is getting a series of holiday concerts this season with performances throughout December, and each one will be illuminated by thousands of candles. One of them will feature music from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” on December 22nd, both at the Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church and Christ Church Cathedral.
When: Friday, December 22nd and Saturday, December 23rd
Where: Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church and Christ Church Cathedral
Cost: $58 to $80
Funk The Halls featuring The Funk Hunters
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The Funk Hunters are a Canadian EDM and DJ duo from right here in Vancouver, and every year, they put on a two-day, high-energy Christmas show. This weekend, they’re performing alongside Felix Cartal, Maddy Oneal, and Rome In Silver. So get ready to put a new kind of “jingle” in your step!
When: Friday, December 22nd and Saturday, December 23rd
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $59.75+
Merry & Bright – North Shore Choirs
This year, North Shore Choirs is performing twice on December 23rd; at 1 pm and 4 pm. The choral concerts will use partial proceeds to go towards #EndALS through ALS Action Canada.
When: Saturday, December 23rd
Where: 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $17.31
PNE Winter Fair
The annual PNE Winter Fair is back with 12 nights of Christmas-themed concerts and theatrical shows, indoor skating, and winter light displays. And of course, enough mini donuts and holiday treats to go around!
When: December 8th and 9th, and 14th to 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $25-$30 per adult, $7 for ice skate rentals
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 will transform into festive spaces filled with holiday cheer and holiday-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
The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop
If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have 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
Back to the Holidays
The Improv Centre on Granville Island always has something fun going on, and this week is no exception. Their Back to the Holidays (think if A Christmas Carol and Back to the Future had a baby…) improv show is on from now until December 24th, so it’s the perfect time to get a jumpstart on all things festive.
When: On select days from now until December 24th
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Cost: $26.50
Vancouver Christmas Market
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Vancouver Christmas Market, even if the holiday shopping isn’t the main draw of the event. Sooner than you may think, Jack Poole Plaza will transform into the ultimate winter wonderland, complete with mulled wine, freshly made pretzels, and bratwurst – all thanks to this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market.
When: Now until December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $14 for advanced bookings
Tinseltown Vancouver
A Christmas speakeasy called Tinseltown has officially popped up at Le Soleil Hotel complete with Santa’s elves, tinsel, holiday decor, warm winter drinks, festive tunes, and a customized Christmas cocktail menu, which also includes non-alcoholic treats.
When: Now until December 30th
Where: 567 Hornby Street
Cost: $15 per person
So there you have it, Vancouver. Enjoy the festive week ahead!
