Whether you want to do some holiday shopping, cheer on the Vancouver Giants, go to a reggaeton concert, or indulge in mini donuts at the PNE Winter Fair, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Vancouver this weekend. So get your warm layers and rain boots out – here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (December 8-10).
PNE Winter Fair
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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
Cost: $23.70+
Dan Mangan
JUNO-award-winning Canadian singer Dan Mangan has toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Australia – and is coming to Vancouver on December 9th. With numerous EPs, singles, and music on the silver screen, you’re sure to enjoy at least a couple of tunes you recognize here.
When: Saturday, December 9th
Where: Vogue Theatre
Cost: $39.50 to $42.50
Sponsored pick: Uniqlo UTme!
Whether you consider yourself a minimalist, a maximalist, or have no idea what we’re talking about – we can probably all agree that clothing basics are the foundation of any functional wardrobe. Uniqlo is virtually unmatched when it comes to providing high-quality and affordable closet staples, and now they’re coming out with a fun and innovative way to curate your wardrobe even further. It is the perfect Christmas present, you can design custom t-shirts and tote bags and get them printed in-store at select Uniqlo locations! It’s so easy, you just pick your item, create your design, and watch it print at the in-store UTme! booth. Ready to flex your creativity?
Where: (Coming soon) Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway Burnaby, BC
Make It Show
Vancouver’s premier handmade market is back with its 15th-anniversary celebration and market from December 7th to 10th at the PNE Forum, and there will be a whopping 250 local vendors to check out, including food trucks and licensed beverage vendors!
When: Thursday, December 7th to Sunday, December 10th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $10-$12
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. And this weekend, they’re up against the Silvertips! Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Saturday, December 9th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Sponsored pick: Spirit of the Season at the Sea to Sky Gondola
Share your winter traditions (or start new ones) at the Sea to Sky Gondola’s Spirit of the Season. Take in views of the Howe Sound during a sunset snowshoeing tour, bundle up for a decorated forest walk or cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa in the Summit Lodge.
When: December 1st – 31st, 2023
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Cost: $66 for round-trip tickets, $139 for Annual Passes
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin: The Trilogy Tour
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If you love reggaeton and Latin hip-hop, get ready for three legendary artists under one proverbial roof. Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull (AKA Mr. Worldwide), and Ricky Martin are all going on tour together, and they’re stopping in Vancouver on Sunday, December 10th.
When: Sunday, December 10th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $316+
Squamish At Dusk
This is your last weekend to enjoy Squamish’s new festival of lights, “Squamish at Dusk.” Guests can expect to enter a magical tunnel of lights, surrounded by glowing trees and a deep, sparkling grotto. There will also be a mesmerizing ‘under-the-water-themed installation, which promises to be immersive.
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from November 23rd to December 10th
Where: 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $10-$15 per adult, $7 to $10 per child
Back to the Holidays
The Improv Centre on Granville Island is putting on a special holiday improv show called “Back to the Holidays” (think if A Christmas Carol and Back to the Future had a baby…), which is on from now until December 24th. So why not make the most of it and plan a date night on Granville Island this weekend?
When: On select days from now until December 24th
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Cost: $26.50
Eastside Flea Holiday Markets
If you’re looking to do even more local holiday shopping, it never hurts to check out 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.
When: Every weekend from now until December 17th
Where: 1101 Union Street
Cost: $5 admission
Vancouver Christmas Market
Finally, we come to the iconic Vancouver Christmas Market, even if the holiday shopping isn’t the main draw of the event. Before the masses are drawn out closer to Christmas Eve, it’s a good time to head to Jack Poole Plaza for their delicious mulled wine, freshly made pretzels, and bratwurst – all accompanied by lights and decor inspired by traditional German Christmas markets.
When: Now until December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $14 for advanced bookings
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Time to make the most of it.
