Another weekend, another growing list of holiday fun and things to do. And now that December is officially in full swing, the festive activities and shows we’ve been looking forward to all year long have finally arrived. Without further ado, here are 10 exciting things to do around Vancouver this weekend (December 9-11).
The Nutcracker by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
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It might be too early for the Goh Balley’s rendition, but it’s not too soon to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet perform this wintertime classic. Canada’s oldest ballet company returns for another season of Nutcracker magic this weekend only, so grab some tickets while you can.
When: Friday December 9th to Sunday, December 11th
Where: 600 Block Hamilton Street
Cost: $60 to $75
COMBINE Art Fair
COMBINE is a collaboration between the host gallery Griffin Art Projects and Mónica Reyes Gallery, Unit 17, Wil Aballe Art Projects, and Montreal-based Galerie Hugues Charbonneau. These gallerists are bringing a one-of-a-kind, free art fair to create discourse about the local & national art scenes, and provide guests with the opportunity to meet a wide range of diverse artists. Guests can even purchase some as unique holiday gifts!
When: Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th
Where: 1180 Welch Street, North Vancouver
Recycle your old holiday lights & make an impact in BC today
Last year BC recycled over 7 million light bulbs, so let’s work together to make this year’s impact even bigger. With Product Care Recycling, you can get rid of your old bulbs, light fixtures & holiday lights all for free. And since a holiday miracle won’t bring those burnt-out bulbs back to life, let the experts in recycling take them off your hands and help BC make an even bigger recycling impact this year.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free!
Go on a holiday-themed Forest Walk
The Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting a ton of festive events & activities this year, including a Decorated Forest Walk decked out with festive lights and Scandinavian-style decor. For a unique wintertime experience that combines the best of the holiday season with BC’s breathtaking natural landscape, head on over to Squamish.
When: Saturday, December 3rd to Saturday, December 31st
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
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VanDusen Festival of Lights
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The holiday season at VanDusen Botanical Garden is marked by festive light displays and scenic walks through the illuminated lakeside path, surrounded by over one million Dancing Lights across the garden’s 15 acres. And with several themed areas to peruse, festive treats to feast on, and holiday music to enjoy – this event is a great date pick as well as a spot for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Until January 2nd
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $21
Santa’s Brunch Series at Paradox Hotel Vancouver
If you haven’t checked out downtown Vancouver’s newest luxury-lifestyle hotel, there’s no time like the present. Over the holiday season at Paradox Hotel, you can get into the festive spirit with their Santa’s Brunch Christmas Buffet set in a Winter Wonderland theme.
With 3 buffet-style festive brunches set for December 11, December 18 and December 24, this is your chance to indulge in a special Christmas spread. From freshly sourced seafood to turkey & fixings all the way to tasty holiday treats, Santa’s Brunch Series at the Paradox Hotel Vancouver will be a culinary experience you don’t want to skip this holiday season.
When: From 10 am or 1 pm on Sunday, December 11, Sunday, December 18, & Saturday, December 24
Where: Paradox Hotel Ballroom, 1161 West Georgia Street
Cost: $118+
Enjoy some seasonal craft beer
Vancouver’s craft beer scene is second to none, and these local breweries just came out with a ton of exciting new seasonal flavours – ranging from cranberry sours to chocolatey stouts and spiced winter ales. We think this calls for a Christmas-themed brewery crawl!
Where: See participating breweries above
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
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The Capilano Suspension Bridge has transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland every year, complete with multi-colour displays, a ‘Snow Owl Prowl’ scavenger hunt, and cocoa & live music at the Trading Post Gift Store.
When: Saturday, November 19th to Sunday, January 22nd
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $62.95 GA for a day pass
Vancouver Giants
Switching gears, the Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Rockets this weekend at the Arena Bowl at Langley Events Centre, and you won’t want to miss it. For $20 tickets and priceless memories, why not treat the hockey fan in the family this weekend?
When: Saturday, December 10th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
Check out a new restaurant
From a new rustic Italian spot called The Farmhouse to the highly-anticipated launch of Novella Coffee Bar, here are some exciting new restaurants & cafes to check out in Vancouver this month. Or alternatively – if you want to go the fine dining route, here are 18 spots to check out around BC that made the Top 100 in the country.
Where: See what’s opening above
Go ice skating
From classic indoor rinks to seasonal faves like the Shipyards Skate Plaza, here are 11 great options when it comes to lacing up your skates and hitting the ice. And speaking of the Shipyards, be sure to check out their weekend carollers, quartets, and special performances if you’re in the area!
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, folks. Stay warm!
