As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect upon the year and enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer. Since the recent snowfall is likely all on our minds, we’ll start with some fun outdoor activities to partake in and make our way to cozy indoor spots, holiday lights, and more. Without further ado, here are 40 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this December.
Sports/Outdoors
Check out the World Cup matches (even the early morning ones) at this local spot on Davie Street
Get in on the World Cup frenzy as the tournament continues throughout December. And if you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch a match, then look no further than The Park Pub & Restaurant on Davie Street. Known for being a prime spot for sports viewing thanks to their 14 screens and killer menu, they’ll be opening at 7 AM for all early morning matches with drinks being available as early as 9 AM. And unlike many places, the sound will be ON! Plus they even take resos, so check out their online sports calendar to book your table in advance.
Where: The Park Pub & Restaurant at 1755 Davie Street
When: Now until the end of the World Cup which wraps up on Sunday, December 18th, 2022
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
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The Peak of Christmas has transformed the top of Grouse Mountain into a winter wonderland with a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy, ranging from mountaintop ice skating to a magical light walk. You can even meet a couple of Santa’s reindeer before checking out his workshop. Access to the Peak of Christmas is available through a Mountain Admission Ticket, and those who have a season pass to Grouse Mountain can enjoy it free of charge.
When: Friday, November 25th to January 2nd
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $36-$69, or $119 for a family of four
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
Robson Square Ice Rink
Who’s ready to kick off ice skating season at Robson Square? For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.
When: Friday, December 2nd to February 28th, 2023
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
The Shipyards Skate Plaza
Starting Friday, December 2nd, you can head over to the Shipyards, rent some skates for $7 a pop ($5 for kids) and skate to your heart’s content at the largest outdoor skating rink in Metro Van. Enjoy some stunning waterfront views as you skate, and even pop into the nearby Polygon Gallery to make a day of it.
When: Opens Friday, December 2nd
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Go skiing/snowboarding
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Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these ski hills around Vancouver offer snow enthusiasts some great rental options, as well as unparalleled views. And all except one are officially open for the season!
Where: See our picks above
Go on a classic winter stroll
While it might make getting around a little (or a lot) more difficult, there’s no denying that our city transforms into a winter wonderland when it snows. If you’re looking to enjoy a nice stroll this season, here are some great options to start with – from mountain climbs to inner-city parks.
Where: See our picks above
See a Vancouver Giants home game
The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Blazers, the Cougars, the Rockets, the Winterhawks, and the Royals at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this month. With plenty of home games to choose from (and $20 tickets), why not go and support our team & make some great holiday memories in the process?
When: Multiple dates in December
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
Live events & concerts
The Sheepdogs
This Canadian rock band was not only awarded four JUNO Awards, but was the first unsigned band to make the cover of Rolling Stone. So whether you’re a fan of the genre or just a fan of great music, this concert is a must-see this coming month.
When: Thursday, December 1st and Friday, December 2nd
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $53 on Thursday, $142.80 on Friday
Vancouver Tree Lighting
If what you’re after is a giant Christmas tree-lighting experience, we’ve got some good news. This year’s Vancouver Tree Lighting has been confirmed for Friday, December 2nd, and will take place outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery ( šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square). And if previous years are any indication, visitors can expect to grab a complimentary cup of cocoa at the free event, and enjoy live musical entertainment.
When: Friday, December 2nd
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Home Alone in concert
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And now, for a holiday pick. You can see Home Alone in concert in addition to your screen at home. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone in concert, performing renowned composer John Williams’ “charming and delightful score.”
When: Wednesday, December 14th and Thursday, December 15th
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $31.90+
Music for the Winter Solstice
Music on Main is returning to Heritage Hall this December with a special concert ahead of Winter Solstice 2022. And while the concert doesn’t technically fall on the astronomical first day of winter, it’s definitely bringing all of the warm, candlelit vibes we need to pretend that it is. If you’re looking for a cute date night idea or event to mark a special occasion, this is it!
When: Wednesday, December 14th and Thursday, December 15th
Where: 3102 Main Street, Heritage Hall
Cost: $18 to $49
PNE Winter Fair
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For 10 nights in December, the PNE Winter Fair will feature Christmas-themed concerts, an indoor skating rink, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, and of course, a quintessential winter light display. Oh, and plenty of tasty doughnuts and holiday treats to go around, of course.
When: Wednesday, December 14th to Friday, December 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $15 for Fair admission, concerts additional (require fair admission)
Kane Brown
American singer Kane Brown is bringing his Drunk or Dreaming Tour to Rogers Arena on Thursday, December 15th. And he’s come a long way since first capturing the public’s attention with his EP in 2015. His highly-anticipated third studio album was just released this September, and he even made 2021’s Time list of 100 most influential people in the world.
When: Thursday, December 15th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $48.75+
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Chor Leoni presents its seasonal celebration of light, hope, and connection, with performances ranging from holy to hilarious. The annual tradition will share an inspiring repertoire of timeless holiday classics and winter harmonies, including two world premiere commissions from Canadian composers and three holiday treasures newly arranged for Chor Leoni.
When: December 16th, 17th, and 19th
Where: 1022 Nelson Street
Cost: $20
Yung Gravy and bbno$
The Baby Gravy Tour featuring Minnesota-born Yung Gravy (Matthew Raymond Hauri) and Vancouver native bbno$ (Alexander Leon Gumuchian) is coming to the PNE this December, so snag those tickets while you can. The pair is known for collaborating on hit singles like “Wussup,” “Welcome to Chili’s,” “Whip A Tesla,” and “Rotisserie,” and most recently – on their new respective albums: Marvelous and Bag or Die.
When: Friday, December 16th
Where: 2901 East Hastings, PNE Forum
Cost: $49.50+
Contact Winter Music Festival
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If hearing dubstep makes you nostalgic for the 2010s or gets you on your feet, this is the festival for you. Contact Winter Music Festival is returning to Vancouver for two days of high-energy music and high-energy performances. This year, guests can expect to see Chart-topping, Grammy-winning artists like The Chainsmokers, UK electronic group Above & Beyond, Canadian duo Loud Luxury, and much more.
When: December 29th and December 30th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $140.75 per day or $204.40 for a 2-day pass
Shopping & holiday markets
Vancouver Christmas Market
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Starting off with one of the most celebrated events of the year – this year’s annual Vancouver Christmas Market is now in full swing. And if you haven’t been by to enjoy some freshly-baked pretzels or bratwurst yet, now’s your chance.
When: Opens Saturday, November 12th
Where: 1055 Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: $18 for GA
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. The next scheduled market? Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th.
When: Every weekend from Saturday, December 3rd to December 18th
Where: 550 Malkin Avenue
Cost: $10 for admission to all three winter markets
The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop
In terms of holiday markets, you can’t go wrong with North Van’s Little Mountain Shop. The pop-up features an all-Canadian lineup of mostly BIPOC and female creators, who you can meet and learn from directly at their “Meet The Maker” events taking place every weekend leading up to the holidays. Each market will last from 11 am to 4 pm at the Polygon Gallery.
When: Multiple dates in December
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Spirit of the Season Festival
Returning to the Shipyards this year is North Van’s iconic Spirit of the Season Festival, which delights visitors all over the region with free hot cocoa and a variety of food truck eats, a holiday market at The Pipe Shop, music, dance, & ice skating performances, and of course, a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting. Guests can meet roaming holiday characters, including Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves, and hit the ice at the Shipyards Skate Plaza.
When: Saturday, December 3rd
Where: The Shipyards
Cost: Free
Japan Market Christmas Fair
If you love Japanese treats, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for the return of the Japan Market Christmas Fair at the start of the month. Three Japanese-Canadian vendors have teamed to put on this two-day Japan-inspired market, complete with local art, crafts, and delicious eats. Early bird tickets go for just $4 a pop, or $7 for two adult tickets. Note that each ticket is good for one of the two days that the Christmas Fair runs.
When: Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $4-$7
Visit the largest Christmas store in Western Canada
Since this is the last week of November/the start of December, we think it’s the perfect time to get a little holiday shopping done. And we don’t just mean gifts – it’s officially time to bust out the Christmas decor, if you ask us. Thankfully, Surrey is home to the largest Christmas store in Western Canada, with over 28,000 square feet of ornaments, lights, and more.
When: Now open
Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Arts & Culture
COMBINE Art Fair
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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
Stiles & Drewe’s The 3 Little Pigs
Carousel Theatre for Young People (CYTP) presents the Canadian premiere of a classic tale with a musical twist with Stiles & Drewe’s The 3 Little Pigs, at Granville Island’s Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St), from November 30 to December 30, 2022. A heartwarming tale about perseverance, bravery, and friendship, Stiles & Drewe’s The 3 Little Pigs is a charming and witty reimagining of the beloved children’s fable, with toe-tapping musical numbers, cheerful costumes, and dazzling puppetry. Suitable for children ages 3 and up.
When: November 30th to December 30th
Where: 1412 Cartwright Street
Cost: $35 for adults, $18 for children
Beyond King Tut
This immersive experience commemorates the one-hundred-year-old discovery of King Tut’s tomb by archaeologists in Egypt. And what’s more, you don’t need to be a history buff to meet the Egyptian Gods of the Underworld or travel with King Tut in his quest for immortality. Explore a photo-realistic recreation of his tomb and treasures, and get ready to learn more about ancient Egypt through nine total galleries.
When: On until Sunday, January 8th
Where: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Convention Centre East
Cost: $23.99 to $83.99
Nothing Personal – A solo exhibition by Andrew Olcott
Housed within a project space in East Vancouver, HOWARD495 exhibits a rotating spread of local and international artists at all levels in their careers. Nothing Personal by Vancouver-based artist Andrew Olcott is an autobiographical piece that is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of mixed-media and
Where: 3528 Commercial Street
See an improv show
From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And if you’re ready for even more fun this season, you’ll definitely want to check out their Happy Hectic Holidays show from December 17th to December 24th, or their “NYE at TIC” show or the “Year in Review.” Because what better way to look back on 2022 than with laughter and libations?
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Food & drink
Check out a new restaurant
From a new Chop Steakhouse location to the highly-anticipated launch of To Live For Cafe, here are some exciting new restaurants & cafes to check out in Vancouver this month.
Where: See what’s opening above
Stop by Batch on Plaza for holiday treats
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One of our personal fave spots in the city, Batch on Plaza has officially transformed for the holidays, complete with a covered patio and fire to keep guests warm and cozy. Oh, and plenty of mulled wine, bratwürst, and holiday tunes to go around.
Where: 770 Pacific Boulevard
Grab drinks at Reflections: The Winter Terrace
When it comes to amazing holiday-themed cocktails, The Winter Terrace at Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a must-visit this season. Enjoy some classic mules, Baileys drinks, and more under cozy lights and festive holiday decor.
Where: 801 West Georgia Street
Check out some spots for Turkish coffee
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If you decide to venture outside in this snow-rain mixed weather, we think you should be rewarded. And personally, you can’t go wrong with a hot Turkish coffee and fresh feta-filled pastry.
Where: See our picks above
Check out the Lunch Bar pop-up at Kafka’s
Warm up with a bowl of stew or a hot sandwich at Lunch Bar, Kafka Gastown’s newest venture. And to sweeten the pot, the new Lunch Bar is serving up weekly stew specials for $13.50 – one vegan and one meat. And what’s more, both are served with a slice of fresh-baked focaccia.
Where: 151 West Hastings Street
Where: See our picks above
Holiday light installations
Experience the wonder during Surrey’s holiday event: Lumagica
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Back until December 30th, Surrey’s most magical holiday experience, Lumagica will be transforming the Cloverdale Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland.
Featuring impressive light displays, family-friendly activities, great food and a host of live entertainment (including Santa himself) this is THE spot to get into the holiday spirit.
When: November 25, 2022 – December 30, 2022
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds – 6050 176 St, Surrey BC V3S 4E7
Cost: Tickets from $18
Bright Skies Drone Show
And now, for a non-traditional but no less exciting holiday light display: Canada’s largest drone show. Over 300 drones are slated to light up the night sky on Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd in a dazzling 10-minute synchronized show, so make sure you don’t miss it!
When: Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd
Where: Canada Place
VanDusen Festival of Lights
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
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
And now, for another classic holiday tradition in Vancouver. The Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms 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
Glow Gardens Langley
ICYMI, Glow Langley is a beloved annual event that brings over one million cascading lights to Langley. This year’s theme? “The Jolly Jumble,” which features a scavenger hunt, a holiday train ride, pictures with Santa, and much more.
When: Wednesday, November 23rd to December 31st
Where: 6690 216 Street, Langley
Cost: $20-$70+
Dundarave Festival of Lights
While details are still a little scarce for this year’s event, the Dundarave Festival of Lights is currently putting together their “Forest of Miracles” and preparing for their festival of lights, which will take place from Saturday, December 3rd to Sunday, January 8th.
When: Saturday, December 3rd to Sunday, January 8th
Where: Dundarave Beach, Millennium Park, Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria
Check out a Santa Parade
Last but not least – we’ve got a couple of Santa Parades to toss your way in lieu of the return of Vancouver’s parade. After all, what better way to enjoy some lights and snag some memorable holiday photos of the fam than with Santa and his sleigh? From Surrey to Squamish, here are 5 options happening this year to consider.
Where: Multiple locations
And that’s a wrap on some amazing things to do around Vancouver this month.
