Photo via Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
It might be one of the rainiest and darkest months of the year, but that doesn’t mean that the city’s arts and culture scene reflects that. In fact, some might say this is the best time of year to get out of the house and check out a comedy show, art festival, or create your own crawl. So don’t let the weather discourage you; the holidays are about to start, and there’s so much to look forward to. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Nov. 10-14).
Now in its 12th year, Vancouver’s free-to-enjoy Lumière Festival displays a series of large, illuminated artworks and light-based projections all around downtown Vancouver. The festival always brightens these public spaces and brings colour and fun to one of the darkest months of the year.
When: Thursday, Nov. 13 to 16, 2025
Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations in downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Fest is bringing together a series of incredible films and guest speakers from one of the most adventurous communities out there, taking place from Wednesday, Nov. 12 to Nov. 18, 2025.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 to Nov. 18, 2025
Time: Screenings at multiple times
Where: 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $27
Western Canada’s largest craft sale returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre from November 11-16 with handmade gems from 300+ Canadian craftspeople. Sip and snack while you shop quality goods you won’t find at the mall: from curated fashions, jewellery, skincare and candles, to ceramics, wall art, home decor, and gourmet foods. More than just shopping, this one-of-a-kind festive event lets you discover a world of hand-crafted Canadian treasures, take in live music and artist demos, and indulge in artisan eats, sweets and drinks while you browse. Check off gifts on your holiday list or pick up some treats for yourself!
When: Nov. 11 to 16, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, until 7 p.m. on Nov. 15, and until 5 p.m. on Nov. 16.
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $6 to $16 per person
Yup, you read that right. It’s officially time to get in the holiday spirit, because the Vancouver Christmas Market is back starting this week. This year, the festivities kick off with a first-ever Christmas tree lighting ceremony, with plenty of new holiday bites, sips, and attractions to check out.
When: Thursday, Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $6.99 for GA until Nov. 12, 2025
Cheer on the ‘Nucks this week as they go up against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $156+
The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest in Canada, and as such, its holiday transformation is something to look forward to every year. Starting this week, its Holiday Splash festivities will be back in full swing, with the return of Scuba Claus and a picture-perfect holiday backdrop, the Jelly Snow Globe.
When: Nov. 12, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Time: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 per person (ages 13 to 64)
This 19+ event dives into the hunt for life beyond Earth, using a multidisciplinary approach discussed by experts, astronomer Dr. Rosanna Tilbrook, Senior Interpreter Matthew Cimone, and Planetary Astronomer Dr. Franck Marchis from the renowned SETI Institute. Guests can also enjoy an immersive 360° planetarium show and hands-on crafts designed for learning and mingling.
When: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 1100 Chestnut St.
Cost: $34.13
Noel Miller is a popular Canadian comedian, director, and podcaster, and he’s bringing his stand-up comedy tour to Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver this week. If dry humour, sarcasm and satire are your thing, this is the perfect comedy show for you.
When: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $55.90
For the first time in Canada, Harry Potter fans of all ages can visit the “Forbidden Forest” at Stanley Park. Visitors follow an illuminated path filled with magical creatures like unicorns and hippogriffs to a themed village, where they’ll find nostalgic bites and sips, souvenirs, and bespoke Harry Potter merch.
When: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, to February 2026
Time: Slots available between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m.
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $43+
Beer crawls are not just for summer. The North Shore Craft Beer Fest is back, and there are plenty of tasty events to check out until Nov. 20, 2025. Each day highlights a different local brewery, cidery, or distillery, with plenty of collaborative, innovative brews to sample.
When: Friday, Nov. 7 to 20, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $43.93+
Metro Vancouver’s Croissant Crawl is on, with plenty of delicious, limited-edition croissants to try at cafes and bakeries across the city.
When: Nov. 1 to 16, 2025
Time: Varies per location
Where: Participating locations in Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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