Photo via @vanchristmas / Instagram
It officially feels like the holiday season with the return of several festive Vancouver traditions, holiday markets, and art festivals, and we’re here to give you a glimpse into all the goings-on around the city. Here are 11 of the best things to do in Vancouver this weekend (Nov. 14-16).
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
The Portobello West Holiday Market is a beloved annual tradition at Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre that’s bringing 70-some local artisans and vendors together for your local shopping enjoyment. You’ll find a mix of handcrafted jewelry, art, home decor, skincare, B.C. wine, and family fashion to peruse.
When: Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: $7 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
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: Until Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025
Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations in downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
HollyDaze in the Heights is a free, outdoor holiday festival in the Austin Heights neighbourhood of Coquitlam! Enjoy an evening of live music and performances; site-wide beer, cider and wine; delicious fare from Austin Heights restaurants and local food trucks and vendors; holiday shopping at local artisans and businesses; as well as kids’ activities like cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, face painting and much more.
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1000 block of Ridgeway Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Western Canada’s largest craft sale is back at the convention centre with over 300 handmade products ranging from one-of-a-kind jewelry to skincare, to ceramics and wall art. More than just shopping, this one-of-a-kind festive event lets you discover a world of treasures, take in live music and artist demos, and indulge in artisan eats, sweets and drinks while you browse.
When: Until Sunday, Nov. 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
This five-day international street festival is taking over Metro Vancouver with a series of theatre performances, dance workshops, and a late-night dance party.
When: Thursday, Nov. 13 to Nov. 17, 2025
Time: Varies
Where: 735 8th Ave., New Westminster
Cost: Varies per event
The Chutzpah! Festival brings world-renowned dance, music, theatre, and comedy to Vancouver, all through the multicultural lens of Jewish experiences and heritage. Its 25th anniversary showcases a stellar lineup of local performances to choose from, from now until Nov. 23, 2025.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 to Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Varies per event
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Tickets vary per event, $136 for four regular-priced shows
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: Until Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Time: Screenings at multiple times
Where: 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $27
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: Until 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)
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: Until Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $43.93+
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