If you’re in disbelief that it’s already almost the holiday season, we hear you. While November can feel less exciting as a whole when compared to October or December, rest assured there’s plenty to see, eat, drink, and do outdoors this month that will get you in the festive mood. From big concerts to a plethora of art festivals, here are 30 of the very best things to do in and around Vancouver this November.
Live events & concerts
The Wizard of Oz (RSC Version)
Get ready to be transported to the enchanting world of Oz this month and sing along to all of your favourite songs from the timeless novel and film. CTORA Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz (RSC Version) at the Granville Island Stage, complete with 25 talented cast members and over 100 hand-made costumes.
When: November 3rd to 12th
Where: 1585 Johnston Street
Cost: $38+
Portugal. The Man
This American rock band hails from Alaska, but is currently based in Portland, and consists of John Baldwin Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, Jason Sechrist, Eric Howk and Zoe Manville. Gourley and Carothers have been playing music together since their high school days, and the band is known for their hit single “Feel It Still.”
When: Monday, November 6th
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Cost: $66.50
Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame via his debut single “Like to Party” and debut studio album “L.I.F.E” His music combines Yoruba, Igbo, and English lyrics, and he’s received multiple international accolades.
When: Tuesday, November 7th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $79.95+
KISS
If you’re into rock, a KISS concert is practically a rite of passage. The NYC-formed band consists of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, and known for hits like “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Heaven’s On Fire,” to name a few.
When: Wednesday, November 8th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $118.90+
Destroyer
This Vancouver-formed band is a must-listen if you’re a fan of indie rock. The Canadian band is fronted by Dan Bejar, with a collective of regular members and collaborators joining him in the studio and during live performances.
When: Thursday, November 9th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $59.75+
The Jonas Brothers
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas are officially back in Canada this November as part of their 35-day “Five Albums, One Night” tour across North America, which starts and ends in New York.
When: Saturday, November 11th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $130.90+
Shania Twain
Dust off your dancing boots, because ‘from this moment on,’ 2023 will see you two-stepping with the queen of country! Canadian legend and fashion icon, Shania Twain is performing at Rogers Arena on November 14th.
When: November 14th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $133.42+
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Innovation Arts and Entertainment is presenting Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical for seven performances at The Centre in Vancouver from November 14th to 18th. Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedtime story,” this classic holiday musical is sure to entertain adults and children alike.
When: November 14th to 18th
Where: 777 Homer Street
Cost: $68
Loud Luxury
This Canadian music production and DJ duo consists of Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace, who are currently based in LA. Though the popular duo will be back in Vancouver on November 18th, so mark your calendars and get ready to dance.
When: November 18th
Where: PNE Forum
Cost: $38.50 to $88.50
Disney on Ice 2023
Great news, Disney adults. Disney on Ice is skating back into Vancouver this fall – with two new shows hitting the ice: Frozen and Encanto – both of which whisk guests away on a whimsical, immersive adventure. AKA, audience participation is strongly encouraged!
When: Wednesday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 26th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: $25-$144+
The 1975
Last but certainly not least, we come to The 1975, AKA, the English pop rock band behind songs like “Robbers,” “Somebody Else,” and “About You.”
When: Wednesday, November 29th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $98.90
Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
With whimsical characters, daring acrobatics, and vibrant costuming and sets, Kooza is a celebration of everything we know & love about Cirque du Soleil. And Vancouverites will be able to see it all unfold onstage this coming month, so be sure to snag tickets sooner rather than later!
When: Now to December 31st
Where: Under the Big Top, Concord Pacific Place
Food & Drink
Fall Food Festival
Happening now until November 12th is this self-guided Fall Food Fest, which takes foodies on a journey through some of Vancouver’s tastiest fall-inspired pastries, dishes, and drinks. From limited-time pastries and sweets to savoury fall creations, there’s plenty to indulge in here.
When: Now until November 12th
Where: 30+ participating locations across Vancouver
Winterlust – H Tasting Lounge
This season, you can once again dine in H Tasting Lounge’s enchanting winter-themed glass domes, which boast heated interiors and panoramic views of the city. Up to six guests can indulge in a feast of tableside-flamed rib-eye steak, roasted carrots, sablefish, grilled octopus with Thai curry, and much more.
When: November 2nd to the end of February, 2024
Where: 1601 Bayshore Drive
Cost: $150 minimum food & beverage per dome
Vancouver Christmas Market
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Sooner than you may think, Jack Poole Plaza will transform into the ultimate winter wonderland, complete with mulled wine, freshly made pretzels, and bratwurst – all thanks to this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market.
When: November 16th to December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $14 for advanced bookings
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Arts & Culture
IndieFest 2023
IndieFest brings together a plethora of emerging musicians and artists from all walks of life to highlight the stories and people that may have been overshadowed by history and tradition. From modern opera and Indigenous art to drag theatre, the festival has it all, taking place across several venues from November 17th to 26th.
This year’s theme is ‘Future Mythologies,’ highlighting forgotten histories, and empowering BIPOC artists to bring new stories into the world, according to the event’s website.
When: November 17th to November 26th
Where: Multiple locations
Celebrate El Día de los Muertos
Typically observed from October 31st to November 2nd, the Mexican holiday celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed on, with its roots in Indigenous Aztec culture according to the History Channel.
If you’re looking for things to do to commemorate El Día de los Muertos in Vancouver this year, we’ve got you covered with plenty of celebratory meals, traditional performances, and lively events to mark the occasion.
Where: See our picks above
DTES Heart of the City Festival
The 20th annual DTES Heart of the City Festival is coming up at the end of October and will last through mid-November, and will feature over 100 local events across 40 venues – both indoors and out. Highlighted events include the multi-media Homeless Project, Spontaneous Street Poetry by Poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam, and the 9th Symposium on Reconciliation & Redress in the Arts.
When: October 25th to November 5th
Where: 401 Main Street
Holiday Bazaar at Pacific Arts Market
From 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 12th, Pacific Arts Market is hosting a special holiday bazaar, complete with two floors’ worth of locally crafted goods and gifts. Shoppers can peruse the work of over 90 local artists and enjoy live music as they shop.
When: Sunday, November 12th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $6.66
Eastside Culture Crawl
Now, we come to this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl, which brings over 500 presenting artists to open studios and locations across Vancouver’s Eastside. Visitors can expect to engage with the local art scene and see a variety of mediums, from paintings, sculptures, pottery, and prints to glassware, furniture, and jewelry.
When: November 16th to 19th
Where: Venues at Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront
Cost: Free admission
STAND Festival
Starting November 2nd, Presentation House Theatre in North Van is co-presenting a series of events with Blackout Art Society as part of the 3rd annual STAND Festival, which celebrates emerging immigrant and refugee performing artists. The festival aims to offer the chance to connect newcomer artists with the community so they may share their stories.
When: November 2nd to 12th
Where: 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies per event
Made in the 604 Fall & Winter Pop-up Markets – North Vancouver
Made in the 604 is hosting a slew of fall and winter pop-up markets at the Pipe Shop in North Van this fall, and shoppers can peruse dozens of local vendors for the perfect gifts.
Note that this market is dog-friendly!
When: Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Made in the 604 Fall & Winter Pop-up Markets – Heritage Hall
As well, Made in the 604 will also pop up at Main Street’s Heritage Hall on select weekends in November and December, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
When: Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Etsy Market Holiday Pop-up
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, The Pipe Shop is hosting a Holiday pop-up by the Vancouver Etsy Market, with over 100 local businesses to peruse. According to the event page, the curated vendor list ranges from ceramics and one-of-a-kind jewelry to charcuterie boards.
When: Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $5 admission
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
It never hurts to see what exhibitions are going on at Vancouver Art Gallery at any given time. This month, you can check out the Emily Carr exhibit: “A Room of Her Own,” “Conceptions of White,” and “Offsite” by Pedro Reyes – to name a few.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $29 GA, free on the first Friday of every month
Sports & Outdoors
Glow Langley
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Canada’s largest Christmas celebration is back in Langley with over one million twinkling lights. This year, Glow Langley’s theme is “Carnival Christmas,” which means the (mostly) outdoor festival is bringing some exciting new features, including new heated spaces, carnival-themed mini games, and a craft corner.
When: November 23rd to December 30th
Where: 6690 216 Street, Langley
Cost: $15-$70
Squamish At Dusk
Rose Park in Squamish is set to transform into the ultimate winter wonderland this year, as part of a new winter event called “Squamish at Dusk,” which is equal parts winter experience, festival of lights, and art exhibition.
Guests can expect to enter an immersive tunnel of lights, surrounded by glowing trees and a deep, sparkling grotto – and that’s just for starters!
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
Festival of Lights
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Speaking of festivals of lights, VanDusen Botanical Garden will transform into the ultimate holiday-themed destination this month, complete with over one million twinkling lights.
This year, the massive light displays will pay homage to the vibrant flora and fauna from BC’s endangered Garry Oak meadows, according to the City of Vancouver.
When: November 24th to January 7th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: Tickets available November 1st
North Pole Express
Always wanted to ride on the train from The Polar Express as a child? The Railway Museum of BC is bringing back its popular North Pole Express just in time for the holiday season, and you won’t want to miss it.
n addition to whimsical characters, warm cookies and cocoa, and other child-friendly activities, passengers will be able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a family photo shoot to tie the whole experience together.
When: November 25th and 26th, December 2nd and 3rd, 9th and 10th, and 16th and 17th
Where: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Cost: $82 to $132 for two
Vancouver Giants
Switching gears a bit, the month wouldn’t be complete without a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, November 13th, 18th, and 22nd for their home games. Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Several dates in November
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
Go on a fall hike
Hiking through some of BC’s most scenic, picturesque trails is what makes seeing the changing foliage so worthwhile, in our opinion. So if you’re itching for a good hike that’s rewarding in fall scenery, check out some of the trails above.
Where: See our picks above
Check out the Bloedel Conservatory
Lastly, if you’re more of a tropical nature lover, the Bloedel Conservatory has you covered this fall and winter with the potential for a colourful getaway from the rain and gloom. Escape the downpour and meet some pretty cool tropical birds in the process, and while you’re at it – you can take a stroll around Queen Elizabeth Park as well!
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $8.29
And that’s a wrap on some of the best things to do around Vancouver this November. Cheers to the start of the holiday season!
