This weekend Downtown Vancouver comes alive after dark with a free festival of light and art, a legendary craft market takes over the convention centre, and the city prepares for a street festivals and holiday fun. Find all of these events and many more fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Warm up with a belly full of laughs at these holiday shows at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Start the season with Merry/Holly/Jolly, on stage November 21 until December 31, 2024, and close out the year with NYE at TIC. Enter to win tickets!
Jalen Saip, Will Vaughan, Della Haddock. Photo by Chelsey Stuyt for The Improv Centre
Holiday Shows at The Improv Centre on Granville Island
When: November 21 until December 31, 2024
Where: The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver on Granville Island)
Tickets: From $29.50, with discounts available for students and seniors, and are available online or in person at the TIC Box Office.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation, has announced the recipients of the 4th British Columbia Reconciliation Award.
British Columbia Reconciliation Award
The award recognizes four extraordinary individuals and two incredible organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the province of British Columbia, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
We have put together our 9th annual Free Holiday Events in Vancouver & The Valley list, and it’s growing every day! Visit a nostalgic attraction, stroll around a light display, enjoy live music and art installation, and spend time with those you care about (while not breaking the bank).
The Free Holiday Events in Vancouver & The Valley list will be updated often throughout the season so be sure to bookmark it and check back often.
Please note that there may be costs associated with extra activities at these free holiday events in Vancouver and beyond, such as food/snacks, admission to other attractions or sites, etc. This post covers information available at the time of publishing and any posted signage or fees at these activities should be observed.
Free Holiday Fun in Abbotsford & Chilliwack
Santa in The Country Saturday, November 23, 2024 come visit Santa in the country at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage. Nibble on popcorn, sip a cup of hot cocoa, and take a photo in the gnome photo booth. Donations will be accepted for Matthew’s House.
Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade enjoy a holiday parade presented by the Chilliwack Rotary Club on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 5:30pm.
Winter Jubilee and Historic Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, November 23, 2024 enjoy a holiday festival in downtown Abbotsford with live performances, food trucks, reindeer games, holiday crafts, photos with Santa and tree lighting.
The Lights at Cultus Lake from November 23 to January 2, 2025 at Main Beach. Bundle up and celebrate the season at one of BC’s most picturesque locations at The Lights at Cultus Lake where sparkling lights illuminate the lakeside in a stunning winter display.
Christmas at Cultus Lake kicks off the season November 23rd at Main Beach. There will be a kick-off event from 4:00pm to 9:00pm with Santa Claus, a holiday market, food trucks, and fireworks display over the lake at 7:30pm
Remembrance Day, November 11th, is a day to remember the courage and sacrifice of thousands of Canadians who have fallen in service of their country. We honour them by never forgetting them. Here is where you can find a service or ceremony around Vancouver:
In honour of the service and sacrifices made by both past and present veterans, TransLink is offering free transit services, including HandyDART, on Remembrance Day.
Details About Free Transit
Veterans, active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, police and fire personnel, Canadian Coast Guard members, officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and BC Ambulance Service personnel can present their badge, military ID, Veteran’s Service Card, or by appearing in uniform to receive free transit.
On November 11, veterans and other eligible riders can enjoy free bus rides all day without the need to tap their Compass Cards. Additionally, veterans and eligible customers can access SkyTrain and SeaBus services at no cost from 8:00am to 6:00pm. During these hours, one accessible fare gate will remain open at all stations.
SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses will observe a moment of silence at 11:00am (buses will stop at nearest stop closest to the hour) across the transit system.
National Indigenous Veterans Day Location: 312 Main Street followed by a march to Victory Square Date: November 8, 2024 from 9:00am to 3:00pm Details: Opening ceremonies from 9:15am to 10:00am. Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Tsawwassen Nations represented along with other special guests and dignitaries. The Order of Honour March will leave at 10:00am and head to Victory Square.
