Holiday shows 2025: Stir’s ultimate guide to Vancouver’s merriest performances and events
The local arts and culture scene has bright gifts in store this season, from choral music by candlelight to wintry ballets
(Clockwise from top left) The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker; Myriam Leblanc, soprano in Handel’s Messiah (photo by Mandie Guérard); and the VanDusen Festival of Lights.
AS THE DAYS grow darker, holiday shows are lighting up local stages and outdoor space. From a dazzling take on a beloved seasonal ballet to new arrangements of classic Christmas carols and a massive, twinkling outdoor wonderland, local shows and events are upping the city’s festive mood.
Here’s a look at all the seasonal offerings this year.
Elektra
CHORAL
Chez Nous: Christmas With Elektra
November 29 at 7:30 pm and November 30 at 3 pm at Pacific Spirit United Church
At the heart of this annual holiday concert is Derek Holman’s bright, jaunty Sir Christëmas suite, set to a collection of medieval English texts. The rest of the all-Canadian program offers a similar balance of cheery melodies and contemplative themes. Don Macdonald’s “There Is No Rose” contrasts long, sustained notes with energetic bursts of music, while Cree composer Andrew Balfour’s “Wyandot’s Realm” superimposes the melody of the “Huron Carol” over an Indigenous rhythmic chant in an homage to the eponymous people. The Mira Youth Mentorship singers will join Elektra onstage for the festive program. Holiday mood: Embracing a full-on Canadiana Christmas.
The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir
Sounds of Christmas
November 30 at 4 pm at White Rock Baptist Church, December 5 at 7:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, December 7 at 3 pm at Massey Theatre, December 12 at 7:30 pm at Highlands United Church, and December 13 at 2:30 pm at Shaughnessy Heights United Church
Led by music director Alison Nixon, the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir performs this program of transporting tunes ranging from the calm classic “Away in a Manger” to the merry “Carol of the Bells”. Pianist Miri Lee will accompany the singers on their tour, while the medieval-inspired musicians of Winter Harp will join the program for the Massey Theatre concert—expect them to play unique instruments, such as the Swedish nyckelharpa. Holiday mood: Evoking cherished memories.
Making Spirits Bright
December 5 at 8 pm, December 6 at 3 pm and 8 pm, and December 7 at 3 pm at the Vancouver Playhouse
The Vancouver Men’s Chorus is launching its 45th season with its annual holiday offering. Think stirring contemporary compositions paired with childhood favourites—the kind of classics you may have heard on a snowy Christmas morning while unwrapping presents in your PJs. Conductor Willi Zwozdesky, who has been the choir’s artistic director for more than four decades, is leading the charge. Holiday mood: Enjoying music from a well-oiled machine.
The Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs. Photo by Diamond’s Edge
Bach Christmas Oratorio
December 6 at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church
A stellar selection of soloists—soprano Chloe Hurst, mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson, tenor Colin Ainsworth, and baritone Aaron Durand—will sing alongside the Vancouver Bach Choir for this performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, a timeless piece that tells the story of Jesus’s birth through six dramatic cantatas. The VBC Chamber Orchestra will contribute an instrumental backdrop which includes the wonderfully jubilant trumpet notes that characterize the work. Holiday mood: Relishing a classic done with modern precision.
Winter Morning Walks
December 6 at 3 pm at the Red Barn at Southlands Tsawwassen, December 7 at 3 pm at the ACT Arts Centre, December 12 at 7:30 pm at the BlueShore at CapU, December 14 at 2:30 pm at UBC Robson Square, and December 14 at 7:30 pm at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Written by Grammy Award–winning composer Maria Schneider and arranged by local music legend Réjean Marois, this heartwarming choral-jazz song cycle is based on a collection of contemplative poems by Ted Kooser; they’re all pieces that the Pulitzer Prize laureate and recovering cancer patient sent by postcard to his friend Jim Harrison. Much like Kooser’s words, “Winter Morning Walks” touches on themes of survival, friendship, and joy. Musica intima, the Triology jazz ensemble (bassist Jodi Proznick, pianist Miles Black, and guitarist Bill Coon), and drummer Mili Hong will perform the work, along with a mix of a cappella seasonal songs. Holiday mood: Appreciating everyday life.
Nebula Noël
Nebula Noël: A Pair of Magical Christmas Concerts
December 7 and 13 at 7 pm at Nebula Performances
Curated by Nebula Performances artistic director Wenwen Du, this annual concert series unites talented vocalists, pianists, and other instrumentalists for a festive program. Expect classic songs like “Silent Night”, performed in both English and German, and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”—plus complimentary drinks and canapés. Holiday mood: A merry unison of emerging and established artists.
Christmas With the Bach Choir
December 7 at 2 pm at the Orpheum
This is a holiday tradition not to be missed: all nine branches of the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs—numbering nearly 500 singers total!—will unite to perform a program of festive favourites. Leading all those vocalists are conductors Leslie Dala, Marisa Gaetanne, Cathrie Yuen, Shane Raman, and Catherine Campolin. Pianists Stephen Smith, Kin Ming Wong, Shifra Day, Jeon Mok, and Aslan Aslanov are accompanying them; organist Michael Dirk and the Touch of Brass Quintet complete the show. Holiday mood: Attending a big family reunion.
The Pacific Baroque Orchestra
Handel’s Messiah
December 12 at 7 pm at Fraserview Mennonite Brethren Church and December 13 at 7 pm at the Orpheum
A spellbinding oratorio of truly epic proportions, Handel’s Messiah is a must for the holiday season, with its uplifting message of peace and goodwill. Early Music Vancouver and the Vancouver Chamber Choir are teaming up for this concert with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, soprano Myriam Leblanc, alto Cecilia Duarte, tenor Jacob Perry, and bass Sumner Thompson. Alexander Weimann will be directing. Holiday mood: Fostering hope in abundance.
All Is Bright
December 14 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the Orpheum
The Vancouver Youth Choir is uniting all of its rehearsal and performance groups, including the kindergartners of its youngest ensemble, VYC Tiny, for this full-on festive show. Organized by artistic director Carrie Tennant, the event will feature conductors Luke McAndless-Davis, Kelly Proznick, Michelle Hartley, Caroline Lempert, Caroni Young, Bev Willms Best, and Amber Tsang. Pianists Caitlin Hayes, Helen Pei, Danielle Lee, and Michelle Hartley will provide a musical backdrop for the young singers’ voices. Holiday mood: Next-gen merrymaking.
Christmas With Chor Leoni. Photo by Ashley Gattey
Christmas With Chor Leoni
December 18 at 7:30 pm, December 19 at 5 pm and 8 pm, and December 20 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm at St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church
The singing lions are keeping their tradition of winter concerts alive and thriving with another program that mixes world premieres and familiar songs. Where new works are concerned, there’s Marie-Claire Saindon’s Jubilo; a fresh take on John Jacob Niles’s “I Wonder as I Wander”, arranged by Benjamin Britten and remixed by Chor Leoni artistic director Erick Lichte; Sufjan Stevens’s “Angels We Have Heard on High”, arranged by Ken Cormier; and a Persian New Year song by santour player Saina Khaledi. As for the classics, think Franz Gruber’s “Silent Night” and Mendelssohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, arranged by Dan Forrest. Holiday mood: As heartwarming as a mug of mulled wine.
Christmas by Candlelight
December 19 at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at Pacific Spirit United Church
The Vancouver Chamber Choir is setting the scene for this concert with a church full of flickering candles. In the soft glow of the flames, the singers will perform a selection of heavenly works, including Morten Lauridsen’s “O magnum mysterium”, Joanna Marsh’s “In Winter’s House”, and Matthew Whittall’s “Love came down at Christmas”. Holiday mood: Illuminating a dark winter’s eve.
Christmas Reprise XXII
December 20 at 2 pm at Holy Rosary Cathedral and December 20 at 7:30 pm at Sanctuary on 6th
It’s the 22nd annual edition of the Vancouver Cantata Singers’ a cappella holiday concert, just a few days before Christmas. Expect a collection of seasonal favourites, including Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria” and Miles Ramsay’s “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, along with a new arrangement of “I Wash My Face in a Golden Vase” by Sophia Colpitts. Holiday mood: Escaping shopping-mall madness.
ABRA Cadabra
MUSIC
An ABBA Christmas With ABRA Cadabra
December 6 at 7:30 pm at Massey Theatre
Local cover band ABRA Cadabra has played several concerts for Malaysian royalty—so it’s safe to say the group knows its stuff when it comes to ABBA. The artists are putting a fun holiday twist on Sweden’s greatest musical export with a performance featuring background dancers, multimedia elements, and, of course, dazzling ’70s-inspired costumes. Expect it to lean fairly interactive, with lots of opportunities to sing along to ABBA hits like “Fernando” and Christmas favourites. Holiday mood: Channelling our inner dancing queens.
BASS-MAS!
December 3 at 7 pm at the Jericho Arts Centre
It doesn’t get much more rare than a quartet composed entirely of double bassists—and yet Vancouver is getting just that with this extra-special Christmas offering. Classically trained musicians Malcolm Armstrong, Mark Beaty, Meaghan Williams, and Jeff White are uniting to play four brand-new commissions, including one composed by fellow double-bass aficionado Mark Haney. And there may or may not be some surprise guests joining in on the fun: double-bass students of all ages from across B.C. and the Pacific Northwest. Holiday mood: It’s all about that bass.
Winter Harp
December 7 at 3 pm at Massey Theatre, December 10 at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church, December 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm at the BlueShore at CapU, December 20 and 21 at 3 pm at the ACT Arts Centre, and December 22 at 7:30 pm at The Cultch’s Historic Theatre
More than 40 years ago, Alan Woodland and Lori Pappajohn began performing Christmas concerts together, and made their collaboration official in 1993 by calling it Winter Harp. Since then, the group has been offering seasonal concerts across the Lower Mainland, blending harps, flutes, and percussion with a selection of other medieval instruments to create a heartwarming sound. Stz’uminus elder and artist Daniel Elliott, who is based in Nanaimo, has written a winter salutation to open each show on this year’s tour. And Winter Harp will be honouring Woodland, who passed away last summer at age 94, with a special dedication at the St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church concert on December 10. Holiday mood: Cherishing the legacy of a wonderfully talented artist.
Tom Keenlyside (left) and Angela Kelman
Have a Holly Jolly Jazzy Christmas
December 8 at 7 pm at the Anvil Theatre
The Tom Keenlyside Quartet is back for another jazzed-up holiday show featuring Juno Award–winning vocalist Angela Kelman, best known for her work as lead singer of Canadian country band Farmer’s Daughter. Keenlyside will be playing saxophone, flute, and clarinet alongside Michael Creber on piano, Nino Di Pasquale on drums, and Brent Gubbels on bass. Holiday mood: Boppin’ and swingin’ to seasonal hits.
Traditional Christmas With the VSO
December 10 at 7:30 pm at South Delta Baptist Church, December 11 at 7:30 pm at the Kay Meek Arts Centre, December 12 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre, December 13 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, and December 21 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm at the Orpheum
Bard on the Beach’s Christopher Gaze is hosting and Trevor Wilson is conducting this beloved large-scale offering put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra each year. Expect a whole variety of favourites, including “O Holy Night”, “White Christmas”, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and themes from Frozen and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Vancouver-born soprano Bridget Esler is among the guest soloists. Holiday mood: Marking a tradition as essential as decorating the tree.
Caroline Shaw at a past edition of Music for the Winter Solstice. Photo by Jan Gates
Music for the Winter Solstice
December 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm at Heritage Hall
North Carolina–born vocalist Caroline Shaw won the Pulitzer Prize for Music with her composition Partita for 8 Voices when she was 30, making her the prize’s youngest-ever recipient. Her other achievements range from winning five Grammys to arranging tracks on Rosalía’s just-released album Lux. At Music on Main’s annual Winter Solstice concert, Shaw will sing and play violin alongside vocalist Danni Lee Parpan, percussionist Julia Chien, and pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa. Holiday mood: Serenades on a long winter night.
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
December 11 and 12 at 7:30 pm at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
This composition based on Italian sonnets is Vivaldi’s best-known work, and easily one of the most recognizable in the wider classical-music canon. It is among the earliest examples of a narrative piece, with different parts The Four Seasons evoking sounds of nature that correspond with what occurs in the sonnets. In the fourth movement, “Winter”, a careful listener can detect the harsh howl of the wind, teeth chattering in the cold, and the peaceful crackling of a fire. This year, concertmaster Timothy Steeves is leading the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra through the masterwork. Holiday mood: A timeless love letter to the season.
Home Alone in Concert
December 17 and 18 at 7 pm at the Orpheum
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal! Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister in this 1990 movie, a true seasonal staple in households around North America. The VSO will perform John Williams’s legendary score live as Home Alone plays in full; Andrew Crust will conduct. Holiday mood: Childhood antics on the big screen.
(From left) A History of Motown’s Cole Tinney, Krystle Dos Santos, Jon Holisko, and Gavin Youngash. Photo by Ben Parker
A Very Merry Motown
December 17 to 28 at the Firehall Arts Centre
Those who’ve had the chance to catch award-winning artist Krystle Dos Santos in A History of Motown will know she’s a powerhouse vocalist who is perfectly suited to performing era-defining hits. For this concert, she’ll share Motown songs and stories that inspire joy, alongside fellow vocalists Stephen Scaccia and Josh Wyper, drummer Jon Holisko, keyboardist Cole Tinney, guitarist-bassist Gavin Youngash, and saxophonist Dominic Conway. Holiday mood: Revelling in a legendary ’60s sound.
Elf in Concert
December 19 and 20 at 7 pm at the Orpheum
The VSO has got one last fan-favourite movie night up its sleeve this season with Elf, the beloved story of Buddy, a happy-go-lucky man raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole who decides to venture out to New York to find his real dad. The VSO will play John Debney’s score live while audiences watch the hilarious Will Ferrell as Buddy, trying to find his way in the big city. Holiday mood: A film sweeter than breakfast spaghetti.
Chelsea Rose Winsby in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s Frozen. Photo by Moonrider Productions
THEATRE
Disney’s Frozen
To January 4, 2026 at Stanley BFL CANADA Stage
The spectacular stage version of Frozen whisks audiences back to Arendelle, where Queen Elsa’s hidden powers have plunged the kingdom into eternal winter. As Anna sets out to save her sister, the show dazzles with all the heart and fun of the original work. Directed by Ashlie Corcoran, with choreography by Shelley Stewart Hunt and music direction by Ken Cormier, this Arts Club Theatre Company production brings the magic to life through breathtaking staging and a talented ensemble. With kid-friendly matinees and sing-along shows, it’s the ultimate family outing of the season. Holiday mood: With summer behind us, it’s time to “let it go” and step into a sparkly winter wonderland.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
To November 29 at Metro Theatre
Nothing says “cozy” quite like settling into the charming world of Jane Austen; add a dash of festivity and you’ve got yourself a new classic. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley takes us back to the world of Lizzy and Darcy during a family reunion at Pemberley, but this time, the shy middle sister Mary Bennet takes centre stage. Cue witty banter, romantic tension, and a healthy dose of holiday cheer in this play by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Holiday mood: A true holiday gift to Jane Austen fans.
East Van Panto: West Van Story. Photo by Emily Cooper
East Van Panto: West Van Story
November 19 to January 4, 2026 at The Cultch’s York Theatre
Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto is back for its 13th year, but this time it’s switching things up. Instead of a classic fairy tale send-up, a new Romeo and Juliet–inspired romp is set to entertain audiences in this offbeat, family-friendly story of a romance that unites two rival gangs—one from West Van, the other from East Van. The show brings a mix of new and familiar faces, with veteran playwright Marcus Youssef (Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio) teaming up with newcomer Pedro Chamale to pen the production, and director Chelsea Haberlin also making her Panto debut. Holiday mood: Mega-laughs, hyperlocal references, and off-the-hook song-and-dance satire.
The Improv Centre’s ’Tis the Sitcom with Jacki Gunn, Raf Rogers, Mary Saunders, Jeff Cooper, Jenny Rubé, and Chris Casillan.
’Tis the Sitcom
November 20 to December 30 at The Improv Centre
Sitcoms may follow a familiar formula, but they can swing from the mundane to the utterly absurd—which is exactly what you can expect from The Improv Centre’s ’Tis the Sitcom. In this 90-minute romp, a cast improvises an entire sitcom on the spot, built on a simple premise: a group of friends in the big city must navigate festive-season dilemmas (commercial breaks and all). No two shows are alike, but one thing’s certain: this hilarious, deconstructed sitcom is anything but stale. Holiday mood: As elusive as Santa himself.
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
November 26 to December 14 at the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Theatre company WONDERHEADS returns to the Olympic Village Stage with its annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol. This fantastical reimagining of Dickens’s classic tale follows the miserly Scrooge through his ghostly encounters with Christmases past, present, and future—entirely without dialogue. Through physical theatre, 10-foot-tall puppets, whimsical masks (twice the size of a human head), and a mesmerizing original score, A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol delivers a heartwarming holiday experience like no other. Holiday mood: A wonderland that leaves audiences spellbound.
Elizabeth Barrett, Ming Hudson, Kaitlyn Yott, and Kate Besworth in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Photo by Trevor Brady
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
November 27 to January 4, 2026 at the Granville Island Stage
Just six years on from Greta Gerwig’s triumphant spin on Louisa May Alcott’s novel comes Lauren Gunderson’s lively new adaption of the coming-of-age classic. With its story of love and hope, Little Women follow the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, a quartet of strong-willed sisters—played by standout actors Kate Besworth, Elizabeth Barrett, Ming Hudson, and Kaitlyn Yott, respectively—as they grow up in Civil War–era America. Directed by Barbara Tomasic, this highly anticipated Arts Club Theatre Company production promises to bring innovation and modern wit to Alcott’s beloved classic. Holiday mood: More heartwarming than a cup of hot chocolate by a pot-bellied stove.
Annie
December 11 to January 3, 2026 at Gateway Theatre
From the team that brought Oliver! to Gateway Theatre last holiday season comes this revival of the Tony Award–winning musical. It tells the tale of a parentless 11-year-old who is rescued from the cruelty of her orphanage overlord, Miss Hannigan, by the ultra-rich Oliver Warbucks, who takes her in for two weeks over Christmas. The rags-to-riches fantasy includes every bit of charm found in Thomas Meehan’s book, and features hits like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life”. Holiday mood: Plucky optimism to boost your spirits.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk
December 12 to January 4, 2026 at Metro Theatre
With its annual tradition of putting on a British pantomime, Metro Theatre is mounting a boisterous, over-the-top rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk. True to form, the entire production is interactive, so prepare to boo the villain, cheer on the hero, and be stunned by the fairy tale costumes and talking goose (yes, a talking goose). This marks the company’s 40th panto, and the team behind last year’s award-winning Cinderella! is back onboard. Holiday mood: The side-quest sing-along of “12 Days of Christmas” is the ornament on top.
Christmas Presence
December 12 to 23 at Pacific Theatre
Actor and Pacific Theatre founder Ron Reed hosts this unique Christmas show in which every night brings a new magical twist to the stage. With performers creating an eclectic mix of stories, poetry, and music, audiences won’t know what they’re in for—even if they’ve seen the show before. Staged in the alley theatre, where the audience sits on either side of the stage, there’s no bad seat for this production. To sweeten the deal, Pacific Theatre offers 10 budget-friendly tickets to each show. Holiday mood: A stocking full of surprises.
The Gingerbread Men: Yet Another Holiday Cabaret
December 17 to 21 at the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Presented by the Arts Club, four suave crooners return for another season of smooth harmonies, performing Christmas classics in doo-wop, jazz, and a cappella styles, all without straying too far from their original charm. Packed with warmth and wit, this show is sure to sing you into the Christmas spirit. Holiday mood: An un-silent night of carolling at the top of your lungs.
O Christmas Tea
O Christmas Tea
December 27 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, December 28 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at Massey Theatre, and December 29 and 30 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm at Centennial Theatre
O Christmas Tea returns to Vancouver for another season of festive silliness and physical comedy (think British panto energy with an accent on the absurd). A hit that has toured internationally for more than 12 years, the show has collected its fair share of accolades along the way, including three Impresario Awards and an off-Broadway run. Join the quirky duo James and Jamesy as their perfectly proper tea party tips into chaos. Holiday mood: Imagine Dr. Seuss and Mr. Bean in a Christmas film.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
DANCE
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 12 to 14 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Ballet BC presents this distinctly Canadian rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic, complete with Mounties battling the Mouse King. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is one of the most polished companies in the country, and this stunning rendition is all about en-pointe beauty and opulent sets and costumes. Holiday mood: White tutus to match the softly falling snow.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed Nuts
December 12 to 14 at the Vancouver Playhouse
Arts Umbrella Dance Company offers its unique annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, with a vibrant assortment of dance styles and emerging artists. This year’s production features Dutch dancers Noah Prins (who trained with the Royal Conservatoire Dance The Hague) and Gaya Hagemeier (who trained with the Dutch National Ballet Academy). Holiday mood: A fun, fresh alternative to tradition.
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 18 to 21 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Goh Ballet’s sumptuous interpretation of the classic is full of fantastical touches, with a journey through the Land of Snow and across the Lemonade Sea to the Kingdom of Sweets. There’s a life-size gingerbread man, mice who battle by hurling big wedges of Swiss cheese, and a real magician (as Drosselmeyer). Bonus: the Vancouver Opera Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s score live. Holiday mood: Dancing snowflakes and candy-coloured kingdoms.
The Vancouver Christmas Market
SPECIAL EVENTS
Vancouver Christmas Market
To December 24 at Jack Poole Plaza
Every year, the Vancouver Christmas Market brings the Old World charm of a German Christmas village to Jack Poole Plaza, complete with twinkling lights, European treats, and artisan huts where you can find the perfect gift. Back for its 15th edition, the magical pop-up is kicking things up a notch with additions that include a Breakfast With Santa event, new holiday drinks, and happy-hour perks during the week. All the usual features, including live music and fun workshops, are back on the bill, so you can snap a pic with the man himself and toast the season with mugs of glühwein. Holiday mood: Frohe Weihnachten.
Mount Pleasant Holiday Art Walk
December 6 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Triangle Building, City Centre Artist Lodge, and Omaha Art Studios
More than 30 Mount Pleasant–based studios are participating in this day-long art event taking place across three locations, all within a 10 minutes’ walk from each other. Highlights include One More Life Gallery, which is hosting a pop-up ornament show in the City Centre Artist Lodge lobby with pieces by over 25 artists; THIS Gallery, putting on a festive winter art market at Omaha Art Studios featuring ceramics, illustrations, embroidery, and more; and Steph Ford Studio, offering Risograph prints at the Triangle Building. Holiday mood: Local handmade goods galore.
Sonder: Life in Lights
Sonder: Life in Lights
To January 11, 2026 from 5 pm onward throughout Yaletown’s Heritage District
Designed in collaboration with the Whistler-based creative studio Best Coast, this outdoor installation transforms Yaletown into a winder wonderland with light projections. Part scavenger hunt and part art walk, it features two dozen scenes hidden around corners throughout the neighbourhood, illuminating street-level storefronts, penthouse sidings, and heritage brick walls. Each one is a glowing window that shows silhouettes of people—cozy scenes like a couple dancing or a man listening to music—revealing the intimate moments of everyday life that are undoubtedly happening all around us. Next to each projection, there’s a QR code you can scan with your phone that will bring up a digital map of all the pieces on display, so you can go on an enchanting walking tour. Holiday mood: Elevating the passerby experience to picturesque new heights.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Festival of Lights
November 28 to January 4, 2026 from 4 pm to 10 pm at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Wrap up and take a stroll through this urban oasis transformed into a sparkly winter landscape with more than a million lights. The popular holiday attraction is back with dedicated installations inspired by plants and animals, as well as the beloved Dancing Lights display. There’s also an on-site gift shop for all your stocking-filler needs, along with festive music and treats to keep you warm. Holiday mood: Utter enchantment.
Canyon Lights
November 21 to January 18, 2026 at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Vancouver’s famed suspension bridge is getting the festive treatment once again, becoming a multicolour light display for the holidays. New to this year’s edition of Canyon Lights is Wildlight, a captivating 3D light projection that brings West Coast forest animals to life in stunning detail. Watch as black bears, coyotes, and a great horned owl illuminate the surrounding forest and Capilano River below in a dazzling display. Holiday mood: Festive magic meets the great outdoors. 
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