Get your calendars out, there is some awesome stuff happening in Metro Vancouver for the holidays. Here is our round-up of some must-sees and dos this season, some major holiday events in Vancouver, all to ensure you have family holiday fun!
St.Paul’s Lights of Hope
St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street
Nov. 24 from 6pm – 8pm (Note: Fireworks and the lighting will commence sometime between 6:30-7pm)
The lights at St.Paul’s is an annual must-see and on all season. Nov.24 is when this year’s Lights of Hope will be lit for the first time, during a special Community Celebration with fireworks, food trucks and musical entertainment.
For more information visit: http://donate.helpstpauls.com/site/Calendar?id=100061&view=Detail&_ga=1.132204750.1567215329.1476833245
Holidays at the Aquarium – Scuba Claus Comes to Town
Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park
Nov. 24 – Jan. 3 (Scuba Claus dives until Dec. 24)
See a holiday tree and its shimmering lights sparked by the resident electric eel. An iridescent lightshow awaits in the Pacific Canada gallery where a Jelly Swarm of LED-lit origami jellies float from above while their glowing projections dance all around you. The Polar Express shows in a multi-sensory 4D theatre. As you wander through the festivities, keep an eye out for Scuba Claus diving about.
For information visit http://www.vanaqua.org/
Vancouver Opera Presents Hansel & Gretel
Vancouver Playhouse
Nov. 24 – Dec. 11 (see website for show times)
Larger-than-life puppets, stunning design and an irresistible new orchestration make Vancouver Opera’s new production the ideal holiday treat for the whole family!
For tickets and more information visit: VO Ticket Centre 604-683-0222 or online at www.vancouveropera.ca
Enchant
Between Cambie Bridge and Olympic Village
Nov. 25 – Dec. 31 from 4pm – 10pm
This is the world’s largest Christmas light maze, 55000 square feet of maze, lit up with professionally designed holiday decor. It will be something to see.
Presentation House Theatre Presents Baking Time
Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver
Nov. 25 – Dec. 11 (see website for show times)
A musical and puppetry and highly interactive show – follow the enchanted adventures of bakers Bun and Bap as they encounter mischievous doughy characters, and venture through forests of breadstick trees and magical floury storms – all while baking real loaves of deliciously fresh bread in a real life on-stage oven. This show is ideal for families with young children.
For tickets and more information visit: http://www.phtheatre.org/show/baking-time/
Candytown – A Yaletown Holiday Festival
Yaletown, Vancouver
Nov. 26 from 12pm – 7pm
Downtown Vancouver’s only free winter festival will transform Mainland Street into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes will adorn lamp poles and costumed characters will parade down the street, as well as street performers and live music.
For more information visit: https://yaletowninfo.com/event/candytown-a-yaletown-holiday-festival-2016
7th Annual Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza – Home of the Olympic Cauldron (Vancouver Convention Centre West)
Nov.26 – Dec. 30
Authentic German-inspired festivities, combining colourful décor, authentic gifts, savoury food & drink, and family entertainment, the yuletide celebration creates the perfect atmosphere to mix & mingle with friends & family, take in a quick drink after work, and observe a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment.
For more information visit: vancouverchristmasmarket.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas for the holidays with Carousel Theatre for Young People
Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island
Nov. 26 – Dec. 31 (for show times, please visit www.carouseltheatre.ca)
The cherished holiday classic comes to the stage in a lively musical adaption, complete with a live jazz trio. Recommended for ages 3+, this show aims to delight families with the wit, warmth and music of the beloved Peanuts special.
For tickets and more information please visit: tickets.carouseltheatre.ca
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
Stanley Park
Nov. 28 – Jan. 1 (see website for train times)
During the holiday season, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. Ride the train and experience the lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the train route.
For more information and tickets visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx
Yule Duel
Along Water Street in Vancouver’s Gastown
Dec. 1 from 6pm – 9pm
Yule Duel brings together Vancouver’s top choirs and some of the city’s most notable personalities to fundraise for May’s Place which provides much needed, compassionate end-of-life care to vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside. There will be a chance to vote and watch choirs “duel”.
For more information visit: www.yuleduel.ca
The Balloon Winter Wonderland
Wesbrook Village
Dec. 3 – Dec. 18 from 10am – 8pm
This is a free event, where guests can walk around a yuletide balloon display. Come visiting on opening day for Santa photos as well!
For more information visit: http://www.discoverwesbrook.com/posts/it-s-in-the-air–2#.WDK_s_krLIU
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botantical Gardens
Dec. 1 – Jan. 2 (see website for times)
A magical winter wonderland with over one million lights decorating the gardens, stroll through interactive themed areas, enjoy a dancing lights show and take a ride on the new carousel, take a photo with Santa and more!
For more information visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx