The winter event calendar is full of festive fun, so to help navigate, we’ve put together this handy holiday guide! Whether you’ve got family theatre traditions, friendly plans to get festive and feast, or prefer the sweet sounds of the season, there are many happy holiday events happening this year.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Open once again at Jack Poole Plaza is the Vancouver Christmas Market. In its fifteenth year, this is one of the most picturesque markets in town with its little huts that house artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. Kick off the festive season with a steaming cup of Glühwein, or try this year’s new cocktail offering: Feuerzangenbowle. This traditional German drink is called fire tong punch because a rum-soaked lump of sugar is set on fire and left to drip into Glühwein below. As well as the ninety-plus vendors, this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market boasts 360° lighting displays, the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel, and the Christmas Pyramid. Enjoy activities like workshops, Christmas Karaoke, and trivia, as well as photos with Santa until December 24.
Miracle on 34th Street
Live theatre is a part of many people’s Christmas traditions. Seeing a holiday classic brought to life on stage, like Miracle on 34th Street, is heartwarming, and an activity that can be shared across generations. The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Granville Island Stage. The iconic role of Kris Kringle is played confidently by Kevin McNulty, while Michelle Harrison delivers a moving portrayal of Doris Walker. Siggi Kaldestad is charming as little Susie Walker. She really makes us believe that she believes. The ingenious stage design, minimal but still festive, transforms with ease from office to department store to courtroom. Vintage footage of the Thanksgiving Day parade is even cleverly projected on the set. This heartfelt production is on now until December 29.
Cornucopia Whistler
This fantastic annual wine and food event kicks off every holiday season. It is always held right before the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain opens at the beginning of November. You can let your taste buds run wild at Cornucopia, a celebration of gourmet food, wines, spirits and beer. Cornucopia caters to everyone from amateur to expert. This year’s event offered over 35 drink seminars and live demonstrations on the Culinary Stage. Some of the most exciting are the restaurant and bar events. Guests have the chance to attend exclusive one-night-only collaborations between chefs and winemakers. Among the most popular events annually are the drag wine brunches. Watch for when 2025 tickets go on sale. Guests from Vancouver can opt for packages which combine event tickets with accommodation.
The Nutcracker by Goh Ballet
A visit to the magical Kingdom of Sweets is a holiday season must. Part of the joy of attending a production of The Nutcracker is to witness the thrill it brings children in the audience. Goh Ballet’s production not only sparks the imaginations of children watching but also stars children, with some as young as just six years old. “A Holiday Dream Danced To Life” is the theme of this year’s production presented by RBC. With over two hundred dancers from twenty-six dance organizations and companies, this diverse company includes children, teen, and adult dancers. The Nutcracker by Goh Ballet will return to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 19 to 22, for five performances accompanied by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
For those who love Hallmark Christmas movies so much they wish they could be in one, Merry & Bright at Martini Town offers just that opportunity! The studio backlot town in Langley has been transformed into a holiday wonderland. If you’re looking for a festive family photo op spot, this is it. With so many different facades and every corner decorated, there is no shortage of backdrops. There is even fake snow. Merry & Bright at Martini Town also features artisan vendors, food trucks, festive drinks, and live musical performances as well as Christmas carollers. They are open now through January 5, 2025, Wednesday to Sunday, 3 pm to 10 pm.
The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret
Sit back and enjoy some classic holiday songs sung by Vancouver’s sweetest quartet. The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret is on now at the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre. Brennan Cuff, Brandyn Eddy, Jer Lowe, and Jeffrey Victor, are seasoned professionals who have been crooning holiday classics since 2012. This year, they’ve put together a line-up of jazz, doo wop, and acapella standards, all delivered in their signature suave style. The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret is on now until December 22.
