Festivals and Events

November and December are the busiest festival months in Metro Vancouver. The season opens with film, music, arts and Remembrance Day, then moves into Christmas markets, tree lightings, light displays, theatre and a long run of holiday events that ends with New Year's Eve and the Polar Bear Swim on January 1.

This guide lists the festivals and events happening in Vancouver and nearby cities from early November through December 2026, with dates, locations and links to our detailed guides. One note for planning: according to local reporting, BC has moved to permanent daylight time, so clocks do not change this fall.

Vancouver Events in November 2026 at a Glance

• Nov 1 to 8: DTES Heart of the City Festival and Fraser River Literary Festival
• Nov 3 to 8: Jade Music Festival
• Nov 4 onward: Cirque du Soleil LUZIA at Concord Pacific Place
• Nov 5 to 7: Smashing Pumpkins, Teddy Swims and Pentatonix at Rogers Arena
• Nov 6 to 20: Bear Creek Lights in Surrey
• Nov 10 to 15: Funny and Gay Comedy Festival
• Nov 11: Remembrance Day
• Nov 11 to 15: Circle Craft Holiday Market
• Nov 12: Lights of Hope lighting at St. Paul's Hospital
• Nov 12 to 14: Lumiere Festival Downtown
• Nov 12 to 26: European Union Film Festival
• Nov 13 to 22: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
• Nov 16 to Dec 24: Vancouver Christmas Market
• Nov 18 to 21: Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week
• Nov 19 to 22: Eastside Culture Crawl
• Nov 20 onward: Canyon Lights at Capilano and Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
• Nov 21 to 27: Tree lighting festivals in Surrey, Aldergrove, Ladner and Vancouver
• Nov 27 onward: VanDusen Festival of Lights, Shipyards Holiday Market, Lights at Lafarge and Bright Nights
• Nov 28: Steveston Christmas Craft Fair, Bright Walk in White Rock and Bright in Burnaby

Vancouver Events in December 2026 at a Glance

• All month: Vancouver Christmas Market (to Dec 24), VanDusen Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights, Bright Nights, Lights at Lafarge, Astra Lumina
• Dec 1: Sensory-friendly evening at VanDusen Festival of Lights
• Dec 5: Santa Claus Parade in Maple Ridge, Mission Candlelight Parade and breakfasts with Santa at community centres
• Dec 5 and 6: Vancouver Game Expo
• Dec 5 onward: Vancouver Goldeneyes PWHL home games
• Dec 10 to Jan 2: 42nd Street at Gateway Theatre
• Dec 12: Big Elf Run in Stanley Park
• Dec 13: Last day of Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
• Dec 21: Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
• Dec 24: Vancouver Christmas Market and Peak of Christmas end
• Dec 31: New Year's Eve celebrations and free transit hours expected
• Jan 1, 2027: Polar Bear Swims at English Bay, Deep Cove, White Rock and more

Jade Music Festival, Heart of the City and Fraser River Literary Festival (November 1 to 8)

Three smaller festivals open the month. The Jade Music Festival (November 3 to 8) fills Vancouver venues with showcases from Chinese language and Asian Canadian artists, from pop and funk to a drag show. The DTES Heart of the City Festival is a community arts festival in the Downtown Eastside with performances, film, music and storytelling, and pairs well with a walk through nearby Chinatown. The Fraser River Literary Festival, organized through the New Westminster Public Library, brings author events and readings to the Fraser waterfront city.

Cirque du Soleil LUZIA at Concord Pacific Place (November 4 to January 10)

Cirque du Soleil returns to Vancouver with LUZIA under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place on the False Creek waterfront. The show opens on November 4 and, according to recent local reporting, runs until January 10, 2027. Earlier tour announcements gave a mid December closing date, so confirm the final performance on the official ticket page before you book. LUZIA is inspired by Mexico and uses real water in its acrobatics. The site sits close to Science World and the seawall, which makes a pre-show walk easy.

Concerts and Shows in November 2026

Rogers Arena has three big nights in a row: Smashing Pumpkins on November 5, Teddy Swims on November 6 and Pentatonix on November 7. Downtown gets busy on concert nights, so take SkyTrain and allow extra time around Stadium-Chinatown station. Other notable November dates include Beck on November 9, Penn and Teller on November 10, Brett Goldstein on November 11, Raffi family concerts on November 14 and 15, Gabor Mate on November 19, and the Disney's Beauty and the Beast run from November 24. Disney On Ice opens on November 25.

Bear Creek Lights in Surrey (November 6 to 20)

Bear Creek Park in Surrey turns into an evening light display in early November, with live music nights, Salmon Sessions, nature at night walks and storytime events through the run. It is one of the easiest ways to see lights before the big December displays open. Read our guide to Bear Creek Park or browse the Surrey guide for more nearby parks and attractions.

Funny and Gay Comedy Festival (November 10 to 15)

A week of stand up and sketch shows from queer comedians at Vancouver venues. Check the festival schedule for individual shows, since the lineup changes each night.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies (November 11)

Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday, November 11 and is a statutory holiday in BC. Ceremonies take place in every Metro Vancouver city, including the Victory Square cenotaph downtown and local cenotaphs from New Westminster to Fort Langley. Arrive early, dress warmly and expect road closures near the larger services. Chor Leoni also holds a Remembrance Day concert that evening. Check our list of BC statutory holidays for closures.

Circle Craft Holiday Market (November 11 to 15)

Circle Craft Holiday Market is Western Canada's largest holiday craft market, with more than 300 Canadian artisans selling handmade goods at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on Canada Place. It is the best first stop for gift shopping before the Christmas markets open. Tickets are sold online through the organizer. Nearby, Canada Place is an easy add on.

Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital (November 12 onward)

The Lights of Hope lighting at St. Paul's Hospital on November 12 is a free community event that raises money for the hospital and marks the start of the festive lights in downtown Vancouver. The lights stay up into January and are a pleasant stop on an evening walk.

Lumiere Festival Downtown (November 12 to 14)

Lumiere is a three night festival of light and art in the West End and downtown, organized through the West End BIA. It is a good reason to walk the streets after dark and pairs well with dinner nearby.

European Union Film Festival (November 12 to 26)

The Cinematheque presents contemporary European cinema over two weeks. It is a calm option for a rainy evening. Film fans can also read our guide to the Vancouver International Film Festival for next year's planning.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (November 13 to 22)

VIMFF screens adventure, climbing, skiing and outdoor films over ten days, a good pick for hikers and skiers getting ready for winter. To get outside before the snow, see our guide to the best fall hikes in Vancouver.

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (November 18 to 21)

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week showcases Indigenous designers, models and artists over four days. The Museum of Anthropology also opens the Ayana V. Jackson exhibition on November 19, so pair the two if you can. Our Museum of Anthropology guide has visit tips.

Eastside Culture Crawl (November 19 to 22)

The Eastside Culture Crawl celebrates its 30th year with open studios from more than 525 artists across the Eastside Arts District. Visitors walk from studio to studio to see painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and printmaking, and buy directly from the artists. It is the biggest arts weekend of the year in Vancouver and a strong alternative to mall shopping.

Tree Lighting Festivals (November 21 to 27)

Tree lighting season runs across the region over the last week of the month:

• Nov 21 and 22: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market in Surrey
• Nov 22: Christmas in Aldergrove Tree Lighting in Langley
• Nov 26: Ladner Tree Lighting Festival in Delta
• Nov 27: Vancouver Tree Lighting Ceremony downtown
• Nov 27: Tree Lighting Ceremony in the West End at English Bay, near English Bay Beach

Vancouver Christmas Market (November 16 to December 24)

The Vancouver Christmas Market runs at Jack Poole Plaza next to the Convention Centre. It is a German style market with vendor huts, food, mulled wine and live entertainment beside the waterfront, and December Saturday evenings fill up fast. For tips on timing and how it compares with other markets, read our Vancouver Christmas Market guide and the Christmas markets in Vancouver roundup.

VanDusen Festival of Lights (November 27 to January 3)

More than a million lights fill about 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden in this long running Vancouver tradition. The festival is closed on December 25, and a sensory-friendly evening with lower sound and no flashing lights is planned for December 1. Tickets are timed, so book ahead for weekends. Our VanDusen Festival of Lights guide and the VanDusen Botanical Garden page cover getting there.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge (November 20 to January 10)

The suspension bridge, the canyon and the forest trails are lit up each evening through the holidays, with new projections this year. The park is closed on December 25. See our Capilano Suspension Bridge guide for planning the trip across the North Shore.

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain (November 20 to December 24)

Grouse Mountain turns the top of the gondola into a Christmas village with skating, sleigh rides and light displays. Read our Peak of Christmas guide and the main Grouse Mountain page for visit tips.

Noel Surrey and Bright Nights (November 27 to December 29)

Bright Nights moved from Stanley Park to the Noel Holiday Light Festival at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. It opens on November 27 and runs on select dates until December 29. Tickets and times are on the festival website.

Lights at Lafarge, Glow Langley and Astra Lumina

Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam kicks off on November 27 and runs into January. Glow Langley opens in mid November, and Astra Lumina, the illuminated night walk in Stanley Park, runs through December 31. See our full list of the best Christmas lights in Vancouver and the Stanley Park guide for the park itself.

Steveston Christmas Craft Fair (November 28)

The Steveston Christmas Craft Fair takes over the Steveston Community Centre Net Shed on November 28 with local makers and handmade gifts. Add a walk around the harbour afterwards. Read our Steveston Christmas Craft Fair guide and plan lunch in Steveston Village. Horse carriage rides in the village are listed for November 29 to December 6.

Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs 2026

Besides the big markets, weekends from mid November are full of smaller craft fairs and holiday markets. Many are free to enter.

• Nov 7 and 8, 14 and 15, 21 and 22, 29: Made in the 604 Holiday Market at changing locations, including North Vancouver and Fort Langley
• Nov 7: Shop Small Market in Fort Langley
• Nov 14: Cloverdale Grand Christmas Market and Heart to Home Holiday Market in Surrey, with Heart to Home continuing on Nov 15
• Nov 14: Kin Village Holiday Craft Market and Bake Sale in Ladner
• Nov 20 to Dec 20: Wesbrook Village Holiday Market at UBC
• Nov 21 and 22: Got Craft Holiday Market and the Holiday Pop Up Market by Vancouver Etsy Co.
• Nov 21: Christmas on the Peninsula in White Rock and HollyDaze in the Heights in Coquitlam
• Nov 22: Southlands Holiday Market
• Nov 27 to Dec 24: Shipyards Holiday Market in North Vancouver beside the SeaBus terminal
• Nov 28: Indigenous Christmas Market in Surrey, Indigenous Artisan Market in North Vancouver and Herbert Spencer Christmas Craft Fair in New Westminster
• Nov 28 and 29: Portobello West Holiday Market

Looking for gifts later? Our guide to last minute Christmas shopping in Vancouver covers the rest of the season.

Festive Village and WinterFest (November 21 to December 19)

Two family friendly seasonal events run into December. WinterFest at the Museum of Surrey runs from November 21 to December 19. The Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum runs from November 25 to December 13. Merry and Brights at Martini Town in Vancouver runs from November 20 to December 31.

Santa Parades and Family Events in December

• Nov 29: Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, Christmas Wonderland on The Drive and Santa at the Cannery
• Dec 5: Santa Claus Parade in Maple Ridge and Mission Candlelight Parade in the Fraser Valley
• Dec 5, 6, 12 and 19: Breakfast with Santa at community centres across Vancouver and Richmond
• Dec 7: Gingerbread House Decorating at the Roundhouse
• Dec 12: Big Elf Run starting at Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park
• December weekends: Carol Ships Parade of Lights along the harbour, English Bay and False Creek, with the schedule still to be confirmed

For a wider list of seasonal ideas, see our Vancouver Christmas activities and events guide.

Holiday Theatre and Shows in December

Vancouver's stages are busy through the holidays. Elf: The Musical runs at the Arts Club from November 12 to December 27, the East Van Panto Hercules runs from November 18 to January 10, The Gingerbread Men holiday cabaret plays Granville Island from December 7 to 21, and 42nd Street runs at Gateway Theatre from December 10 to January 2. The Vancouver Game Expo takes place on December 5 and 6, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes begin their PWHL home schedule on December 5. Browse Granville Island for pre-show dining and weekend holiday activities.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival (December 21)

The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is an annual community event with lantern making workshops, fire performances and outdoor processions at various locations on December 21. Check the organizer's website for the 2026 route and workshop schedule.

New Year’s Eve and Polar Bear Swims (December 31 and January 1)

New Year's Eve celebrations take place at venues across Vancouver on December 31, with family friendly early shows at Grouse Mountain and in the city. In past years TransLink has offered free transit overnight on New Year's Eve, so look for the 2026 announcement. On January 1, 2027 the Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay Beach for its 107th year, with smaller swims in Deep Cove, White Rock, Fort Langley, Port Moody, Delta and Squamish.

Farmers Markets in November and December

The summer markets at Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant closed on November 1, and winter markets take over. Riley Park Winter Farmers Market runs on Saturdays, Kitsilano Winter Farmers Market on Sundays and the Downtown Farmers Market on Wednesdays. See our list of the best farmers markets in Vancouver for more options.

Family and Free Events in November and December

• Nature walks, duck walks and family scavenger hunts at Stanley Park Ecology Society, including a family autumn scavenger hunt on Nov 21
• Louis Riel Day Celebration on Nov 14
• Salmon Sessions and night walks at Bear Creek Lights in Surrey
• Remembrance Day services on Nov 11
• Tree lighting ceremonies from Nov 21 to 27
• Raffi family concerts on Nov 14 and 15
• Lights of Hope in downtown Vancouver, from Nov 12
• Polar Bear Swim spectating on Jan 1

For salmon season, see our guide to salmon watching in Metro Vancouver. If the weather turns, our list of rainy day activities in Vancouver has indoor plans.

November 2026 Calendar

• Nov 4: Cirque du Soleil LUZIA opens
• Nov 5 to 7: Smashing Pumpkins, Teddy Swims, Pentatonix at Rogers Arena
• Nov 6: Bear Creek Lights begins in Surrey
• Nov 9: Beck at a Vancouver theatre
• Nov 10 to 15: Funny and Gay Comedy Festival
• Nov 11: Remembrance Day, Circle Craft Holiday Market opens
• Nov 12: Lights of Hope lighting, European Union Film Festival opens, Lumiere Festival begins
• Nov 13: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival opens
• Nov 14 and 15: Raffi, Surrey Christmas markets, Made in the 604 Holiday Market
• Nov 16: Vancouver Christmas Market opens
• Nov 18 to 21: Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week
• Nov 19: Ayana V. Jackson exhibition opens at the Museum of Anthropology
• Nov 19 to 22: Eastside Culture Crawl
• Nov 20: Canyon Lights, Peak of Christmas and Wesbrook Village Holiday Market begin
• Nov 21 and 22: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, Got Craft Holiday Market, Christmas on the Peninsula
• Nov 24 and 25: Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Disney On Ice open
• Nov 26: Ladner Tree Lighting Festival
• Nov 27: Vancouver and English Bay tree lightings, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Lights at Lafarge, Shipyards Holiday Market, Bright Nights
• Nov 28: Steveston Christmas Craft Fair, Bright Walk in White Rock, Bright in Burnaby, Edmonds Festival of Lights, Chilliwack Christmas Parade
• Nov 29: Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, Made in the 604 in Fort Langley, Portobello West Holiday Market

December 2026 Calendar

• Dec 1: Sensory-friendly evening at VanDusen Festival of Lights
• Dec 5: Santa Claus Parade in Maple Ridge, Mission Candlelight Parade, Vancouver Game Expo (Dec 5 and 6), first Goldeneyes home games
• Dec 7 to 21: The Gingerbread Men holiday cabaret at Granville Island
• Dec 10: 42nd Street opens at Gateway Theatre
• Dec 12: Big Elf Run in Stanley Park
• Dec 13: Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum ends
• Dec 19: WinterFest at the Museum of Surrey ends on this day, and Wesbrook Village Holiday Market closes the next day
• Dec 21: Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
• Dec 24: Vancouver Christmas Market and Peak of Christmas end
• Dec 25: Most light festivals and attractions are closed
• Dec 29: Bright Nights at Noel Surrey ends
• Dec 31: New Year's Eve, Astra Lumina and Merry and Brights end
• Jan 1: Polar Bear Swim at English Bay, and VanDusen and Canyon Lights continue into January

Tips for Enjoying Vancouver Events in November and December

• Pack for rain. November and December are among the wettest months, so bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with grip for outdoor markets and light displays.
• Use transit. SkyTrain serves Rogers Arena, Convention Centre events and Lafarge Lake, and parking fills quickly on tree lighting nights and December weekends.
• Book timed tickets early. VanDusen, Canyon Lights, Bright Nights and the Christmas Market sell out on peak December evenings.
• Go early to free events. Tree lightings and Remembrance Day services attract crowds, so arrive at least 30 minutes ahead.
• Check holiday closures. Many attractions close on December 24 or 25, and some events skip a few nights in December.
• Plan a second stop. Pair each event with a nearby attraction from our what to do in Vancouver in November guide.

More Festivals and Events in Vancouver

Looking beyond the holidays? Browse our festivals and events hub, the monthly guides for October and September, or the earlier Day of the Dead in Vancouver guide. For day trips, see our city guides to Richmond, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Coquitlam and Vancouver. Visiting from out of town? Our best time to visit Vancouver guide helps with timing.

Vancouver Festivals and Events FAQ