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This Month in Vancouver

Every month in Vancouver is simply bustling with cultural celebrations, concerts, sports events and so much more. Our Concierge team has their fingers on the pulse of all the fun, so check out what’s happening in Vancouver this month. We won’t let you miss a thing!

November / December 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Vancouver, especially at the Castle in the City. There is so much to do and see and trust us, you’ll want to do it all.

Holidays and other important dates:

  • November 11, 2023 – Remembrance Day (Stat Holiday)
  • December 25, 2023 – Christmas Day (Stat Holiday)
  • December 26, 2023 – Boxing Day (Stat Holiday)
  • January 1, 2024 – New Year’s Day (Stat Holiday)

Check out what’s happening this holiday season 2023 in Vancouver, BC in the dropdown menu below.

Explore all the fun, festive activities and dining events at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver this holiday season.

LEARN MORE

Elf: The Musical

Where: Stanley Theatre

When: Nov 2 – Dec 31, 2023

Info: www.artsclub.com

Join Buddy the elf on his expedition from the North Pole to New York City

 

The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Cabaret

Where: The BMO Theatre Centre

When: Dec 1 – 17, 2023

Info: www.artsclub.com

The crooners are the perfect recipe for a holly jolly good time.

 

VSO: La Valse & Bolero

Where: Orpheum

When: Dec 1, 2023 (7:00pm)

Info: www.vancouversymphony.ca

Enjoy this famous French classic!

 

Christmas with the Bach Choir

Where: Orpheum

When: Dec 3, 2023 (2:00pm)

Info: www.vancouverbachchior.com

The Christmas show will feature 400 singers.

 

Moms the Word: Talking Turkey

Where: Arts Club Granville Island Stage

When: Dec 5-31, 2023

Info: https://artsclub.com/shows/2022-2023/moms-the-word-talkin-turkey

The moms prove that the holidays really are about family, however you define it.

 

Royal Winnipeg Ballet – The Nutcracker Dance

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

When: Dec 8-10, 2023

Info: www.vancouvercivictheatres.com

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs their iconic, distinctly Canadian retelling of Nutcracker. Danced to an exquisite Tchaikovsky score.

 

Vancouver Men’s Chorus: Making Spirits Bright

Where: Vancouver Playhouse

When: Dec 8-10, 2023

Info: www.vancouvermenschorus.ca

Join us as we celebrate timeless holiday classics

 

Farewell to the King: Shahram Shabpareh

Where: Orpheum Theatre

When: Dec 9 (8:30pm)

Info: www.vancouvercivictheatres.com

Popular artist in Iranian Society

Christmas Presence

Where: Pacific Theatre

When: Dec 10-12 and 17-19, 2023

Info:  https://pacifictheatre.org/pacific_theatre_play/christmas-presence-3/

Christmas Presence is an intimate and warm way to usher in the holiday spirit.

 

VSO: Home Alone Concert

Where: Orpheum

When: Dec 13-14, 2023 (7:00pm)

Info: www.vancouversymphony.ca

Hilarious and heart-warming, family fun!

 

Goh Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

When: Dec 14-17, 2023

Info: https://vancouvercivictheatres.com/events/goh-ballet-the-nutcracker-dec-14-17-2023/

Goh Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker with more than 200 dancers.

 

Mixed Nuts

Where: Vancouver Playhouse

When: Dec 15 – 17, 2023

Info:  https://www.artsumbrella.com/events/mixed-nuts-2022/

Vancouver’s Art Umbrella Dance Company is back onstage with their highly entertaining contemporary twist on Tchaikovsky’s beloved festive masterpiece, The Nutcracker.

 

Christmas with Chor Leoni

Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church

When: Dec 15, 16 & 18, 2023

Info:  www.chorleoni.org

Featuring old favourites, tender carols and five world premieres, Chor Leoni sings in the holiday season accompanied by guest fiddler Cameron Wilson and Vivien Chen on harp.

 

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Where: Orpheum Theatre

When:  Dec 16, 2023 (4:00pm and 7:30pm) Traditional Christmas

Info:  www.vancouversymphony.ca

The annual tradition returns this Christmas. Beloved host Christopher Gaze will delight with his characteristic antics and festive stories. A festive treat for all!

 

VSO: Kids Concert: The Snowman

Where: Orpheum

When: Dec 17, 2023 (1:00pm & 3:00pm)

Info: www.vancouversymphony.ca

Enjoy the classic movie with live music.

 

Winter Harp Vancouver 2023

Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church

When: Dec 21 (7:30pm)

Info:  www.winterharp.com

Harps combine with flutes, violin, rare medieval instruments, percussion, poetry and song to wrap you snugly in the Christmas spirit.

 

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

Where: Orpheum

When: Dec 30, 2023 (8:00pm)

Info: www.vancouvercivictheatres.com

The Queens of Christmas are here to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.

 

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert

Where: Orpheum

When: Jan 1, 2024 (2:30pm)

Info: www.salutetovienna.com

Waltz into Vienna’s Golden Age!

 

Cirque Du Soleil – Kooza

Where: Concord Pacific Place

When: Oct 21 – Dec 31, 2023

Info:  www.cirquedusoleil.com

Under the Big Top, enjoy the journey viewed through the perspective of The Innocent, an endearing yet naive clown.

 

Vancouver Christmas Market

Where: Jack Poole Plaza

When: Nov 16 – Dec 24, 2023

Info: www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com

At the Vancouver Christmas Market, holiday cheer is around every corner. Enjoy gourmet food, authentic German drinks, and festive sweets and . Carousel rides.

 

Capilano Canyon Lights

Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge

When: Nov 17 – Jan 21, 2024

Info: www.capbridge.com

Canyon Lights’ enchanted winter wonderland transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into an unforgettable holiday light experience. Walk across the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with multicolour displays above an illuminated Capilano River.

 

Festival of Trees

Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

When: Nov 23 – Jan 2

Info: https://www.bcchf.ca/fundraiser/festival-of-trees-vancouver/

Festival of Trees is a cherished community tradition in Vancouver, raising funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation for over 30 years.

 

Festival of Lights

Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden

When: Nov 24 – Jan 7

Info: www.vandusengarden.org

Experience a magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden.

 

Peak of Christmas

Where: Grouse Mountain

When: Late Nov to early Jan

Info: www.grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas

At the Peak of Christmas you can visit Santa in his workshop and enjoy crafts, movies, meet reindeer, experience the enchanting Light Walk and glide across the mountaintop ice-skating pond or enjoy the sliding zone.

 

 

 

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

Where: 690 Pipeline Road (Stanley Park)

When: Dec 1 – Jan 1, 2024  4pm – 10pm

Info:  https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx

While the 26th anniversary of Bright Nights will look a little different with the absence of their vintage trains, replaced by an antique fire truck, giant red reindeer and sparling tunnel of lights. Food vendors will offer a great selection of comfort food and you can snap a selfie with a fire fighter, grab a candy cane, and get festive with the family in Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole or enjoy the live entertainment. Admission by donation with all proceeds going to the BC Firefighters Burn Fund.

Winter in the Village
Where: Steveston Village, Richmond
When: Nov 23 – Dec 31
Info:   https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/winter-in-the-village/

Take in the Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, or browse the exhibits at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.

 

Ice Skating at Robson Square

Where: Robson Square, behind Vancouver Art Gallery          

When: Dec 1- late Feb

Info: www.robsonsquare.com

Skates – $5.

 

Christmas at Canada Place

Where: Canada Place

When: Dec 2 – Jan 2, 8am – 11pm daily

Info: https://www.canadaplace.ca/events/christmas/

This family-friendly experience will feature the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, delicious holiday recipes, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more!

 

Sea To Sky Gondola

Where: Squamish (45 minute drive North)

When: Dec 2 – Jan 2, 8am – 11pm daily

Info: https://store.seatoskygondola.com/events-activities/

Enjoy the gondola ride up 885 meters to the stunning views of Howe Sound. Experience the views from the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and take in the many Festive offerings Dec 3-31.

 

Fleurs DeVilles Noel
Where: Robson St, Alberni St & more
When: Dec 8-17
Info:  www.fleursdevilles.com

A creative downtown floral art trail featuring 50 festive displays.

 

PNE Winter Fair
Where: PNE Fairgrounds
When: Dec 8-9, 14-23 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Info:  https://www.pne.ca/winter/

The PNE transforms into an immersive magical holiday experience for the entire family!

Featuring a large indoor skating rink & winter market. New for 2023- the Ice Bumper Cars and the PNE Express train through the PNE grounds.

Vancouver Canucks Hockey

Where: Rogers Arena  www.nhl.com/canucks

 

Dec 5 (7:00 pm) vs. New Jersey Devils

Dec 7 (7:00 pm) vs. Minnesota Wild

Dec 9 (7:00 pm) vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Dec 12 (7:00 pm) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Dec 14 (7:00 pm) vs. Florida Panthers

Dec 23 (7:00 pm) vs. San Jose Sharks

Dec 28 (7:00 pm) vs. Philadelphia Flyers

October 2023

There are countless ways to kick off the fall season this October.  Vancouver is full of amazing concerts, cultural festivals, and incredible sporting events. For a cozy afternoon inspired by the rich and warm flavours of the fall season,  join us in Notch8 for the Autumn Harvest Afternoon Tea on now through November 19.

Holidays and other important dates:

  • October 9, 2024 –Thanksgiving Day (Stat Holiday)

For more inspiration, check out this list of top 10 fall activities.

Check out what’s happening this October 2023 in Vancouver, BC in the dropdown menu below.

Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden – Official Website
Oct 2 | Rogers Arena
English heavy metal band

Morgan Wallen
morganwallen.com
Oct 3 & 4  | Rogers Arena
American country music singer and songwriter.

Renee Rapp
Home – RENEÉ RAPP
Oct 5 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
American actress and singer

Ray LaMontagne
RAY LAMONTAGNE
Oct 7 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
American singer-songwriter and musician

Peter Gabriel
petergabriel.com
Oct 7 | Rogers Arena
English singer, songwriter, and original lead singer of Genesis.

Shakey Graves
shakeygraves.com
Oct 11 |  Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Americana musician whose music combines blues, folk, country, and rock

Joji & Kenny Beats
jojimusic.com
Oct 13 | Rogers Arena
Japanese singer-songwriter and rapper

Wu-Tang Clan & Nas
Wu Tang Clan
Oct 16 | Rogers Arena
American hip-hop collective

Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses
Oct 16 | BC Place Stadium
American hard rock band

P!NK
pinksummercarnival.com
Oct 20 & 21 | Rogers Arena
American singer-songwriter and actress

Hozier
Hozier | Unreal Unearth
Oct 22 | Rogers Arena
Irish musician, singer and songwriter.

TOOL
toolband.com
Oct 23| Rogers Arena
American rock band

Dope Lemon
dopelemon.com
Oct 23 |  Orpheum Theatre
Australian soul and pop singer

Teddy Swims
teddyswims.com
Oct 25 |   Orpheum Theatre
American R&B/soul singer-songwriter

Tom Odell
tomodell.com
Oct 29 | Orpheum Theatre
English singer songwriter

Stephen Sanchez
stephensanchezofficial.com
Oct 30 | Orpheum Theatre
American singer-songwriter

Vancouver Canucks @ Rogers Arena
www.nhl.com/canucks
Oct 4 vs. Seattle Kraken @7:00 pm ** at Abbotsford Centre
Oct 6 vs. Calgary Flames @ 7:00 pm
Oct 11 vs. Edmonton Oilers @ 7:00 pm
Oct 27 vs. St Louis Blues @ 7:00 pm
Oct 28 vs. NY Rangers @7:00 pm
Oct 31 vs. Nashville Predators @ 7:00 pm

Vancouver Whitecaps FC @BC Place Stadium
www.whitecapsfc.com
Oct 4 vs. St. Louis City @ 7:30 pm
Oct 21 vs. Los Angeles FC @ 6:00 pm

BC Lions Football @BC Place Station
www.bclions.com
Oct 6 vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers @7:00 pm
Oct 20 vs. Calgary Stampeders @ 7:00 pm

NBA Canada Series @ Rogers Arena
Oct 8 Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings

FIM World Supercross Championship @ BC Place Stadium
Oct 28

Arts Club Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors
www.artsclub.com
Sep 7 – Oct 8 Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
A nerdy flower shop assistant discovers a highly unusual plant that attracts fame and helps him to win the affection of his crush.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
www.vancouversymphony.ca
All concerts at the Orpheum Theatre
Oct 5 & 6                     7:00 pm                       Star Wars: A New HopeTM in Concert
Oct 20 & 21                 8:00 pm                       Louis Lortle Plays Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 4
Oct 26                          2:00 pm                       British Classics
Oct 27 & 28                 8:00 pm                       Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before ChristmasTM  in Concert

Samantha Bee
Tour — SAMANTHA BEE
Oct 12 | Vancouver Playhouse
Canadian-American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actress, and television host

Vancouver Opera presents – The Magic Flute
www.vancouveropera.ca
Oct 21, 26, 28, 29         Queen Elizabeth Theatre
A fairytale within a fairytale, this playful and stylized production of The Magic Flute begins at a garden party in 1791…where a performance of Magic Flute is being staged!

Sugar Sammy
Sugar Sammy – Official Website
Oct 21                          Vancouver Playhouse
Montreal Comedian presents his Bilingual comedy show – You’re Gonna Rire2.

Take a Look Back

Special Events

Richmond Night Market
www.richmondnightmarket.com
Apr 28 – Oct 9 (weekend nights) Bridgeport Station
Annual summer night market offering nightly entertainment, games, international foods and unique gifts

Vancouver Pride Festival and Parade
July 28 – Aug 6 West End www.vancouverpride.ca
Vibrant programming at various summer events, culminating with the parade on August 6

Vancouver Art Gallery – Summer Movie Nights
Gather at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza to watch new and throwback films on a large inflatable screen.

  • Aug 3 Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
  • Aug 10 Topgun Maverick (2022)

Vancouver Mural Festival
Aug 4-13 Various locations www.vanmuralfest.ca)
Annual outdoor celebration of public art designed to connect, reflect and celebrate our diverse communities.

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Aug 20 – Sep 5 www.pne.ca
Annual 15-day summer fair. Activities include entertainment, agriculture displays, exhibits, games, rides and summer night concerts:

Aug 19 TLC
Aug 20 Boyz II Men
Aug 22 Tenille Townes
Aug 23 Boney M 8:30-10pm
Aug 24 Yung Gravy & BBNO$
Aug 25 Billy Talent
Aug 26 Aqua
Aug 27 Billy Idol
Aug 29 Pink Martini
Aug 30 Doug and the Slugs
Aug 31 Pat Benatar

Sports

Vancouver Whitecaps FC @BC Place Stadium www.whitecapsfc.com
Aug 20 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Vancouver Canadians Baseball @Nat Bailey Stadium www.milb.com/vancouver/schedule

Aug 8, 9, 10, 12 @7:05pm vs. Tri-Cities
Aug 11, 13 @1:05pm vs. Tri-Cities
Aug 22, 23, 24, 26 @7:05 pm vs. Spokane
Aug 25, 27 @1:05pm vs. Spokane
Aug 29, 30, 31@ 7:05pm vs. Hillsboro

BC Lions Football @BC Place Station www.bclions.com

Aug 12 vs Calgary Stampeders @4pm
Aug 26 vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ 4pm

Theatre, Dance, Comedy + Music

Arts Club Theatre: Beautiful The Carole King Musical
www.artsclub.com
Jun 08 – Aug 06 Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
This rousing show features unforgettable classics by King and her contemporaries

Arts Club Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet
www.artsclub.com
Jun 22 – Aug 20 Granville Island Stage
Rocking jukebox musical that brings together rock and roll legends Presley, Cash, and Lewis.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
www.vancouversymphony.ca
Aug 30 Orpheum Theatre Doug and the Slugs with the VSO

Bard on the Beach
www.bardonthebeach.org
All shows at Bard Village at Vanier Park

  • Jun 8 – Sept 30 As You Like It
    Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy featuring two-dozen classic Beatles songs
  • Jun 15 – Sep 23 Julius Caesar
    Timeless story set in modern-day about the human drive to get power
  • Jun 28 – Aug 13 Henry V
    A war-torn land and a young King Hal, whom destiny has cast as a leader
  • Aug 19 – Sep 17 Goblin: Macbeth
    Goblin actors cajole the audience into participating in their attempt at Shakespeare

Theatre Under the Stars
www.tuts.ca
Jul 6 – Aug 26 Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Two shows, alternating nights at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park

  • Matilda – Multi-award winning musical inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book
  • The Prom – Broadway’s sparkling musical full of heart and hope

Mughal-E-Azam
www.mughaleazammusical.com
Aug 4-6 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The first Indian Broadway-style musical

Taylor Tomlinson
www.ttomcomedy.com
Aug 18, 19 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
American comedian

Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour!
www.nurseblake.com
Aug 30 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Nurse Blake is a nurse, creator, advocate, touring comedian and so much more.

Concerts

Big Thief and Lucinda Williams
Aug 3 Orpheum Theatre
Indie rock band with celebrated singer-songwriter

Avenged Sevenfold
Aug 7 Rogers Arena
American heavy metal band

Teskey Brothers
Aug 11 Orpheum Theatre
Australian Blues rock band

Rod Stewart
Aug 12 Rogers Arena
British rock and pop singer-songwriter

Gregory Alan Isakov
Aug 17 Orpheum Theatre
Horticulturist-turned indie-rock and folk musician

Lauren Spencer Smith
Aug 17 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Canadian singer-songwriter

Sam Smith
Aug 22 Rogers Arena
English singer-songwriter

NF
Aug 23 Rogers Arena
American rapper, singer, songwriter

Cigarettes After Sex
Orpheum Theatre
Aug 27, 28
American dream pop band

Drake
Aug 28 / 29 Rogers Arena
Canadian, rapper, singer, songwriter

Beautiful array of seafood for event at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Concierge Dining Guide

Allow our concierge team to share their advice (and help secure reservations) to their top picks for the best places to dine in Vancouver.

 

LEARN MORE

Aerial photo of Vancouver including Stanley Park Image: Destination Vancouver/Albert Normandin
Destination Vancouver/Cycle City Tours Location: Vancouver
Couple walking hand in hand on the seawall Image: Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang
Burnaby Roots and Blues Festival Image: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.
Family walking on Stanley Park trail Image: Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang
Grouse Mountain ski | Credit: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
A couple explores the Vancouver aquarium watching a sea lion in the tank. | Credit: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Light | Credit: Destination Vancouver/VanDusen Gardens
Kids throwing rocks at Third beach at sunset | Credit: Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang
Tourists at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Downtown Vancouver | Credit: Destination BC/Tanya Goehring

Concierge Activity Guides

For every season, our experienced concierge team has rounded up all the best activities for you to enjoy. From the mild to the wild, learn more about all the adventures waiting for you to explore during your stay in Vancouver.

Exterior view of fairmont hotel vancouver

Get in Touch

Want more information about Fairmont Hotel Vancouver? We would love to hear from you! Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us directly.