27 Amazing things to do in Vancouver in November

Here are our top picks of 27 amazing things to do in Vancouver in November.

Metro Vancouver is a hive of activity as it ramps up for the busy festive season. Find incredible immersive experiences, live performances, fun-filled family events and culinary adventures.

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Looking more festive holiday events and the best Christmas lights see our 2023 Vancouver Christmas lights, holiday events and markets.

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Best things to do in Vancouver in November

1. Cirque du Soleil Kooza – October 21 – December 31, 2023

The Cirque du Soleil brings a new performance to Vancouver this season. Kooza is about the bizarre, exotic world of a clown called, The Innocent. The entertaining journey Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific place features the Wheel of Death, Skeleton Dance, double highwire acts and more to thrill any audience.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

2. Bear Creek Park Lights – November 3-17, 2023

Bear Creek Park Lights offers a safe, fun family-friendly evening event.

Journey through half-kilometre trails of the park gardens to be dazzled by a series of illuminated natural landscapes and whimsical light displays.

The display runs from November 3 – 17 from 4:30 – 9:30 pm. The event is closed on November 11 for Remembrance Day.

Tickets must be booked in advance.  Tickets are free for this event. There are 80 tickets for each booking time. Entry times are available every 30 minutes. Sales will open October 12, 2023 for purchase online or by phone 604-501-5100.

Location: 13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey

3. Beauty And The Beast Cocktail Experience – November 4 – January 22, 2023

Activities: For ages 19+, the Beauty and the Beast Immersive Cocktail Experience is a 90-minute journey into a magical Victorian world. Non-alcholic drinks are available. Costumes are encouraged.
Tickets: Book tickets here.
Hours: Various time slots from November 14 – January 22, 2023
Location: 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver.

4. Elf the Musical – November 2 – December 31, 2023

5. Chutzpah Festival – November 2-23, 2023

The Chutzpah Festival provides an array of entertainment performed by Canadian artists from across Canada. Choose from concerts, new dance works, comedy, theatre, film, and storytelling, with opportunities to interact with creative artists.

Performances are held at the Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre.

6. Wizard of Oz – November 3-12, 2023

Wizard of Oz, the classic L. Frank Baum novel is brought to life through the adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Many of the classic moments and songs from the 1939 film will be featured. Follow Dorothy on her adventures down the yellow brick road to the magical land of Oz, after a tornado takes her from her Kansas farm. Along the way, Dorothy meets many interesting characters including scarecrows, bad and good witches and talking scarecrows in her quest to return home.
Tickets are $18 and up. Buy tickets.

8. Broadway Across Canada – Hadestown – November 7-12, 2024

9. Dancing Queen Theatrical Dinning Experience Abba Tribute – Until November 30, 2023

Activities: A theatrical dining experience costs $99 per person and includes a theatrical performance, a three course Mediterranean dinner and a disco at a Mamma Mia inspired restaurant.
Tickets: Book tickets here.
Location: Robson Street, Vancouver.

10. Circle Craft Christmas Market – November 8-12, 2023

The Circle Craft Christmas Market has been a tradition in Vancouver since 1972. It is Western Canada’s largest craft market.

Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the market features over 300 Canadian artisans and craftspeople.

Find out more about the market and to book tickets or buy onsite.

11. Vancouver Christmas Market – November 11 – December 24, 2023

Activities: Vancouver’s beloved Christmas Market is back with all the festive fun, great gift ideas, festive foods and drinks. There are over 80 European and local artisan stalls to enjoy. Ride the magical Carousel. Walk down the tunnel of light in Lover’s Lane. Marvel at the walk-in Christmas Tree. Get into the holiday spirit with holiday entertainment. There are 30 new vendors added for gourmet treats along the Gourmetstrasse.
Tickets: Book tickets in advance.
Hours: Entertainment weekdays – 4:30 – 9:30 pm and on weekends 12:30 – 9:30 pm.
Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver.
Website: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in November. Photo: Desiree Carr©

12. Eastside Culture Crawl – November 16-19, 2023

The Eastside Culture Crawl, a festival of visual arts, design and crafts, celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2023.

Find out more about the Eastside Culture Crawl.

13. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 17, 2023 – January 21, 2024

Activities: Journey through a magical festive light display in a rainforest high above the Capilano River Canyon. Cross the glowing suspension bridge, walk along the Cliffwalk and through the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel. The world’s eighth tallest Christmas tree is found at the Treetops Adventure.
Admission: Partial proceeds will be donated to support the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Association
Tickets: Tickets will be sold online and will become available at the beginning of November 3,2022.
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily November 17, 2022 – January 21, 2023. Closed on Christmas Day.

Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Free shuttle is available from Canada Place.
Email: info@capbridge.com
Phone: 604-985-7474
Website: Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights

14. Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Harrison Hot Springs lakefront will be lit up from dusk until 11 pm. Stroll along the 1 km waterfront promenade to see the sparkling light display. The holiday lights focus on the natural environment, wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch.

November 18, 2022 – until January 7, 2024.

Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake

15. Disney on Ice – Frozen and Encanto November 22 – 26, 2023

Disney magic comes to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver this fall with the beloved characters from Frozen and Encanto. Hosted my Mickey and Minnie follow the adventures of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. Then visit the enchanted Madrigal family’s home in Colombia where Mirabel is on a crusade to save her sisters, Luisa and Isabela.

The pre-show Character Experience add on provides interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel. photo opportunities, crafts, and more. Find tickets.

Disney on Ice – Frozen and Encanto will be a popular November Event in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo.

16. East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast – November 22, 2023 – January 07, 2024

East Van Panto has become a holiday favourite. Belle takes the audience on a hilarious adventure through East Van neighbourhoods. Bell meets the Beast in an enchanted specialty grocery store where she is imprisoned.

The performances will be at the York Theatre and offered online. Buy tickets here.

17. A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2023

Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver.

Find out more about this Concert by Candlelight and to book tickets.

18. Lumière – Returning November 2-6, 2023

Lumière is an incredible series of interactive light displays at several locations in Vancouver. This is the 10th year the event will provided Vancouver with an exceptional visual experience to brighten the the dark nights of the season.

The displays are best viewed after sunset. Locations: TBA

19. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge – End of October until Mid Febraury, 2024

Activities: Winterlust is an elevated outdoor domed dining experience at the Westin Bayshore Inn’s Coal Harbour patio. Enjoy festive cocktails and food in a magical heated snow globe. Each dome seats a maximum of six people.
Hours: Various seating times from 11:30 am – 12 am. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge books up fast. We were lucky and managed to secure a reservation on the same day due to a cancellation.
Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver.
Reservations are a must.

Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge is an elevated dining experience in Vancouver. We went for a special birthday celebration. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

20. Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – TBA

Activities: Santa and Mrs. Claus host the event, which includes the lighting of Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, followed by entertainment from a variety of local performers, dance groups, choirs and more. Be sure to visit the Holiday Market.

Children can enjoy free pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate, free holiday cookie kits, Kids Crafts, magical light and holiday displays, as well as illuminated swings and teeter totters.

The Enchanted Eats zone offers delicious treats for purchase from food trucks and free hot chocolate while it lasts.
Admission: Free
Hours: Date pending. Santa welcome at 12:50 pm and Surrey Mayor welcome at 6 pm.
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, 1340 104 Avenue, Surrey
Website: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

21. Glow Langley at Milner Village Garden Centre Christmas Lights 2023 – TBA

Langley’s Christmas Glow is a walk-around adventure with a new “Jolly Jumble” theme.

Activities: Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you wander through the sea of giant ornaments, forest of dancing magical trees and a dazzling display of almost one million lights. Visit the animated musical tunnel, Elf Castle, swings, hop scotch, playpark, bouncy farm and take a ride on the Glow Comotive. Meet special character and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa who will be there nightly until December 24.

There will be featured food trucks and entertainment.

Tickets: Buy tickets online.
Hours: Select times between 4-10 pm TBA.
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216th Street, Langley.
Website: Glow Gardens Langley

22. VanDusen Festival of Lights – TBA

Vancouver’s VanDusen Festival of Lights features more than one million shimmering lights in the 15 acres of botanical gardens.

Activities: The 45-minute experience follows the one way path through a magical wonderland with themed areas. Enjoy holiday music, dancing lights show and tasty treats are offered for purchase.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked online. There are no tickets available at the gate. The event happens rain or shine and there are no refunds.
Location: 5251 Oak St at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver.

23. Lumagica – A magical walk through experience – TBA

Activities: Lumagica provides an magical interactive display, light animation and photo opportunities for the entire family. The 1 km light walk takes you on a mesmerizing journey through diverse lands. Walk through a light tunnel to Gingerbread Lane, leading to the magical North Pole Village. Live entertainment and a Christmas market.
Admission: Buy tickets online.
Hours: TBA
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607 62 Ave, Surrey
Email: info@lumagica.ca
Website: https://lumagica.ca/

24. Christmas in Williams Park – Drive-thru Christmas Lights – TBA

Activities: Christmas at Williams Park has been a holiday tradition since 1991. It is a drive-thru event.
Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted to help with maintaining display costs and keep this event running.
Hours: Every day from 5 – 9 pm, TBA.
Location: 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
Website: Christmas in Williams Park Society

25. Lights at Lafarge – November 25 – January 31, 2024 (dates subject to change)

Activities: This year the winter Lights at Lafarge has been modified to display lights on two walking loops to help disperse crowding. The new loop will go through Inspiration Garden and the new concession plaza in Town Centre Park.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to  Lafage Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 25 – January 31, 2024 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to avoid the crowds on weekends and the week of December 16 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Email: FestivalsandEvents@coquitlam.ca
Website: Lights at Lafarge

26. North Pole Express at the Railway Museum November 25 – December 17, 2023

Activities: Board a one hour ride on the North Pole Express to find Santa Claus. On your journey meet elves, sing songs and be entertained. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and candy canes onboard the train. When you arrive at the North Pole there will be arts and crafts, hot chocolate, cotton candy, ride a holiday minirail train, and explore the holiday model train displays and more.
Admission: First Class – $105/2, Coach – $82/2, Night Time Ride (6PM) – $132/2. Infants on lap free. Free parking included with ticket.
Tickets: Available online here.
Hours: November 25-26, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023 Location: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Website: The North Pole Express

27. Rowena’s Inn on the River – Whiskey Business – November 30 – April 25

The Whiskey Business event is set in the Upper and Lower Drawing room at Rowena’s Inn on the River every Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm.  Step out in your dapper best to enjoy an elegant evening of whiskey sips, cocktails, live beats, and tapas.

Rowena’s Inn on the River is a Gatsby-esque manor at Sandpiper Resort, Harrison Mills. The Inn was converted into a boutique inn on a secluded 160-acre waterfront estate.

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