Best Things to Do in Vancouver in November 2026

The best things to do in Vancouver in November 2026 include major arts and cultural festivals, live performances, holiday markets, wildlife viewing and the first spectacular Christmas light displays of the season.

Cirque du Soleil LUZIA takes over the Big Top, hundreds of artists open their studios for the Eastside Culture Crawl, and the Vancouver Christmas Market returns to the waterfront. By late November, Canyon Lights and other popular holiday displays are illuminating Metro Vancouver.

November is also prime time to see spawning salmon and bald eagles, while museums, galleries and performances provide plenty of options for rainy days. Add Vancouver’s seasonal dining scene, and there are plenty of reasons to explore the city throughout the month. Some of Vancouver’s most popular holiday events sell out, so check dates and book early when tickets are required.

Here are our top picks for November in Vancouver and around Metro Vancouver. Check back often as we add newly announced events and update this guide throughout the season.

For even more seasonal inspiration, see our guide to the best Vancouver Christmas lights, holiday events and markets, with festive favourites throughout Vancouver and the surrounding region.

Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it is published. We pride ourselves on writing informative articles with interesting facts. Please leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.

Search for accommodation anywhere using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Best Vancouver November Events and Performances

November brings an especially strong lineup of theatre, music, dance and live entertainment to Vancouver. This year’s highlights range from international circus and performing arts to Broadway and family productions.

Chutzpah! Festival – November 3–15, 2026

The Chutzpah! Festival returns with nearly two weeks of theatre, dance, music, comedy and conversations featuring Canadian and international artists.
Presented primarily at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre and other venues at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, the festival showcases contemporary performing arts.

The 2026 programme includes an eclectic mix of performances, from contemporary dance and live music to comedy, storytelling and theatre.
Location: Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre and other venues, Vancouver
. Tickets: Pay What You Will pricing is available for 2026.

Cirque du Soleil LUZIA – November 4–December 13, 2026

Cirque du Soleil returns to Vancouver with LUZIA, a visually spectacular production inspired by the landscapes, culture and imagination of Mexico.
Presented under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place, LUZIA combines extraordinary acrobatics with elaborate costumes, surreal imagery and innovative staging.

One of the production’s most unusual features is its use of water. A dramatic rain curtain becomes part of the performance, adding another dimension to aerial and acrobatic sequences. Tickets to LUZIA are on sale now
Location: Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place, Vancouver

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – November 24–29, 2026

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre as part of its North American tour.
The Broadway musical brings the beloved story to the stage with elaborate sets and costumes and Alan Menken’s award-winning score, including favourites such as Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast.

The new production reunites members of the original Broadway creative team and makes a good choice for a multigenerational night at the theatre. Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver 
Recommended age: 6+

Disney On Ice presents Jump In! – November 25–29, 2026

Disney On Ice returns to Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum with Jump In!, bringing favourite Disney characters and stories together in a colourful family production.
Expect impressive skating, familiar music, elaborate costumes and special effects in a show designed for Disney fans of all ages.
Location: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE, Vancouver. www.ticketleader.ca

Elf The Musical – November 12 to December 27, 2026

Get a head start on holiday plans with the return of Elf: The Musical to the Arts Club Theatre Company. Based on the popular film, this feel-good musical follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he heads to New York City in search of his family and sets out to spread some much-needed Christmas cheer.

Filled with humour, lively songs and plenty of holiday spirit, the production returns to the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage for a run that stretches through Christmas and into the final days of December.
Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Vancouver

The Elvis Christmas Comeback Special – November 26 to December 27, 2026

Elvis fans have something new to look forward to this holiday season with the world premiere of The Elvis Christmas Comeback Special, presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company. Inspired by Elvis Presley’s legendary 1968 television comeback special, this theatrical concert revisits the performance that helped revive his career after seven years away from live performances.

Conceived and directed by Tracey Power, the creator behind Chelsea Hotel and House of Folk, the production combines music and storytelling for a behind-the-scenes look at the night Elvis reclaimed his place as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Location: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, Vancouver

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2026

Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in various locations throughout Vancouver. Find out more about this Concert by Candlelight and to book tickets.

Arts, culture and holiday markets in Vancouver

November is also one of Vancouver’s best months for meeting local artists and makers. Two of the city’s biggest annual arts and craft events take place this month, just as holiday shopping begins.

Circle Craft Holiday Market – November 11–15, 2026

The Circle Craft Holiday Market returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre with more than 300 Canadian artisans gathered under one roof. Look for locally and Canadian-made ceramics, jewellery, clothing, textiles, woodwork, fine art, home décor and specialty food products.

It’s an excellent place to find distinctive holiday gifts while supporting independent Canadian artists and makers — and a particularly good choice for a rainy November day.
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West. Book tickets or buy onsite.

Eastside Culture Crawl – November 19–22, 2026

The Eastside Culture Crawl celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, making this a milestone year for one of Vancouver’s most popular arts events.
More than 500 artists open their studios to the public across Vancouver’s Eastside. It’s a rare opportunity to meet the people behind the work while exploring painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, glass, textiles, furniture and printmaking.
Studios are spread across several neighbourhoods, so check the artist listings and map before setting out and plan your route around the studios that interest you most.

Dates: November 19–22, 2026
 Thursday and Friday: 5–10 p.m.
 Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
 Admission: Free

Every River Has a Mouth: The Visual Languages That Connect Us – On Now – February 14, 2027

Discover the connections between Coast and Interior Salish communities through Every River Has a Mouth: The Visual Languages That Connect Us at the Bill Reid Gallery. Guest-curated by Salish artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, the exhibition brings together 11 artists working in sculpture, printmaking, textiles, painting and mixed media.
Using the river as both a living presence and a symbol of connection, the exhibition explores relationships between land, water, language, identity and artistic traditions across the Salish world. Featured artists include influential figures such as Susan Point and Angela Paul alongside emerging voices.

Christmas markets and holiday events starting in November

Vancouver’s Christmas season begins well before December. By mid-November, holiday markets, tree-lighting celebrations, and seasonal attractions start appearing around Metro Vancouver.

Vancouver Christmas Market – November 16–December 24, 2026

The Vancouver Christmas Market transforms Jack Poole Plaza into a European-inspired Christmas village overlooking Vancouver’s waterfront. Wander among illuminated wooden huts filled with gifts and seasonal treats, browse artisan stalls and stop for German and European-inspired favourites along Gourmetstrasse.
After dark, thousands of lights, the market’s Christmas Pyramid and the downtown skyline create a particularly festive setting.
Dates: November 16–December 24, 2026
 Location: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – November 21–22, 2026

Surrey kicks off the Christmas season with two days of lights, live entertainment and a holiday market at Surrey Civic Plaza.
The free festival includes seasonal light installations and family activities, with a 40-foot light tunnel and hundreds of feet of waterfall lights adding plenty of photo opportunities.
Dates: November 21–22, 2026 
Time: Noon–8 p.m.
 Location: Surrey Civic Plaza Admission: Free

Best Christmas light displays opening in November

You don’t have to wait until December to see some of Metro Vancouver’s biggest Christmas light displays. Several open during November and continue into the New Year.

Bear Creek Lights – November 6–20, 2026

Bear Creek Lights illuminates the trails of Surrey’s Bear Creek Park with colourful light installations after dark. The outdoor route makes this a fun early-season alternative to the larger Christmas attractions that open later in November.

Dates: November 6–20, 2026 
Location: Bear Creek Park, Surrey
 Tickets must be booked in advance.

Lumière – Returning November 12-14, 2026

Lumière is an incredible series of interactive light displays at several locations in Vancouver’s West End, Downtown and Granville Island. This is the 11th year the event has provided Vancouver an exceptional visual experience.

Activities: Numerous stunning art and interactive light displays throughout Vancouver.
Admission: Free for all to enjoy.

Canyon Lights – November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027

Canyon Lights transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into one of Metro Vancouver’s most spectacular holiday attractions. Cross the suspension bridge as it glows above the Capilano River, then explore illuminated rainforest pathways, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk.

The setting is what makes Canyon Lights particularly memorable. Towering evergreens, a deep coastal canyon and thousands of lights create a Christmas experience that feels distinctly West Coast.
Dates: November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027
 Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge one of the best Christmas lights displays in Vancouver – Treetops Adventure

Lights at Lafarge – opening November 27, 2026

Lights at Lafarge returns to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park with a huge free outdoor light display around Lafarge Lake. The season begins with an opening-night celebration on November 27 featuring illuminated installations, entertainment and food trucks.

It’s one of the best free Christmas light experiences in Metro Vancouver and is easily accessible by SkyTrain.
Opening celebration: November 27, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
 Location: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
 Admission: Free

VanDusen Festival of Lights – November 27 to January 3, 2027

VanDusen Botanical Garden becomes one of Vancouver’s most colourful attractions during the annual Festival of Lights.
Illuminated pathways wind through the garden past themed displays and seasonal installations, making this one of Vancouver’s signature Christmas traditions.

VanDusen Festival of Lights has more than one million dazzling holiday lights on display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

November Food and Wine in Vancouver

Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – until November 12, 2026

Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a bite out of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive, interactive event will keep guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.

Whistler’s Cornucopia – November 5-15, 2026

Whistler’s annual Cornucopia is an 11-day fall festival of food and drink, with culinary demonstrations, drink seminars, winemaker dinners, parties, and more, featuring wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge – November 5 until February, 2027

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 up to six people.
Hours: Various seating times from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge books up fast. We were lucky to secure a same-day reservation due to a cancellation.
Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver.
Reservations are a must.

Vancouver Wildlife Viewing in November

See spawning salmon in November

November is one of the best times of year to see spawning salmon returning to streams and rivers around Metro Vancouver. Depending on the waterway and species, spawning activity can continue throughout the month. Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge is one place to look for returning salmon, while other salmon-bearing streams throughout the Lower Mainland offer seasonal viewing opportunities.

Watch from designated areas, keep dogs away from spawning fish and never enter the stream or disturb salmon or their spawning beds.

Watch bald eagles in the Fraser Valley

Late fall brings another remarkable wildlife spectacle as bald eagles gather along rivers in the Fraser Valley to feed on spawning salmon.
The Harrison River is particularly well known for its seasonal concentrations of bald eagles, with viewing opportunities around Harrison Mills and the surrounding area.
Numbers and timing vary each year depending on salmon returns and weather conditions, so wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens and give the birds plenty of space.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Lesser Snow Geese start arriving in October through mid-December

Visit the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, one of the top bird-watching spots in North America, to see masses of white Lesser Snow Geese. The mid-winter count is around 135,000.

Snow Geese like to sleep on the water and large dense flocks can often be seen in the marshes and rivers in the Sanctuary. Find out more. Before heading out, check road conditions to Westham Island.

A mass of migrating snow geese. Photo Credit: Skeeze, Pixaby

Squamish Bald Eagle Viewing – Late October through February

Download a map of the best Bald Eagle viewing area. The Eagle Run viewing site, along the Squamish River, is open all year

What to do on a rainy November day in Vancouver

Rain is part of November in Vancouver, but it doesn’t have to derail your plans.

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of Vancouver’s essential cultural attractions, with an outstanding collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and cultural objects. The Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum and Science World are other good indoor choices.

Granville Island works particularly well on a wet day. Browse the Public Market, visit galleries and studios, catch a performance or stop for coffee while waiting for the weather to change.

And some of November’s biggest events — Circle Craft, the Chutzpah! Festival, Beauty and the Beast and the Eastside Culture Crawl — provide plenty of reasons to stay indoors.

Is November a good time to visit Vancouver?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy arts, culture, food and seasonal events and don’t mind some rain. November falls between Vancouver’s colourful autumn season and the height of Christmas festivities. Early in the month, you may still catch pockets of fall colour. By mid-to-late November, Christmas markets and holiday lights begin transforming the city.

Pack waterproof outerwear, comfortable shoes and layers. Then plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities so Vancouver’s changeable November weather doesn’t dictate your day.

More Vancouver ideas for November

Planning a November visit? Explore our guides to Vancouver fall events and festivals, the best places to see fall colours in Vancouver and the best Christmas events and holiday light displays around Metro Vancouver.

Check back often for newly announced November 2026 events, performances and seasonal activities. We’ll continue updating this guide as more dates are confirmed.