The holiday season is cheery time of the year with plenty of seasonal activities and festivities to do.
Sometimes a weekend isn't enough time to experience the holidays in full. For those looking to get in the Christmas spirit after dark, whether it's sipping on a themed cocktail or dancing into the night with Santa, there's plenty of ways to sip, shop, and experience.
Here is the ultimate guide to having a festive night out in Vancouver in 2022:
Seasonal sips
For those looking for a fancy, festive cocktail to warm up the night, this Christmas Cocktail Story pop-up will have a festive Santa Jack punch and wintry twist on a Moscow Mule.
Botanist also offers a holiday selection to sip from, like a chilled spiked eggnog and hot buttered rum. The Rise Eatery also has a holiday cocktail menu with
Tinseltown
In this small and boozy pop-up town, Christmas Day is every day. Tinsel and holiday decorations are strung on every tree, wall, and nook, including the bar. There will be plenty of Christmas music, themed drinks, and jolly fun.
When: Now-Dec. 30
Where: Vancouver Alpen Club - 4875 Victoria Dr
Cost: $19
Vancouver Christmas Market
This popular German-inspired attraction has lots of festive vendors and flavours to explore. The market runs until Christmas Eve so there's plenty of time to pay a visit.
When: Nov. 12-Dec. 24, Mon-Fri 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun noon-9:30 p.m.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: $18
Christmas Night Market
This night market features Vancouver's Hong Kong crafters, artists, and small businesses from fashion to arts to services. If you've already checked out the Vancouver Christmas Market, browse this night market next!
When: Dec. 22-23, 6-11 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall - 3102 Main St
Cost: Free
Holiday lights
Sometimes a festive night out can be a serene stroll under twinkling lights. Luckily there are many dazzling displays around the city.
- Festival of Lights boat parade - Dec. 3, 6 p.m. at Coal Harbour and Lonsdale Quay
- Lumière Festival - Nov. 17-28, various locations throughout Vancouver
- Christmas Tree lighting event - Dec. 2, 6 p.m. at Vancouver Art Gallery
- Van Dusen Festival of Lights - Nov. 25-Jan. 2, 4-10 p.m. at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
- Bright Nights in Stanley Park - Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 4-10 p.m. at Stanley Park Railway (there won't be a train this year)
- Christmas at Canada Place - Dec. 2-Jan. 2, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. at Canada Pl (there will be a drone show for the first two days)
- Lights of Hope - Nov. 17-Jan. 6 at St. Paul’s Hospital - 1081 Burrard St
Keithmas
The 13th annual Keith Richards-themed holiday event is coming to Vancouver for another boozy night of fundraising in honour of the legendary rock star. The Dec. 17 "fundrager" is a fun way to go out and get into the holiday spirit, all while raising funds for the Greater Vancouver Foodbank.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Rickshaw Theatre - 254 E. Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $30.82. Buy tickets.
PNE Winter Fair
The festive, holiday version of the PNE's summer fair is "the most unique winter celebration in B.C.," featuring holiday-themed food and drink, an outdoor marketplace, ice skating, Christmas-themed Duelling Pianos, a walk-through light display, and a nightly tree-lighting ceremony. The fair is a great spot for those looking for some merry evening fun.
When: Dec. 14-23, 2022 from 4:30-10:30 p.m. nightly
Where: PNE Fair Grounds - 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $15 for Fair admission; concerts $39-69 (include Fair admission). Purchase online.
Club Nights and Parties
The night is still young and festive after a few holiday markets and twinkling lights. Here are some themed club nights and parties around the city.
Christmas Booze Cruise
Have a jolly boat party with Santa on this two-level boat-turned-nightclub. The night will be merry with music, drinks, Christmas lights. Dress code is anything holiday-themed, from ugly sweaters to Chrsitmas pyjamas to a Santa suit.
When: Dec. 17, 8 p.m.
Where: 760 Pacific Blvd
Cost: $57-78
Randy's Christmas Tour
This stand-up night is based on Randy from Trailer Park Boys and will make you jolly with the character's classic punch lines and more Christmas comedy.
Where: Rickshaw Theatre - 254 E Hastings St
Cost: $30
Yas Christmas!
This queer, BIPOC-focused Christmas event will raise funds for supplies for Downtown Eastside residents and for harm reduction services to SRO residents while hosting a night of live music, drag, arts, local vendors and festive food.
When: Dec. 4, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: 369 Carrall St
Cost: $48
Club Nights
- Santa's Special Secret - Dec. 9, 9:30 p.m. at Lucky Penny - 433 W Pender St
- 80's Vintage Xmas Rave - Dec. 16, 8 p.m. at El Guapo - 1009 Hamilton Street Vancouver
