Things to Do in Vancouver – December 2024

Ice Skating at Robson Square
Through February 28, 2025
Whether we’re heading to Robson Street for holiday shopping, a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, or to grab a bite to eat, we always enjoy adding skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink into the mix. Under twinkly lights and glass domes that can act as umbrellas in rain or snow (yes, it’s so very Vancouver), the skating is free of charge! No skates? No problem. Skate rentals are only $5 and – safety first – you’ll get a helmet with them as well. The rink is open from 9 am to 9 pm every day, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day when hours are a little shorter.

Vancouver Story Slam Storytelling Championship Final
December 12
Over the past 11 months, over 100 storytellers have signed up to perform original writing at Vancouver Story Slam’s monthly events. The top 10 storytellers, as voted by the audience, go on to perform at the Championship Final at the Vogue Theatre this month. The organizers caution that this is not a show for kids: all stories are original, and may include adult language and sensitive topics. Make sure you book tickets ASAP because this event sells out every year!

VSO Presents “Home Alone” and “Elf” in Concert
December 18 & 19, and 20 & 21
OK, so this is definitely a holiday event, but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to watch the antics of Kevin McCallister or Buddy the Elf, rendered on the big screen and accompanied live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Part of the “Movie Nights at the VSO” series, this year’s December picks are Home Alone and Elf. Of course, if your orchestral tastes are on the more traditional side, the VSO also has a full calendar of festive performances.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
December 21
The shortest day of the year is celebrated at the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival in two Vancouver neighbourhoods—Yaletown and Granville Island. In the run up to the solstice, participants can join lantern-making workshops so they’re ready to join the processions on December 21. Each neighbourhood has a slightly different program of events, but they both include lantern processions, other performances, and a lantern labyrinth. Tickets are required for the workshops and the labyrinth, but taking part in the processions is free.