Merry and Bright: New West Holiday Events Guide


Cozy holiday craft markets, seasonal theatre to make audiences merry, and blankets of twinkling lights and colourful decorations throughout the city–the holidays have arrived in New West!

As the festive season unfolds, there are a variety of events throughout the city for both visitors and locals to dive into the magic of the holiday season.

Check out what’s on for the holidays in New West below! 

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy 

When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, they conjure wildly funny solutions to stay afloat in this jolly holiday escapade.

Reinventing the traditional British panto, this imaginative holiday performance by an award-winning duo features clever wordplay, physical gags, and interactive elements, to create a memorable, and  merry, performance to kick off your holiday season.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
November 28 and 29, 2023
Check event for  details.
Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Avenue 

Shine Bright Wishing Tree Lighting Ceremony

Come see the Wishing Tree as it blazes to life, celebrating the opening of Shine Bright New West!  With each wish made, the tree lights up magically and generates a $10 donation towards the protection of park land in BC.

Once you’ve made your wish, spend the evening sipping on a warm drink, enjoying live performances, and gathering together around the fire pit. 

Shine Bright Wishing Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 2023
5 pm – 8 pm
Moody Park, 600 Eighth Street 

Shine Bright New West happens all season long, so watch out for illuminated outdoor spaces and cultural experiences all over town throughout December!  

New West Craft Holiday Night Market 

Start your holiday shopping  with one of the most-loved holiday craft markets in Metro Vancouver. Featuring over 50 artisans inside River Market, let the scent of fresh holiday baking and the merry sounds of live music envelop you while browsing through the handmade wares of local artisans to find the perfect thoughtful gift.

New West Craft Holiday Night Market
Free admission.
Saturday December  2, 2023
3 pm – 9 pm
River Market, 810 Quayside Drive

For more special gift ideas, see our Secret Santa Guide: Unique Holiday Gifts in New West

Shine Bright Snowflake Spectacular 

Walk through a winter wonderland and catch magical performances in this dazzling interactive pop-up experience. Part of the Shine Bright New West celebration, the Snowflake Spectacular features live music and dance performances, a giant snow globe, snowflake making activities, and more!

Shine Bright Snowflake Spectacular
Free admission
December 8 and 15, 2023
5 pm – 8 pm
Uptown Plaza , Sixth Street and Belmont Street

New West Vintage Craft Market

Everything old is new again at the New West Vintage Craft Market.  Sustainable seasonal shopping with craft market charm, browse through vintage Christmas decorations and winter decor from over 20 vendors. The perfect place to find  vintage and upcycled gifts for anyone on your list who loves to go retro.

New West Vintage Craft Market
Admission $2 for adults (or free with donation of non-perishable food items)
December 2, 2023
10 am – 4 pm
Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park, 526 McBride Boulevard