This Vancouver events calendar highlights the best Vancouver events for November 2012, including Diwali celebrations, art festivals, Christmas and holiday craft markets, and more.
See also: Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Craft Markets
Ongoing through November 3
Vancouver International Improv Festival
What: This annual performance festival brings talented improvisational performers from across North America to Vancouver for 20 shows of comedic and improv brilliance.
Where: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, on Granville Island
Cost: Various; check site for details
Ongoing through November 4
Heart of the City Festival
What: Now in its 9th year, the Heart of the City Festival celebrates Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with over 80 events, including music, theatre, comedy, workshops, history walks and more.
Where: Various locations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, see site for details
Cost: Most events are free; check site for individual event information
Saturday, November 3 - Saturday, November 10
Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival
What: Celebrate Diwali, the "festival of lights," with events around Vancouver, including dance performances, workshops, and the all-day celebration Diwali Downtown on Saturday, November 10 outside the the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: See site for details
Saturday, November 3 - Sunday, March 24
Luminescence: the Silver of Peru & Pleased to Meet You: Introductions by Gwyn Hanssen Pigott
What: UBC's two winter exhibitions showcase, respectively, Peruvian silver and the incredible pottery and art objects of Australian ceramic artist Gwyn Hanssen Pigott. Luminescence ends December 16.
Where: UBC's Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver
Cost: $16.75; discounts available for kids, seniors and families
Wednesday, November 7 – Sunday, November 11
2012 Circle Craft Christmas Market
What: Now in its 38th year, this annual Christmas market brings together 260 Canadian artisans at Western Canada’s largest craft fair.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver
Cost: $12; $10 for students/seniors; buy online and save $2
Sunday, November 11
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
What: Vancouver celebrates Remembrance Day with ceremonies at Victory Square, Chinatown, UBC, and South Memorial Park.
Where: Various locations in Vancouver; see the list for details
Cost: Free
Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18
Eastside Culture Crawl
What: The Eastside Culture Crawl is a free visual arts festival featuring Eastside artists, painters, potters, weavers, glassblowers and more!
Where: Various locations in Vancouver’s Eastside; see the site map for details
Cost: Free
Saturday, November 17
Art for Life Art Auction
What: The 19th annual Art for Life benefits people with life-threatening diseases by auctioning donated works from top Vancouver artists and galleries.
Where: CBC Studio 40, 700 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Cost: $75 - $100
Wednesday, November 21
2012 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown at the Vancouver Aquarium
What: Vancouver's best Ocean Wise chefs go head-to-head in a Chowder Chowdown where you get to sample the chowders--paired with local beers--and vote for your favourites, all in support of sustainable seafood.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $40
Saturday, November 24 - Monday, December 24
Vancouver Christmas Market
What: The Vancouver Christmas Market is an authentic outdoor German Christmas village featuring unique holiday shopping, seasonal music and entertainment, kids activities and traditional food and drinks.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, Vancouver
Cost: $5; $2 kids 7 - 12; free for kids 6 and under
Saturday, November 24 - Sunday, November 25
Urban Arts Craft Fair
What: Another market for finding unique holiday gifts, this Craft Fair features the works of local artists and craftspeople.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre,81 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: $1
Saturday, November 24 - Monday, December 24
Grouse Mountain's The Peak of Christmas
What: Grouse Mountain celebrates the holidays with a month of family fun: live entertainment, real reindeer, breakfasts with Santa, outdoor ice skating, and more.
Where: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
Cost: See site for details
Wednesday, November 28 - Wednesday, January 2 (closed December 25)
Bright Nights: Stanley Park Christmas Train
What: Stanley Park's Bright Nights is an annual Vancouver holiday tradition where over a million twinkly lights transform the forest around the famous Miniature Train into a winter wonderland.
Where: Stanley Park Miniature Train, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: $10; $7 for seniors & kids 2-18
