Cover image: Squamish at Dusk
Whether it’s the warmth of a small art studio or exploring a bustling local holiday artisan market, December is a magical time of year to gather with friends and family and celebrate creativity and community. Let twinkling lights guide you to galleries and exhibitions across Metro Vancouver and Whistler. Check out what’s on below!
Vancouver
Timelines Talk: Justine A Chambers and Vanessa Kwan
Western Front
December 7, 2023
Timelines Talks is a series of talks and conversations that invite open reflection on the future of “Vancouver.” Artists and cultural workers Justine A. Chambers and Vanessa Kwan will present crying at work (a score for the future), a dialogue that considers how we might adapt to, address, embrace, and inhabit the future ahead.
303 East 8th Avenue
By Transit: Take the Expo Line SkyTrain to Main Street- Science World Station, and catch the Number 3 Bus from Main and Terminal to 8th Avenue.
PNE Forum
December 7 – 10, 2023
Make it! is back at the PNE Forum for a magical festive shopping experience. Look through handmade art and artisan goods and enjoy food trucks and holiday cheer as you find the perfect locally-crafted gifts.
2901 East Hastings
By Transit: Take the Number 7, or 14 bus all the way, or connect via the Expo Line Skytrain at 29th Avenue Station or Renfrew Station.
Pacific Arts Market
December 8, 2023
The first annual Winter Art Market at Pacific Arts Market, featuring prizes, demos, an arts and crafts table, live music, tasty treats and even an aura reading! Enjoy one-of-a-kind creations from a range of artists and vendors.
1448 and 1450 West Broadway
By Transit: Take the Number 10, 14 or 16 bus from Downtown Vancouver to Broadway and Granville Street.
North Shore
Holiday Alley Pop Up Craft Market
The Alley (at The Quay)
December 3, 2023
The Alley Pop Up Craft Market is a curated space where local designers, crafters, artists and small shops showcase their handmade and local products. Check event for details on vendors.
123 Carrie Cates Court
By Transit: Take the SeaBus from Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay.
The Polygon
December 6, 2023
Meet Me at The Gallery is a daytime art program dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and adults in our community with monthly get-togethers with activities inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Visitors are invited to drop-in on the first Wednesday of every month at 10 AM.
101 Carrie Cates Court
By Transit: Take the SeaBus from Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay and walk two minutes!
Griffin Art Projects
December 8, 2023
COMBINE Art Fair returns for its third year, featuring two new Vancouver-based galleries Afternoon Projects and Pale Fire, and Los Angeles-based gallery Royale Projects alongside founders Griffin Art Projects, Mónica Reyes Gallery, Unit 17 and WAAP. COMBINE is a unique art fair where aspiring and experienced collectors interested in vibrant contemporary art can converse with gallerists and artists in a convivial boutique environment.
1180 Welch Street
By Transit: From Lonsdale Quay, take the R2 Park Royal bus to Marine Drive at Pemberton Avenue. It’s about a 10-minute walk towards the water from there!
New Westminster
measure Curatorial Talks
New Media Gallery (Anvil Centre)
December 1 – 10, 2023
The measure exhibition incorporates light and illumination within the exhibition as one would measure and track the world around us, through time and space. Featuring seven international artists, the works address the measurement and tracking of time, light, colour, seasons, and the movement of celestial bodies (sun, moon, venus, satellites).
777 Columbia Street
By Transit: Take the Expo Line Skytrain to New Westminster Station, the Anvil Centre is just across the street.
Winter Solstice: A Group Exhibition
The Gallery at Queen’s Park
December 1 – 21, 2023
The short days and long nights of winter are imbued with moody ambiance and spiritual significance. In this magical exhibition local artists share their vision of this winter celebration, and what it means to them. The Winter Solstice exhibition features work from over 30 local artists, in various 2D and 3D mediums including photography, painting, ceramics and glass.
Centennial Lodge, Queen’s Park
By Transit: Take the Expo Line SkyTrain to 22nd Street Station, transfer to the Number 155 bus to east to the 6th Avenue and 1st Street stop and it’s under a five minute walk to the park.
Whistler
Squamish at Dusk
Rose Park and Adventure Centre
December 1 – 10, 2023
Experience the Lower Mainland’s newest winter lights experience. Rose Park is illuminated with stories and light art. Part art exhibition, part winter experience, part festival of lights, the inaugural Dusk transforms Rose Park with light art, brightening our dark winter nights, and visitors are invited to enjoy winter warmth in the Adventure Centre.
38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
By Transit: There are several shuttles you can take to Squamish/Whistler from Vancouver! You can visit the Tourism Whistler page here to find a reliable option for where you’re located.
Seek Bespoke Holiday Market
Audain Art Museum
December 9, 2023
A showcase for creative entrepreneurs including designers, small shop owners and makers. At our Whistler market, shoppers will find a selection of items such as handcrafted jewellery, one-of-a-kind art, natural skincare, artisanal foods and beverages, slow fashion, wellness essentials and home goods from 30+ vendorsTicket price includes entry to the gallery.
4350 Blackcomb Way
By Transit: There are several shuttles you can take to Whistler from Vancouver! You can visit the Tourism Whistler page here to find a reliable option for where you’re located.