Vancouver has many theatres and performing arts groups. In December there are typically lots of great Christmas concerts and other performances to choose from!
Vancouver Theatre in December
Plays and other performances showing at Vancouver venues in December this year include Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Disney’s Frozen at the Arts Club Theatre. There is also live comedy at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. The PNE Winter Fair featured The Nutcracker On Ice last year, and might again in 2025, or at least something comparable. The Vancouver International Black Film Festival also takes place between December 5th and 9th this year.
Details about some of the shows this year and in 2025 are below. Additional details will also be added soon.
For a list of festive choir and other music performances, click Vancouver Christmas Concerts.
Jack and the Beanstalk (in Vancouver)
December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Metro Theatre hosts its own version of Jack and the Beanstalk’s production from December 12th to January 4th.
This year’s show runs from December 12th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026. The theatre’s 40th holiday panto brings the timeless tale of Jack, his magic beans and the adventure that follows to the stage.
In addition to the Christmas panto, Metro Theatre also presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley in November from the 7th to the 29th. This Jane Austen-inspired play focuses on Mary Bennet and her romance during a family Christmas gathering.
Annie (in Richmond)
December 11, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Gateway Theatre is a community theatre in Richmond that hosts a mix of in-house productions and visiting shows each year. The venue features both a Main Stage and a smaller Studio space.
This year’s Annie performances run from December 11th, 2025 to January 3rd, 2026. Annie is a Broadway musical directed by Josh Epstein. It tells the story of an adventurous orphan who travels through New York City and finds a new home. Tickets are priced between $25 and $73 each.
Vancouver International Black Film Festival
December 5-9, 2025
The Vancouver International Black Film Festival is a series of events showcasing Black films. There are in-person and online activities, including movie screenings, workshops, panel discussions and more. The fifth edition of the festival runs from December 5th to 9th in 2025.
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker Suite
December 18-21, 2025
The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas ballet about a couple of children, toys, mice and a nutcracker. It includes music by the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky and is one of the most famous and watched ballet productions in modern times.
Shows with Goh Ballet take place on December 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st in 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The Nutcracker at Kilby
December 19-23, 2025
Kilby Farm is a historic site in the Fraser Valley. Located in Harrison Mills, the farm usually hosts a couple of shows at different times of the year. In 2025 the Behind the Gate Theatre Company puts on performances of The Nutcracker at the historic site on December 19th, 20th, 22nd and 23rd. The shows are performed in reader’s theatre style, but with some music.
The Improv Centre
November 21, 2024 – December 29, 2024 (and with 2025 dates to be confirmed)
The Improv Centre hosts special shows in November and December.
Last year, Merry/Happy/Jolly ran on Fridays and Saturdays between November 21st and December 29th. There were also afternoon performances on a couple of other days. Attendees helped performers create a perfect holiday story. Also most years, on December 31st, there’s the NYE at TIC show. It’s a farewell to the year event.
Dinner Date with Death (in Vancouver)
December 11, 2025
Dinner Date With Death is the holiday edition of Vancouver Mysteries’ Murder is a Drag series. The event is an interactive experience. Last year the performance happened at Water Street Cafe in Gastown and it included dinner. In 2025 it’s also in the Gastown area, but at the SFU Woodwards Building which is located at 111 West Hastings Street. This year the show also doesn’t include dinner, which helps make the price that much more affordable.
At this event, the audience pretends to be at a fancy dinner while a murder mystery case happens around them. There are drag performances and the ability to collect clues and help solve the puzzle. For those who show up early, there’s even a chance to become part of the story!
Earlier in the season, on November 28th, there is also the Wake the Dead version of the show, also at the Woodwards Building near Gastown. It too is lots of fun. With it, instead of happening at a dinner, it takes place at a funeral!
To learn more about this event, see our article about Murder is a Drag or visit
A Christmas Carol (& Where the Wild Things Are & Holiday Singalong)
December 13, 19th, 20th & 21st, 2025
Located in North Vancouver, Presentation House Theatre hosts the Movie Singalong: Mary Poppins on Saturday, December 13th. At this event, the audience gets to see the classic 1964 Disney musical film starring Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews and sing along to the music. It’s a fun, family-friendly event!
A few days later, Presentation House hosts Bright: A Holiday Singalong Concert. It takes place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of December 19th to 21st. It too is a fun. family-friendly event where everyone gets to sing.
Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada
From late November until the end of December
Soar with Santa is the Christmas-time offering at Flyover at Canada Place where guests can get the experience of flying over beautiful terrain across the country while staying in Vancouver.
The Soar with Santa film is similar to the standard offering that takes you throughout Canada to places like Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains. The difference are appearances by Santa and his sleigh, a couple of Christmas elves, and a final scene where you fly over the North Pole.
In 2025 we expect Soar with Santa to run from November 20th until December 31st. Exact details, however, are subject to change.
Other Information
For a list of shows at other times of the year, see Vancouver’s Shows & Entertainment Calendar.
To learn more about other events this time of year, see the December Events Calendar.
For a list of festive choir performances in the Lower Mainland, click Vancouver Christmas Concerts.
For the Lower Mainland’s best winter holiday attractions, click Top Things to do in Vancouver at Christmas.
