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 Nutcracker On Ice
December 6-23, 2024 (with 2025 details to be confirmed)
The PNE Winter Fair is an annual Christmas attraction with light displays, food vendors and live entertainment. One of the daily shows at the event is The Nutcracker On Ice. The classic Tchaikovsky ballet is performed by talented figure skaters at the Pacific Coliseum. There’s live singing, special effects and more to enjoy.
Last year, shows ran from December 6th to 8th and from December 12th to 23rd. The performances began at 6:30 and 8:45 pm each night. The dates and times in 2025 will likely be similar. Whether its The Nutcracker on Ice or a different show, though, is also to be confirmed.
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, 2024 (and with 2025 details to be confirmed)
Dinner Date with Death is the holiday edition of Vancouver Mysteries’ Murder is a Drag series. The event is an interactive experience that’s both a dinner and show at the same time. Last year the performance happened at Water Street Cafe, located at 300 Water Street in Gastown. It began at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 11th.
When this event happens, those in the audience enjoy a three-course meal while a murder mystery case happens around them. There are drag performances, drinks, 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!
A Christmas Carol (& Where the Wild Things Are & Holiday Singalong)
December 7-15, 2024
Located in North Vancouver, Presentation House Theatre hosted A Christmas Carol last year on December 7th, 14th and 15th. The same venue also hosted two Where the Wild Things Are performances on December 1st for kids. Family-friendly Holiday Singalong events happened on December 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st.
Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada
From late November until the end of December or beginning of January
Soar with Santa is the Christmas-time offering at FlyOver Canada, 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.
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
November 14, 2024 – December 24, 2024
The Arts Club put on Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol last year. Based on the book written by Charles Dickens, the musical follows Scrooge, ghosts and other characters who try to change his perspective on life. The shows were held at Vancouver’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage at 2750 Granville Street.
Performances ran on most days between November 14th and December 24th last year. There were no shows on Mondays.
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.
