Black Friday deals might break your bank; these events won't

Ok, shopping time for many, but your kids won’t care and will bug you to do something nice. We have Christmas markets galore in this issue.

We sifted through 160+ events happening around Vancouver this week (yes, and I wanted to be shopping for deals) and picked only the best of the best so you don't have to.

Here's what made the cut:

🕐 9:00 AM • 📍 Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Magical winter wonderland atop Grouse Mountain where you can visit Santa, meet real reindeer, skate on a mountaintop pond, enjoy a light walk, sliding zone and holiday movies. Special family pricing available.

🕐 2:00 PM • 📍 Central Library

"Silent Book Club just for teens! Whether you're deep into a fantasy epic, graphic novel, or the latest YA bestseller, bring your current read and hang out with fellow book lovers for an afternoon of reading and snacking. No assigned reading. No pressure. Just books, snacks, and good vibes.".

🕐 2:30 PM • 📍 Collingwood Branch

Dinosaur bones have been found at the library and we need your help to investigate them. For Grades K-7.

🕐 3:00 PM • 📍 Fraserview Branch

Children in Grades 2-5 can explore block coding while guiding a Sphero robot through engaging challenges. A great opportunity to develop coding skills in a fun environment.

🕐 4:00 PM • 📍 Brighouse

Workshop with an introduction to key coding concepts through creative and interactive challenges. Whether you're making games, animations, or useful tools, you'll leave with a project of your own. Click the link for more info.

🕐 5:00 PM • 📍 Pipe Shop Venue, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Holiday food market by Made in the 604 featuring artisan chocolates, sauces, baked goods, spices and more. Shop local treats and gifts while enjoying an included drink, tastings, live music and festive vibes.

🕐 10:00 AM • 📍 Watermania

Kids aged 6+ can dive into artistic swimming with a free 45-minute session led by certified coaches. No experience required, just the ability to swim 50m in deep water. Fun intro to movement, routines, and teamwork in the pool.

🕐 10:00 AM • 📍 Steveston Community Centre

Shop from 100+ vendors offering handmade gifts, jewelry, and treats at this long-running, family-friendly holiday market. Raffles, accessible venue, and nearby village make it a festive outing.

🕐 10:00 AM • 📍 Lansdowne Centre

Join this annual holiday tradition at Lansdowne Centre with toy donations, festive family fun, photos with Santa, mini donuts, and a ball hockey rink fundraiser. All for a great cause.

🕐 10:00 AM • 📍 Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver

Popular indie craft market with 100+ local makers, food trucks, workshops, a Mini Makers area for young entrepreneurs, and limited-edition swag bags for early birds. Held over two weekends, it's perfect for finding unique handmade gifts while supporting small businesses.

🕐 11:00 AM • 📍 Greater Heights Learning Academy, Coquitlam

Festive holiday market with 60+ vendors. Free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch (by donation), plus face painting, cookie decorating, door prizes and more. First 100 guests get a free gift; proceeds support a local charity.

🕐 11:00 AM • 📍 St. Thomas More Collegiate, Burnaby

Cozy gingerbread-themed holiday market at St. Thomas More Collegiate with festive treats, handcrafted goods and family activities. Enjoy holiday shopping and fun in support of the school community (gingerbread contest, bake sale, and more).

🕐 12:00 PM • 📍 Surrey Civic Plaza, Surrey

Two-day outdoor holiday festival kicking off the season with Surrey's official tree lighting. Features free ice skating, live music on multiple stages, kids' crafts, holiday characters, amusement rides, food trucks, a winter market, and visits with Santa. Ends each night with a 60-ft tree lighting show.

🕐 1:00 PM • 📍 Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby

Old-fashioned Christmas celebration in a 1920s village illuminated with thousands of lights and vintage displays. Enjoy heritage homes decked in holiday decor, traditional entertainment, crafts and exhibits. (Carousel rides free; admission by donation.).

🕐 2:30 PM • 📍 Brighouse

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Gateway’s 2025 holiday production of Annie! with this free, family-friendly preview. Open to all ages; registration required.

🕐 4:00 PM • 📍 Brighouse

Want to use the library's 3D printers? Join them to learn the basics of TinkerCAD. This is a great web-based 3D modelling software for beginners. You'll create from basic shapes to make amazing designs. Registration required. Ages 12+u

🕐 3:30 PM • 📍 Brighouse

A fun space for kids to explore, discuss, and create graphic novels. Share favorites or try your hand at making your own comics.

🕐 4:00 PM • 📍 Brighouse

A casual space for teens to play games and unwind after school! Social games, board games and puzzles. Teens in grades 8-12 are welcome.

🕐 11:00 AM • 📍 Brighouse

This is more for the parents. Learn the importance and fundamentals of estate planning, and understand how to protect and distribute your assets. It will cover key tools such as wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and more.

🕐 3:30 PM • 📍 Brighouse

This mentorship program supports children in developing social skills and confidence while receiving personalized homework assistance in small groups or one-on-one settings.

🕐 3:30 PM • 📍 Ironwood

Join fellow young chess enthusiasts at Ironwood Library for an engaging session focused on learning and playing chess with peers. All skill levels are welcome.

🕐 4:00 PM • 📍 Cambie

Kids love this for some reason. If you can't get your kid to practice reading, let them read to a little doggy.

🕐 6:00 PM • 📍 Brighouse

This workshop introduces participants to Procreate Dreams, a powerful iPad app. Ideal for beginners, it includes hands-on exercises to build foundational skills. Click link to register.

Know a fellow parent who always says, "I love wasting time sifting through a billion weak events to pick where to go with my family"? Of course you don’t.

Forward them this, it might just save their weekend.

Catch you next week ✌️

Nat, from Nothing To Do