The return of the Vancouver Christmas Market and other events to check out this weekend

(Vancouver Christmas Market/Facebook)

With Remembrance Day observances concluded, the upcoming weekend’s events have taken on a distinctly festive flair.

Christmas markets, light displays and Scuba Claus are just some of the attractions on offer in Vancouver this weekend. Here’s what’s happening.

Vancouver Christmas Market opens

Thursday was the opening day of the Vancouver Christmas Market, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Described by organizers as a German Christmas Village in the heart of downtown, the market will be open daily in Jack Poole Plaza through Christmas Eve, though weekday hours will be limited to evenings—from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. —through Dec. 5.

Lumière Festival

Thursday also marked the start of the annual Lumière Festival, which is taking place nightly at a variety of sites around downtown Vancouver through Sunday.

The annual light-based art installation features more than two-dozen artworks around the theme of “unity.” Locations and descriptions of the works—as well as performances and workshops on offer—can be found on the festival’s website.

25th Annual Chutzpah! Festival

Now in its 25th year, the Chutzpah! Festival is an annual celebration of dance, music, theatre and comedy “through a lens of Jewish experiences, stories and values,” according to organizers.

This year’s festival began on Wednesday and will continue through Nov. 23. A schedule of performances and ticket information can be found online.

Holiday Splash at Vancouver Aquarium

Scuba Claus will be diving daily at Vancouver Aquarium through Christmas Eve, as the attraction celebrates the return of its "Holiday Splash" event.

The aquarium has been decked out in more than one million lights, and seasonal shows and treats are on offer.

Portobello West Holiday Market

Portobello West is holding its annual holiday market at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre this Saturday and Sunday.

The market features dozens of B.C.-based small businesses and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $5, but children ages 12 and under get in free.

Homes for the Holidays

Head out to UBC’s Cecil Green Park House this weekend for the 20th annual "Homes for the Holidays" fundraiser.

Guests are invited to walk through the mansion at their own pace, admiring and drawing inspiration from the rooms decked out for the holidays by top interior designers, florists and home décor vendors.

This year, proceeds from the event are going to YWCA Metro Vancouver’s dedicated Housing Action Fund, which aims to create safe, affordable homes for single mothers and their children.

For the sports fans

The World Supercross Championship returns to B.C. Place on Saturday for its Canadian GP. The venue opens at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m., featuring a purpose-built track, fireworks, music and more.

While the Canucks are out of town this weekend and the Whitecaps are off, the Vancouver Giants are hosting the Edmonton Oil Kings on Saturday night at the Langley Events Centre. Puck drops at 7 p.m.