The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is taking a page from its own book. Inspired by their own legendary annual summertime Fair, the holiday season in Vancouver will now include the brand-new PNE Winter Fair.
Running nightly from Dec. 14 to 23, the PNE Winter Fair draws from the best of what's on offer during the summer Fair and translates that into a festive, seasonal, holiday version, complete with twinkling lights, activities, and an "all-star" concert line-up of live musical acts.
The Winter Fair, which the PNE hails as "the most unique winter celebration in B.C.," will feature holiday-themed food and drink; an outdoor Holiday Marketplace; live performances for kids; ice skating in the Agrodome; Christmas-themed Duelling Pianos; a WinterLights walk-through light display; and a nightly tree-lighting ceremony.
The major draw for many, however, may be the concerts, with a different big-name act each night, from absolute icons like Dionne Warwick to Canadian legends like Jann Arden, and even a closing night that will have boy band fans going through all the feels. Concert tickets range from $39 to $69, and each concert ticket includes Winter Fair admission.
PNE Winter Fair concert line-up:
- Dec. 14: The Kat & Dave Show Starring David Foster & Katharine McPhee
- Dec. 15: The Tenors
- Dec. 16: Tom Cochrane with Band
- Dec. 17: Dallas Smith
- Dec. 18: Jann Arden
- Dec. 19: Holly Cole
- Dec. 20: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: A Very Postmodern Christmas
- Dec. 21: Dionne Warwick and the Sounds of Christmas
- Dec. 22: Johnny Reid
- Dec. 23: A Boy Band Christmas: An Evening of Holiday and Hits Featuring Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre from 98 Degrees, James Jones of All 4 One, Trevor Penick from O-Town, and Ryan Cabrera
"After two years of COVID drive-through winter events, it was important for us to define our permanent place in the holiday event landscape," said PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost in a media release. "This event will be a significant annual addition to the PNE’s year-long programming and will mean that hundreds of new jobs will be created and millions of dollars in positive economic impact will be generated into the regional economy.”
Tickets for Winter Fair go on sale Oct. 6. All entertainment elements, outside of the nightly concerts, in the Winter Fair are free with admission.
PNE Winter Fair
When: Dec. 14-23, 2022 from 4:30-10:30 p.m. nightly
Where: PNE Fair Grounds - 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $15 for Fair admission; concerts $39-69 (include Fair admission). Purchase online.
