20 Fun Christmas Events in Vancouver (Local’s Guide)
As a local to Vancouver, I’ve experienced many Christmas events and holiday festivities growing up, and Christmas also my favourite holiday.
Vancouver has many festivities, whether you’re looking for something to do in Downtown Vancouver, such as the Vancouver Christmas Market, or heading out of the city to the Martini Town movie set in Langley.
Here are more details on Christmas events in Vancouver or outside of Vancouver.
Christmas Events In Vancouver
These are some of the best things to do in Vancouver during Christmas time. Some of these locations are outside the city. As a heads up, most of these places are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
💡 Note: Hours and prices may vary each year. Holiday hours may also be different from regular hours. I’ll do my best to keep this post updated each year.
1. Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the most popular and biggest Christmas events in Vancouver at night. It’s a German-themed market with wooden stalls and local vendors selling artisan goods and gifts.
You can line up for mulled wine in the middle of the market. There’s also a food section where you can buy bratwurst (which looks like a hot dog), strudels, perogies, and other German delicacies.
There’s also the large Christmas Tree where you can take a picture inside or outside, a light-up tunnel, and a carousel ride.
📍 Location: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $19.00 Adult (there are various prices plus early bird & packages)
Dates: Middle November to December 24th
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM-9:30 PM | Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
2. Shipyards Christmas Market & Ice Skating
The Shipyards Christmas Market is a Christmas market located in Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. There’s live entertainment, food and shopping vendors, and more.
In addition to the Christmas market there’s the outdoor public skating area in the Shipyards Skate Plaza. The plaza is 12,000 square feet, making it the largest outdoor skate plaza in the region. It’s an excellent location if you’re a young family.
The easiest way to get to Shipyards by the SeaBus. After you take the SeaBus, you can walk towards the plaza.
📍 Location: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free entry for the Christmas Market | $7 Adult skate fee | $5 children skate fee
Dates: Christmas Market is open usually at the end of November to December 24th | Ice skating is weather dependent, usually in winter months, it’s open often
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM | Friday to Sunday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; some days may have different hours.
3. VanDusen Festival Of Lights
The beautiful VanDusen Botanical Gardens is transformed into a stunning Christmas wonderland. With over a million lights, the Festival of Lights is worth experiencing.
A beautiful place for a winter proposal in Vancouver, the 15 acres of Vancouver’s only botanical garden are decorated with displays and lights, attracting more than 100,000 people yearly.
📍 Location: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: Varies each year
Dates: End of November to the first week of January
Hours: 4:00-9:00 PM
4. Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Another popular holiday activity is checking out Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The canyon is decorated with lights, such as the dancing light balls over the small lake.
Of course, the main attraction is the 450-foot (137 metres) suspension bridge over a river. But there are other things to see in the park, such as Treetops Adventures, where you can walk among the trees using small suspension bridges.
There is also the Cliffwalk, where you can walk around a massive rock on the side of the cliff. I remember it was super cold once, and these gigantic icicles were hanging from the rocks.
📍 Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: ~$72 Adults | ~$67 Seniors | ~$60 Students 18+ | ~$43 Youth (13-17) | ~$25 Children (6-12), tickets in person (~$2 more) and online are different
Dates: Last week of November to mid-January
Hours: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
5. St. Paul’s Hospital Lights Of Hope
A fantastic event since 1998, the St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope fundraiser has raised millions for hundreds of thousands of patients and residents in British Columbia, illuminating the path for families during their darkest times.
All over the city, companies and individuals can donate an amount; $100 being the minimum and $1,000 for the smallest star. The larger the amount, the bigger the star on display outside St. Paul’s Hospital.
However, if you choose not to donate, you can still attend the free event outside for the countdown to the annual lighting show. There will be fireworks, musical entertainment, and free hot chocolate.
📍 Location: 1081 Burrard Street
Cost: Free Event
Dates: A day for lighting at end of November, on display from late November to January
6. Martini Town Movie Set (Merry & Bright)
Vancouver is known as a prime location (other than Toronto) for the filming industry. The Martini Town is a film backlot set built by talented local film crew that has filmed numerous television shows, commercials, and movies.
They deck out every corner of the movie set during the holiday season as if you were in a Christmas town.
📍 Location: 1123 272 St, Aldergrove, Langley
Cost: $22.00 General Admission 13+ | $12.00 6-12 years | $18,00 65+ years| $60.00 Family Pack
Dates: December 1st to January 1st
Hours: Monday & Tuesday Closed | Wednesday to Sunday 3:00-9:30 PM
7. Gingerbread Lane
Gingerbread Lane, hosted by the Hyatt Regency Hotel, is an annual event that features gingerbread creations, showcases incredible talent, and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Each year, talented professionals, amateurs, and secondary schools participate in creating these fantastic gingerbread displays. They’re open to the public every December. (My high school has won the secondary category many times)
📍 Location: 655 Burrard Street
Cost: Free Entry (donations support Make-A-Wish Foundation)
Dates: December 1st to 29th
Hours: N/A
8. The Peak Of Christmas
Not only is Grouse Mountain one of the best places to check for things to do in winter, but it also has an annual event called The Peak of Christmas.
Think of the North Pole, but it’s on a mountain in Vancouver. There are many things to do, such as The Light Walk at Blue Grouse Lake and ice skating on the 8,000-square-foot skating pond.
There’s also watching Christmas movies at The Theatre, writing letters to Santa at Elf Headquarters, and more. Plus, you’ll also have a chance to meet real reindeer.
📍 Location: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Cost: Varies + Skyride up the mountain
Dates: Last week of November to December 24th
Hours: Dates open have specific hours, usually it’s interchanges between 11:00 PM or 12:00 PM open to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM closing but double check before you go.
💻 Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas website
9. Heritage Christmas At Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is an outdoor museum with old-fashioned storefronts, period costume townsfolk, and a blacksmithing area. It’s excellent for children and younger families.
During the festive season, the museum turns into Heritage Christmas, where everything is decorated for Christmas. They have the lighting of their Christmas tree, entertainment, and food options. In addition, there’s a carousel ride inside.
📍 Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission, carousel ride costs an extra $2.52 CAD
Dates: Late November to early January | Closed December 24 and 25
Hours: (will vary) November 23-December 15 Tuesday-Friday, 1:00-5:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday, 1:00-9:00 PM, Closed Mondays | December 17, 2024-January 3, 2025, open January 1, daily, 1:00-9:00 PM
💻 Burnaby Village Museum website for Heritage Christmas
10. Lights At Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam is a free event during Christmas time. The 1.2-kilometre pathway around the lake is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights, illuminated archways, and holiday themes.
📍 Location: 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam (Town Centre Park)
Cost: Free
Dates: Late November to late January
Hours: 4:00-10:00 PM
11. Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square was ultimately a celebration venue for the 2010 Olympics and the Paralympic Winter Games, so the city wanted to liven up the area and upgraded the rink.
Since then, Robson Square Ice Rink has been open to the public during the winter. The small outdoor rink is in the heart of Downtown Vancouver and is excellent for those looking for a touristy place to skate or a date night for couples.
💡 Note: Helmets are mandatory for everyone 12 years and under.
📍 Location: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 skate rentals
Dates: End of November to end of February
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, varies for holidays
12. Bright Nights Stanley Park
Another one of Vancouver’s biggest attractions in Stanley Park during Christmas is Bright Nights when the area is decorated with Christmas lights and displays.
It’s extremely popular with families with young children as it has the Bright Nights Train ride.
It’s a 20-minute loop track ride that takes you through a decorated area with Christmas lights, displays, light tunnels, and more.
When I was younger, we used to go with family and friends for years. We would always ride the train and drink apple cider or hot chocolate.
Bright Nights is always a huge success and the most significant fundraiser, with donations collected going toward the BC Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
💡 Note: Tickets for the Bright Nights Train go extremely fast.
📍 Location: 610 Pipeline Road
Cost: Free or you can give a donation
Dates: Late November to January 1st
Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:00-10:00 PM | Sundays 2:00-10:00 PM
13. Soar With Santa (FlyOver Canada)
A holiday spinoff FlyOver Canada offers during the holidays. While you’ll still fly over Canada, this time, you’ll accompany Santa soaring in the sky and over the North Pole.
FlyOver Canada is an immersive simulated flight experience that lasts 25 minutes. You’ll sit in flight-motion seats over a massive wrap screen, and scents, wind, and mist may also be a special effect as you go about your flight.
I tried FlyOver Canada once, and it was pretty neat. Seeing the different provinces from a bird’s-eye view and the special effects of the mist over water and in the clouds was also an experience. Now imagine that but with Santa Claus and the North Pole.
📍 Location: 999 Canada Place (there’s a ticket booth)
Cost: $28.00 Adult | Children 15 & Under $18.00 (prices may vary)
Dates: Mid-November to January 1st
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM | Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
14. PNE Winter Fair
The PNE Winter Fair is an excellent thing to do in Vancouver during Christmas, it’s also more of a non touristy location in Vancouver. It has areas such as the Winter Lights display presented by BC Hydro.
Explore the Northern Lights as you travel through the Polar Passage light tunnel and follow the path through Candy Cane Lane.
The Pacific Coliseum also offers live performances, including The Nutcracker on Ice and The Magic of Santa: Holiday Musical Stage Show.
You can also have fun riding ice bumper cars at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, enjoy festive treats at the Holiday Eats and Treats area, and explore the Holiday Market for unique gifts.
📍 Location: 2901 East Hastings Street
Dates: Select dates in December
- General 18-64 years – $25.00 online, $30.00 at gate
- Senior 65+ years $19.00 online, $22.00 at gate
- Youth 13-17 years $19.00 online, $22.00 at gate
- Child 4-12 years $12.00 online, $15.00 at gate
- Kids 3 and under Free
*Prices may be subject to change
Hours: 4:00-10:00 PM
15. Christmas Glow
One of the Lower Mainland’s largest Christmas attractions is Christmas Glow or Glow. Each year, the venue has a different theme; 2023 was a carnival theme. There are many indoor venues where you can find market vendors, activities, live performances, and more.
📍 Location: 6690 216 Street, Langley
Costs: $24.00 Adults 13+ | $18.50 Children 4-12 years | $18.50 Seniors 65+ years | Free – Kids 3 & under
Dates: Sometime during the first week of December to the 28th
Hours: Varies between 5:00-10:00 PM & 4:00-10:00 PM; closed on Sundays
💻 Christmas Glow Langley website
16. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy an evening with the prestigious Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra brings festive music to the Lower Mainland with multiple performances at local venues. The programs offer holiday classics, cherished songs, and the chance to sing along to Christmas carols.
📍 Location: 843 Seymour Street
Costs: Varies
Dates: Throughout December
Hours: Varies on performance
17. Cloverdale Christmas Tree Fest
Hosted at the Museum of Surrey, the foyer is transformed into a forest of Christmas trees. You can participate in the event by voting on which tree is your favourite and potentially win a prize.
There’s a tree lighting event and activities for children, such as Christmas crafts and meeting Santa Claus.
Donations made at the event go towards Cloverdale Community Hamper.
📍 Location: 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free or by Donation
Dates: End of November to mid-December
Hours: N/A
18. Potters Christmas Shop
My newest discovery is the Potters Christmas Shop. Potters Nursery And Garden Centre transforms into a Christmas store on November 1st, where you can find thousands of Christmas decorations and ornaments.
There are different sections with themes, such as the Merry & Bright section, where you can find all the glittery and sparkly bits and bobs; The Dark Room, where you can find all the light-up decorations; and Gnomes & More, Gourmet Treats, and Mouse Town.
📍 Location: 19158 48 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free (got to pay for your stuff, though)
Dates: November 1st (nine weeks for the Christmas decorations)
Hours: Store hours; Wednesday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM | Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
19. Festival Of Trees
For over 30 years, the Festival of Trees presented by Scotiabank has been a yearly tradition for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The tradition is to decorate the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with Christmas trees.
Each tree is sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, or individuals, and you can vote for the best one and donate if you wish.
📍 Location: 900 West Georgia
Cost: Free or By Donation
Dates: Late November to January 1st
Hours: N/A
20. Christmas At Canada Place
Christmas at Canada Place presents a tradition of Woodward’s Windows, Avenue of Trees, a 15-foot tall Moose known as “Chrismoose,” Sails of Light, North Pole Light display, and more to see at this family-friendly event.
Canada Place is where the Soar with Santa, presented by FlyOver Canada, takes place, and the Vancouver Christmas Market is a block away on the other side of the Vancouver Convention Center.
📍 Locations: 999 Canada Place – Canadian Trail (West Promenade)
Cost: Free
Dates: End of November to January 1st
Hours: 8:00 AM-11:00 PM
Is Vancouver A Good Place To Visit At Christmas?
Vancouver is a good place to visit at Christmas. There are many things to do that make Vancouver worth visiting during the holiday season. Plus, the city is decorated with Christmas lights and light displays.
Does Vancouver Have Christmas Markets?
Yes, Vancouver has Christmas Markets. The most popular one is the Vancouver Christmas Market. However, other markets, craft fairs, and pop-up markets in the lower mainland happen during November and December.
There’s the Circle Craft Christmas Market, Holiday Pop-Up Market, and Deer Lake Winter Festival, to name a few.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to do in Vancouver for Christmas. From the popular Vancouver Christmas Market to listening to classic Christmas songs by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver is a festival place to visit during Christmas.
Have a good day 🙂
