Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s beginning to look a lot like it in Metro Vancouver. If you’re not yet in the spirit, there is seriously a lot of events to choose from to spread a little holiday cheer.
With so much going on in Metro Vancouver, we’ve compiled the top 20 events for you to check out this year. Here they are, sorted by price:
Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: Free
Lights at Lafarge
Enjoy the beauty of this dazzling light display that laps around the 1.2 km loop of Lafarge Lake. There is also live music, a visit from Santa and plenty of vendors to help keep you warm with their treats.
When: Saturday, November 30-January 19 @ 6-8 pm
Where: Lafarge Lake (1299 Pinetree Way)
New West Craft Winter Night Market
This event is happening over two venues, with food, shopping and music. Together the events will have 50 vendors to choose from.
When: December 7, 6-9:30pm
Where: River Market & 100 Braid St. Studios, New Westminster
CandyTown
This one-day event runs through Mainland, Davie, and Hamilton Street with characters roaming the streets, festive decorations and even horse-drawn carriages.
To get a little more cheery, you can take part in the self-guided holiday cocktail party, where restaurants throughout Yaletown are offering unique seasonal drinks.
When: November 30, 12-7 pm
Where: Mainland Street, Yaletown
Potters Christmas Store
This 28,000 square-foot Christmas store is the largest in B.C. Based in Surrey, the store has more than 60,000 ornaments and a 3,000-foot showroom to show them off.
When: November 1-December 24, Time Varies
Where: 19158 48 Ave, Surrey
Dundarave Christmas Festival
Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, come and see the dozens of Christmas trees lit up along the beach. The event will also feature live music and a bonfire, December 21.
When: November 30-December 31, Time Varies
Where: Dundarave Beach and Dundarave Village, 25th St, West Vancouver
Shipyards Christmas Festival
This family-friendly event features festive lights, a Christmas market and live music. With a giant tree-lighting on the Saturday and a Christmas market over two days, it’s not to be missed.
When: November 30-December 1, 3-9pm
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is worth a wander any time of the year, but it’s especially gorgeous during the holidays. Heritage Christmas lights up the outdoor site in festive lights and hosts holiday-themed entertainment and a scavenger hunt.
When: November 23-January 3, Time Varies
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Christmas at Canada Place
Experience the nostalgia of Woodward’s Windows, glowing lights, and the Avenue of Trees all within Canada Place this Christmas. It the venue’s 32nd anniversary, and they’ll be celebrating with live entertainment and beautiful holiday displays.
When: Friday, December 6, 8am-11pm
Where: Canada Place – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Santa Claus Parade
The annual event is happening again this year, starting at West Georgia and Broughton. Catch Santa on his sleigh, along with many other magical floats. There are events prior to the parade, starting as early as 8:30 am, including Breakfast with Santa.
When: December 1, 12-1:30pm
Where: Downtown Vancouver – West Georgia and Broughton
Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $15 & Under
Weirdos Holiday Market
This holiday market is different from others you may have gone to before. With gifts for that unique person in your life, check out the embalmed insect jewelry, human bone ornaments and baby doll head vases.
Tickets: $2
When: Saturday December 14th – Sunday December 15th, 10 am – 6pm
Where: Ukrainian Cathedral Hall – 154 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Got Craft? 2019 Holiday Edition
At this East Van craft fair, you’ll have more than 95 vendors to choose from. Here you’ll find jewelry, artisanal food, ceramics and textiles among others. There will also be food and an area for kids to play.
Tickets: $3
When: December 7-8, 10 am-5 pm
Where: 3250 Commercial Drive
Stanley Park Bright Nights Christmas Train
Climb aboard the Christmas train to gaze at more than three million lights throughout Stanley park. The 22nd annual event is a Vancouver tradition, featuring a visit from Santa and dazzling displays.
Tickets: $12 for Adults, $9 for Seniors & Youth, $8 for Children 3-12 yrs.
When: November 28-January 1, Time Varies
Where: Stanley Park – Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is returning for its 10th year and is bringing with it more than 80 vendors. It also features a carousel, live performances, and even a walk-in Christmas tree, where you can view its dazzling lights from within.
Tickets: $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors, $9 for Youth (6-12)
When: November 20-24, 11:30 am-9:30 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place (home of the Olympic Cauldron)
Steveston’s Winter in the Village
Steveston is jam-packed with activities this season and decorated from head to toe. Santa will be around for visits, and there’s a market not to be missed.
Tickets: Varies for each event, with many of them free
When: November 21-December 31, Time Varies
Where: Steveston
Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $30 & Under
VanDusen Christmas Festival of Lights
Vancouver’s botanical garden features more than one million lights across its gardens. That includes the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake.
Tickets: $24 for Adults, $19 for Seniors, $14.75 for Children (4-12)
When: November 30-January 5, 4-9:30 pm
Where: Vandusen Gardens – 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Aurora Winter Festival
As Canada’s largest winter festival, there is so much to see and do. Check out the holiday market and vendors, before perusing the light displays, rides and the four worlds that exist within the PNE grounds.
Tickets: $17.99 GA for Adults, $12.99 for Seniors & Children (4-12)
When: November 22 – January 5, Time Varies
Where: The PNE, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Glow Christmas Festival
This massive indoor Christmas festival has come to Vancouver this year and features glowing light displays, games, a train and visits from Santa, his elves and a few princesses.
Tickets: $22.99 for Adults, $16.99 for Seniors & Children (4-12)
When: November 21-January 5, Time Varies
Where: Harbour Convention Centre 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $35 to $60
Polar Express Train
Jump aboard the Polar Express train and head to the North Pole from Squamish. You’ll meet meet the Hobo, Hero Boy, Know-It-All, and the conductor on the train ride, while you enjoy your hot chocolate and cookies. Come in your pyjamas – it’s encouraged.
Tickets:$39 for Coach & $59 for First Class
When: November 23-December 15, Time Varies
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park – 39645 Government Rd, Squamish
Capilano Canyon Lights
The views from Capilano Suspension Bridge have always been a sight to see, but it’s magnified with the start of Canyon Lights. The North Vancouver Park will transform into a festive sight full of beautiful lights and some of the world’s tallest Christmas trees.
And for all B.C. residents, you can get a free annual season pass to the park for the price of one day’s regular admission. It also grants you free entry into Canyon Lights and 15% off admission for your guests.
Tickets: $53.95 for Adults, $48.95 for Seniors, $39.95 for Students, $29.95 for Youth, $16.95 for Children (6-12)
When: November 22-January 26
Where: Capilano Bridge – 3735 Capilano Rd
The Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is turning into a Christmas Village with many attractions to choose from. Take a stroll through the gorgeous light displays, take a ride on Santa’s sleigh or go ice skating.
Tickets: $59 for Adults, $52 for Seniors, $32 for Children (5-16)
When: November 22-January 5, Time Varies
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
So, what Christmas events are you going to check out this year?
To see more festivities around the city, check out Burnaby’s city lights or see this Canadian Superstars Christmas tribute event.
For more events around the city, check out our Events page.
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