20 Things to Do in Vancouver this Christmas

This year, there are so many things to do in Vancouver to get your Christmas spirit on! From going to see twinkling Christmas lights to sipping hot apple cider at a winter holiday festival, below are my top 20 things to do in Vancouver this Christmas. Actually, it is the whole Vancouver area so let’s get out and enjoy this holiday season.

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Vancouver Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market is an adorable and authentic German-themed outdoor holiday market that is home to several artisan vendors and food booths offering a wide variety of festive products. The Market is located downtown at the Jack Poole Plaza next to the convention centre. It’s great for couples or families; you’ll find something for everyone. Open daily between November 20^th and December 24^th, 2019.

Christmas Glow in Abbotsford & Vancouver this Christmas

Christmas Glow is the perfect activity for a cold winter’s day. The indoor attraction features Christmas light displays, live music, vendors, and activities for children. This year, you’ll find Christmas Glow in two locations – one at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford and the other at Vancouver’s Harbour Convention Centre. The attraction runs from November 21^st until January 5^th at Vancouver’s Harbour Convention Centre by False Creek. 

You might also like to read Reasons Why Having Your Birthday on Christmas is Neither Holly nor Jolly.

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency

You’ll find Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency halfway between Canada Place and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church. Step inside the hotel’s foyer to behold some truly magnificent gingerbread creations. Plus, it’s free! Visit Gingerbread Lane between November 30^th and December 31^st, 2019.

Aurora Winter Festival

One of the newest (and most Instagram-able) Christmas attractions in Vancouver is the Aurora Winter Festival. Everyone will enjoy the Festival’s spectacular show of lights, outdoor skating rink, Christmas-themed vendor market, and live entertainment. The Aurora Winter Festival is open most evenings from November 22^nd to January 5^th, 2020.

Lights at Lafarge Lake

Lights at Lafarge Lake features stunning Christmas decorations and holiday lights surrounding the lake at Town Centre Park, Coquitlam. The free attraction is conveniently located close to the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station. Lights at Lafarge runs November 30^th until January 19^th, 2020.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

The light displays at Vancouver’s finest botanical garden are a must-see this Christmas! Spend the evening strolling amongst hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, visiting Santa, and taking carousel rides. This year the VanDusen Festival of Lights is open between November 30^th to January 5^th.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Stanley Park is home to an amazing presentation of festive displays and Christmas lights in all of Vancouver. The famous Christmas night train is fun for all and costs only $9-12. Bright Nights at Stanley Park is open November 28^th to January 1^st, 2020.

Christmas at Canada Place

Christmas at Canada Place features holiday illuminations and festive activities. It’s located next to the new Vancouver Convention Centre building along The Canadian Trail.  Christmas at Canada Place runs daily from December 6^th until January 1^st, 2020.

Ice Skating at Robson Square

A local favourite, Robson Square is home to free ice skating on the outdoor rink. It’s free to skate and rentals are available at a reasonable cost. This season, ice skating at Robson Square takes place from December 1^st to February 29^th, 2019

Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas

At North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain you’ll find some of the best Christmas-themed activities in the area. Take the gondola up the hill and you’ll find yourself transported into another world. Take a sleigh ride, visit Santa, go ice skating or snowshoeing, watch a Christmas movie at the theatre, and more! While the activities are endless, they’re also on the pricier side. That said –  the Peak of Christmas is worth it. The Peak of Christmas runs November 22^nd to January 5^th, 2020.

Shipyards Christmas Festival

The Shipyards Christmas Festival is a large event featuring live music, a Christmas vendor market, family-friendly activities, and more. The Festival opens on Saturday, November 30^th. However, if you missed the first weekend, don’t worry – the market is open again the following two weekends (December 7^th-8^th and December 14^th-15^th).

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visiting the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is an inexpensive way to brighten your Christmas spirit. The lights are beautifully displayed and brighten up the bridge and unique walkways, making this a truly unique experience. Canyon Lights is open from November 22^nd to January 26^th, 2020.

Holiday Heights at Bloedel

Held at the Bloedel Conservatory atop Queen Elizabeth Park, the Holiday Heights at Bloedel is a popular indoor attraction where visitors will find beautiful illuminations and sneaky Christmas characters. Holiday Heights is open December 7^th to January 5^th.

Winter Hayrides in Steveston

Find a spot on the Winter Hayrides in Steveston Village for a sing-along and tour of the local holiday displays. Pre-booking is mandatory at Steveston Community Centre. The hayrides are available between December 5^th and December 6^th.

CP Holiday Train BC

Choo-choo! All aboard the CP Holiday Train as it heads to Vancouver from Montreal, collecting donations to fight hunger in Canada. Visit the train on one of its many stops in the greater Vancouver area for a free concert and lots of Christmas fun!

Mission Candlelight Parade

Watch Santa and his elves as they visit the 35th Annual Mission Candlelight Parade on Friday, Dec 6^th. The Parade features a number of holiday-themed floats, music, and tons of Christmas cheer.

Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees

The Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees is a festive display of decorated trees, showcasing the artistic talents of community organizations and local businesses. In addition to the beautiful displays, there are also craft activities for children. See the trees in all their glory December 1^st to the 31^st.

Christmas at Flyover Canada

FlyOver Canada is an action-packed 4D movie theatre attraction at Canada Place. You and your co-pilots will take “flight” over Canada, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and then up to the Arctic. During the holiday season, the attraction features some special characters and takes on a fun Christmas theme starting November 21^st to January 5^th, 2020

Heritage Christmas in Burnaby

For a mix of Christmas fun and history, check out Burnaby Village’s Heritage Christmas. The free event takes place from November 23^rd to January 3^rd, 2020.

Park and Tilford Holiday Hi-Light Festival

If you’re spending any time in North Vancouver, visit the Hi-Light Festival at Park and Tilford to light up your Christmas. Admission is free and the festival is open nightly from November 29^th to December 31^st, 2019.