The holiday season has officially arrived in Vancouver, and with it comes all the glittering lights, cozy markets, festive bites, and family-friendly experiences we look forward to every year. Whether you’re someone who plans their Christmas outings down to the minute or you’re just looking for a little inspiration to get into the festive spirit, there’s no shortage of holiday magic around the Lower Mainland.
From classic favourites like the Vancouver Christmas Market and Festival of Lights to newer neighbourhood celebrations, here’s a curated roundup of the best holiday and Christmas-themed events happening this season.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Dates: Nov 13 – Dec 24
Location: Jack Poole Plaza
German-themed market with artisan huts, food & drink (think glühwein, pretzels), live entertainment, and the carousel.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Dates: Nov 28 – Jan 4
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden
A magical walk-through with huge displays of lights across the gardens, it’s wonderful for families and perfect for IG photo-ops.
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 24
Highlights: Montain top ice skating, light walk around Blue Grouse Lake, Breakfast with Santa, reindeer habitat, and our all time favourite – the sliding zone.
Great for families who like the outdoors.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 18
What to expect: The suspension bridge & treetops adventure lit up in thousands of lights!
Shipyards Christmas Market
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 24
Location: The Shipyards District, North Vancouver.
Free admission market with artisanal gifts, holiday treats, ice-skating rink.
Glow Langley
Dates: Nov 20 – Dec 31
Location: Langley (Milner Village Garden Centre)
Big lights display and endless fun for kids!
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market
Dates: Nov 22–23
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza.
Tree lighting, vendor market, performances.
Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium
Dates: Nov 12 – Dec 24
Location: Vancouver Aquarium
Watch Scuba Claus spread cheer, check out the Jelly Snow Globe and explore glowing exhibits.
FlyOver Christmas – Downtown
Dates: Nov 20 – Jan 4
Location: FlyOver theatre at Canada Place
Check out this Christmas-themed multi-dimensional film!
Spirit of the Season – Sea to Sky Gondola
Dates: Nov 29- Dec 31
Celebrate the holidays with unforgettable mountain views. Take the gondola up and enjoy forest walks lit with sparkling lights, festive decor, cozy fire pits, and seasonal treats.
North Pole Express – Squamish
Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 21
All aboard for one of the most charming family holiday activities around! The North Pole Express (operated by the West Coast Railway Heritage Park) transforms classic train cars into a whimsical Christmas ride complete with elves, seasonal activities, Santa visits, and hot cocoa. A perfect pick for younger kids and train lovers.
Martini Town – Langley
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 31
Martini Town is the Lower Mainland’s favourite movie-set-turned-Christmas-town. Wander through its picture-perfect streets decorated with lights, vintage storefronts, and festive installations which are all designed for ultra-Instagrammable holiday photos!
Noel & Bright Nights – Cloverdale
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 28
Cloverdale Fairgrounds transforms into a glowing holiday walk-through featuring thousands of lights, festive displays, a market, food vendors, and family entertainment. It’s a great local option for those in Surrey looking for an easy, cheerful evening activity close to home.
Gingerbread Lane – Hyatt Regency
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 28
A Vancouver classic! Stroll through dozens of elaborate, creative, and sometimes jaw-dropping gingerbread creations crafted by local bakers, schools, and organizations. It’s free to visit and donations support local charities.
Fleurs de Villes NOEL
Dates: Dec 5-14
A stunning holiday floral art trail featuring beautifully crafted, life-size floral installations displayed throughout downtown Vancouver. Expect gorgeous, over-the-top displays curated by local floral artists.
Robson Square Ice Rink
Dates: Dec 1 – Feb 28
This iconic outdoor rink brings winter magic to the heart of downtown. Skate under the domed roof, enjoy holiday music, and warm up with cocoa. It’s one of Vancouver’s most affordable winter activities.
Visit with Santa – Kids Market at Granville Island
Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 24
A cozy, classic Santa meet-and-greet experience inside the always-fun Kids Market. Great for younger kids who want a quieter, less overwhelming Santa visit compared to big malls.
Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration
Dates: Nov 28 – 6pm
A free, lively annual celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, family activities, and the lighting of a massive holiday tree.
The Steveston Festival of Trees – Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Dates: Nov 29 – Jan 4
A charming holiday display in the heart of Steveston Village. Wander through beautifully decorated trees inside the cannery, then explore the surrounding shops and waterfront. A great combo outing for families.
Lights of Hope – St. Paul’s Hospital
Dates: Nov 27 – Jan 2
A Vancouver holiday landmark for more than two decades. St. Paul’s Hospital lights up with over 100,000 sparkling lights arranged in star-shaped displays to raise funds for patient care.
Festive Christmas – Burnaby Village Museum
Dates: Nov 22 – Jan 2
Burnaby Village Museum transforms into a nostalgic winter wonderland with vintage storefronts, carolers, lights, and festive displays. Stroll through the open-air village, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the old-timey holiday charm. A wonderful option for families and holiday photos.
Lights at Lafarge Lake – Coquitlam
Dates: Nov 28 – Feb
One of Metro Vancouver’s largest free holiday lights displays. Take a leisurely walk around Lafarge Lake and enjoy colourful, themed light installations scattered along the water. It’s spacious, stroller-friendly, and perfect for an easy weeknight outing.
The Bear Creek Light Festival
Dates: Nov 7 – 21
Bear Creek Park lights up with a beautiful illuminated walk-through featuring glowing tunnels, light displays, and special effects. Early in the season, it’s a great way to kick off the festivities before the December rush.
There’s truly something for everyone this holiday season! If you check out any of these events, let me know which ones you loved or share any hidden gems I should add to the list.
