eucalyptusandwildhair / Instagram
'Tis the season to be jolly in the Lower Mainland, but the rain is putting a bit of a damper on the festive fun.
With that in mind, a little bit of rain won't prevent locals from enjoying some fantastic indoor holiday activities in Metro Vancouver. And while there are a number of breathtaking outdoor displays and events to enjoy, there are just as many warm, covered attractions to keep you cozy, dry and merry.
So, don't stay at home this holiday season - get out and enjoy some of the region's best holiday offerings.
Indoor Holiday Activities in Metro Vancouver
Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Hyatt Regency Vancouver / Facebook
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is celebrating the holidays with its annual Gingerbread Lane display. While the indoor event is free, every donation made supports the Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon charities. Over 30 decadent gingerbread creations surround a carefully crafted centrepiece, and some of them are as big as people.
Langley's Glow Christmas
Photo: inumimimi / Instagram
Glow Christmas is the Fraser Valley's only major Christmas attraction, and it is huge. In fact, over a million lights twinkle in the indoor even't four displays, and one of them is an impressive, 63-metre-long illuminated tunnel. What’s more, the market showcases work from over 40 vendors, and there are a plethora of mouthwatering food-trucks on hand for when you get hungry.
The Nutcracker
UKRAINE, LUGANSK – February 5, 2014: Donetsk Opera dancers perform The Nutcracker Ballet in Lugansk / Shutterstock
It’s one of the most celebrated ballets of all time, and The Nutcracker is hugely popular in Vancouver around the holidays. If you’ve never seen the artistic dance unfold on the stage, or you simply want to catch it this year, check out our comprehensive list of places to do so around the Lower Mainland.
Home Alone with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Home Alone / Facebook
It is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, and now the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra brings it to life at the Orpheum Theatre. Get out of the rain and enjoy Home Alone on the big screen with the symphony playing its magnificent score. Alternatively, if you can't make one of the viewings, snuggle up on your couch and watch the film at home - but make sure that you enjoy it with pizza and candy, just like Macaulay Culkin did.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Show
Photo: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Not a fan of Home Alone but still love holiday music? The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual “A Traditional Christmas” series of Christmas concerts is pure, festive delight. The performance includes heartwarming music associated with Christmas, carols, and plenty of audience sing-alongs.What’s more, the troupe makes its way around the Lower Mainland, so you can see a production at a stop near you.
A Christmas Presence
Pacific Theatre
Step out of the cold and into a world of festive enchantment on stage the Pacific Theatre on West 12th. The “Christmas Presence” is a favourite tradition at the Vancouver theatre. “With poems and prose that range from the heartfelt to the hilarious mixed in with songs both old and new, Christmas Presence is an intimate and warm way to usher in the holiday spirit.”
Holiday Heights at Bloedel
Bloedel Conservatory / Instagram
Vancouver’s Bloedel Floral Conservatory is lovely throughout the year; however, Holiday Heights at Bloedel offers a truly magical experience. Venture out of the cold and into balmy temperatures in this tropical holiday wonderland. From twinkling lights to festive plant displays, Christmas music to a holiday scavenger hunt, the attraction includes a number of magical things to see and do. In addition, you'll spot more than 120 free-flying exotic birds, as well as 500 exotic plants and flowers.
Sea of Lights at the Vancouver Aquarium
Photo courtesy Vancouver Aquarium
The holiday season is decidedly eclectic at the Vancouver Aquarium, where guests are privy to everything from a scuba-diving Santa Claus to a mischievous "Mistle Toad." The annual Sea of Lights festive programming is underway until January 6, 2019, and also offers the chance to see a short version classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 4-D theatre, too.
Flyover Canada
Flyover Canada
Flyover Canada is a majestic perspective the whole year round; however, the holiday version of the popular attraction offers a magical festive flair that is perfect for the whole family. Guests are invited to, "Fly with Santa and his elves on a magical flight across Canada and the North Pole." Guests will also get a sneak peak at Santa's epic workshop, too.
Karaoke Christmas Lights Vancouver Trolley Tour
The Vancouver Trolley Company/Facebook
Christmas lights and singing along to carols are two of the best holiday traditions. You can experience this festive two-fer in December thanks to the Vancouver Trolley Company, who are offering their annual Karaoke Christmas Lights trolley tour. What's more, you don't have to walk around getting wet, and you don't have to worry about steering a car, either.
