It's the most wonderful time of the year and there are a plethora of fun things going on around Metro Vancouver.
With that being said, there's so many things going on in the region that sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin. Luckily, we've compiled a comprehensive list of all the awesome things to see and do in the Lower Mainland so that you can choose the perfect things for you.
UKRAINE, LUGANSK – February 5, 2014: Donetsk Opera dancers perform The Nutcracker Ballet in Lugansk / Shutterstock
The Nutcracker
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.
When: Friday, Dec 7 - Sunday, Dec 23 - various show times
Where: Multiple locations across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Varies.
Aurora Winter Festival
While there are a number of holiday festivals in the city, none offer the sheer number of activities that the Aurora Winter Festival does. From a frozen river to dazzling light displays, a soaring 60 foot ferris wheel to a 200 foot long slide, Canada’s largest winter festival has some impressive offerings.
When: November 23 – December 30 daily from 4 pm – 10 pm except Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 88 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Cost: Adults (ages 13-64): $19.99; Seniors (ages 65+): $14.99; Children (ages 4-12): $14.99; Families (up to 5 members): $59.99; Tots & Infants (ages 3 and under): Free
McArthurGlen Richmond Tree Lighting
The annual Richmond tree lighting at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport takes place this Thursday, November 22, and promises to delight onlookers with a massive, breathtaking display. What's more, the area will stay lit up with festive cheer long into the holiday season to make your shopping experience extra jolly.
When: Thursday, November 22 at 5 pm
Where: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport — 1000-7899 Templeton Station Road
Cost: Free
Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery / Facebook
Maan Farms Christmas Markets
Maan Farms Christmas Markets offer three weekends of fun for guests during the 2018 holiday season. The farm is transformed into a winter wonderland and offers festive surprises for the whole family to enjoy.
When: November 24 – 25 from 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery – 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford
Cost: Entrance is by Donation to the Fraser Valley Development Centre
-
Food + Wine Market
When: December 1 – 2 from 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery – 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford
Cost: Entrance is by Donation to the Fraser Valley Development Centre
When: December 8 – 9 from 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery – 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford
Cost: Entrance is by Donation to the Fraser Valley Development Centre
Keithmas Vancouver
There are a number of classic Christmas events to attend in Vancouver, but Keithmas is certainly not one of them. Indeed, this “fundrager” takes festive cheer to debaucherous new heights, as the annual affair pays tribute to the rock legend himself while raising funds for a good cause.
When: Saturday, December 15 at 7 pm – 1 am
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: $20.00 Advance
Tasting Plates Holiday Edition
The Vancouver Foodster and Tasting Plates Holiday Edition takes place on the evening of Weds. Dec. 5, 2018, and features several stops at markets where vendors will have samples for guests to enjoy.
When: Weds. Dec. 5, 2018 from 6-10 pm
Where: Begin at the Main Street Honey Shoppe – 4125 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $30-50; tickets available online
Jones General Store Holiday Market
The Jones General Store Holiday Market offers a decidedly unique shopping experience along with hot, festive drinks and delectable treats. For one, “the folks behind Jones General Store, a U.K.–founded vintage-hunting collective, have made Vancouver their new home, and they’ve brought with them plenty of..décor, apothecary objects and fashion and art items to share.”
When: Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: The Cambrian Hall – 215 East 17th Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Fridays on Front Holiday Edition
New Westminster’s popular Fridays on Front night market is a strictly summertime affair…except for one Friday in December this year. Enjoy an alcoholic beverage and sample Frying Pan, Crab Park Chowdery, JAPADOG, Brazilian Roots Food Truck, Slavic Rolls, Bread & Cheese, and Hugs by Mollie’s Minis – Gourmet Mini Donuts.
When: Fri. Dec. 14 from 4-9 pm
Where: Front St. under the parkade (near Fourth St.) in New Westminster
Cost: FREE
Santa Claus with snowboard in the mountains / Shutterstock
Spot Santa
Father Christmas will be traversing the Mount Seymour by snowboard and snowmobile, and anyone who spots him is eligible to win a Family Day Pass with rentals.
When: December 22 at 10 am – Dec 23 at 2 pm
Where: Mount Seymour – 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Barkerville Victorian Christmas
Take a journey back in time on this road-trip to Barkerville Historic Town & Park to experience their old-fashioned Victorian Christmas in all its enchanted glory. Guests may have their photo taken with “Father Christmas” in an enchanted forest, and then take a majestic sleigh ride through beautiful snowy streets.
When: Saturday, December 8 – Monday, December 10; 10 am – 4 pm daily
Where: Barkerville Historic Town & Park, 14301 Hwy 26 E. Box 19, Barkerville
Yule Duel
If all you want for Christmas is to hear those beloved holiday tunes, take note that the halls of Gastown–or rather the street–will be decked with carol singers galore taking part in Yule Duel.
When: Thu., Dec. 6, 2018 from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Water Street in Gastown, Vancouver
Make It: The Handmade Revolution
Make It: The Handmade Revolution is returning to the PNE with another year of its fantastic, unique, handmade treasures. Some popular selections include clothing, accessories, art, home decor, gourmet goodies, baby and kid items. In addition, festival goers may find heaps of festive food trucks as well as a beer garden.
When: Wednesday, December 12: 5pm – 9pm; Thursday, December 13: 11am – 9pm; Friday, December 14: 11am – 9pm; Saturday, December 15: 10am – 6pm; Sunday, December 16: 11am – 5pm
Where: PNE Forum, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $8 at the door, kids 12 and under are free. Buy your tickets early to save 50% ($4)
European Christmas Festival
The Stanley Park Pavilion will be transformed into a European Christmas Festival for one day only, and the best part is this family-friendly event is totally free to check out. Listen to traditional and contemporary European music, and snack on delicious eats from all across Europe.
When: Sat. Nov. 17 from 11am-4pm
Where: Stanley Park Pavilion – 610 Pipeline Dr., Vancouver
Cost: FREE admission
Italian Christmas Market – Mercatino di Natale
Christmas arrives early thanks to the annual Italian Christmas Market, or Mercatino di Natale, held at Il Centro, Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre. Over 40 vendors are slated to participate, offering Italian food products (think goods like olive oil, panettone, Christmas cookies, honey, and chocolate) as well as local liquors and wine. Of course, there is much more in store to shop for, like jewellery, pottery, crafts, and more.
When: Fri. Nov. 23 from 5:30-9pm
Where: Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan St., Vancouver
Vancouver’s beautiful 76-foot tall Christmas Tree will be lit on Nov. 30, 2018 (@meghanthomas28/Instagram)
12th annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
The 12th annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, Nov. 30 at Robson Square. Join in the merriment and watch four magnificent holiday trees, including the stunning 76-foot tall tree, come alive with hope and light.
When: Nov. 30 from 6-7 pm (tree lighting at 6:30-6:45 pm)
Where: Robson Square
Cost: Free
35 Local Craft Markets
From smaller community events to bigger multi-day markets, you’ll find all sorts of art, goods, crafts, and lots of fun at these 35 upcoming craft fairs and holiday markets taking place all around Metro Vancouver this November and December.
When: Various dates in Nov & Dec
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free - $10 for market admission
Weirdos Holiday Market
Much like the carefully curated curios found at This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven, the vendors at the Weirdos Holiday Market will run the gamut from the occult to the purely scientific–we’re talking crystals to anatomical curiosities. Expect to see jewellery, textiles, art, books, collectibles, and much more. The event itself will have fun features, like tarot card readings, DJs, games, food, performances, and a bar.
When: December 8 - 9
Where: The Hall at Britannia Community Services Centre – 1739 Venables Street, Vancouver
Pictures with Santa at Sea to Sky Gondola
Discover the magic of Christmas at 2,800 feet above sea level. You will get the chance to take photos with Santa and write him postcards, as well as create reindeer treats and enjoy the trails decorated with thousands of twinkling lights.
When: Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 from 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge
Cost: Photos are $15 for one, $20 for two
The Polar Express
All aboard! The Polar Express is arriving in Squamish on November 24 and is on the way to the magical North Pole. Hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes are served on the train. PJs are welcome.
When: November 24 - December 16
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park – 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Cost: $35-52.50; tickets available online
Photo: inumimimi / Instagram
Langley’s Glow Christmas
Glow Christmas returns to Langley for another season of festive enchantment. Over a million lights will twinkle in the event’s 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.
When: Nov. 22, 2018 – Jan. 5, 2019 from Monday – Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm; January 10-12 & 17-19 from Thursday to Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
Where: Milner Village Garden Centre – 6690 216th St., Langley
Cost: Adults for $22.99, Family (up to two adults & three children) for $69.99, Children (4-13) & Seniors for $16.99, Children three and under are free. Tickets cost approximately $2 more at the door.
Vancouver Christmas Market
For 2018, in addition to the expected decor, food, drink, and live entertainment–and that lovely carousel–the Vancouver Christmas Market is adding some fun new features. Santa and his sleigh will be there, Canada’s first walk-in Christmas tree (covered in 36,000 twinkling lights), and expanded food offerings that will have your cravings satisfied from rustic German fare to modern plant-based options.
When: November 21-December 24, 2018
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Coal Harbour
Cost: Adult $12, Seniors $11, Youth Age 7-12 $5, Children Age 0-6 FREE. Family ticketing and season’s passes also available.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Enter a magical world for the 34th year of sparkling lights and holiday cheer at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. The expansive attraction features over 1 million lights spread out over 15 acres of the garden.
When: December 1 to December 20 (4:30pm – 9pm); December 21 to 24 (4:30pm – 10pm); December 26 to January 1 (4:30pm – 10pm); January 2 to 6 (4:30pm – 9pm)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Cost: Prices vary on time of year
Santa Photo with your Dog
There are a number of places to get a jolly photo of your pooch in the Lower Mainland, but not all of them offer the same things. Moreover, not all places accept all types of pets. So, don’t try to take your turtle or alpaca just anywhere – have a look at our comprehensive list to ensure you find the perfect place to take your holiday photo.
When: Various times from Nov 18 until Dec 17
Where: Various locations around the Lower Mainland
Cost: By donation, usually starts at $10
Robson Square / Shutterstock
The Robson Square Ice Rink and Plaza
There are a number of places to enjoy ice skating in Vancouver, but there is something decidedly magical about the Robson Square Ice Rink. The festive oasis is the perfect place to enjoy the holidays with your friends, family and loved ones. What’s more, the attraction is completely free if you bring your own skates, and only $5 to rent a pair.
When: December 1, 2018 until February 28, 2019
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street
Cost: Free if you bring your own skates. $5 to rent a pair – cash only
Lights at Lafarge
The holiday season will sparkle this year at the largest free outdoor lights display in Metro Vancouver during Lights at Lafarge from November to January. The popular attraction offers tens of thousands of lights installed in various configurations, including a beautifully lit 1.2 km walkway around Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam.
When: Nov 24, 2018 until Jan 20, 2019
Where: Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
The Big Elf Run
The annual Big Elf Run returns to Vancouver for its fourth year of festive fun. Hundreds of elves turn up to enjoy a holiday-themed fun run that features a 1km Wee Elf Run, 5km as well as a 10km Big Elf timed run/walk around scenic Stanley Park.
When: Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Lumberman’s Arch Concession, Stanley Park – 3301 Stanley Park Drive
Cost: 10 km and 5 km portions are $30
Grouse Mountain
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
The Peak of Christmas returns to Grouse Mountain with its annual display of festive enchantment and fun activities. Described as “Vancouver’s north pole,” the area sparkles with breathtaking light installations, including a majestic light tunnel and illuminated reindeer. Guests may watch a family holiday film on a big screen TV in the sky, or even take a magical sleigh ride.
When: November 23, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Complimentary with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket.
SantaCon 2018
SantaCon Vancouver draws out an enormous crowd of amped up, santa-clad people each year for an afternoon of red and white mayhem. The festive troupe meets up at noon at a designated starting location, and then visits various bars throughout the city.
When: Saturday, December 15 from 12 PM – 8 PM
Where: The stops will be announced the morning of, and Santa is arranging a starting location.
Cost: Free to attend, but you must be legal drinking age.
Canyon Lights, A Winter Festival
The annual Canyon Lights event is set to transform the Capilano Suspension Bridge into a winter wonderland for another year of festive cheer. Thousands of twinkling lights will decorate the park, which includes the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon.
When: November 22, 2018 to January 27, 2019, 11 am – 9 pm, closed Christmas Day
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six
2018 TRAMS Christmas Lights Tours
What better way to tour Burnaby to see the city’s best and brightest Christmas light displays than riding on a vintage bus? How about if that bus is decked out like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? The two-and-a-half hour tour takes riders through Burnaby and Coquitlam neighbourhoods to see the region's most breathtaking Christmas light displays.
When: December 14, 15,21, 22, & 28 7 pm.
Where: Departs 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station
Cost: $25/Adult, $15/ Seniors & Students (14-18), $7/ kids
Vancouver santa claus parade
2018 Vancouver Santa Claus Parade
The annual Vancouver Santa Claus Parade returns to the city for another year of festive fun. It will include, “marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups, which entertain over 300,000 spectators.”
When: Sunday, December 2 at noon
Where: Starts at West Georgia and Broughton
Lights of Hope
The Lights of Hope at St.Paul's Hospital offers an epic display of over 100,000 bulbs strung over 10km of lights. With the help of 150 hard-working volunteers and donated materials, the annual event takes an impressive six weeks to build.
When: Was lit on Nov 16
Where: St.Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Winter’s Dance
Winter’s Dance returns to Robson Street on Dec 1 and 2 for its third public art installation to kick off the holiday season. This colourful display is presented by the Robson Street Business Association, in collaboration with Small Stage, ‘The Music Box Dancers’ and makes the area dance with a festive arrangement of light, colour and sound. Cannoli King, Mollie’s Minis and Kafka House food trucks will also be in the area offering warm beverages and delicious treats to visitors.
When: December 1 & 2 at 6 pm each night
Where: John Robson Building – 1155 Robson Street
Cost: free
Heritage Christmas
While there are a number of places to celebrate the holidays, Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum offers a unique, old-fashioned experience. With thousands of sparkling lights, wreaths, vintage-themed displays and more, the area is transformed into a festive wonderland.
When: November 24 – December 14, 2018: Monday to Friday from 1-5:30pm & Saturday and Sunday from 1-9pm; December 15 – January 4, 2019: Daily from 1-9pm (closed December 24 & 25)
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Cost: Free gate admission, Carousel rides $2.65 each
Photo: City of Surrey
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market
Every year, the annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival lights up Surrey Civic Plaza with festive cheer. The Mayor will be joined by special guests, including Santa, to light the stunning, 60 foot high Christmas tree. In addition, there'll be a place to create your own cookie, a holiday photo station, vendors, crafts, ice carving demos, a giant snow globe and more.
When: Saturday, November 24th, noon – 7 pm – Tree lighting at 6:30 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – University Drive, Surrey
Cultus Lake Christmas
While there are a number of places to see beautiful lights in the Lower Mainland, there is something extra magical about the Cultus Lake Christmas event. The event will have a big bonfire for roasting marshmallows, as well as a beautiful artisan gift market. Of course, one of the main draws is the breathing display of lights along the lake, which glisten along the water and illuminate the parklands with merry delight.
When: Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1 from 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Main Beach, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
The Bright Nights Christmas Train returns to Stanley park for another year of festive choo-cho-cheer! The dazzling locomotive and the Stanley Park Train Plaza will sparkle with over 3 million twinkling lights, as well as breathtaking displays and live performers.
When: Thursday, November 29, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019. Closed on Tuesday, December 25 for Christmas Day. Several trains depart during each half-hour time slot.
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
Cost: Adult (19 – 64 years)$12 + GST; Senior (65 years and over)$9 + GST; Youth (13 – 18 years)$9 + GST; Child (3 – 12 years)$8 + GST
Vancouver Festive Street Food
There are food trucks in the city the whole year round, but there is something special about Vancouver's festive vendors offerings. Whether you want to sample some roasted hot chestnuts, a warm cup of eggnog, or even some fresh gingerbread, these merry selections will have you feeling the holiday vibes.
When: Nov 2018 until the the Jan 2019
Where: Various locations in Robson Square and downtown
CP Holiday Train
CP Holiday Train
The CP Holiday Train is set to journey across Canada this year for its 20th year collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America.In fact, the annual journey has raised over $14.5 million and gathered 4.3 million pounds of food for communities along CP’s routes in Canada and the United States.
- Maple Ridge — December 17th at 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm
- Pitt Meadows — December 17th at 9 pm to 9:30 pm
- Port Moody — December 18th at 4:45 pm to 5:15 pm
- Port Coquitlam — December 18th at 6:15 pm to 6:45 pm
When: December 17 & 18 at various times
Where: Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam
Cost: By donation
Ugly (or adorable) Christmas sweater shopping
While you can head into an expensive shop to do your ugly (or adorable) Christmas sweater shopping, there are a number of great places to score an incredible find in Vancouver. For example, Ned Buckland sets up his stand on the corner of W Georgia and Granville St. to dish out some of the best ugly holiday sweaters the city had to offer. They’re the perfect grab-n-go option when you’re holiday shopping downtown. Similarly, Value Village and Salvation Army both offer some fabulously tacky finds on the cheap.
Karaoke Christmas Lights Vancouver Trolley Tour
Christmas lights and singing along to favourite 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.
When: December 1 – 29, 2018; tours start at 6:30 pm and run for 3 hours
Where: Tour departs/returns to Canada Place
Cost: $60 for adults, $30 for children. Each ticket includes express entry to Festival of Lights and a donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Burn Fund.
Reverse Advent Calendar
While there are a number of ways to spoil ourselves and our loved ones over the holidays, sometimes the best feeling is giving to those less fortunate. Rather than eating chocolate every day to count the days leading up to Christmas, it can be great to add a non-perishable food item each day to a box then take it to the Vancouver Food bank.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Show
Although some people find Christmas music on the radio extremely annoying, 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.
When: December 12 – 22 at various times
Where: Delta, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby
Cost: Adult is $43, Children, Students and Seniors are $37
Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Volunteer
Similar to a reverse advent calendar, it can also be great to volunteer your time to those less fortunate during the holidays. What's more, there are a number of places around the Lower Mainland that are in need of help. Last year, food bank volunteers donated about 75,000 hours of time – the equivalent of about 38 full-time staff. One of the most popular ways for groups of 10-25 people to volunteer is by doing a group food sort.
Cut down a Christmas tree
A beloved family tradition, cutting down your own Christmas tree makes a perfect winter day. What's more, there are a number of beautiful Christmas tree farms to discover across Metro Vancouver. Most of them open during the last week of November or the first week of December, and they'll typically stay open until a couple of days before Christmas.
Shop in South Granville
There's a great deal of places to go shopping in the Lower Mainland, but the South Granville area offers a great alternative for people that are looking for a "one-stop" shopping experience. What's more, there are often carollers on the street during the holidays.
Potters in Surrey for Christmas Decorations
There might not be a better place in the Lower Mainland to search for Christmas Decorations than Potters. "With 28,000 sq ft dedicated to Christmas this is the largest Christmas store in western Canada. We shop the world for all things Christmas, things you won’t find elsewhere. Our aim is to wow you…and we do!"
When: Mid Oct - Dec 24
Where: Potters - 19158 48th Ave, South Surrey
Christmas Presence
The "Christmas Presence" is a favourite tradition at the Pacific 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."
When: Sunday, Dec 9 to Tuesday, Dec 18
Where: The Pacific Theatre - 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Prices vary according to seating
