Christmas Events in Vancouver | 2023
It’s that time of the year again! When Vancouver gets a little festive for the holiday season. From music concerts to craft markets to pop-up cocktail bars, there’s so much on to help celebrate the magical spirit of the winter holidays.
You can also find all the Holiday Spots for photos, and lots of opportunities for that Instagram post!
Holiday Events Around Vancouver
1. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
The bridge will be lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, illuminating the Capilano River below. There’s a glowing rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on Treetops Adventure’s seven suspended bridges, and the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel, which wraps along a portion of Cliffwalk.
2. Catch a festive play
Get tickets for Elf: The Musical! Follow this classic Christmas story of Buddy the Elf as he travels from New York City to the North Pole and his adventures to win his new family over. Located at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
3. VanDusen Festival of Lights
Step into a botanical wonderland this holiday season at the VanDusen Festival of Lights. Explore 15 acres adorned with more than one million twinkling lights.
4. Visit Santa
There are a few opportunities to meet Santa around town. From your local mall to community centers and holiday events.
5. Martini Town Merry and Bright
For the first time, Martini Film Studios is open to the public to experience a unique outdoor holiday experience. The talented team of skilled film industry crew is transforming the studios’ backlot into a magical Christmas wonderland.
6. Christmas Train at Stanley Park
The popular train is back after it was out of service for more than two years. The Christmas display also includes lights, whimsical displays, and the North Pole workshop with Santa. The event raises money for the Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.
7. Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
Back for its 17th sparkling year, the in-person kick-off party for the city’s official Christmas tree––a shimmering, 76-feet-tall cone of 100,000 lights and fake foliage that’s just crying out for selfies––is a family-friendly live event that’s well worth checking out. Sprinkled with festive cheer and toe-tapping live music (as well as gratis hot chocolate) Santa will also be on hand to offer his official seal of approval. And if you miss the big launch, don’t forget to beeline this way sometime over the holidays to enjoy the twinkling spectacle.
8. Grouse Mountain’s The Peak of Christmas
Step into Grouse Mountain‘s world of enchantment at Vancouver’s North Pole for their The Peak of Christmas winter wonderland celebration from November 24 until Christmas Day. Twinkling lights, the gentle echo of snowfall, and the thrill of encountering actual reindeer come together for a magical holiday experience like no other.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Light Walk at Blue Grouse Lake, lit by breathtaking light installations. Experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000-square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. Watch Christmas movies at the Theatre in the Sky or enjoy festive activities like Christmas crafting and writing letters to Santa in the whimsical Elf Headquarters.
9. Vancouver Christmas Market
Vancouver’s biggest Christmas market returns to Jack Poole Plaza from Nov. 16 to Dec. 23. Delight in the lights, ride the Christmas carousel, and enjoy more than 90 huts of German-inspired sweets, treats, and treasures.
10. Soar with Santa at Flyover Canada
Celebrate the holiday season with a magical ride across Canada all the way to the North Pole. FlyOver Canada‘s seasonal Soar with Santa flight ride is back at Canada Place from now until January 7, allowing the whole family to fly the skies alongside Santa Claus.
11. Glow Langley
Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you wander through the sea of giant ornaments, a forest of dancing magical trees, and a dazzling display of almost one million lights. Visit the animated musical tunnel, Elf Castle, swings, hopscotch, playpark, bouncy farm, and take a ride on the Glow Comotive. Meet special characters and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa who will be there nightly until December 24.
12. Festival of Trees at Fairmont Vancouver
The Festival of Trees is celebrating it 30th year. The lobby of the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is transformed into a beautiful Festival of Trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year there are 30 stunning tree displays, each sponsored by a local organization, business or individual. Make a donation and vote for your favourite.
13. Tinseltown Christmas Bar
A Vancouver Christmas-themed pop bar ‘Tinseltown’ will be opening for the holiday season at Le Soleil Hotel hosted by the Viral Group. It opens Nov. 22 and runs until Dec. 30.
Tinseltown is all about celebrating Christmas so you can expect Santa’s elves, tinsel, festive tunes, and lots of winter warmer drinks, including a custom-created Christmas cocktail menu. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
14. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Walk through the 1920s village adorned with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take a ride on the vintage carousel. Mai’s Cafe is open for treats or a meal. This is a free event!
15. Robson Square Ice Rink
his winter, renew a classic Vancouver tradition, and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Robson Square’s outdoor skating rink is open, so celebrate winter in style with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s a magical place to enjoy the winter season with your friends, family and loved ones.
16. Hyatt Gingerbread Lane
This wonderful holiday tradition is back to celebrate its 31st year! Come down to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver and see the wonderful gingerbread creations. The aroma of gingerbread fills the lobby of the hotel. You won’t be disappointed and it’s a free event.
17. Holiday Market
Christmas craft fairs and winter holiday artisan markets take place in November and December at various venues in Metro Vancouver. For December, there is the Shipyard Artisan Market, Made in the 604 Markets, The Mom Market, New West Holiday Market, and much more!
18. PNE Winter Fair
Celebrate winter PNE-style. Meet Santa Claus, ride the PNE Holiday Express, or wander through Winter Lights presented by B.C. Hydro and go skating, or try the Ice Bumper Cars at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, and then warm up holiday eats and treats. The fair will also include programming like Nutcracker on Ice and the Magic of Santa.
Is there a holiday event in the Metro Vancouver area that is not included in this list? Let me know in the comments!
