Christmas Events in Vancouver

Hi everyone,

Leading up the holidays, there many activities and attractions to do and see this month. I’ve made a list of all the main ones that are enjoyed by families in Vancouver. Curtis and I usually go to the Christmas Market in the city, I’ve always enjoyed the Nutcracker, ice skating in Robson Square is really nice and any chance to see pretty lights outside is always a must for us. (Of course when it’s dry out, which is a 50/50 chance in December for Vancouver!)

Markets

2014 Christmas Market in Vancouver
The beloved annual Vancouver Christmas Market will be celebrating its fifth anniversary in the heart of downtown at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza and will run until Christmas Eve.
With a total of over 50 unique vendors, local and international flavour, beautiful lights and delicious food, guests of all ages will find something to satisfy their yuletide appetites at this yearís Christmas Market.
When: November 22 to December 24, 11 am to 9 pm daily (11 am to 6 pm on December 24)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Got Craft?
Vancouver largest indie craft fair holiday edition happens over two days and aims to bring together a community that fosters handmade and DIY culture. The fair features over 75 handmade designers, craft workshops, tasty treats, music, free swag bags and more!
When: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

Shipyards Christmas Market
The Shipyards is being transformed into a winter wonderland with a German-style Christmas Market in the Pipe Shop building. The Christmas Market will include 50 local artisans selling clothing, jewellery, home decor, candies, craft beer, vodka, gin, wine, baked goods, wood products, preserves, and many other unique item. You’re bound to find some great gifts for everyone on your list.
Admission to the indoor Christmas Market is $2 or $5 for a market pass.
When: Now until December 23.
Where: North Vancouver

Theatre and Ballet

The Nutcracker
Follow the fearless female heroine, Clara, as her Christmas dream becomes magical reality. Danced to Tchaikovskyís glorious music, Claraís turn-of-the-century stately mansion becomes a whirlwind fantasy of live toy soldiers, dancing mice and a mischievous bear who steals the Christmas pudding.
When: December 12 to 14, performances at 7:30 pm; December 13 to 14, performances at 2 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Who: Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Christmas Queen: An improv comedy fairytale
Watch as talented improvisors weave a magical Christmas story like you’ve never seen before. Each and every night the tale will take a different turn as you, the audience, help to save Christmas. Will the evil villain ruin this magical holiday season for the townsfolk?
No matter your age, come down to The Improv Centre to watch your Christmas dreams come to life onstage.
When:Now until December 21.
Where: Granville Island

Mary Poppins, the musical
Watch Mary Poppins fly over the rooftops of London, and feel like a kid again!  This family musical features the unforgettable songs from the popular Disney film – “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” – plus some catchy new ones. Practically perfect in every way, the tale of everyone’s favourite magical nanny will sweep you off your feet.
When: December 5, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Time: Tues (7:30pm); Wed & Sat (2pm & 8pm); Thurs & Fri (8pm); Sun (2pm); Mon (closed)
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver

Attractions

Flyover Canada Christmas Edition
FlyOver Canada transforms into a winter wonderland this holiday season as we take guests on a magical journey with Santa across Canada and on to the North Pole from December 5 to January 6.

In addition to the special Christmas edition of the ride, theyíve got Christmas decorations, holiday music, lights, hot drinks, festive food and more!
Where: 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Karaoke Christmas Trolley Tour
Three hours of Christmas family fun featuring Stanley Parkís Bright Nights Display and Van Dusen Botanical Gardenís Festival of Lights.
When: December 10 to December 30 (no tours on Christmas Day)
Where: Departure at 6:30 pm from Canada Place every evening

VanDusen Garden’s Festival of Lights
Experience the Festival of Lights, a frozen winter wonderland with over one million lights decorating VanDusen Garden.
Stroll with friends and family through themed areas and enjoy the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, the gnome performance, and the shadow puppet show. Have photos taken with Santa, savour holiday treats, and delight in much more!
When: Wednesday, December 10 to Sunday, January 4. Closed on Christmas Day
Where: VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver

Canyon Lights in North Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s popular holiday event, Canyon Lights, has a tall order this year – laying claim once again to be the home of the world’s tallest living Christmas tree?! Standing 46.4m (152 feet) tall, this Douglas-fir will be adorned in thousands of sparkling lights.

Park guests will also be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest, across the Suspension Bridge and on CLIFFWALK.  A children’s scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-long carols with the holiday band are all back by public demand and new this year create your own Christmas card and enjoy holiday treats in the Winter Pavilion.
When: November 29 to January 3
Holiday activities from 4 to 9 pm; Park is open from 11 am to 9 pm daily (except Christmas Day when the park is closed)
Price: $69 for a family (two adults, one or two children ñ includes memberships for B.C. residents) or $32.95 for adults, $12 for children (6-12)
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Bright Nights at Stanley Park
During the holiday season, the Bright Nights Train and Plaza at Stanley Park sparkles with three million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year.
When: Thursday, November 27, to Sunday, January 4 (Closed on Christmas Day)
Where: Stanley Park
Tickets: Entrance by donation (to see the lights), $6-11 for train tickets

SWEET: Winter Carnival
Drop by and meet other high school students at our last teen night of the year. Explore the science centre and join us for live magic demonstrations, carnival food and games, holiday DIY projects and a live science show.
Who: teens aged 13-18
When: December 19

Heritage Christmas
Thousands of lights, carousel rides, sleigh riders and festive
jazz music.
When: December 13-January 2 (closed December 24 & 25)

Gingerbread Lane
What: 30+ unique gingerbread house displays including an 11ft gingerbread house, supporting Make a Wish Foundation
Where: Hyatt Vancouver
When: December 3 to January 1

Activities

Go Ice Skating for free at Robson Square
Open from December 1 until, likely, the end of February 2015, go skating in the heart of downtown!
Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Holiday dates and times
Christmas Eve, December 24 ñ 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Day, December 25 ñ Noon to 5 p.m.
Boxing Day, December 26 ñ 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
New Yearís Eve, December 31 ñ 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
New Yearís Day, January 1 ñ 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
Note: Skate rental ends 30 mins prior to close
Cash only
Helmets are mandatory for Children 12 years and under
Skate and helmet rentals, and a concession stand are available on site
Skating is free if you bring your own skates
Rentals are available for a cost of $4

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Bring your family to Santaís Workshop and meet reindeer, or take a sleigh-ride through our mystical alpine forest. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees.
ïWhen: November 28 to December 24, 2014
Where: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver

Holidays at the Aquarium
Celebrate the holidays with your aquatic friends and experience a winter wonderland like no other.
Start your visit by entering the giant walk-through Christmas tree in the Ocean Courtyard and see if you can make your way through the outdoor maze of decorated trees.
When: November 27 to January 4
Where: Vancouver Aquarium

Any traditional activities you do during the holiday season? Are you planning on doing anything new this year?