What to Do in Vancouver This Christmas

The countdown is on to Christmas! This year, I’m happy to report, majority of the holiday activities are back on in Vancouver. I’ve already booked most of the Vancouver holiday activities for my family to do in November and December!

If you are looking for fun things to do this holiday season in Vancouver, here’s your go-to list. If you are looking for places to eat after venturing around, here’s my recent list of Vancouver restaurants.

Holiday Activities in Vancouver in 2021

1. Vancouver Christmas Market

Located just in Jack Poole Plaza downtown, it’s easy to get to by transit. Full of artisan stands, food, mulled wine (!!), a carousel, and more. I bought us season passes since we live two blocks away, excited to visit this year! I recommend going with a hungry stomach and grabbing some bites inside.

Website | Starts at $7.99

2. Bright Nights at Stanley Park

A family-friendly activity, this magical holiday mini-adventure in Vancouver is back after a two-year pandemic pause. It also doubles as a fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Vancouver’s park board has donated more than $1.5 million to the Burn Fund since the event partnership began in 1998.

Website | $7.50-$13.50

3. Van Dusen Festival of Lights

Experience a magical winter wonderland with more than 1,000,000 (!!) lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Stroll along the lakeside, shimmering in the glow of northern lights, or wander into the lush Rose Garden – reawakened and illuminated for a spectacular winter replica through the artistry of our garden stewards.

We’ve been going the past few years on Christmas Eve, such a fun evening outside, and don’t forget the mini donuts!

Website | $10.25-$17.50

4. Lumagica

LUMAGICA is in association with MK Illumination, an outdoor/indoor global Holiday experience, unique to each location, and it finally makes its Canadian debut here at Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey, BC. It’s a 1km light walk to escape on a fantastical journey through diverse lands to capture and believe in the spirit of the Holidays. You are then transported through a light tunnel to Gingerbread Lane, leading to the magical North Pole Village.

We are going on December 4, so watch for my Instagram stories and a giveaway!
Website | $18-$25

5. Glow Langley

Formerly a walk-through experience it is now a family-friendly drive-through winter festival as you enjoy towering light gardens and magical landscapes all under the twinkle of a million lights. It has a theme each year and 2021’s theme is a Fairytale Christmas. Every ticket comes with popcorn and mini donuts!

Website | $34.99 per vehicle

6. Capilano Canyon Lights

New this season – the world-famous bridge will be lit, end to end, with a multi-colour changing display, adding to the magic of crossing the canyon above the illuminated Capilano River. Visitors will be able to venture through a rainforest decorated with holiday lights and see the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world. Not to mention, part of the park will light up with its Insta-worthy “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel.

AND there is also a contest! Enjoy live festive tunes and explore the Park in search of lit snowy owls in the popular Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt to win a grand prize Canadian Rockies trip.

Website | $18.95-$54.95 (BC Residents are automatically issued an annual pass)

7. Lumiere

It’s a series of public artworks inspired by light and artistic expression around the city of Vancouver.

Website | FREE

8. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village

Wander the Village and take in all of the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations, and activities put on. Take part in the animal-themed scavenger hunt including a menagerie of adorned Eco sculptures like salmon, herons, and hawks. Then enjoy a meal or treat at the Ice Cream Parlour.

Website | FREE

9. The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain

At Santa’s Workshop, kids can meet the jolly man himself and have their photos taken with him, with a suggested donation of $5 supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The mountain’s 8,000-square-foot ice-skating pond will also be open from 9 am to 9 pm, and nearby, marked by a glowing light tunnel, the Light Walk offers an enchanting walk around Blue Grouse Lake, starting at dusk (snowshoe rentals available). Other family activities include the Sliding Zone (located just west of the skating pond), letters to Santa, Christmas crafts, and a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer Dancer and Vixen.

Website | $109 for a family of 4

What are you planning on doing this holiday season?