December is finally here – the most festive month of the year! There are many exciting things to do with friends and family in the Metro Vancouver area this holiday season.
Vancouver Christmas Market – Nov. 13 to Dec. 24
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for another year! From Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, head to the Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver to delight in German-style food and drinks, hop on a Christmas carousel and stroll through a wonderland of holiday shopping, music and lights.
Tip: Purchase tickets online to skip the Box Office line. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com.
Glow Gardens – Nov. 18 to Jan. 1
The Glow Gardens in Langley is a drive-through winter festival that takes guests through towering light gardens and magical landscapes, all under the twinkle of a million lights. The event takes visitors on a drive through the North Pole, Ice Kingdom, Golden Kingdom, Inner Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and the Enchanted Kingdom.
Note that tickets are not available on-site and must be purchased in advance online. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit glowgardens.com/langley-christmas.
Canyon Lights – Nov. 20 to Jan. 23
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a spectacular sight for all to enjoy. At Canyon Lights, the world-famous suspension bridge is lit end-to-end with a changing, multi-coloured display. Walk high above the forest floor between the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world on Treetops Adventure and marvel in their scenic beauty.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights.
Festival of Lights – Nov. 26 to Jan. 3
The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden is truly a sight for the eyes with over one million lights decorating 15 acres of the VanDusen Botanical Garden. From Nov. 26 to Jan. 3, an enchanting winter garden awaits with themed areas, tasty treats, unique light features and holiday music.
Please note that tickets are not sold on-site and must be purchased online in advance. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit vandusenfestivaloflights.ca.
Heritage Christmas – Nov. 27 to Jan. 3
Heritage Christmas is a merry event filled with bright lights and traditional decorations at the Burnaby Village Museum. Wander the village and take in all of the seasonal entertainment and activities, including a themed scavenger hunt. Stop by the Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat, or take a ride on the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel for some fun.
Gate admission is free and advanced reservations are not required. To learn more, visit burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/events/heritage-christmas.
Winter in the Village – Dec. 1 to 31
Explore Richmond’s charming waterfront village at Winter in the Village in Steveston. Wander the village streets and view the creative displays and decorations for viewing at various store windows, building exteriors and even on the boats by the pier.
To learn more, visit visitrichmondbc.com/winter-in-the-village.
Christmas at Canada Place – Dec. 3 to Jan. 2
Just steps away from the Vancouver Christmas Market, you'll find Christmas at Canada Place, an outdoor experience featuring the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more!
For more information, visit canadaplace.ca/events/christmas.
Christmas at FlyOver Canada – Dec. 9 to Jan. 3
Fly with Santa and his elves on a magical flight across Canada and to the North Pole with FlyOver Canada in downtown Vancouver. This exhilarating experience will take guests from the east to the west coast and give a sneak peek of Santa’s Workshop as they soar over the North Pole.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit flyovercanada.com/events/christmas.
PNE WinterLights – Select nights through Dec. 2021
PNE WinterLights is a magical drive-through event through Hastings Park. The event takes guests through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights, special characters and festive performers. Local food truck vendors also have some exciting seasonal items on their menu for all to try, including deep-fried sweets, twisted potato sticks, egg nog lattes, holiday burgers and more.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. There are no tickets available on site. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit pne.ca/winterlights.
Don’t forget to bundle up and get the camera ready for the perfect Instagram-worthy photo at these family-friendly events.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy all the festivities the city has to offer this holiday season!
Please note: While British Columbia is in Step 3 of its COVID-19 restart plan, it is important to continue practicing COVID-19 health and safety measures, including physical distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing a mask in indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, please stay home.
Some events may require proof of vaccination.
Published on Dec. 3, 2021.
