The Vancouver Christmas Market
As far as Vancouver Christmas markets go, this one is the most popular in the city. In fact, it is also one of the most beloved, must-do Christmas events in Vancouver, period.
The festive market plaza offer entertainment for both kids and adults, including live music, a Christmas carousel, fantastic food and drink options (get your collector’s Christmas mug), roaming gingerbread mascots, and a 30 foot twinkling Christmas tree (great for those holiday selfies!). You may also find the perfect gift or ornament at one of more than 80 artisan huts within the plaza.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 16th – Dec. 24th 2023
Cost: Adult $19.99, Seniors $16.99 Youth (7-17 years) $11.99, 6 and under are free.
Learn more: vancouverchristmasmarket.com
The PNE Winter Fair
What was previously Winter Lights at the PNE is now the Winter Fair ! Join in the fun as the PNE transforms into an immersive magical holiday experience for the entire family!
This event celebrating Christmas in Vancouver runs for ten festive nights and features a nightly concert series, a large indoor skating rink, magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru Winter Lights display!
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
When: Dec. 8-9th & 14-23rd 2023
Cost: Adults $15, Seniors $12 Youth (4-17 years) $12, under 4 are free.
Learn more: PNE Winter Fair
Van Dusen Festival of Lights
This Van Dusen Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights is another must-do Christmas event in Vancouver!
Over one million tiny bulbs makes this garden one of the best displays of Christmas lights Vancouver has to offer. Guests can enjoy a festive stroll through the gardens while being entertained by holiday music and sampling delicious holiday treats and drinks.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
When: Nov. 24th to Jan. 7th, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $24, Senior and Youth (13-18) $16.50, Child (5-12) $11, Tot (0-3) Free. Tickets available exclusively online.
Learn more at: vandusenfestivaloflights.ca
Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain
For the Peak of Christmas Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is transformed into the North Pole, including the SOS Gingerbread Village, Santa’s workshop, elf craft station, ice skating rink, sleigh rides, magical light walk in the trees, a sliding centre and more.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way.
When: Nov. 24th – Jan. 2nd, 2024
Cost: Adult (17-64) $75, Seniors $65, Youth (13-17) $55, Child (5-12) $39 Tots (0-4) Free, Family Pass (2 adults, 2 kids) $189.
Learn more at: grousemountain.com
This venue is also an amazing place to experience a Vancouver Breakfast with Santa. The dates for 2023 are: Nov. 25-26th, Dec. 9-10th, 16-17th and 18-23rd. See booking options here.
The Canyon Lights at The Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you a looking for somewhere special to enjoy Christmas lights in vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a great holiday choice.
Transformed for the Christmas season and decorated in thousands of twinkling lights are the suspension bridge, the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk, the rainforest and the canyon. Go on a Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, enjoy the festive tunes and enter to win a fabulous Canadians Rockies Vacation.
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver.
When: Nov. 17th – Jan. 21st, 2024 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $62.95, Senior $57.95, student 18+ with ID $49.95, Youth (13-17) $34.95, Child (6-12) $24.95, Under 6 are free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Important Note: Strollers are not permitted on the attractions (suspension bridge etc.)
Learn more at: www.capbridge.com
Christmas Train Vancouver (Stanley Park )
Bundle up the family and enjoy a festive ride on this vintage 1961 locomotive that winds its way through beautiful light displays within the Stanley Park forest.
In addition to riding the Bright Nights Train, visitors can check out the vintage fire truck, snap a selfie with a fire fighter, get festive in Santa’s North Pole workshop, or find a cozy spot to enjoy the live entertainment.
Food vendors will offer a great selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate.
Note: Bright Nights is the single largest fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund which provides life-saving, life-supporting, and life-enriching services to burn survivors and their families from across the province.
Where: 2099 Beach Ave.
When : Nov. 30th, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024 (closed on Christmas Day)
Tickets: Buy tickets for the Christmas Train Vancouver, BC here.
Update Nov. 10th, 2023: Not so great news! Train tickets for the 2023 season sold out in 90 minutes!
CandyTown Yaletown
In its 11th year, this annual Vancouver winter festival transforms Yaletown streets into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes adorn lamp poles, costumed characters parade down the street, and live holiday music sets the stage for Yuletide cheer.
This festival provides a great setting for finding some thoughtful holiday gifts, while at the same time showing your support for the hundreds of local merchants in the area.
Where: Yaletown
When: Dec. 2nd, 2023
Cost: Free
Learn more at: yaletowninfo.com
Gingerbread Lane
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is thrilled to announce the 31st Gingerbread Lane event , their cherished holiday displays supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The gingerbread house will open to the public from December 1st to December 29th, spreading holiday joy and granting the wishes of children facing critical illnesses. https://32355521d0bc1345773e81eb31dc9975.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html
Gingerbread Lane offers a unique opportunity for the community to witness the exceptional talents of local individuals and groups who use gingerbread as their canvas to create awe-inspiring masterpieces.
Where: Hyatt Regency
When: Dec. 1st – 29th, 2023
Cost: Free
Learn more at: gingerbreadlane.ca
Christmas Canada Place
This family-friendly experience features 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!
These displays are located very close to both FlyOver Canada and the Vancouver Christmas Market if you are looking to have an action-packed holiday outing.
Where: 999 Canada Place.
When: Dec. 1st, 2023 – Jan. 2nd, 2024
Cost: Free
Learn more at: www.canadaplace.ca/
Vancouver Lights of Hope
This spectacular volunteer-driven display of lights is an annual fundraising initiative for St. Paul’s Hospital.
Where: 1081 Burrard Street.
When: Nov. 23rd – Jan. 25th, 2024
Cost: A donation to help St. Paul’s hospital reach their fundraising goal is appreciated.
Learn more at: https://helpstpauls.com/lights-of-hope
FlyOver Canada Christmas
Flyover Canada’s family-friendly flight simulation ride uses the latest in projection to create a true flying experience (complete with wind, scents and mist !) During the Christmas holiday season, flyers get to Soar with Santa on a magical journey to the North Pole. The festive experience is enhanced with holiday music, lights, hot drinks and festive food.
Where: #201 – 999 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 16th – Jan. 1st, 2024 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $28, child 12 and under is $18. Buy tickets online here.
Note: If you are looking for a unique Breakfast with Santa in Vancouver, Flyover offers a fun package that includes a buffet breakfast, the Soar with Santa show, a souvenir gift and, of course, a meet-and-greet with Santa himself. Dates for 2023 are: Nov. 18-19th, 25-26th, Dec. 2-3rd, 9-10th and 16-17th.
Learn more at: flyovercanada.com.
Source/pintsizepilot
