Hey there, holiday lovers! Vancouver’s got everything you need to make this season merry and bright. From epic light shows to cozy markets, this city knows how to celebrate in style.
Every corner of town is bursting with festive energy, whether it’s sparkling gardens or mountain-top adventures. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these spots because they’re straight-up magical.
Get ready to jingle all the way into the holiday spirit! So, grab a scarf, grab a cocoa, and let’s hit up the best Christmas attractions around town. You’re in for a sleigh-load of holiday fun!
1. Shipyards Christmas Market
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Location: 100 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC
Operating Hours: Friday 5 PM–10 PM, Saturday & Sunday 12 PM–8 PM
Admission: Free
Website: Shipyards Christmas Market
This waterfront market brings all the cozy holiday vibes. Picture twinkling lights, local crafts, and enough hot drinks to keep you warm as you wander. It’s basically Christmas in a postcard, with live music and awesome views to top it all off.
There’s so much to see (and eat!) here. From handmade gifts to gingerbread cookies that’ll make your taste buds dance, you’ll leave with your arms full and your heart happy. It’s perfect for a chill family outing or even a cute date night.
Looking for a magical holiday vibe? Swing by in the evening for maximum sparkle. Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic by the waterfront. It’s Insta gold!
Pro tip:
Get there early if you’re driving because parking fills up fast. The market gets busy, especially in the evening when the twinkling lights are at their best. Arriving early also means more time to sip on hot drinks and browse handmade goodies.
2. PNE Winter Fair
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Location: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-253- 2311
Operating Hours: 4 PM–10 PM daily during the fair
Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for kids
Website: PNE Winter Fair
This is where holiday magic meets a party! The PNE Winter Fair has everything: skating, crazy good light displays, and food trucks serving up tasty treats like churros and poutine. Oh, and there are live concerts too. How cool is that?
Everywhere you look, there’s something festive happening. Grab a cocoa and check out the artisan market for some one-of-a-kind finds. The light displays are a total showstopper, especially once the sun sets.
If you’ve got a family or a big crew of friends, this is the spot to make some serious holiday memories. You’ll leave with a full heart and maybe a full belly too. The festive vibes here are guaranteed to keep everyone smiling!
Pro tip:
Snag your tickets online to skip the lines. This saves time, so you can dive straight into skating, light displays, and the artisan market. With churros and concerts waiting, every moment is worth it.
3. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
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Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-985-7474
Operating Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Admission: $62.95 for adults, $24.95 for kids
Website: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Let me tell you, this place is straight-up magical. Canyon Lights turns the iconic bridge into a glowing masterpiece, and the forest trails look like something out of a winter dream. If you love fairy tales, you’ll feel right at home.
Walking across the bridge is a thrill on its own, but throw in all those lights, and it’s a whole new level of awesome. Plus, the treetop walkways and cliffside paths give you even more cool views to check out.
It’s perfect for a romantic evening or a fun family adventure. Don’t forget to bundle up! It’s chilly up there, but the magic makes it so worth it. Trust me, the views will leave you absolutely spellbound!
Pro tip:
Show up after dark for the best light views. The illuminated bridge and forest trails look straight out of a fairy tale when the sun goes down. Wearing grippy shoes will make navigating the magical paths easier and safer.
4. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
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Location: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Contact: +1 604-297-4565
Operating Hours: 1 PM–9 PM
Admission: Free
Website: Burnaby Village Museum
This spot is pure holiday nostalgia. Think vintage Christmas decorations, a carousel straight out of the past, and lights everywhere you turn. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime to get in.
Walking through the museum feels like stepping back in time, with charming buildings and old-school holiday music setting the mood. It’s the perfect place to grab some cute family photos too.
Make sure to stop by the Ice Cream Parlour for a warm drink before you head out. It’s a sweet way to wrap up the visit. The cozy atmosphere will have you feeling all the holiday cheer!
Pro tip:
Get there early to beat the crowds and secure parking. The museum gets busier as the day goes on, making it harder to enjoy the vintage charm. Early arrivals can also take advantage of the best photo ops in natural light.
5. VanDusen Festival of Lights
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Location: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-257-8463
Operating Hours: 4 PM–9 PM
Admission: $21.50 for adults, $11 for kids
Website: VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Festival of Lights is a total holiday glow-up. The gardens are covered in over a million lights, with themed areas that are straight-up magical. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful evening or a fun family night out.
From sparkling tunnels to twinkling trees, every corner is picture-perfect. Grab a hot cider and explore! It’s the perfect way to warm up and get into the holiday spirit. The Gingerbread Woodlands is a must-see for kids.
This place will make you feel like a kid again, no matter your age. Just make sure you dress warmly, it’s worth it for all the sparkle. Every corner feels like a scene straight out of a holiday movie!
Pro tip:
Visit on a weekday to enjoy the lights with fewer crowds. Weekends are busier, but weekdays offer a more peaceful stroll through the displays. It’s the best way to soak in the Gingerbread Woodlands and take great photos.
6. Lights at Lafarge
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Location: 1Trevor Wingrove Way, Coquitlam
Contact: +1 604-927-3000
Operating Hours: 4:30 PM–11 PM
Admission: Free
Website: City of Coquitlam
Lights at Lafarge is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver. Picture a stunning walk around Lafarge Lake, with dazzling lights reflecting off the water and festive cheer in the air. It’s an absolute treat for families, couples, and even solo explorers.
The entire path is lined with unique displays, from colorful tunnels to glowing trees. Bring a warm drink, take your time, and soak it all in. This spot also has some great photo opportunities, so keep your camera handy.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get into the holiday spirit, this is the place. Just bundle up, as it can get chilly by the lake. The twinkling lights and festive ambiance are guaranteed to warm your heart!
Pro tip:
Dress warmly because it gets chilly by the lake. A cozy coat and warm drink make strolling through the lights much more enjoyable. The cold is easier to handle when you’re surrounded by magical reflections and glowing displays.
7. FlyOver Canada: Soar with Santa
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Location: 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-463-4822
Operating Hours: 10 AM–9 PM
Admission: $34 for adults, $24 for kids
Website: FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada puts a festive twist on its popular flying ride with the “Soar with Santa” experience. This magical journey takes you through snowy landscapes, ending with a visit to Santa’s North Pole. The ride is immersive, thrilling, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
The holiday-themed visuals and music make this a must-see during the season. It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland without leaving the city. Plus, there are cozy areas to relax before or after your flight.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the Christmas version of FlyOver Canada is always a treat. Make sure to book tickets early, as it can get busy. The stunning visuals and holiday magic will leave you grinning from ear to ear!
Pro tip:
Arrive early to enjoy the Canada Place holiday displays before your ride. It’s a festive bonus that sets the tone for the immersive flight experience. Having extra time also means you can grab snacks and avoid rushing.
8. Polar Express Train Ride
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Location: 39645 Government Rd, Squamish
Contact: +1 604-898-9336
Operating Hours: Vary by day; check schedule online
Admission: $45 for adults, $30 for kids
Website: West Coast Railway Heritage Park
All aboard! The Polar Express train ride in Squamish is pure holiday magic. Based on the beloved movie, this experience comes complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a cozy trip to Santa’s Village.
Kids will love meeting Santa and his crew, while parents can soak up the festive atmosphere. The train’s vintage design adds an extra layer of charm, making it feel like you’ve stepped into the story.
This is a can’t-miss outing for families who want to make lasting memories. Be sure to dress warm, as some activities are outdoors. The laughter and joy you’ll share here will make it a holiday highlight!
Pro tip:
Book your tickets early because this event sells out fast. Families love the festive train ride, complete with Santa visits and cozy treats. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on this magical holiday experience.
9. Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas
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Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-980-9311
Operating Hours: 9 AM–10 PM
Admission: Skyride ticket required ($59 for adults, $29 for kids)
Website: Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas is a winter wonderland come to life. Think ice skating, sleigh rides, and a magical Light Walk trail that sparkles after dark. You can even meet Santa in his mountaintop workshop!
It’s not just about the activities! The views from the top are absolutely stunning. Whether you’re skiing, exploring the trails, or sipping hot cocoa, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped into a snowy paradise.
This spot is perfect for families or anyone who loves the mountains during the holidays. Make sure to wear warm layers, it gets chilly up there!
Pro tip:
Start your day with skiing or snowboarding and stick around for the lights. The snowy slopes are a blast, and the Light Walk is breathtaking after dark. This way, you get a full day of mountain fun and festive cheer.
10. Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency
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Location: 655 Burrard St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604-683-1234
Operating Hours: 9 AM–9 PM
Admission: Free
Website: Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Hyatt Regency’s Gingerbread Lane is a feast for the eyes and the heart. This annual event features intricately decorated gingerbread houses, each more creative than the last. It’s free to visit, but donations go toward local charities, adding some extra holiday goodness.
Strolling through the displays is like entering a sugary wonderland. The level of detail is mind-blowing, and it’s fun to vote for your favorite creations. Don’t forget to snap a few pics—they’re almost too cute to eat (almost).
This event is great for families, kids, or anyone who appreciates holiday creativity. It’s a quick stop, but one that will leave you smiling.
Pro tip:
Visit during the day for smaller crowds and better photos. The intricate gingerbread creations are easier to appreciate without the evening rush. Taking your time lets you soak in every creative detail and vote for your favorite.