There’s a special kind of magic that settles over Vancouver during the holiday season. The city wraps itself in twinkling lights, the crisp air fills with the scent of roasted chestnuts, and every corner seems to offer a new opportunity for wonder.
It’s a time for connection, for slowing down, and for creating those warm, sparkling memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come.
If you’re ready to embark on a festive adventure, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered some of the most enchanting holiday experiences Vancouver has to offer, perfect for making the season bright with your loved ones. Let’s explore the magic together!
Shipyards Christmas Market in North Shore Vancouver
Bring the whole family to the Shipyards Christmas Market, where holiday cheer meets vibrant, local flavor. This bustling North Shore gathering is a delight for food lovers, offering a mouthwatering selection of gourmet treats and eats—including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to keep everyone smiling.
Lace up your skates for a spin at the outdoor ice rink, snap photos with Santa, and soak up the joyful sounds of live holiday music. With artisans, unique gift stalls, and that cozy, waterfront atmosphere, this festive market weaves together all the reasons we love this season. Free entrance!
- Address: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0E1
- 2025 Schedule: November 28th-December 24th 11am-9 or 10pm (hours vary per day, look on website for daily schedule of events and hours)
- Website: The Shipyards District Events
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Step into a true winter wonderland at the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. This beloved tradition transforms 15 acres of the garden into a shimmering spectacle with over one million lights.
You can wander through themed areas, watch the mesmerizing dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, and discover countless delightful photo opportunities. It’s a peaceful yet breathtaking experience, perfect for a cozy evening stroll with the family. $25/adults, $12/child, senior and garden member discounts.
- Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
- 2025 Schedule: November 28th-January 4th, 4pm-10pm, closed on December 25th.
- Website: VanDusen Festival of Lights
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Take your holiday spirit to new heights at Canyon Lights. The world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure, and Cliffwalk are all adorned with hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights.
Walking across the glowing suspension bridge, high above the Capilano River, is an unforgettable thrill. The park also features a holiday market with collectable stickers and ornaments for kids, Santa and sleigh photo ops, festive music, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere that will fill you with awe.
- Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
- 2025 Schedule: November 21st-January 18th, 11am-9pm, $75/adult, discounts for seniors, students, children
- Website: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Canyon Lights
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Stanley Park
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with the Forbidden Forest Experience at Stanley Park. This immersive outdoor adventure brings the wizarding world to life with a spellbinding walk through the forest, illuminated by enchanting lights and magical creatures.
Fans of all ages can enjoy interactive displays, themed food and drinks, and photo opportunities that will transport you straight to Hogwarts. Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or just looking for a unique holiday outing, this experience is sure to cast a spell on your family.
- Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
- Website: Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience
Vancouver Christmas Market
Experience the charm of a traditional German-style Christmas market right on the Vancouver waterfront. The Vancouver Christmas Market is a feast for the senses, with rows of charming wooden huts selling unique handcrafted gifts and delicious European treats.
Grab a cup of mulled wine for the adults and hot apple cider for the kids, enjoy live entertainment on the Flying Stage, and take a spin on the glittering Christmas carousel. It’s a joyful and bustling hub of holiday cheer.
- Address: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
- 2025 Schedule: November 13th-December 24th, hours vary by day, check website for details. Entry price depends on timeslot, book online for the best price starting at $6.99 canadian
- Website: Vancouver Christmas Market
Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Travel back in time and experience Christmas like never before at the Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum. Here, the charming streets are dressed in twinkling lights, vintage decorations, and a warm seasonal spirit.
Wander through heritage homes, meet costumed interpreters, and enjoy carolers singing beloved holiday tunes. Scavenger hunts, crafts, and exhibits invite playful moments for kids and nostalgia for grown-ups. Carousel rides for under $3.
Snap a family photo under the glittering maple tree, and discover why this enchanting open-air museum on 10 acres feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. They have an official Tree Lighting event on November 29th, but the activities continue through January 2nd. Check website for exact times and dates, as they vary throughout the season.
- Address: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6
- Website: Burnaby Village Museum Festive Village
Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Vancouver
A true feast for the eyes—and the imagination—Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Vancouver is a holiday must-see for families downtown. The hotel’s lobby transforms into a sugary spectacle with elaborate, themed gingerbread creations with categories for amateur to expect level bakers.
Explore fantastical cookie cottages, whimsical candy villages, and marvel at the incredible detail in each sweet masterpiece. Best of all, this event is open 24/7 from November 27th-December 28th with free admission.
- Address: 655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2R7
- Website: Hyatt Regency Vancouver Gingerbread Lane
Lights at Lafarge
Step into a luminous lakeside wonderland at Lights at Lafarge, one of the largest free outdoor light displays in Metro Vancouver. This beloved annual event wraps the trails and trees around Lafarge Lake with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights and whimsical installations.
Take a gentle stroll with loved ones, spot dazzling themed displays, under the lit up archways, and embrace the community cheer that fills the air. Each evening offers its own kind of magic, making it a perfect outing for all ages. This event runs from November 28th-February 16th, so check the website for daily events and food truck info. Open 4pm-11pm daily.
- Address: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7S4
- Website: Lights at Lafarge
Christmas Glow in Langley
If your family craves a truly immersive light experience, Christmas Glow in Langley is a must-visit. Explore a sparkling world of whimsical themed lands such as the Rainbow Forest, Dinoland, and more. Enter the Crystal Palace, putt putt in the poinsettias, hop on the lit up train ride, grab a wand and explore the Glow Quest.
Kids can enjoy the character meet & greets, bounce in the glow playground, or try festive crafts while adults browse vendor stalls filled with gourmet treats and unique gifts. There’s warmth in the air, lights all around, and plenty of space to celebrate—together. Open November 22-December 30th, except Sundays. Hours vary from 4p-10p or 5p-9p. Check website for details.
- Address: 6690 216 St, Langley, BC V2Y 2N9
Website: Glow Langley
Noel Surrey
Brand new for 2025, there’s a fresh wave of holiday excitement this year with the arrival of Noel Surrey! Designed to dazzle families and ignite the festive spirit, this brand-new event transforms the the Cloverdale Fairgrounds into a sparkling wonderland.
Wander beneath tunnels of twinkling lights on a fully paved walking loop around the pond, discover creative holiday displays around every corner, and treat your senses with themed food and drinks from local vendors.
There’s interactive fun for little ones, lively performances, and the kind of warmth that makes winter nights unforgettable. Meet with Santa or the Grinch, ride the 50ft ferris wheel or bumper cars depending on the day you visit.
It’s the perfect spot to create new holiday traditions with those closest to you. The proceeds support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund – now who could argue with that?
- Address: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607-17905 62 Ave, Surrey BC V3S 4E7
- 2025 Schedule: November 28th-December 28th (check website for exact times and dates available) Prices vary by day $22-25/adult, discounted for seniors and children, under 6 are free.
- Website: Noel Surrey
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Escape to Vancouver’s very own North Pole at Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas. A scenic Skyride gondola trip takes you up to a snowy paradise filled with festive activities.
The options on this mountain paradise are expansive. Take the family ice skating on a mountaintop pond or watch a Figure Skating Show, enjoy a romantic stroll, on foot or snowshoe around Blue Grouse Lake on The Light Walk. Then take a memorable sleigh ride through a snow-covered forest, enjoy a short Christmas movie at the mountaintop cinema, meet and greet with the roaming elves and the grinch, all while listening to live holiday music.
If you have a bit more energy, you can rent a sled for $5 and check out the sliding zone, meet Santa’s real reindeer, and even Santa in his workshop, and make an ornament to take home. Even better, you could start your day with breakfast with Santa!
The stunning views of the city below, combined with the alpine winter setting, create a truly magical holiday experience.
- Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
- 2025 Schedule: November 21st-December 24th- check the website for prices and schedule of events – family ticket packages range from $99-155 for the whole day
- Website: Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas
Winter in the Village, Steveston
Discover the undeniable charm of Steveston Village, magical at any time of the year, but during the holidays it transforms into a winter wonderland with its beloved Winter in the Village celebration.
From sparkling festive light displays along the waterfront to cozy community activities, the whole family is invited to take part in this seasonal adventure. Enjoy holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, and enchanting window displays throughout the historic village.
Local shops offer tasty treats and plenty of warm drinks to keep your spirits bright and bellies cozy. It’s the perfect spot for memory-making strolls, cheerful photos, and heartwarming community fun. If this is your first visit to Stevenston, keep your eyes peeled for where Once Upon a Time was filmed, such as the iconic clocktower.
- Address: Throughout Steveston Village, Richmond, BC
- Website: Steveston Village Winter in the Village
Merry & Bright at Martini Town, Langley
Step into a storybook holiday experience at Merry & Bright, hosted in the magical setting of Martini Town in Langley.
This immersive attraction lets families wander through movie set streets beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, festive décor, and plenty of interactive surprises. Many movies have been filmed in this holiday village, predominantly several Hallmark Holiday films.
Enjoy visits with Santa, dazzling displays for photo ops, pop-up shopping, and food trucks serving up delicious seasonal eats. Whether you’re sipping cocoa or soaking in the festive tunes, every corner promises something to delight both kids and grown-ups alike.
- Address: Martini Town, 19777 56 Ave, Langley, BC V3A 3X7
- Website: Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Embrace the Season of Wonder
This holiday season is an invitation to connect, explore, and simply be present with the ones you love. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect adventures to fill your days with laughter, joy, and a little bit of magic. May your holidays in Vancouver be merry and bright!
