The holiday season is here! The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, but thank goodness for the bright lights and happiness of the season to make everything seem more cheery and cosy. The holiday events and attractions are kicking off this week, so take a look at my list of some of the best events around and start planning out your holiday fun!
THE VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
November 13 – December 24, Jack Poole Plaza
The Vancouver Christmas Market is now officially open for the season! It is a beautiful, festive place to visit in the lead-up to Christmas. You must purchase an entry ticket and time to enjoy this market and then you can peruse lots of holiday shopping, enjoy German-style food and drinks, hop on the Christmas carousel, and take in the festive music, and lights. It’s a perfect place to get you in the holiday spirit!
SHIPYARDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
November 28 – December 24, The Shipyards, North Vancouver
This holiday event is just a few steps from North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal. Walk amongst more than 75 glowing wooden huts showcasing lots of festive treats, artisan crafts and unique gifts. There will also be live music, community performers, cheery illuminations and a full-sized covered ice rink.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 28 – January 4, Van Dusen Gardens
This one is gorgeous, and great for all ages. It’s stroller friendly with lots of easy paths to walk around the extensive gardens. You can expect to see one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. There are themed areas, tasty treats, unique light features, and holiday music. Tickets are not sold on site and must be purchased online in advance.
NOEL SURREY WITH BRIGHT NIGHTS
November 28 – December 28, Cloverdale Fairgrounds
Well the Stanley Park train isn’t running and Bright Nights has officially left Stanley Park, but the Bright Nights display has now moved to Surrey! The magic of Bright Nights joins Noel Surrey for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Explore incredible light displays, family fun, rides, meet & greets with holiday characters, music, and more — all included with your ticket. Sounds like one worth checking out!
CANYON LIGHTS
November 21 – January 18, Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge’s beautiful Canyon Lights is well worth the visit. Journey into the rainforest and walk high above the forest floor between the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world on Treetops Adventure. And the gorgeous “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel will once again wrap its way along a portion of Cliffwalk. One thing I love about this attraction is that it runs for so long – nearly two months! So if you don’t manage to get there over Christmas, you can still visit the beauty another time. A big plus for BC residents – admission is the same cost as a one year membership and that includes Canyon Lights.
DUNDARAVE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 29 – early January, From Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Head to the West Van waterfront to check out more than 150 outdoor Christmas trees (The Forest of Miracles), each fully illuminated for the season by local groups, families, schools and businesses. The Dundarave Festival of Lights includes four successive Saturdays of noon-to-dusk “Concerts and Merriment.”
PEAK OF CHRISTMAS
November 21 – December 24, Grouse Mountain
The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain may be the closest you can get to feeling like you are visiting the North Pole – so lovely. Take the gondola ride up to the summit and check out a beautiful, snowy Light Walk, skate on a frozen pond and visit with some real life reindeer and Santa in his workshop!
LIGHTS AT LAFARGE
November 28 – end of February, Town Centre Park
Coquitlam’s free, and stunning outdoor light display returns to Town Centre Park. It is a great place to go walking around the lake and checking out all of the beautiful lights. It is stroller friendly. If you want to avoid the crowds consider visiting during off-peak hours (before 6 p.m. and after 8 p.m.), and avoid weekends and the week of Dec. 20 to 26, when it can be busier and more congested.
FESTIVE VILLAGE
November 22 – January 2, Burnaby Village Museum
At Heritage Christmas you can wander the village and experience a special atmosphere of festive lights, and the traditional decorations. There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. Take a ride on the beautiful carousel. Enjoy a meal or treat at the Ice Cream Parlour. Gate admission is free!
BEAR CREEK PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
December 1 – December 31, 13750 88th ave, Surrey
Head out to Surrey with the family and you can hop on Bear Creek Park’s delightful Christmas train, complete with craft activities, a gentle ride through the fairy-lit trees and a visit with Santa himself––including the chance to snap your own photos with him. There is a day train and night train evening service
MERRY AND BRIGHT AT MARTINI TOWN
November 21 – December 31, 1123 272 Street, Langley
Enjoy a holiday outing that makes it seem like you are walking into a Hallmark Movie…because you basically are! Langley’s Martini Studios opens its doors once again for locals and visitors who love stepping into the nostalgic world of charming Christmas movies. Walk around old-school storefronts, restaurant facades, brownstone townhouses and even a grand, column-fronted courthouse. This working movie backlot has been fully transformed into a sparkling walk-through festive attraction There is live music, an artisan craft market and lots of tasty food and drink options.
CHRISTMAS AT GREENDALE ACRES
November 28 – December 23, Greendale Acres Farm, Chilliwack
This Christmas, Greendale Acres invites you to immerse yourself in a classic Christmas experience on the farm. Ride through this beautiful family farm and enjoy the twinkling wonder as the new Christmas train takes you on a journey through Murray’s lights. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive glow.
