The holiday season is already kicking off with the first events starting up this weekend! There are so many wonderful opportunities to get out with the family and enjoy the holiday fun, so to help you choose where to visit, here is my rundown of some of the best holiday events and activities around the Lower Mainland.
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
November 16 – December 24, Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the first holiday events to get its start this season. 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 can get very busy at peak times, so don’t be surprised if you end up waiting in an entry line.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 24 – January 7, Van Dusen Gardens
This event is truly a favourite for so many people. 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 Van Dusen 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.
CANYON LIGHTS
November 17 – January 21, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
This is another favourite event that is just so gorgeous to visit. We love visiting the world-famous suspension bridge all lit up, and climbing among the Treetop Adventure. This attraction runs for two months so there is plenty of time to check it out, and I highly recommend it! A big plus for BC residents – admission is the same cost as a one year membership and that includes Canyon Lights.
PNE WINTER FAIR
December 8-9, 14-23, PNE Fairgrounds
This was a brand new event last year and it is back again this year at the PNE fairgrounds. Everyone is invited out for this immersive magical holiday experience. The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas themed concert series, a large indoor skating rink, magical holiday theatre shows, a winter market, tasty food and beverages. There is also indoor ice skating offered. New this year is the PNE Express Train through mesmerizing light tunnels.
BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK
November 30 – January 1st, Stanley Park
Well, the beloved Stanley Park Christmas train is back and tickets have already gone on sale. Unfortunately, the website was totally ridiculous and if you were like me, you did not come away with tickets. Tickets are now sold out, but if you weren’t one of the lucky ones to get a train ticket you can still visit the area and walk amongst the lights. Hopefully next year the ticketing site is better!
GRANVILLE ISLAND SANTA CLAUS VISITS
December 2 – December 23, Granville Island Kids Market
Now there are a lot of great places to visit with Santa this holiday season, but in my opinion, none of them compare to the Granville Island Kids Market Santa Claus. This is a free visit to Santa’s cosy living room where kids can gather, sing songs and hear Santa tell them a story. You can take your own photos of your child visiting with Santa and telling him what they would like for Christmas. Also, there is a tree where you can choose a child in need by name and age and shop for a Christmas gift for them to donate. I think it is a wonderful tradition!
BEAR CREEK PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
December 2 – 30, Bear Creek Park, Surrey
If you are missing the Stanley Park train, you can always head out to Surrey and 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 – Santa Express runs 10am – 4pm. The Christmas Night Train runs 6pm – 8pm.
PEAK OF CHRISTMAS
November 24 – December 25, Grouse Mountain
Heading up the gondola at Grouse Mountain really is like 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!
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS
November 25 – January 5, 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 part in a animal-themed scavenger hunt including a menagerie of adorned Eco-sculptures like salmon, herons and hawks. Enjoy a meal or treat at the Ice Cream Parlour. Gate admission is free.
LIGHTS AT LAFARGE
November 24 – January 31, LaFarge Lake, Coquitlam
This is Coquitlam’s free, and stunning outdoor light display around LaFarge Lake. It is a wonderful and festive walk. It is stroller friendly, and the distance is not too long so its very doable for young kids. 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.
STEVESTON FESTIVAL OF TREES
December 1 – January 7, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Steveston
The historic Cannery will once again slip into sparkling Yuletide form for the holiday season by hosting the charming Steveston Festival of Trees. Dozens of trees will be on display, each splendidly decorated by local organizations trying to outshine each other. Regular admission for entry applies.
CHRISTMAS IN WILLIAMS PARK
December 1 – December 20, 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
This is a drive-thru event and a holiday tradition since 1991. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted to help with maintaining display costs and keeping this event running.
GLOW GARDENS LANGLEY
November 23 – December 30, Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216 St Langley
Langley’s Christmas Glow is a walk around adventure with a new “Christmas Carnival” theme. Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you walk through a display of almost one million lights. Meet special characters and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa who will be there nightly until December 24.
NORTH POLE EXPRESS
November 25-26, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, Railway Museum of BC, Squamish
If you live near Squamish or are willing to do the drive out that way, the North Pole Express is truly unique experience, especially for train lovers! Passengers will start at the Candyland Station where hot chocolate and festive characters await, then take your seat on the full-sized vintage train for a 50-minute Yuletide journey featuring carols, cookies and more. A stop at the North Pole and you get to meet the elves as well as Santa and Mrs Claus. There’s also a miniature train you can ride around Santa’s workshop.
