FUN, LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS
The best holiday events are up and running, from VanDusen’s Festival of Lights, to the PNE Winter Fair, the Christmas Market and more! I’ve got all of the ongoing special, festival happenings linked in this blog post here.
SANTA AT GRANVILLE ISLAND
Saturday & Sunday 11:30 am – 4 pm, Kids Market
The Santa at Granville Island’s Kids Market is the real deal. Visit with him and listen to him read story time, sing songs and then take your own photo with the big guy. He’s our family’s favourite! Highly recommend.
DOWNTOWN FERRIS WHEEL
Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm & Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm, North Plaza, Vancouver Art Gallery
Enjoy an affordable and festive holiday ride in the heart of downtown Vancouver! Stop to take a ride on the ferris wheel at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza and snap pictures at 13 Taylor Swift-themed lighting installations, all inspired by Taylor’s lyrics! While visiting the city’s 76-foot-tall Christmas tree at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, you can ride on the Ferris wheel for $7 a ride, and see the city from up high.
CANYON LIGHTS TAYLOR’S VERSION
Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 9 pm, The Capilano Suspension Bridge
Step into Taylor Swift-inspired magic at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s Canyon Lights: Taylor’s Version! The iconic suspension bridge transforms into a giant friendship bracelet, perfect for photos. Explore Swiftie-themed spots like Taytops Adventure and Swiftwalk, craft bracelets, and enjoy themed treats. Live acoustic performances and cocktails add to the enchanted vibe. A love story for every Swiftie! This special Taylor themed Canyon Lights only runs from December 5-9.
TAYLOR TOWN
Saturday 12 pm – 5 pm, Bill Curtis Square & Helmcken Plaza in Yaletown
Celebrate the holidays with a Swiftie Twist at CandyTaylorTown, a free, family-friendly event in Yaletown! Enjoy festive activities, Taylor-themed photo ops, late-night shopping, and write a birthday message for Taylor on a giant digital card. Whether prepping for the ERAS Tour or soaking in holiday magic, it’s the ultimate Taylor-inspired holiday celebration!
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BOAT PARADE
Saturday 6:30 pm, North Shore waterfront
Vancouver’s North Shore is set to sparkle with the return of the North Vancouver Festival of Lights Boat Parade. This 30+ year tradition features nearly two dozen boats adorned with festive lights, wreaths, and decorations. Viewers can enjoy the parade from various locations around the Burrard Inlet, like Waterfront Park, the Shipyards pier, or waterfront restaurants.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE MAPLE RIDGE
Saturday 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Maple Ridge
As part of Winter Fest, the 21st Annual Santa Claus Parade is filled with lights, decorations, Christmas cheer and a special guest! Bring your family and loved ones to celebrate the magic of the season! Plus enjoy Christmas in the Park fun starting at 4 pm.
STEVESTON SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Saturday 6 pm – 8 pm, Steveston Village, Richmond
The Steveston Santa Claus parade kicks off at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Regent Street, weaving its way through the historic streets of Steveston Village and making its way toward Garry Point Park. Spectators line the streets as Santa and his elves, alongside a variety of festive floats and costumed characters, bring the magic of Christmas to life. The parade is filled with seasonal music, twinkling lights, and joyful performers spreading holiday cheer to all who attend.
SANTA AT THE CANNERY
Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, Steveston Cannery
Join for Santa at the Cannery! Celebrate the holiday season, enjoy free admission, and festive activities – including meeting Santa! From 2-4pm, take your photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Cannery’s very own Boiler House Theatre. Explore the Steveston Festival of Trees and vote for your favourite entries free of charge, enjoy live musical performances on the Cannery stage, and see Santa as he arrives for the season!
THE SNOWMAN
Sunday 1 pm and 3 pm, The Orpheum
Fun for young and old alike with the festive favourite film The Snowman™ and more wintry musical fun. Come join us before the concert with your family and friends for some pictures.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY
Saturday 11 am – 9 pm & Sunday 11 am – 6 pm, Thunderbird Show Park, Langley
This is a new event featuring dazzling light displays, delicious food trucks, a beer garden and a variety of vendors. Plus kids can enjoy photos with Santa, do crafts in the elves’ workshop, meet some farm friends and enjoy free pony and tractor rides.
