In Vancouver’s 2026 December calendar you’ll find dates and events in the Lower Mainland for Christmas attractions, concerts and other winter events.

 

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JANUARY – FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL

MAY – JUNE – JULY – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

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Vancouver’s December Calendar of Events

• Dec. 18 – Last day of school before Christmas holidays
• Dec. 25 – Christmas Day (Stat Holiday)
• Dec. 26 – Boxing Day (It’s a day off for most, and the start of Boxing Day sales at stores throughout the region.)
• Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve

 

Vancouver December Events in 2026

Below is what’s happening on the different days of the month in December.

( Note : Schedules are subject to change.)

 

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Week of December 1st to 6th

December 1-6 | December 7-13 | December 14-20 | December 21-27 | December 28-31

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Tuesday, December 1, 2026

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!

Shows & Entertainment

• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• ABBA Tribute Band Concert – an “ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra” takes place at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver.

Christmas Events & Attractions

• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas light displays at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Christmas Stores

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)

 

 

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

City of Vancouver Christmas Events & Activities

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.

Other Christmas Events & Activities

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas light displays at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Christmas Stores

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Events and Activities

• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)

 

 

Thursday, December 3, 2026

• International Day for Persons with Disabilities
• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!
• Macramé Ornament-Making Glass at Glenda’s – learn how to make three macramé Christmas ornaments at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford.

Shows & Entertainment

• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

 

 

Fraser Valley Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas light displays at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

Christmas Stores

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Events and Activities

• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)

 

 

Friday, December 4, 2026

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!
• Expoplaza Latina – a business conference with a focus on Latin American trade and connections at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Shows & Entertainment

• Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding – an immersive dinner theatre show at the Royal Canadian Legion on Commercial Drive.
• ABBA Tribute Band Concert – an “ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra” takes place at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Dance in Vancouver – today there are performances by Raven Spirit Dance as well as Vanguardia Dance Projects & Aanmitaagzi at the Dance Centre in downtown Vancouver.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a free European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

 

 

City of Vancouver Christmas Events

• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Attractions & Events

• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

 

 

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 4 pm to 8 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
• Bill Reid Gallery – free admission at the Indigenous art gallery from 2 until 5 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Saturday, December 5, 2026

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!
• Bonfire at Deep Cove – a free event with a bonfire, live music and family-friendly activities at Panorama Park in Deep Cove on the North Shore.
• Parade of Lights – a parade and other activities to celebrate the Christmas season in downtown Port Coquitlam.
• Festive Night at Lights by the Lake – family-friendly activities take place at the light attraction this evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Maple Ridge Christmas Festival – Christmas activities in the park along with a parade in the streets.
• Squamish Holiday Parade – a parade and other family-friendly activities in downtown Squamish.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Lower Mainland Santa Claus Parades – a number of Christmas-themed parades take place today including ones in Maple Ridge and Mission.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – an artisan market at the Kensington Community Center in Vancouver. Admission is free.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

 

 

Shows & Entertainment

• Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding – an immersive dinner theatre show at the Royal Canadian Legion on Commercial Drive.
• ABBA Tribute Band Concert – an “ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra” takes place at Massey Theatre in New Westminster.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – the popular choir hosts a concert at the Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver.
• Dance in Vancouver – today there are performances by Raven Spirit Dance as well as Vanguardia Dance Projects & Aanmitaagzi at the Dance Centre in downtown Vancouver.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.

City of Vancouver Christmas Events

• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Events & Attractions

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Timberline Country Christmas – a wholesome, Old West-themed Christmas holiday attraction at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs. Today also features special Festive Night activities.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.

 

 

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – if you use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER you’ll save 25% at the family-friendly museum!
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.

Other Events, Attractions & Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: They have a special offer currently where you can get a discount equal to your age. E.g., If you are 25 years old, you’ll save 25% on all activities!)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Sunday, December 6, 2026

• BC Buy Local Week – a week when people are reminded about the value of supporting local and independently-owned businesses. While doing your holiday shopping, be sure to buy local as much as you can!
• Vanier Park’s Winter Market – local vendors, food and live entertainment, plus admission by donation at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Museum of Vancouver, and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Cheap Day at MOV – admission to the Museum of Vancouver is by donation today (because it’s the first Sunday of the month).

Shows & Entertainment

• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – the popular choir hosts a concert with Winter Harp at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.

 

 

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – the world-famous European-themed market with artisan vendors, a carousel, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Winter Market at Vanier Park – local vendors, food and live entertainment, plus admission by donation at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Museum of Vancouver, and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Today admission is “pay-what-you-can” because it’s the first Sunday of the month.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.

Other Events & Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: They have a special offer currently where you can get a discount equal to your age. E.g., If you are 25 years old, you’ll save 25% on all activities!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

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Week of December 7th to 13th

December 1-6 | December 7-13 | December 14-20 | December 21-27 | December 28-31

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Monday, December 7, 2026

• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge in North Vancouver. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. (TBC)

 

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

• The Secrets of the Penthouse – a special event hosted by Forbidden Vancouver. It includes stories about vice squads, mobsters, murder and bootlegging, but also live jazz, spaghetti and meatballs.

Shows & Entertainment

• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

 

 

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Museums & Historic Sites

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).

Other Vancouver Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Thursday, December 10, 2026

• Ceramic Mug Painting at Glenda’s – a mug decorating workshop at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford.

Shows & Entertainment

• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre is Soar With Santa.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Soar With Santa – the multi-dimensional Christmas-themed Flyover film shows at Canada Place.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

 

 

Other Vancouver Events & Activities

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore (and children ages 17 and under get in for free).
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Friday, December 11, 2026

Holiday Markets & Christmas Stores

• Christmas Gifts Expo – a massive holiday market featuring around 300 vendors at Chilliwack Heritage Park.
• Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – at the Evergreen Cultural Centre at 1205 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam.
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

 

 

Shows & Concerts

• Murder is a Drag – a drag-themed, murder-mystery show takes place in Gastown with Vancouver Mysteries. Tonight’s show is Dinner Date with Death.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – the popular choir hosts a concert at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Songs, Strings & Steps Concert – a Christmas concert at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford with Conductor Calvin Dyck.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.

 

 

City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Events & Attractions

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.

Other Vancouver Events & Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Saturday, December 12, 2026

• Big Elf Run – fun and social 1 km, 5 km, 10 km and 15 km running events at Stanley Park where participants get complimentary elf toques! (TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 and save 10% on the price of registration.)
• Wesbrook Village Christmas Festival – a free Christmas event with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Aldergrove Light Up Parade – Christmas parade in Langley.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• River Bender – a 5 km and 10 km running event in Burnaby that’s part of the Steel & Oak Beer Run Race Series.

Shows & Entertainment

• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – the popular choir hosts a concert at St. Dunstan’s Church in Aldergrove.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Songs, Strings & Steps Concert – a Christmas concert at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford with Conductor Calvin Dyck.
• An EnChor Christmas – the Enchor Choir performs at Pacific Spirit United Church. Admission is by donation with proceeds benefitting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.

Holiday Markets & Christmas Stores

• Christmas Gifts Expo – a massive holiday market featuring around 300 vendors at Chilliwack Heritage Park.
• Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – at the Evergreen Cultural Centre at 1205 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam.
• New West Holiday Market – an artisan and food market featuring dozens of vendors outside the City Hall in New Westminster. (The event is hosted by the New West Farmers Market.)
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – the world-famous European-themed market with artisan vendors, a carousel, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Timberline Country Christmas – a wholesome, Old West-themed Christmas holiday attraction at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach.

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: They have a special offer currently where you can get a discount equal to your age. E.g., If you are 25 years old, you’ll save 25% on all activities!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Sunday, December 13, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Singing Christmas Tree – a free concert at Vancouver’s Broadway Church.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.

Holiday Markets & Christmas Stores

• Christmas Gifts Expo – a massive holiday market featuring around 300 vendors at Chilliwack Heritage Park.
• New West Holiday Market – an artisan and food market featuring dozens of vendors outside the City Hall in New Westminster. (The event is hosted by the New West Farmers Market.)
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Timberline Country Christmas – a wholesome, Old West-themed Christmas holiday attraction at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

 

 

Featured Museums & Historic Sites

• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach.

Other Events and Activities

• Christmas Tree Sales – various charities and farms are selling Christmas trees around the Lower Mainland.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• WildPlay Element Park – ropes courses and ziplines at the outdoor adventure facility in Maple Ridge. (TIP: They have a special offer currently where you can get a discount equal to your age. E.g., If you are 25 years old, you’ll save 25% on all activities!)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

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Week of December 14th to 20th

December 1-6 | December 7-13 | December 14-20 | December 21-27 | December 28-31

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Monday, December 14, 2026

City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events and Activities

• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Tuesday, December 15, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events and Activities

• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Wednesday, December 16, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events and Activities

• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Thursday, December 17, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker – the classic Christmas ballet show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• Christmas with Chor Leoni – the renowned men’s choir performs its holiday concert at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church today in downtown Vancouver.
• ABBA Tribute Band Concert – an “ABBA Christmas with ABRA Cadabra” takes place at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Surrey.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other City of Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Lower Mainland Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Vancouver Events & Activities

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Beaty Nocturnal – the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC is open by donation from 5:00 to 8:30 pm.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Friday, December 18, 2026

• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.

Shows & Entertainment

• Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker – the classic Christmas ballet show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Christmas with Chor Leoni – the renowned men’s choir performs its holiday concerts at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church today in downtown Vancouver.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.

 

 

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

City of Vancouver & North Shore Christmas Attractions

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.

Other Lower Mainland Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

 

 

Other Events & Activities

• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Saturday, December 19, 2026

• Vancouver Christmas Boat Party – a nightclub-style event on the Burrard Queen with Vancouver Boat Parties.
• Wassail & Bonfire Night – a free event with live music, Santa Claus and a giant bonfire at the beach in West Vancouver.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Festive Night at Lights by the Lake – family-friendly activities take place at the light attraction this evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)

Holiday Markets & Christmas Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Shows & Entertainment

• United Voices Choir Concert – the auditioned group of singers performs its Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along concert at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church in Vancouver.
• Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker – the classic Christmas ballet show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir – the popular choir hosts a concert at the Shaughnessy Heights United Church in Vancouver.
• Christmas with Chor Leoni – the renowned men’s choir performs its holiday concerts at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church today in downtown Vancouver.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

City of Christmas Attractions

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Events and Attractions

• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs. Today also features extra activities with the Festive Night event.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Timberline Country Christmas – a wholesome, Old West-themed Christmas holiday attraction at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees to admire at West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)

Featured Attractions & Activities

• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale has free admission.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Chinese Canadian Museum – an interesting museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Sunday, December 20, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Festive Cantatas with Early Music Vancouver – the Pacific Baroque Orchestra performs works by Vivaldi and Bach at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker – the classic Christmas ballet show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Wesbrook Village Holiday Market – a free Christmas attraction with holiday lights and market vendors at UBC.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

City of Vancouver Christmas Events

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Christmas Events & Attractions

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas light displays and free ice skating at Harrison Hot Springs.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Timberline Country Christmas – a wholesome, Old West-themed Christmas holiday attraction at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge.
• Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Center Park.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

Featured Attractions & Activities

• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre is Soar With Santa.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

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Week of December 21st to 27th

December 1-6 | December 7-13 | December 14-20 | December 21-27 | December 28-31

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Monday, December 21, 2026

• Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – an annual community event with lantern-making workshops, mazes, and more at different venues including Granville Island and Yaletown.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.

Vancouver Christmas Attractions

• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.

Other Christmas Events and Attractions

• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• North Pole Express – special Christmas activities with a Polar Express theme at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Lower Mainland Events & Activities

• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Tuesday, December 22, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Lower Mainland Events & Activities

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – a festive, world-famous, German-themed attraction with market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – a European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – a cute seasonal winter holiday gift store that’s full of decorations and gift ideas in Abbotsford.
• Potters Christmas Store – the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located at a nursery in Surrey.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Today also features Breakfast with Santa.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events & Activities

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Thursday, December 24, 2026

• Christmas Eve
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Christmas Markets & Stores

• Vancouver Christmas Market – last day of the year for the market vendors, carousel rides, food stalls and live entertainment at Jack Poole Plaza.
• Langley Christmas Village – a new winter holiday attraction with free admission in the Fraser Valley.
• Shipyards Christmas Market – the last day of the free European-themed Christmas market with vendors and live entertainment.
• Potters Christmas Store – the final day of the season for the largest store of its kind in Western Canada, located in Surrey.

Other Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Lights on the Lake – Christmas light displays at Harrison Hot Springs.
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

 

 

Friday, December 25, 2026

• Christmas Day (Stat Holiday)

Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada. (TBC)
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park. (TBC)
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

 

 

Saturday, December 26, 2026

• Boxing Day

Shows & Entertainment

• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.

Christmas Attractions

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Martini Town Merry & Bright – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events and Activities

• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25% on admission!)
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES to save 10%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Sunday, December 27, 2026

• Boxing Day Weekend

Shows & Entertainment

• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Martini Town Merry & Bright – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

Other Attractions & Activities

• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

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Week of December 28th to 31st

December 1-6 | December 7-13 | December 14-20 | December 21-27 | December 28-31

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Monday, December 28, 2026

• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place. Also showing is the film Awaken Canada. 
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).

Other Attractions & Activities

• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

Tuesday, December 29, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.

Christmas Attractions

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market – a large Christmas celebration at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds with light displays, live performances, artisan vendors and more.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Soar with Santa at Flyover – a winter holiday-themed multi-dimensional film experience at Canada Place.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Bright Nights – the family-friendly fundraising Christmas lights event is happening in Surrey as part of the Noel Festival this year (instead of at its usual location at Stanley Park).
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.

Other Events & Activities

• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Fort Langley – the national historic site in Fort Langley is a great place to explore.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Wednesday, December 30, 2026

Shows & Entertainment

• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.

Christmas Attractions & Activities

• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• Festival of Lights – over a million lights and decorations at beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden.
• Lights by the Lake – Christmas illuminations at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• For more, see our articles about Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities or Free Events in December.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.

Other Events & Activities

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES and save 10% on games.)
• Vancouver Maritime Museum – the family-friendly museum at Vanier Park. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER and save 25%!)
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.)
• Britannia Mine – the historic mining museum at Britannia Beach (which is half an hour north of Horseshoe Bay on the way to Squamish and Whistler).
• Chinese Canadian Museum – a relatively new museum full of information and things to see in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
• Flyover at Canada Place – the multi-dimensional theatre has a film about Canada. Also playing at the theatre for a limited time is Soar With Santa.
• The Case of the Hotel Detective – a murder-mystery game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver near Gastown.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

Thursday, December 31, 2026

• New Year’s Eve – festivities happen at various venues.

New Year’s Eve Events

• For NYE events at nightclubs, click Vancouver New Year’s Eve Parties for Adults.
• New Year’s Eve Vancouver Boat Parties – a nightclub-style event with Vancouver Boat Parties departs from downtown Vancouver.
• Torchlight Parade & Fireworks at Sasquatch – the ski resort in the Harrison Valley hosts a couple of different New Year’s Eve events. (TBC)
• Fireworks at Grouse Mountain – fireworks and other family-friendly activities take place at the top of Grouse in the evening. (TBC)

Shows & Entertainment

• Presentation House Theatre – the community theatre presents The Sword in the Stone in North Vancouver.
• The Improv Centre – live comedy theatre at Granville Island.
• Sleeping Beauty – the British pantomime shows at Metro Theatre in South Vancouver.
• Gateway Theatre – the musical 42nd Street shows at the theatre in Richmond.
• Cirque du Soleil – the world-famous circus company brings its LUZIA production to the big top at Concord Pacific Place.

Other Events & Attractions

• Merry & Bright at Martini Town – a Christmas attraction with holiday decorations and live entertainment at a movie studio in Langley.
• The Legend of the Gastown Gold – an indoor detective game that’s played at a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
• Glow Christmas – a winter holiday festival featuring illuminations, music and festive, family-friendly activities in Langley.
• Winterlust – domed dining at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for parties of 1 to 6 guests. (Minimum spend requirements apply.) (TBC)
• Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – Christmas lights and decorations at the outdoor museum in Burnaby.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – Christmas light displays at the world-famous bridge. (TIP: BC residents can get an annual pass to the attraction for the same price as a single-day ticket!)
• Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour.
• Astra Lumina – a pretty lights and illuminations experience in Stanley Park.
• Hologram Zoo Vancouver – an indoor attraction featuring moving 3D displays with various themes including Africa, Dinosaurs, Space and Christmas. (TIP: Use the promo code BESTPLACES15 and you’ll save 15%.)
• Zoo Lights – a holiday event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with light displays, train rides and other festivities. (TBC)
• Lights on the Lake – Christmas light displays at Harrison Hot Springs.
• Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver. 
• Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating on the outdoor ice rink outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

 

 

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To return to the top of the page, click December Calendar.

To see what’s happening next month, click January Calendar of Events.

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Other 2026 December Events

The events below may also be taking place in 2026. Details about most are to be confirmed.

 

Christmas Attractions

• Festival of Trees – special Christmas tree decorations at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston Village. (Likely November 28, 2026, to January 4, 2027, but with exact details TBC.)
• Christmas at Canada Place – Christmas lights and seasonal displays. (TBC)
• Chilliwack Country Christmas Village – Santa, lights, train rides and other family-friendly things to see and do in downtown Chilliwack. (TBC)
• Granville Island – the shopping and entertainment district is open and the neighborhood is decorated with Christmas lights at night.
• Loft Country Christmas – an Old West-themed Christmas attraction at a farm in Langley. (TBC)
• Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver. (December 3 to 28, 2026)
• Vallea Lumina – an outdoor winter lights attraction in Whistler.
• Peak of Christmas – Santa, reindeer, sleigh rides, gingerbread house displays, ice skating and other holiday fun up at Grouse Mountain. (November 20 to December 24, 2026)
• Scuba Claus and Holiday Traditions – Christmas movies and photo opportunities with Santa at the Vancouver Aquarium. (TBC)
• WinterFest at MOS – Christmas trees and decorations at the Museum of Surrey. Admission is free. (TBC)
• Destination Downtown Events – light installations, Ferris Wheel rides and live entertainment in Vancouver. (TBC)

 

Christmas Events

• Santa Experience at the Met – Mr. Claus is at Burnaby’s Metropolis at Metrotown in his traditional red and white suit for photos. (TBC)
• Christmas by the Railway – Kilby Farm features holiday decorations and ginger cookies in the Fraser Valley. (TBC)
• Langley Magic of Christmas – a free winter holiday-themed event in downtown Langley City. (TBC)
• Bright Walk in White Rock – a Christmas artisan market, entertainment, treats for kids and family-friendly activities in White Rock. (TBC)
• Holiday Lights in Williams Park – a free drive-through event featuring Christmas lights and displays at a park in Langley. (TBC)
• Christmas at Britannia Mine – winter holiday decorations and Santa photo opportunities at the national historic site. (TBC)
• Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens. (TBC)
• Light Up Bowen Lantern Festival – a community event featuring a small parade, caroling, a nativity play and Santa Claus on Bowen Island. (December 5, 2026)
• Steveston Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas parade in Richmond. (TBC)
• Santa Shuffle – a 5K Fun Run and 1K Elf Walk at Stanley Park benefiting the Salvation Army. (December 5, 2026)
• CPKC Holiday Train – a train with Christmas lights and musicians is travelling across the country and making stops in Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to entertain folk and support local food banks. (TBC)
• Squamish at Dusk – a winter holiday lights attraction in the evening in Squamish. (Not likely happening in 2026.)

 

Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets

• Chanukah Market – a market celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights happens at the Jewish Community Centre. (TBC)
• Christmas in the Village – an indoor artisan market with a Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol theme at the Community Hall at 9167 Glover Road in Fort Langley. (December 18 to 20, 2026)
• Make It Vancouver Craft Show – a holiday craft event with over 250 vendors at the PNE at 2901 East Hastings Street. (December 10 to 13, 2026)
• Toque Craft Fair – a small artisan market with around 20 vendors at 303 East 8th Avenue in Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (December 4 to 6, 2026)
• Weirdos Holiday Market – a Christmas artisan market featuring alternative vendors selling unique and alternative kinds of things. (TBC)
• Tsleil-Waututh Nation Christmas Craft Fair – 80+ Indigenous vendors are at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Community Centre in North Vancouver. Admission is by donation. (TBC)
• Project EveryBODY – a free holiday market supporting persons with disabilities at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall in Vancouver. (TBC)
• Burnaby Holiday Market – the Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market hosts a Christmas-themed artisan market outside Burnaby City Hall. Admission is free. (TBC)
• Hycroft for the Holidays – Hycroft House has its annual Family Brunch at the heritage building in Vancouver. (November 26 to 29, 2026)
• Made in the 604 Market – artisan vendors set up at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver and at Heritage Hall in Vancouver on various dates. Admission is free. (TBC)

 

Christmas Concerts and Shows

• A Traditional Christmas Concert with the VSO – the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs at the South Delta Baptist Church, Centennial Theatre, Bell Performing Arts Centre and Orpheum Theatre on various dates. (December 9 to 13, 2026)
• Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir – Good Tidings! Christmas concert at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral. (TBC)
• Songs in the Snow – live music at Steveston Museum’s Town Square Park. By donation. (TBC)
• Sweet Soul Gospel Celebration – a Christmas concert with the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir in North Vancouver. (TBC)
• Vancouver Chamber Choir – holiday carols and more at Pacific Spirit United Church. (December 18, 2026)
• An EnChor Christmas Concert – the EnChor Choir performs at Pacific Spirit United Church. (December 12, 2026)
• Winter Harp Concerts – at various venues in the Lower Mainland. (December 4 to 22, 2026)
• Music for the Winter Solstice – a candlelight concert hosted by Music on Main at Heritage Hall in Vancouver. (December 9 to 11, 2026)
• A Christmas Carol at Kilby – the historic site in Harrison Mills hosts performances by Readers Theatre. (TBC)

 

Other Shows & Entertainment

• Family Favorites Movies – a family-friendly film shows for just $3.99 on Saturday mornings at select Cineplex theatres across the Lower Mainland. (TBC)
• Jazz Evenings in the Parlor – at the Roedde House Museum in Vancouver’s West End (not far from Robson Street). (TBC)
• Jazz Vespers – on Sundays at about 4 pm at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver. (TBC)
• Deep Cove Stage Theatre – the theatre company presents A Christmas Story in North Vancouver. (December 16 to 31, 2026)
• A Wonderheads Christmas Carol – the Arts Club production happens at the Lindsay Family Stage on Granville Island. (December 2 to 27, 2026)
• The Gingerbread Men: And Yet Another Holiday Cabaret – the Arts Club production takes place at the Lindsay Family Stage on Granville Island. (December 7 to 21, 2026)
• Silent Movie Monday with Vancouver Civic Theatres – three Charlie Chaplin Shorts show at the Orpheum Theatre. (December 7, 2026)
• Vancouver Int’l Black Film Festival – the series of events showcasing Black films includes screenings, workshops and other events. (TBC)
• The Queer Beaver – a night of drinking and inclusive socializing hosted by What the Frock Productions at the Howe Sound Taphouse in Vancouver. (December 11, 2026)

 

Other Events and Activities

• Music at Robson Square – in addition to the free ice skating at Robson Square, there’s live music on specific dates in December. (TBC)
• Vancouver Giants Hockey – against various teams at the Langley Events Centre.
• Vancouver Canucks Hockey – professional ice hockey against various teams at Rogers Arena.
• Contact Winter Music Festival – a music festival featuring electronic dance music (EDM) by various artists at the Pacific Coliseum. (TBC)
• Winter Discovery Days at FRDC – family-friendly fun at the Fraser River Discovery Center in New Westminster. (TBC)
• Winter Day Camps For Kids – the BC Sports Hall of Fame has a day camp program for children at the museum. (TBC)

 

Other Information

For more, check out Vancouver’s Best Places for Winter Activities or Vancouver’s Things to do at Christmas Time.

To return to the top of the page, click December Calendar.

To see what’s happening next month, click January Calendar of Events.

Another website you might also like is VancouverChristmasEvents.ca.