50 Best Holiday Events, Vancouver to Whistler, 2026
The lights go up, the markets open and every weekend between mid-November and New Year’s Day fills fast. From Vancouver to Whistler there are light walks through rainforest canyons, a train to the North Pole in Squamish, two Nutcrackers, a candlelit choir, a panto that roasts the Arbutus Subway, and a skating rink in the middle of an Olympic plaza.
This is the countdown, 50 to 1. Every date here comes from the organizer’s own page, checked October 24, 2026. Where a time or price isn’t posted yet, we say so. Book the timed-entry ones early.
Want it as a magazine? The same countdown is a free 35-page PDF. Download the PDF guide.
50. New West Holiday Market
Dec 12 and 13 · 10am to 4pm · In front of New Westminster City Hall, 6th St and Royal Ave · By donation, $5 suggested
The New West Farmers Market’s seventh holiday market: more than 90 artisan and food vendors outdoors, food trucks, live music and free kids’ crafts. Good for last-minute gifts and holiday dinner.
Know before you go: It runs rain or shine, so dress for it.
Tickets & full details at newwestfarmers.ca →
49. Holiday Singapalooza
Wed Dec 9 · 7pm to 9pm · Maury Young Arts Centre, 4335 Blackcomb Way · By donation, $5 suggested
Barbed Choir teaches the room the harmonies, and everyone sings. This year’s song is Stevie Wonder’s What Christmas Means to Me. Proceeds go to WCSS’s Holiday Helper program.
Know before you go: All ages. Donations are taken at the door.
Tickets & full details at artswhistler.com →
48. Downtown Squamish Holiday Parade
Sat Dec 5 · 5pm to 6:30pm · Downtown Squamish, from the Log Sort (39540 Galbraith Ave) to Cleveland and Pemberton · Free
A dusk parade of floats, community groups and local businesses, open to every winter tradition: Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, Yule and Kwanzaa.
Know before you go: Under updated parade safety rules, no candy is thrown or handed out along the route. Downtown shops are asked to stay open until 7pm.
Tickets & full details at downtownsquamish.com →
47. Port Coquitlam Parade of Lights
Sat Dec 5 · 5pm · Downtown Port Coquitlam (route not posted yet) · Free
City vehicles, businesses and community groups, all lit up, rolling through downtown. The City says it was the first event of its kind in the Tri-Cities.
Know before you go: It’s an evening parade, so dress for the cold.
Tickets & full details at portcoquitlam.ca →
46. Swedish Julmarknad
Nov 21 and 22 · 11am to 4pm · Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St, Burnaby · Admission not posted yet
A traditional Swedish Christmas market from the Swedish Cultural Society, with glögg and hot dogs in the café. A week later, on Sunday, November 29, the same hall has a Scandinavian Craft Fair from the Vancouver Finlandia Club, also 11am to 4pm.
Know before you go: It is run by the Swedish Cultural Society, so send questions to the society, not the Scandinavian Centre.
Tickets & full details at scancentre.org →
45. Holiday Sailings with Harbour Cruises
Dec 13, 19, 20 and 31 · Santa cruise 10am; New Year’s Eve times not posted yet · Harbour Cruises, Coal Harbour, 501 Denman St · Santa cruise adults $99.99, kids $69.99, plus extras
Breakfast with Santa sails at 10am on Dec 13, 19 and 20: a two-hour buffet cruise with a Santa photo. On New Year’s Eve, choose a four-hour family dinner cruise or an adults-only party cruise past the Lions Gate and Canada Place.
Know before you go: Santa cruise prices add taxes, fees and an 18% gratuity. New Year’s Eve prices aren’t posted yet.
Tickets & full details at harbourcruises.com →
44. Santa at the Cannery
Sun Nov 29 · photos 2pm to 4pm · Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave, Steveston · Free that day
Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for family photos in the 132-year-old cannery’s Boiler House Theatre, with live holiday music and free admission. Festive photo sets stay up until December 31.
Know before you go: Free Santa tickets are handed out at the front doors from 10:30am on a pickup date still to be confirmed, two per person. Bring your own camera, and dress warm: it’s colder inside.
Tickets & full details at gulfofgeorgiacannery.org →
43. Steven Page Trio: Steven’s Greetings
Thu Dec 3 · 7:30pm · Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver · $29 (under 35) to $75
The former Barenaked Ladies frontman brings his holiday show, with Kevin Fox on cello and Craig Northey of Odds on guitar. Expect songs from his upcoming holiday album alongside the hits.
Know before you go: One night only in an intimate theatre.
Tickets & full details at kaymeek.com →
42. Hycroft for the Holidays
Nov 26 to 29 · Thu 6pm to 9pm; Fri and Sat 11am to 7pm; Sun 11am to 6pm · Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave · Tickets online
A decorated Edwardian mansion in Shaughnessy, with more than 40 local artisans and holiday decor made from the Hycroft garden. Treats from the Hycroft Kitchen are in the Coach House Shop.
Know before you go: Early-bird tickets end October 31. Thursday is the only evening session.
Tickets & full details at uwcvancouver.ca →
41. Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
Fri Jan 1 · 2:30pm · Orpheum, 601 Smithe St · Prices on the VSO ticket page
Start 2027 the Viennese way: Strauss waltzes, the Blue Danube, singers from Vienna and New York, and champion ballroom dancers, with the VSO under Nir Kabaretti.
Know before you go: One afternoon show only, on New Year’s Day.
Tickets & full details at vancouversymphony.ca →
40. Christmas on the Peninsula
Sat Nov 21 · 10am to 5pm · Uptown White Rock, White Rock Community Centre and Miramar Village · Free
A one-day village Christmas: a parade at 4pm, a tree lighting at 4:30pm, carollers, roasted chestnuts and hot cider at Miramar Village Plaza, a nativity at Holy Trinity, a market, gingerbread decorating, and a 3pm visit from two donkeys.
Know before you go: The organizers say the schedule may change a week out, so recheck it.
Tickets & full details at christmasonthepeninsula.com →
39. Make It Vancouver
Dec 10 to 13 · Thu 5pm to 9pm, Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 11am to 5pm · PNE Forum, 2901 E Hastings St · Early-bird tickets online; 2026 prices not posted
More than 250 makers selling knits, ceramics, art, jewellery and treats, with food trucks, a licensed area, Santa photos and a kids’ zone. It’s late enough in December for real last-minute shopping.
Know before you go: Thursday night is the shortest session. Early-bird tickets are on sale now.
Tickets & full details at makeitshow.ca →
38. A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
Dec 2 to 27 · closed Mondays · Arts Club, Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island, 1585 Johnston St · From $29
Dickens without a word of dialogue, told with masks, 10-foot puppets and an original score. The Globe and Mail called it powerful, surprising and moving.
Know before you go: Recommended for ages 7 and up (some spooky moments). Christmas Eve is a 1pm show. Granville Island parking fills on December weekends.
Tickets & full details at artsclub.com →
37. Gingerbread Lane
Dec 3 to 28 · hours not posted yet · Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard St · Admission not posted yet
Vancouver’s long-running gingerbread village fills the Hyatt lobby, with entries from professionals, amateurs and local high schools. Visitors vote for their favourites, and every visit and donation supports Make-A-Wish Canada.
Know before you go: It’s a short walk from the Christmas Market, so do both.
Tickets & full details at gingerbreadlane.ca →
36. Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Nov 21 and 22 · noon to 8pm · Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave · Free, including skating and rentals
Mayor and Council flip the switch on Surrey’s 60-foot tree on Saturday at 6:30pm. All weekend there’s free skating (with free skates and helmets), a holiday market, Santa photos, food trucks, and gospel and brass bands.
Know before you go: Surrey Central SkyTrain is next door. Skating wristbands are first come, first served.
Tickets & full details at surreytreelighting.ca →
35. The Big Elf Run
Sat Dec 12 · 1pm and 2pm starts · Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park · 1km $28.44, 5km $54.68, 10km $60.16 (current tier)
A 1km Wee Elf run, plus 5km and 10km routes along the seawall. Everyone gets an elf-name bib, an elf toque and a wooden medal that doubles as a tree ornament. It supports the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. Dogs and strollers are welcome in the last wave.
Know before you go: Current prices end Nov 11, then rise in steps. Pick up your bib Dec 9 to 11 at Kintec to skip the race-day fee.
Tickets & full details at raceroster.com →
34. Breakfast with Santa at the Vancouver Aquarium
Select dates Nov 29 to Dec 23 · 10am or 12:30pm · Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park, 845 Avison Way · Price shown at booking; under 3 free
Belgian waffles, turkey and roast beef carving stations and a hot chocolate bar at your own family table. Then meet Santa for a photo and watch him suit up for the Scuba Claus dive show. Admission to the aquarium is included.
Know before you go: The aquarium says tables sell out every year. Dates: Nov 29; Dec 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 23.
Tickets & full details at vanaqua.org →
33. Got Craft Holiday Market
Nov 21 to 22 and Nov 28 to 29 · 10am to 5pm · Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr · About $6 to $10; kids 12 and under free
About 100 curated makers each weekend, and half the vendors change for the second weekend, so it’s worth going twice. Kid entrepreneurs have their own Mini Makers area, and the food trucks are outside.
Know before you go: Come before 10am: the first 50 paid shoppers each day get a hand-printed swag bag.
Tickets & full details at gotcraft.com →
32. The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
Dec 19 and 20 · Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm · Orpheum, 601 Smithe St · Prices on the VSO ticket page
Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Gonzo as Dickens, on the big screen with the VSO playing the score live. Scott Terrell conducts. About 110 minutes with an intermission.
Know before you go: The Sunday matinee is the family pick.
Tickets & full details at vancouversymphony.ca →
31. Christmas with the Bach Choir
Sun Dec 6 · 2pm · Orpheum, 601 Smithe St · Up to $65
All nine choirs of the Vancouver Bach family, nearly 500 singers, on one stage, with a brass quintet, organ and an audience carol singalong. It’s the family-friendly sibling of the Messiah.
Know before you go: Get there by 1:20pm: the youngest singers, the Piccolini, perform free in the lobby first.
Tickets & full details at vancouverbachchoir.com →
30. Lights of Hollyburn at Cypress
Winter evenings; 2026 dates not posted yet · timed slots · Cypress Mountain Nordic Area, West Vancouver · Ticketed; price not posted yet
Strap on snowshoes and follow a one-kilometre trail lit with LEDs through old-growth cedar, fir and hemlock to historic Hollyburn Lodge, where there’s food and drinks, then take the lit trail back. It depends on snow, and Cypress hasn’t posted 2026 dates yet.
Know before you go: Arrive 15 minutes before your slot. Snowshoes are required (rentals in all sizes), and tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets & full details at cypressmountain.com →
29. Arts Whistler Holiday Market
Nov 28 and 29 · Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 6pm · Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Whistler Way · $5; under 16 free
Celebrating 35 years, the market returns to Whistler’s largest indoor venue. More than 100 stalls, from local and independent makers: ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, fine art and artisanal food and drink, plus the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz.
Know before you go: The $5 entry is per person; kids under 16 get in free.
Tickets & full details at artswhistler.com →
28. Santa at Seymour
From Nov 28 · timed visits · Mt Seymour, 1700 Mount Seymour Rd · Ticketed; price shown at booking
Santa receives visitors in a decorated yurt on the mountain. Each ticket includes five minutes with Santa for up to four people, a digital photo, two tobogganing tickets and free parking. Kids decorate a giant bauble to take home, and pets are welcome.
Know before you go: Cell signal is patchy on Mount Seymour Road, so have tickets ready before you leave. Everyone in the yurt needs one.
Tickets & full details at mtseymour.ca/santa →
27. Traditional Christmas with the VSO
Dec 9 to 13 · 7:30pm; also 4pm Dec 11 to 13 · Orpheum and three other venues, Delta, North Vancouver, Surrey · Prices on the VSO ticket page
Carols and Christmas favourites with guest soloists and Christopher Gaze telling the stories, with Trevor Wilson conducting. It tours this year: South Delta Baptist Church Dec 9 (7:30pm only), Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver Dec 11, the Bell in Surrey Dec 12 and the Orpheum Dec 13. About 90 minutes.
Know before you go: The 4pm shows suit families. Subscribers get early access, so book soon.
Tickets & full details at vancouversymphony.ca →
26. Vallea Lumina
Nightly through the winter · after sunset · Cougar Mountain, 15 minutes north of Whistler Village · Tickets online (from $39.99 on whistler.com); shuttle $10 return
Whistler’s night walk: a one-kilometre winter trail through old-growth forest on Cougar Mountain, with light, sound and storytelling. It isn’t a Christmas show, but on a snowy December night it’s the most magical hour in Whistler. Tours leave every 15 minutes and take 30 to 40 minutes.
Know before you go: Shuttle seats from the Village sell out. The code WINTER27 takes 20% off if you book by Nov 30 (not valid Dec 22 to Jan 2). No strollers.
Tickets & full details at vallealumina.com →
25. CPKC Holiday Train
Dec 19 and 20 · evening stops · Trackside stops, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam · Free; food bank donations welcome
The lit-up train rolls in, a stage car opens, and Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling play a free set by the tracks. Saturday: Maple Ridge at 8pm and Pitt Meadows at 9:05pm. Sunday: Port Moody (300 Ioco Rd) at 5:15pm and Port Coquitlam at 6:45pm, the last stop of the Canadian tour.
Know before you go: Every donation stays with the local food bank, so bring cash or non-perishable food.
Tickets & full details at cpkcr.com/holidaytrain →
24. Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
Dec 9 to 13 · 6:30pm; 1:30pm weekend matinees · Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St · Prices on Ballet BC’s ticket page
Ballet BC brings in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, founded in 1939 and one of North America’s most storied companies, with its own production. That gives Vancouver two Nutcrackers at the QET this December, a week apart. Seven performances, for all ages.
Know before you go: Ballet BC says balletbc.com is the only authorized seller, so check the URL before you buy.
Tickets & full details at balletbc.com →
23. Circle Craft Holiday Market
Nov 11 to 15 · from 10am · Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place · $16, $8 after 5pm Wed to Fri; kids 12 and under free
Billed as Western Canada’s largest craft sale, with more than 315 Canadian artisans, everything made in Canada. It has run for more than five decades, and some makers travel from as far as Halifax. There’s live music, daily demos and a kids’ craft corner.
Know before you go: Early-bird tickets are 25% off online, and Senior Thursday (Nov 12) is half price for 65+. One ticket covers all five days with a free readmission pass from the Information Desk.
Tickets & full details at circlecraft.com →
22. Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Opens Nov 26 · three sessions daily · Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Village · Adults $6.25, kids 4 to 12 $3.75; rentals $7.25
An outdoor rink on the 2010 Olympic medals plaza, in the middle of the Village. Sessions run 11am to 1:30pm, 2:30pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8:30pm. There’s a Snow Zone next door for snow play when there’s snow, and the rink stays open on Christmas Day with shorter sessions.
Know before you go: Bring your own skates if you can, since rental sizes are limited (helmets are free). Weather can close the ice, so call 604-935-7529 (option 3) before you go.
Tickets & full details at whistler.ca →
21. Handel’s Messiah with the Vancouver Bach Choir
Sat Dec 12 · 7:30pm · Orpheum, 601 Smithe St · $20 to $65
One night only. Leslie Dala conducts the Vancouver Bach Choir and the VBFC Chamber Ensemble, with soprano Sara Schabas, mezzo Hillary Tufford, tenor Scott Rumble and baritone Justin Welsh. If the Hallelujah chorus is how you know it’s Christmas, this is the one to book. It runs about two hours.
Know before you go: Buy through the choir’s site to avoid resale markups.
Tickets & full details at vancouverbachchoir.com →
20. Home Alone in Concert with the VSO
Dec 17 and 18 · 7pm · Orpheum, 601 Smithe St · Prices on the VSO ticket page
The whole film on the big screen, with the Vancouver Symphony playing John Williams’ score live to picture. The VSO calls it a seasonal favourite that sells out every year. About 130 minutes with an intermission.
Know before you go: Book early; the VSO says this one sells out every season.
Tickets & full details at vancouversymphony.ca →
19. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Mon Dec 21 · from 5pm · Granville Island and the Roundhouse, Yaletown · Labyrinth of Light: adults $20, kids 6 to 13 $5, under 5 free
The Secret Lantern Society’s 33rd festival marks the longest night of the year. At its heart is the Labyrinth of Light: a quiet, candlelit walking meditation of more than 500 beeswax candles, set up at Performance Works on Granville Island (5pm to 10pm) and at the Roundhouse (5pm to 9pm).
Know before you go: Timed labyrinth tickets go on sale online November 15; a few door tickets are sold from 4:30pm on the night. The rest of the festival schedule hasn’t been posted yet.
Tickets & full details at secretlantern.org →
18. Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Nov 20 to Dec 31 · 3pm to 10pm · Martini Film Studios backlot, 1123 272 St, Langley · Adults $24, kids 6 to 12 $12, plus GST
A working film backlot dressed for Christmas. The New York street, courthouse, retro diner and small town have appeared in dozens of productions, holiday movies among them, and it opens to the public once a year. Santa is in the gazebo, there’s live music and a heated vendor tent, and new this year there’s mulled wine and local beer.
Know before you go: There are no gate sales, so book online. It’s weekends only to Nov 29, then Wednesday to Sunday, then daily Dec 21 to 31 (closed Christmas Day). Drive or carpool.
Tickets & full details at merrybright.ca →
17. Christmas with Chor Leoni
Dec 17 to 19 · 6 shows · St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1022 Nelson St · $20 to $78.75
Carols by candlelight from Vancouver’s acclaimed men’s choir, led by Erick Lichte, in a stone church downtown. Expect new arrangements and guests including the Fusion Handbell Choir and harpist Vivian Chen. Thursday is 7:30pm, Friday is 5pm and 8pm, and Saturday is 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.
Know before you go: There’s 35-and-under pricing. The 5pm and 8pm shows pair well with dinner downtown.
Tickets & full details at chorleoni.org →
16. East Van Panto: Hercules
Nov 18 to Jan 10 · 7pm evenings, 2pm matinees · The Cultch’s York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr · Adults $35 to $64; kids $49 on eligible dates
This year Hades, God of the No-Fun-Derworld, is building the Arbutus Subway expansion to take over the city, and only Hercules can stop him. Pedro Chamale writes with Marcus Youssef, and Veda Hille does the music. It’s East Van’s loudest holiday tradition, and it runs past New Year’s.
Know before you go: Kids’ pricing and the $250 Panto Pack (2 adults, 2 kids) apply Nov 18 to Dec 10, Jan 6 to 10 and the Dec 13 matinee. Opening night is already sold out.
Tickets & full details at thecultch.com →
15. Spirit of the Season at the Sea to Sky Gondola
Nov 27 to Dec 31 · 9am to 5pm · Sea to Sky Gondola, Hwy 99, Squamish · Lift ticket required; Santa photos $30 or $40
At the summit, the Spirit Trail runs through a decorated forest, and the festive lodge has storytelling, a fire, hot chocolate and local food. The tree lighting is Saturday, November 28. On Santa photo days there’s cookie decorating and ornament crafts in Santa’s Workshop.
Know before you go: Santa photos are pre-booked (Nov 27 to 30 and Dec 4 to 7, mornings), and the ride up takes 10 to 15 minutes. Buy only on seatoskygondola.com.
Tickets & full details at seatoskygondola.com →
14. Lights at Lafarge
From Nov 27 · kick-off party 5pm to 8pm; nightly hours not posted yet · Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way · Free
Coquitlam says this is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor lights display. The lights follow the flat, mostly paved 1.6-kilometre loop around Lafarge Lake, so it works with strollers and wheelchairs. The season kicks off Friday, November 27 with food trucks and live music.
Know before you go: SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas station is right beside the park. The City hasn’t posted nightly hours or the closing date yet.
Tickets & full details at coquitlam.ca →
13. Langley Christmas Village
Nov 26 to Dec 24 · from 11am daily · Downtown Langley City, 20340 Fraser Hwy · Free entry; curling $90 per sheet per hour
New this year from the team behind the Shipyards market: a European-style village of timber chalets with more than 70 BC vendors, free every day. There’s a pop-up curling rink in the middle, a 36-foot tree, free Santa photos, carol-oke, and Glühwein brewed in cauldrons. The tree lighting is Friday, November 27.
Know before you go: Street parking on Douglas Crescent and Fraser Hwy is free after 5pm but fills by about 6pm on weekends. Book curling ahead. Dogs are welcome.
Tickets & full details at langleychristmasvillage.com →
12. Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Nov 25 to Jan 3 · 2pm to 9pm · Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave · Free; carousel rides $2.86 plus tax
The museum’s old Heritage Christmas has a new name. The 10-acre heritage village is decorated and lit, the vintage carousel is running, and there’s entertainment, demonstrations and food trucks. The Bright in Burnaby tree lighting is November 28 at 6:30pm.
Know before you go: It’s Wednesday to Sunday until December 13, then daily from December 16. Closed Dec 14, 15, 24 and 25. Entry can be limited when it’s busy.
Tickets & full details at burnaby.ca/festive-village →
11. Elf: The Musical
Nov 12 to Dec 27 · closed Mondays · Arts Club, Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, 2750 Granville St · From $39
The Arts Club’s hit returns to the Stanley. Buddy, a human raised among North Pole elves, heads to New York to win over his family with Christmas cheer, syrupy spaghetti and big songs. The six-week run opens the city’s holiday theatre season.
Know before you go: There are no Monday shows. Christmas Eve is a 1pm matinee, and the Dec 27 show is at 8pm. A same-day ticket gets 15% off food at Arts Club partner restaurants.
Tickets & full details at artsclub.com →
10. Glow Langley: Christmas Treasures
Nov 19 to Jan 2, select days · evenings · Glow Gardens, 6690 216 St, Langley · Adults $19.99, youth (4 to 15) and seniors $14.99, plus fees and tax; 3 and under free
Glow’s 10th season, with indoor and outdoor areas and more than a million lights.
This year’s theme sends families on an underwater adventure to help Santa’s crew recover five lost family heirlooms. New is the Crystal Palace, a three-storey walk-through with a bird’s-eye view and its own dancing light show. The Glow-comotive train is back, Santa visits are by donation, and there’s a market of 20-plus artisans and seven or more food trucks.
Covered, heated areas make it a good pick on a wet night. Parking and all attractions are included.
Know before you go: Closed Sundays, Christmas Day and some weekdays, so check the calendar before you go. The code TreasureMAP takes 30% off select weeknights.
Tickets & full details at langley.glowgardens.com →
9. The Shipyards Christmas Market
Nov 27 to Dec 24 · from 11am daily · The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver · Free; Santa photos free
More than 120 vendors in 90-plus wooden chalets on the North Vancouver waterfront, with skating next door.
No tickets and no time slots, which makes it the easiest of the big markets to just show up to. Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for free photos on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons and evenings. The covered Shipyards Skate Plaza, which the City calls the region’s largest outdoor rink, reopens in late November with the city skyline across the water.
It’s open until 9pm Sunday to Thursday and 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, then until 10pm daily December 18 to 23, closing at 8pm on Christmas Eve. A guided Foodie Tour ($90) runs on six dates with 12 spots each.
Know before you go: Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and walk a few minutes, since Lower Lonsdale parking is tight. Skating is free with your own skates; rentals are $8 for adults.
Tickets & full details at shipyardschristmasmarket.com →
8. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dec 17 to 20 · 5 performances · Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St · Prices on the official ticket page
More than 200 dancers, actors and gymnasts, with Tchaikovsky played live.
Goh Ballet calls it a favourite Vancouver tradition, and it’s the one many families build December around. Principal dancers from major professional companies join the cast, and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra play the score live.
Five shows over one weekend: December 17 and 18 at 7pm, December 19 at 2pm and 7pm, and December 20 at 2pm. Booster cushions are free at coat check.
Know before you go: Goh Ballet says its own site is the only official seller, and resellers may charge more in US dollars. Everyone needs a ticket, babies included. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Tickets & full details at gohnutcracker.com →
7. Lights of Hope, the Final Year on Burrard
Lights on Nov 12, then through the holidays · lighting-night times not posted yet · St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St · Free to view; donations welcome
After almost 30 years, St. Paul’s lights its Burrard Street facade one last time before the move to the new hospital.
The lights are giant donor stars, from 3-foot Bronze up to 15-foot Platinum, covering the old hospital’s face on Burrard Street. St. Paul’s moves into its new hospital in early 2027, so this is the last time the display goes up here.
The lighting night on Thursday, November 12 promises fireworks, fun and fundraising. After that the stars stay lit for the season, so any evening walk down Burrard works. Donations buy medical equipment and fund research and care across Providence Health Care.
Know before you go: The Foundation hasn’t posted the times for the November 12 lighting yet. Check the page that week. A gift of $1,000 or more puts your name on a star.
Tickets & full details at helpstpauls.com →
6. Noël Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights
Nov 27 to Dec 29 · 3pm to 9:30pm · Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, Surrey · Adults from $24, youth and seniors from $18, plus tax and fees; kids 6 and under free
Bright Nights, the Stanley Park tradition, is now in Surrey for a second year, with nearly three million lights.
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund ran Bright Nights in Stanley Park for more than 25 years. Now it’s the centrepiece of Noël Surrey: a paved, accessible light walk around the pond, with LED forests, light-up see-saws and 300 feet of light tunnels. More than 1,100 firefighters volunteer to build it.
Tickets include unlimited rides on a 50-foot Ferris wheel and the candy cane slide, photos with Santa and the indoor Noël Village. New this year is Santa’s Snow Barn, a heated hall of nearly 10,000 square feet with Santa’s Castle, a bigger Christmas market and a bar.
Know before you go: Entry is in 30-minute slots, and you may be turned away if you’re more than 20 minutes late. Parking is free. Closed Nov 30, Dec 7, 24 and 25.
Tickets & full details at noelfestival.com →
5. North Pole Express
Weekends Nov 28 to Dec 20, plus Dec 21 · 11am, 1pm, 3pm; 5pm is Platinum only · Railway Museum of British Columbia, 39645 Government Rd, Squamish · $48.76 to $75.26 per seat
A 1950s diesel pulls restored coaches through Squamish, with a stop overlooking the Chief and the estuary.
Vintage FP9A locomotives lead restored CN coaches and the historic CP Alberta business car. Santa rides in on the mini-rail at the North Pole, and every family gets a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus unlimited hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Book the 5pm Platinum departure if you can: it comes back after dark into a big outdoor light display. On site there’s also a holiday mini-rail through the Christmas Car Shop, Buddy the 1910 steam engine and model-train layouts.
Know before you go: Most departures sell out. The Railway Museum of BC is the only authorized seller. Any seats left 48 hours before departure go on sale at 35% off.
Tickets & full details at wcra.org →
4. The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Nov 20 to Dec 24 · Elf HQ 10am to 8pm (to 4pm Dec 24) · Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way · With a Mountain Admission Ticket: adults $89, kids 5 to 12 $49, family $229
Grouse calls it Vancouver’s North Pole: a light walk, a skating pond and Santa’s Workshop, above the city.
The Light Walk loops around Blue Grouse Lake through a glowing tunnel by the skating pond, on foot or on snowshoes at night. The mountaintop pond hosts figure-skating shows on select dates. Vixen the reindeer appears at Reindeer Talks at noon and 3pm, and Santa’s Workshop sits just behind the pond.
There are sleigh rides when there’s enough snow, a two-lane sliding zone, carollers in the Peak Chalet and Christmas films in the Theatre in the Sky. Santa photos are $5, and the money goes to Family Services of the North Shore.
Know before you go: Tickets are good only for the date you pick, and the prices shown are current rates. Lower Mainland residents pay less (adults $74, family $179), so check before you buy.
Tickets & full details at grousemountain.com →
3. Vancouver Christmas Market
Nov 16 to Dec 24 · hours vary by week · Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place · Single-day tickets from $7.99 pre-sale; kids 6 and under free
A German-style village of more than 90 wooden huts on the waterfront, 39 days straight.
Glühwein, pretzels, the carousel, the Pyramid, Santa’s Workshop and snow showers every 30 minutes. Live music plays on three stages, the Prost Show is at 7pm daily, and Mrs. Claus tells stories on Sundays.
New for 2026: a Wishing Forest in the village alleys, a cocktail hut that serves through a hidden window, a Fire Pit Lounge, new German Village entrances and a tree-shaped collectible mug. Weekday hours are 4pm to 9:30pm until December 4, then it opens at 11:30am daily, and at 10am from December 19. Christmas Eve is 10am to 6pm.
Know before you go: Single-day tickets come with a 30-minute arrival window, and there’s no re-entry. Season passes skip the time slot. Waterfront Station is about a 10-minute walk.
Tickets & full details at vancouverchristmasmarket.com →
2. Canyon Lights at Capilano
Nov 20 to Jan 10 · 11am to 9pm daily · Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Rd · Included with park admission (prices vary by date); kids 5 and under free
The suspension bridge and the treetops, all lit up over a rainforest canyon.
Millions of lights run across the Suspension Bridge and Treetops Adventure. New this year is WILDLIGHT, a 3D projection in the rainforest with a black bear, a coyote and a Great Horned Owl. Kids can collect character stickers on the Winter Rainforest Explorers trail and pick up an ornament at the Treehouse.
There’s a North Pole photo spot with Santa’s sleigh at The Trading Post, live entertainment, and mulled wine and a fried chocolate lava cake at The Cliff House. Part of every admission goes to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Closed Christmas Day.
Know before you go: Visits are booked in one-hour arrival windows and peak times sell out. Parking is limited, so use the free shuttle from downtown on peak nights. BC residents can get a free annual pass, but pass reservations are capped at peak times.
Tickets & full details at capbridge.com →
1. VanDusen Festival of Lights
Nov 27 to Jan 3 · 4pm to 10pm, last entry 9pm · VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St · Adults $29, youth and seniors $19, kids 5 to 12 $12, plus GST and fees
Fifteen acres of botanical garden strung with more than a million lights, and the city’s favourite December night out.
The Dancing Lights display runs three different sets, with a show every 20 minutes from the top of the hour. Between the themed light areas there are food vendors for the walk. It’s open nightly except Christmas Day, and Tuesday, December 1 is a sensory-friendly evening for neurodiverse visitors and their families.
One new wrinkle: BC is now on permanent Pacific Time, so sunset comes about an hour later than you remember. The City suggests a later entry time if you want the full effect after dark. A dollar from every ticket goes to garden and Bloedel Conservatory projects.
Know before you go: Tickets go on sale November 4, online only, for a set entry time. Kids 4 and under are free but still need a reserved ticket.
Tickets & full details at vancouver.ca/festival-of-lights →
Dates, prices and details come from each organizer’s or venue’s official page, checked October 24, 2026. Plans change, weather happens and things sell out, so check the link before you go. Photographs are illustrative.
