Vancouver & Other Lower Mainland Christmas Attractions & Events
In this article you’ll find a list of some of the best Christmas events, attractions, markets and other holiday activities in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Celebrate the holiday season across the greater Vancouver region with dazzling light displays, festive markets, cheerful performances, and family-friendly winter fun. Below is a guide to some of the top Christmas events and attractions in the Lower Mainland.
Big Elf Run at Stanley Park
Time: December 12, 2026
Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver
This fun, festive run invites participants to dress as elves and jog or walk scenic routes around Stanley Park. With distances from 1 km to 15 km, it’s a lighthearted, social way to celebrate the holidays while staying active.
For details about the event, see the bigfunrunseries.com website.
Bright Nights (formerly at Stanley Park)
Time: November 27 – December 29, 2026
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607 62 Avenue, Surrey
Once a beloved Stanley Park tradition, Bright Nights continues in Surrey for the second consecutive year as part of the Noel Holiday Light Festival . The event features millions of sparkling lights, family activities, and festive displays supporting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
To learn more about the event this year, see our article about the Noel Holiday Light Festival. To learn about the attraction in the past, click Bright Nights in Stanley Park.
Vancouver Boat Parties
Time: December 19 & 31, 2026
Location: Departing from the docks in False Creek
Celebrate the holidays on the water with festive boat cruises featuring DJs, dancing, and breathtaking city views. The Christmas on the Waves and New Year’s Eve cruises offer a nightclub atmosphere aboard the Burrard Queen.
For details, see the vancouverboatparties.com website.
Christmas at Britannia Mine
Time: 2026 details TBC
Location: Britannia Mine Museum, 1 Br-Base Rd, Britannia Beach, BC
Christmas at Britannia Mine includes festive decorations, a museum tour, and photo opportunities with Santa. Guests can take family pictures and enjoy holiday-themed treats while exploring the historic site.
To learn more, see the Britannia Mine Museum‘s website.
Christmas at Flyover
Time: November 19, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Location: Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Soar with Santa at Flyover Canada is a thrilling multi-sensory ride that takes you across the country alongside jolly elves. This immersive indoor attraction offers a fun, weatherproof adventure that’s perfect for families and visitors of all ages (so long as you are at least 40 inches or 102 cm in height).
For details about the theatre and its winter film, see our Soar with Santa article.
Christmas Craft Fairs & Holiday Markets
Time: November – December 2026
Location: Various locations across Metro Vancouver
From artisan gifts to handmade decorations and seasonal treats, local craft fairs fill the region throughout November and December. These markets are great places to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while supporting small businesses.
Some of the biggest and best include the Vancouver Christmas Market, Circle Craft Market, Shipyards Christmas Market and Wesbrook Village Holiday Market.
For a comprehensive list of holiday markets, click Christmas Craft Fairs.
Christmas Lights at Williams Park
Time: 2026 dates TBC
Location: 6595 238 Street, Langley
Drive through a forest filled with dazzling light displays at this beloved community event. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting local charities and food banks.
Click Holiday Lights in Williams Park for more information.
Christmas Music & Concerts
Time: Throughout December 2026
Location: Various venues across Metro Vancouver
Enjoy a wide range of holiday concerts performed by local choirs and orchestras, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Chor Leoni Choir, and the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir. There are also seasonal performances like The Singing Christmas Tree.
For a list of concerts to see, click Lower Mainland Christmas Concerts.
Christmas Glow
Time: November 19, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216 Street, Langley, BC
Christmas Glow is a vibrant display of lights and interactive exhibits at Milner Gardens. It’s perfect for families and holiday photographers. Step inside a magical indoor wonderland featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, family activities, and live entertainment. The 2026 edition has a “Christmas Treasures” theme.
For more information about this attraction, click Christmas Glow or visit www.langley.glowgardens.com.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Time: November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
A breathtaking display of lights transforms world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and the surrounding rainforest into a winter wonderland. Walk among illuminated treetops and bridges for one of Vancouver’s most iconic Christmas experiences.
To learn more about this attraction, see our Canyon Lights page or click capbridge.com.
Dundarave Festival of Lights & Forest of Miracles
Time: 2026 details TBC
Location: Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
This waterfront festival features a forest of decorated Christmas trees throughout the season, plus live music and family fun on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas. The scenic seawall and festive lights make it one of the North Shore’s most picturesque holiday events.
For more information, check out our article about the Dundarave Festival of Lights or visit dundaravefestival.com.
Forbidden Vancouver Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour
Time: From November 15, 2026, onwards
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Explore Vancouver’s history and festive past on a guided walking tour filled with historical tales, hidden landmarks, and a cup of rich hot chocolate. This cozy winter experience combines storytelling with seasonal charm in the heart of downtown.
For full details and to book your tour now, click forbiddenvancouver.ca.
Goh Ballet Nutcracker
Time: December 17 – 20, 2026
Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
A cherished Vancouver holiday tradition, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker features over 200 performers and live orchestral music. It’s a world-class production that captures the timeless magic of Clara’s journey through the Kingdom of Sweets.
For tickets and more information about the show, click gohballet.com.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Time: November 25, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Step back in time at Burnaby Village Museum, where vintage buildings and streets are decorated with lights and festive displays. Admission is free, making this one of the best-value Christmas attractions in Metro Vancouver.
To learn more about this attraction, click Heritage Christmas.
Holiday Hi-Light Festival
Time: 2026 dates TBC
Location: Park & Tilford Gardens, 333 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver
Admire sparkling light displays throughout the gardens and enjoy family nights filled with community spirit and fun. Admission is by donation, supporting local firefighter charities.
Click Holiday Hi-Light Festival for more details about this event.
Hyatt Gingerbread Lane
Time: December 3 – 28, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Marvel at dozens of creative gingerbread houses displayed in the hotel’s lobby. It’s a sweet and charming stop while exploring downtown’s festive attractions. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged.
To learn more about this event, click Gingerbread Lane.
Ice Skating at Robson Square
Time: 2026 dates TBC
Location: Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
Robson Square hosts a free outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Skaters can bring their own equipment or rent skates on-site for a fee. The rink is open daily, temperatures permitting, and often features themed music or small holiday events on weekends and in the week leading up to Christmas. It’s a great activity for families, friends, or solo visitors looking to enjoy winter fun in a central location.
Check out Robson Square Skating for additional information.
Lights at Lafarge
Time: November 27, 2026 – February 2027
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
A favourite local tradition, this free outdoor light display circles Lafarge Lake with colourful illuminations. Easily accessible by SkyTrain, it’s a scenic and family-friendly walk through one of Metro Vancouver’s largest holiday displays. Admission is free.
For more details about the light displays, click Lights at Lafarge.
Lights by the Lake
Time: November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Location: Harrison Hot Springs Waterfront, Harrison Hot Springs
Enjoy festive light displays along the lakeshore, themed around local wildlife and holiday scenes. The event also includes an outdoor skating rink and small-town charm in the heart of the Fraser Valley.
For details, see the article about Lights by the Lake or visit tourismharrison.com.
Lower Mainland Christmas Parades
Time: On select dates throughout the season
Location: Various cities across the Lower Mainland, BC
Lower Mainland Christmas Parades take place in multiple communities including Aldergrove, Maple Ridge, Mission, Surrey, Chilliwack, Port Coquitlam and Squamish. Most of the parades feature decorated trucks and Santa Claus and take place at night. Some also have floats and marching bands. Many communities also include festive entertainment and small markets either before or after the parade.
Christmas parades are great for families with young children and are a perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit locally.
To learn more, click Lower Mainland Christmas Parades.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Time: November 20 – December 31, 2026
Location: Martini Town, 1123 272nd Street, Langley (near Aldergrove)
Celebrate the holidays at a movie set transformed into a Christmas village, complete with lights, food trucks, market stalls, and live entertainment. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience offering film-set magic with holiday warmth.
For details, click Merry & Bright for our article or visit merrybright.ca.
Noel Holiday Light Festival
Time: November 27 – December 29, 2026
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607 62 Avenue, Surrey
This massive holiday celebration features dazzling light tunnels, food trucks, live music, and so much more, both indoors and outdoors. Bright Nights joins the event again this year, making it one of Metro Vancouver’s biggest new Christmas festivals.
To learn about this attraction, click Noel Holiday Light Festival or visit noelfestival.com.
North Pole Express at Railway Museum of BC
Time: Select dates from November 28 to December 21, 2026
Location: Railway Museum of BC, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Climb aboard a magical train ride inspired by The Polar Express movie, complete with cocoa, cookies, and singing chefs. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas for this classic family adventure.
For information about this attraction, see our article about the North Pole Express or visit the Railway Museum of BC‘s website.
Deep Cove Bonfire and Santa Christmas Ships Celebration
Time: 2026 details TBC
Location: Panorama Park, Deep Cove, North Vancouver
Santa’s Christmas Ships brings a festive bonfire and Christmas-lit boats to Deep Cove on the North Shore. This free, family-friendly community event features live music and craft activities. It takes place at night and admission is free.
For additional details about this one-day, evening event, click Deep Cove Bonfire.
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Time: November 20 – December 24, 2026
Location: Grouse Mountain Ski Resort, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Grouse Mountain transforms into the North Pole with a light walk, ice skating, visits with Santa, and snowy fun. Whether skiing, snowshoeing or just enjoying the view, this mountaintop wonderland is a popular event.
To learn more, click Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain.
Shipyards Christmas Market
Time: November 27 – December 24, 2026
Location: Shipyards District, North Vancouver
This European-style market made its debut in 2024 and returns with over 100 artisan vendors, festive food, drinks, and live entertainment. With the City of North Vancouver’s main Christmas tree and waterfront views, it’s one of the North Shore’s newest holiday highlights. Admission is free.
For details about the market, click Shipyards Christmas Market or visit shipyardschristmasmarket.com.
Surrey’s Christmas Train
Time: 2026 dates TBC
Location: Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC
Surrey’s Christmas Train is a family-friendly attraction where children can ride a miniature train through festive displays. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy platform activities, and see the train lighted with holiday decorations. The Santa Express operates from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, and the Christmas Night Train runs from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on select evenings.
To learn more about this attraction, see the VancouversBestPlaces.com website.
Timberline Country Christmas
Time: 2026 details TBC
Location: 22351 144 Avenue, Maple Ridge
Celebrate Christmas with a Western twist at Timberline Ranch, featuring hayrides, music, a nativity scene, and festive decorations. It’s a wholesome, nostalgic event perfect for families.
For full details about this attraction, see our article about Timberline Country Christmas or visit timberlinechristmas.ca.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Time: November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights transform VanDusen Botanical Garden into a magical winter garden. The event often includes carousel rides, themed displays, and a warm, festive atmosphere.
For more information, see our article about the Festival of Lights or visit the City of Vancouver‘s website.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Time: November 16 – December 24, 2026
Address: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Vancouver’s beloved German-style market offers artisan gifts, delicious food, live entertainment, and mulled wine by the waterfront. It’s one of the city’s most iconic and authentic holiday experiences.
To learn more about this attraction, see our article about the Vancouver Christmas Market or visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com.