December is here and that means it’s time to bust out the mulled wine, the twinkly lights, and the seemingly endless list of holiday events
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December is here and that means it’s time to bust out the mulled wine, the twinkly lights, and the seemingly endless list of holiday events.
No matter how you like to spend the winter break, there’s a festive event for you.
Scroll on for our list of Christmas events all season. Be sure to bookmark this page as we’ll update the list as more events are announced.
Vancouver
PNE Winter Fair
“Join us at Discover Santa where you can embark on the ultimate journey to meet Santa Claus or ride the PNE Holiday Express Train presented by Translink through the dazzling Winter Lights presented by BC Hydro. Go skating or try the Ice Bumper Cars at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, and then warm up with some festive holiday eats and treats. When you’re ready for a break, you can enjoy live programming like Nutcracker on Ice and the Magic of Santa. We also have two rides that are new for this year! Have a fun on the Ferris Wheel or the Berry Go Round.”
Christmas at Canada Place
“Visitors can stroll the Canadian Trail past 20 beautifully adorned holiday trees, taking in the historic Woodward’s Windows and their nostalgic animatronic Christmas displays. The site will be decorated with light sculptures including a new display at the North Point, and the iconic Sails of Light will be lit in holiday colours.”
Soar with Santa
“Be whisked away on a sensational journey across Canada towards the Arctic Ocean, where the North Pole welcomes travellers into an epic winter wonderland. Discover the striking Northern scenery and soak in the sights, sounds and scents of the season on an enchanting sleigh ride. With plenty of fun offerings and delicious treats at the Flying Whale Cafe, before and after your flight journey, Soar with Santa is a family-friendly, holiday experience not to be missed.”
The Elf Bar: Christmas Pop-Up Experience
“This December, step into The Elf Bar, a whimsical, elf-themed pop-up Christmas bar designed to spread holiday cheer! With festive décor, playful vibes, and enchanting surprises, it’s a holiday experience that’s sure to delight guests.” Surround yourself with hundreds of elves and themed cocktails and games.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Sip a cup of mulled wine, take a ride on a carousel, and explore Vancouver’s version of a European Christmas market right in downtown.
Burnaby
Heritage Christmas
“Celebrate the holiday season at Heritage Christmas with presenting partner Concord Pacific. Experience the special atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations to get you into the holiday spirit. … Wander through the museum’s 10-acre open air site, beautifully illuminated with holiday lights and adorned with classic decorations.”
Events will be added as they are submitted.
Richmond
Winter in the Village
“Explore Richmond’s charming waterfront village, the perfect winter wonderland destination for locals and visitors. From decorated historic sites to special events – there’s a full menu of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.”
Surrey
Noël Holiday Light Festival & Market
Live music, light displays, the Winter Spice Kitchen, Kidsville, ferris wheel (until Dec. 19), a merry-go-round and bumper cars (Dec. 20 to 23) and a licensed bar for festive drinks in the Noël Village, along with fire pits, food trucks and dining huts outside. Group bookings for a private, heated, decorated tent also available.
Cloverdale Christmas Tree Fest
“Where else can you find a free, local, indoor Christmas event? Museum of Surrey is uniting local businesses and organizations for some friendly competition… to decorate the best tree! Trees are displayed in the large museum foyer throughout December. Visitors can cast their votes for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card. Drop-in any time during museum hours for your holiday fix and to cast your vote.”
White Rock
Bright Walk in White Rock
“The City of White Rock is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Bright Walk in White Rock, a festive community light-up event, set for Saturday Dec. 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Memorial Park. This free, family-friendly event will kick off a month-long winter light display with over 50,000 twinkling lights.” Following the light-up event, you can enjoy the light display until Jan. 12.
New Westminster
Shine Bright New West
“Add holiday lights at home to Shine Bright all season long. Discover illuminated displays, create neighbourhood connections, and try sustainable activities.” Check out the schedule for a variety of different holiday-themed activities, events, workshops, and crafts in New Westminster this December. Many are free with some requiring advance registration.
Delta
Holiday Movie Nights
Delta will be hosting three holiday movie nights for the community this December at the North Delta Centre for the Arts. Catch How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Dec. 19, the classic Christmas Vacation on Dec. 21, and the Polar Express on Dec. 23.
Tri-Cities: Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam
Christmas in the Square and Winter Market
“Kick off the holiday fun in Port Coquitlam with Christmas in the Square and Winter Market!” Check out locally made crafts and gifts, food vendors and a beverage garden, as well as a tree lighting ceremony and photos with Santa.
Lights at Lafarge
“Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display. Coquitlam’s Lights at Lafarge will run until the end of February 2025. This season’s outdoor exhibit features a 1.2-km pathway that includes more lights and reimagined elements.”
North and West Vancouver
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
“Acclaimed theatrical imagineers the WONDERHEADS will light up B.C. stages with A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol, an extraordinary reimagining of the Charles Dickens’ classic, with giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention.” The production also plays in New Westminster on Dec. 13 and 14.
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade and Christmas in the Park
“Decorations, trees, food trucks, Christmas market and special light displays that are sparkling for you to see.”
Langley
Christmas in the Country
“Dazzling light displays, delicious food trucks, a beer garden and a variety of vendors will bring Thunderbird Show Park to sparkling holiday life in December, providing unique backdrops and photo opportunities to create holiday memories.” Enjoy free pony and tractor rides, along with a visit from Santa.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
“Visitors to Merry & Bright get privileged access to see a Hollywood-style backlot, with its quaint facades and authentic sets transformed into a once-a-year, must-see holiday wonderland. Fresh decorations, expanded sets and new seasonal attractions make this a must-see destination every year for family and friends outings.”
Abbotsford and Fraser Valley
A Celtic Christmas
“Magical arrangements, beautifully evocative songs, dazzling orchestral fiddle music and breathtaking exuberance take you on an exhilarating ride through a colourful and eclectic repertoire, whisking you into a winter wonderland. On Dec. 14, The North Shore Celtic Ensemble invites you to join them for a spirited and heartwarming Celtic Christmas in their very own West Coast Celtic style!”