Christmas Holiday Events in Metro Vancouver. This post is sponsored by the vendors featured below. Main Image: Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights.
Get ready to celebrate the holidays! Vancouver is full of sparkle, music, and festive fun this season. Families can visit holiday markets, see bright light displays, and enjoy winter festivals across the city. There are so many exciting Christmas Holiday Events in Metro Vancouver to explore. From Santa visits to outdoor skating and magical shows, this guide highlights the best holiday activities around Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and nearby cities.
Don’t forget to check out our other posts including:
Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents Mixed Nuts, a modern and engaging twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Performed annually at the Vancouver Playhouse each December, Mixed Nuts brings together a flavoursome assortment of dance styles for an extra-special holiday treat.
This holiday themed run offers a 5km/10km/15km Big Elf Run/Walk as well as a 1km Wee Elf Run/Walk around scenic Stanley Park. Run with hundreds of elves, enjoy a DJ, “elfie station”, prize giveaways, vendors and more. The Big Elf Run tours picturesque Stanley Park. Starting at Lumberman’s Arch, the course winds its way along trails surrounded by old oak trees before looping onto the seawall with hallmark views of Coal Harbour and the Burrard Inlet. With few inclines and mainly paved paths, everyone is assured a beautiful and stress-free run/walk. The route is for all ages and abilities. Pet & Stroller Friendly!
This holiday season, the Britannia Mine Museum invites families to step into a winter wonderland for ‘Photos with Santa 2026: Toys Through the Decades.’ In celebration of our landmark 50th anniversary, this heartwarming event is a community gift, offering an authentic, multi-generational experience completely free of charge. Families can share cherished moments with Santa in a festive photo zone, beautifully adorned with vintage charm, twinkling lights, and timeless holiday magic. Journey through time along a twinkling walkway of Christmas trees and explore Santa’s magical setting showcasing 50 years of toys that shaped generations, from the 1970s to the 2020s. Our friendly staff will be delighted to help you capture beautiful photos with your own camera or phone, ensuring a fun and relaxed experience for all.
No booking is required — just come and create lasting memories while celebrating the rich heritage of families who once called Britannia Mine home. Share a warm cup of complimentary hot chocolate or cider as you connect with the spirit of the season, bringing generations together.
Experience the magic of the season like never before at Holiday Splash! Vancouver Aquarium transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland beneath the waves, nestled in the heart of Stanley Park. Immerse yourself in the glow of over 1 million twinkling lights and festive decor that fill every corner of Canada’s largest aquarium. Capture unforgettable moments with family at our Jelly Snow Globe, a picture-perfect backdrop for your next holiday card. And for a limited time, guests can watch in wonder as Scuba Claus makes a magical splash surrounded by adorable aquatic animals, spreading Fishmas spirit during three daily dive shows. Don’t miss the excitement of our newest 4-D experience, Penguins 4-D.
For Gold and Platinum Aquarium members, they will be offered a “Bring A Friend for Free” opportunity from November 12 to 23.
Noel Surrey is a holiday light festival that brings people together to embrace the joy and wonder of the season. With dazzling light installations, enchanting holiday décor, and the return of Bright Nights to its original home in Surrey, the festival creates a magical atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of light, warmth, and community spirit — and every ticket purchased supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
From November 28 to December 28, 2025, the Cloverdale Fairgrounds will transform into a winter wonderland featuring millions of sparkling lights. Explore the Bright Nights light walk around the pond at Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, discover the 30,000+ sq. ft. Noel Village with photos with Santa, the green and grumpy one, live music, and a Christmas Market, and enjoy free rides like the 50-ft Ferris wheel, bumper cars and Berry-Go-Round on select dates. Cozy dining areas, food trucks, and fire pits complete the festive experience. With free entry for kids 6 and under, accessible attractions, and easy, free on-site parking, Noel Surrey is your destination for holiday magic and giving back this season.
Visit us in the Roundhouse to see Santa Claus! Come for a ride on our Holiday Mini-rail train, through the Christmas Car Shop and right on by ‘Buddy’, our 1910 Pacific Great Eastern #2 Steam Engine! Explore our Holiday Model Train Displays. Enjoy crafts and other fun activities.
November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Steveston Festival of Trees will be transforming the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery into a winter wonderland! This festival will host a friendly community competition between local partners to win the top vote for favourite tree. Join us throughout December for a range of activities and performances!
*Please double-check event details on their website before attending as details may change
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Nuts | December 12 – 14 | Adult: $55 Student/Senior: $40 5 Years Old & Under: $5 |
| Big Elf Run | December 13 | *early bird pricing 1k: $23+ 5k: $40+ 10k: $42+ 15k: $45+ (Save 10% with code “VCK10”) |
| Holiday Splash, Vancouver Aquarium | November 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Regular Ticket Price |
| A Wonderheads Christmas Carol | November 26 – December 14 | From $39+ |
| Christmas Craft Fair | November 16 | Free |
| Fleurs de Villes NOËL | December 5 – 14 | Free |
| Gingerbread Lane | November 27 – December 28 | Free |
| Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker | December 18 – 21 | Varies |
| Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience | November 7, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Varies |
| Holiday Wreath Workshop – Petite Foret Play Cafe | November 30 | Varies |
| Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital | November 27, 2025 – January 2, 2026 | Free |
| Portobello West Holiday Market | November 15 – 16 | $5 Adults Kids FREE (12-Yrs & Under) |
| Robson Square Ice Rink | December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 | – Free – Skate Rental: $5.00 – Ice Cleat Rental: $2.00 |
| The Fairy Doll | November 22 | Varies |
| The Nutcracker Ballet | December 18 – 21 | Varies |
| Vancouver Christmas Market | November 13 – December 24 | Varies |
| VanDusen Festival of Lights | November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 December 25 Closed | Varies |
| Vanier Park’s Winter Market | December 7 | |
| Visit with Santa (Granville Island) | November 29 – December 24 | Free |
| VSO – Home Alone in Concert | December 17 – 18 | Varies |
| VSO – Elf in Concert | December 19 – 20 | Varies |
| Wesbrook Village Holiday Market | November 28 – December 21 | Free |
| Winter Solstice Lantern Festival | December 21 |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Britannia Mine Museum Photos with Santa: Toys Through the Decades | December 6, 7, 13, 14 | Admission is free or by donation |
| The North Pole Express | November 29 – 30 December 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21. | 3 classes of tickets: $41, $47 and $52.50 |
| Holiday Parade | December 6 | Free |
| Squamish At Dusk | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights | November 28 – December 28 | Kids 6 & Under Free Youth/Senior Tickets starting at $17 Adult tickets starting at $22 |
| stɑl’əw̓ Craft Fair at MOS | December 6 | Free |
| Bear Creek Park | December 1 – 31 December 25 Closed | Varies |
| Bright Walk in White Rock | November 29, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Free |
| Christmas on the Peninsula | November 22 | |
| Merry Makers at MOS | December 13 – 14 | Free |
| Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market | November 22 – 23 | Free |
| The Fairy Doll | December 10 | Varies |
| WinterFest at MOS | November 22 – December 22 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Steveston Festival of Trees | November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | – Adults: $13.25 – Seniors: (65+) $11.25 – Youth (17 and under) and Society members: Free |
| Annie | December 11, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | Varies |
| Christmas Wreath Making for St. Paul’s Foundation | November 22 – 23 | Varies |
| CF Richmond Centre Outdoor Plaza | November 21 – TBD | Free |
| Winter in the Village | November 20 – December 31, 2025 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Light Up Parade | December 13 | Free |
| Christmas Wish Breakfast | November 25 | By Donation |
| Glow Langley Magic Toy Shop | November 20 – December 31 (see website for specifics dates) | Varies |
| Mainland Markets Holiday Market | November 22 – 23 | – Admission is $2 for individuals over 18 – Children under 18: Free |
| Merry & Bright at Martini Town | November 21 – December 31 (see website for specifics dates) | Varies |
| Whiterock Christmas Art Market | December 6 | Free |
| Zoo Lights – Greater Vancouver Zoo | November 22, 2025 – January 10, 2026 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonds Festival of Lights | November 29 | Free |
| Heritage Christmas – Burnaby Village Museum | November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 | Free |
| Holidays at Metropolis at Metrotown | November 12 – December 30 (see website for specifics dates for their events) | Free |
| The Peak of Christmas | November 21 – December 24 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Burrard Yacht Club Festival of Lights | December 6 | By Donation |
| Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge | November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026 | Daily Ticket Price |
| Dundarave Festival | Date Varies | Free |
| Shipyards Christmas Market | November 28 – December 24 | Free |
| The Shipyards Skate Plaza | November 28 – TBD | – Free – Skate Rentals: Adults $7 / Kids $5 |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| The Nutcracker | December 20 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Photos at Mackin House – Coquitlam Heritage | November 20 – December 6 (Thursdays – Saturdays) | $25 Per 15 Minute Session |
| HollyDaze in the Heights | November 15 | Free |
| Lights at Lafarge | November 28 – TBD | Free |
| Rudolph Run 2025 | December 6 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Activities At Glenda’s Christmas Cottage | Varies | |
| Christmas at Tanglebank | November 28 – December 23 | Varies |
| Winter Jubilee | November 22 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Lights by the Lake Lighting Ceremony | November 22 | Free |
| Lights by the Lake | November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Pitt Meadows | December 5 | Free |
| CP Holiday Train 2025 | Dec. 19 at approximately 9:05 p.m. | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Chilliwack Christmas Craft Fair | November 14 – 16 | – $8 per person – Free for children 12 and under |
| Chilliwack Christmas Parade | November 29 | Free |
| Christmas at Greendale Acres | November 28 – TBD (Various Dates) | Varies |
| District 1881 Tree Lighting | November 15 | Free |
| District 1881 | November 15 – TBD (Various Activities) | Varies |
| Holly Jolly Chilliwack | November 14 – December 24 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Festival of Lights – Tsawwassen Springs | November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Ridge Christmas Festival | December 6 | Free |
| Timberline Country Christmas | December 5 – 7, 12 – 14, 19 – 22 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Candlelight Parade | December 6 | Free |
✨ This guide is updated for Christmas Holiday 2025 events in Metro Vancouver. Check back often as we’ll be adding more festive fun throughout the season. Events featured with images in this post have partnered with us to share their holiday magic and we’re so grateful for their support in helping bring this guide to you!
