Christmas and Holiday Events Main Image: PNE Winter Fair Presented by BCAA
Looking for the best Christmas and holiday events in Metro Vancouver this season? This guide has you covered! From sparkling light displays to festive markets and family-friendly activities, Metro Vancouver transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday months. Whether you’re looking to visit Santa, or walking around the Holiday Markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to make cherished memories with your loved ones. Come with us to explore some of the top Christmas and holiday events in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and beyond!
If you’re looking for mini Christmas sessions, check out our list of local photographers doing mini sessions this year: christmas-events/christmas-minis-in-metro-vancouver
Tradition with a twist! Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents a modern and engaging twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, bringing together a flavoursome assortment of dance styles for an extra-special holiday treat. Mixed Nuts is generously supported by Tom Ferries and Lisa Pankratz.
Come and celebrate winter, PNE-style. Check out Discover Santa where you can embark on the ultimate journey to meet Santa Claus, test a toy, and leave a snack for your favourite reindeer, ride the PNE Holiday Express, wander through Winter Lights presented by BC Hydro – a great place to snap a photo! – and go skating – or try the Ice Bumper Cars – at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, and then warm up with the culinary extravaganza at the Holiday Eats & Treats. When you’re ready for a break, you can enjoy live programming like Nutcracker on Ice and the Magic of Santa. There are also have two rides that are new for this year! Have a fun on the ferris wheel or the Berry Go Round.
The PNE Winter Fair is sure to become your new holiday tradition!
Get ready for a season of holiday cheer! Join us for WinterFest and enjoy festive activities for the whole family from November 23 until December 21.
Jingle along and join Vancouver’s most festive fun run!
The Big Elf Run takes place at Stanley Park, fundraising for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.
5k, 10k, 15k and Wee Elf 1k distances available.Explore the trails, enjoy vendors, prize giveaways and more!
This holiday season, adventurers of all ages are invited to Photos with Santa at Britannia Mine Museum, where magic and mining collide! Capture that special holiday photo with Santa, nestled in a mining cart, surrounded by the bustling energy of his elf miners!
Join Santa and his elves in the festive setting of Britannia Mine Museum’s machine shop, where the holiday spirit comes alive. Bring your family, your smiles, and your festive cheer for Photos with Santa—a magical holiday experience unlike any other! Don’t miss out on this unique and unforgettable experience!
Glow Langley 2024 returns with an Enchanted Forest theme, glowing with trees, mushroom homes, and woodland creatures, along with other spectacular surprises.On twenty brightly lit acres the team is busy preparing for an unforgettable experience where guests can truly immerse themselves in the event. This includes a three-storey crystal palace, allowing guests to climb this intricate centrepiece where, once at the top, they will have a breathtaking aerial view of the colours and lights that make this event shine.
The family-friendly outdoor Christmas festival will include magical wands to carry throughout the event as a flick of the wand will bring the forest to life. Two new event mascots, Fox, and Bunny will have their own woodland homes in Glow Langley’s Forest, keen to meet visitors passing through their unique holiday habitat.Guest favourites return such as the holiday train ride, craft corner, the Merry Makers Market,with more than twenty local vendors, live holiday performances, pictures with Santa, interactive play zones, and more.
Soak up the magic of the sea-son at Vancouver Aquarium’s Holiday Splash! Discover the magical glow of over 1 million lights twinkling among dazzling festive decor in an enchanting winter water-land. Visit the North Pole with Rudolph and friends in a festive 4-D experience before waving hello to Scuba Claus, diving daily for a limited time only. No matter where your adventure leads, Vancouver Aquarium is overflowing with holiday spirit. Dive into the joy of Holiday Splash today.
Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market is lighting up the Cloverdale Fairgrounds from November 28 – December 23! It is a light festival that brings people together to embrace the joy and wonder of the holiday season. With dazzling light installations and enchanting holiday décor, we create a festive atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and all holiday enthusiasts.
| Tickets Include | Access To |
|---|---|
| Admission to Noel Surrey + Free Parking Photos With Santa Holiday Characters and Princesses Mesmerizing light displays, including Electric Avenue, Frosty Forests, Illuminated See Saws and more 50ft Ferris Wheel (Nov 28-Dec 19) Bumper Cars & Berry-Go-Round (Dec 20-23) Live Music & Dance Performances Kidsville: face painting, crafts, balloon twisting, etc. Rudy’s Play Reindeer Stable | Christmas Market Jack Frost’s LED Igloo Bar Holiday Food & Beverages Holly Jolly Hub with Food Trucks, Fire Pits and Dining Huts Festival Merchandise Bavarian Plaza |
The North Pole Express has become a true Christmas Classic. A 50 minute train ride to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, indoor mini rail ride through a winter wonderland and many other activities at the North Pole. And for the first time we are offering a 25% discount on all departures for the first weekend: Nov. 23/24.
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Nuts | Dec. 13 – 15 | $50 Adults & $35 Student/Senior |
| PNE Winter Fair Presented by BCAA | Dec. 6 – 8 & 12 – 23 | $7.50 – $35 |
| 10th Annual Big Elf Run | Dec. 14 | $23 to $65 (Save 10% with code “VCK10”) |
| Holiday Splash, Vancouver Aquarium | Nov. 12 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Regular Admission: $40.95 – $56.95 |
| Bright Lights | Nov. 29 – Jan. 4, 2025 | By Donations (Train Tickets Sold Separately) |
| Christmas at Canada Place | Nov. 29 – Jan. 1, 2025 | Free |
| Christmas in Kerrisdale Events | Dec. 7, 14, 21 | Free |
| Christmas in Kerrisdale Events – Free Skating | Dec. 15 | Free |
| Fleurs de Villes NOËL | Dec. 6 – 15 | Free |
| Gingerbread Lane | Nov. 28 – Dec. 27 | Free |
| Gingerbread House Decorating & Lunch, Honey Salt | Dec. 1, 15, 22 | – Adults: $38 – Kids (Ages 3-12): $23 – Gingerbread House Kit: $36 |
| Gingerbread House-Making Social – Petite Foret Play Cafe | Dec. 12 | $47 |
| Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital | Nov. 27 – Jan. 3, 2025 | Free |
| Light up the Harbour – Vancouver Maritime Museum | Dec. 12 | Free (Donation Welcome) |
| Miracle on 34th Street – Art’s Club | Nov. 21 – Dec. 29 | From $39+ |
| Portobello West Holiday Market 2024 | Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 | $5 Adults Kids FREE (12-Yrs & Under) |
| Robson Square Ice Rink | Nov. 29 – Feb. 28, 2025 | – Free – Skate Rental: $5.00 – Ice Cleat Rental: $2.00 |
| Soar with Santa (FlyOver Canada) | Nov. 21 – Jan. 1, 2025 | Varies |
| Taylortown | Dec. 7 | Free |
| The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – Carousel Theatre for Young People | Dec. 4 – 15 | $19 – $26 plus GST/fees |
| The Nutcracker Ballet | Dec. 19 – 22 | Varies |
| Festival of Trees | TBD | |
| Vancouver Christmas Market | Nov. 13 – Dec. 24 | Varies |
| VanDusen Festival of Lights | Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2025 (Closed Dec. 25) Dec. 3 Sensory-Friendly Night | $0 – $28 (plus tax + service fees) |
| Visit with Santa (Granville Island) | Nov. 30 – Dec. 24 | Free |
| VSO – Home Alone in Concert | Dec. 18 – 19 | Varies |
| VSO – Elf in Concert | Dec. 20 – 21 | Varies |
| Winter Solstice Lantern Festival | Dec. 21 |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Britannia Mine Museum, Photos with Santa | December 7 – 8 & 14 – 15 | – $35 per family of 5 if pre-booked – $40 day of – $5 per extra person |
| The North Pole Express | Nov. 23 – 24, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, Dec. 7 – 8, Dec. 14 – 15, and Dec. 21 (only) | Coach and First Class Options |
| Holiday Festival | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Squamish At Dusk | Thursday – Saturday between November 28 – December 14 | – Thursday: $10 – $15 – Friday/Saturday: $15 – $20 |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| WinterFest at MOS | Nov. 23 – Dec. 21 | Free |
| Merry Makers at MOS | Dec. 14 | Free |
| Sensory Santa at MOS | Nov. 24 | Free |
| Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market | Nov. 28 – Dec. 23 | – Kids 6 and under are: FREE – Youth / Teen (Age 7-18): $15 – Adult (Age 19-65): $20 – Senior (Age 65+): $15 *Plus service charges and tax. |
| Bear Creek Park | Date Varies | Varies |
| Bright Walk in White Rock | Dec. 7 – Jan 5, 2025 | Free |
| Christmas on the Peninsula | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market | Nov. 23 – Nov. 24 | Free |
| The Nutcracker – Surrey Arts Centre | Dec. 6 – Dec. 8 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Glow Langley 2024 with new Enchanted Forest Theme | Nov. 21 – Dec. 28 (see website for specifics around times and Sundays being closed) | – Kids (4 – 12): $14.99+$3.50 fees – Teen/Adult (13+): $19.99+$4.00 fees – Seniors (65+): $14.99+$3.50 fees – Family Pass with 5 family members (2 adults and 3 children or seniors): $69.99 + $9.50 fees |
| Christmas Arts Festival | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Christmas in the Country – Thunderbird Show Park | Dec. 5 – 29 | Varies |
| Christmas Light Up Parade | Dec. 14 | Free |
| Christmas Wish Breakfast | Nov. 26 | By Donation |
| Immersive Small Business Holiday Shopping Adventure in Fort Langley | Nov. 30 – Dec. 15 | Free |
| Mainland Markets Holiday Market | Nov. 16 | – $4, or 4 for $12 (buy 3, get 1 free) – Children under 18: Free |
| Merry & Bright at Martini Town | Dec. 4 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Bright in Burnaby – Burnaby Village Museum | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Edmonds Festival of Lights | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Heritage Christmas – Burnaby Village Museum | Nov. 23 – Jan. 3, 2025 | Free |
| Metropolis Holiday Lounge | Nov. 25 – Dec. 23 (Closed on Dec. 6 & 13) | Free |
| The Peak of Christmas | Nov. 22 – Dec. 24 | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge | Nov. 22 – Jan. 19, 2025 | Daily Ticket Price |
| Dundarave Festival | Date Varies | Free |
| Santa’s Musical Arrival, Capilano Mall | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Shipyards Christmas Market | Nov. 29 – Dec. 24 | Free |
| The Shipyards Skate Plaza | Nov. 30 – TBD | – Free – Skate Rentals: Adults $7 / Kids $5 |
| The Spirit of the Season Festival | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| A Wonderheads Christmas Carol | Dec. 13 – 14 | From $26 (plus s/s) |
| Shine Bright | Dec. 1 – 31 | Varies |
| The Nutcracker | Dec. 12 | From $38 (plus s/c) |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread Land, Lansdowne Centre | Nov. 16 – Jan. 1, 2025 | Varies |
| Lionel Bart’s Oliver! | Dec. 12 – January 4, 2025 | Tickets start at $40 Children ages 6-12: $25 |
| Steveston Festival of Trees | Nov. 30 – Jan. 5, 2025 | – Youth (17 and under) and Society Members: FREE – Adults: $13.25 – Seniors (65+): $11.25. |
| Sparkle Brighter | Nov. 14 | Free |
| Winter in the Village | TBD | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Coquitlam Heritage | Date Varies | Varies |
| HollyDaze in the Heights | Nov. 16 | Free |
| Lights at Lafarge | Nov. 22 – End of Feb. 2025 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Santa In The Country – Glenda’s Christmas Cottage | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Winter Jubilee | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Lights by the Lake | Nov. 23 – Jan. 12, 2025 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Pitt Meadows | Nov. – Dec. | Varies |
| CP Holiday Train 2024 | Dec. 19 at approximately 8:55pm | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Chilliwack Christmas Craft Fair | Nov. 15 – 17 | – $7 per person – Free for children 12 and under |
| Chilliwack Christmas Gifts Expo | Dec. 6 – 8 | – $5 (Free Re-entry) – Children 5 and under FREE |
| Chilliwack Christmas Parade | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Christmas at Cultus Lake | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Christmas at Greendale Acres | Nov. 22 – Dec. 23 (Various Dates) | Varies |
| District 1881 | TBD | TBD |
| Holly Jolly Chilliwack | Date Varies | Varies |
| The Lights at Cultus Lake | Nov 23 – Jan 7, 2025 | TBD |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Festival of Lights – Tsawwassen Springs | Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Free |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Ridge Christmas Festival | Dec. 7 | Free |
| Timberline Country Christmas | Dec. 6 – 22 (Weekends Only) | Varies |
| Events | Dates | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Candlelight Parade 2024 | Dec. 7 | Free |
