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Metro Vancouver Christmas and Holiday Events

  • November 8, 2023
  • By admin
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The holiday season in Metro Vancouver is a time of enchantment and merriment. Throughout the next few weeks, Christmas and holiday events are set to unfold, offering many festive experiences for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for traditional celebrations, dazzling light displays, or unique holiday activities, Metro Vancouver has something for you. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the most magical and memorable events of the season, so you can make the most of this special time of year.

If you’re looking for mini Christmas sessions, check out our list of local photographers: christmas-mini-sessions-in-metro-vancouver

Holiday Splash – Vancouver Aquarium

Soak up the magic of the season together at Holiday Splash, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration at the Vancouver Aquarium where cherished memories are made. During Holiday Splash, the aquarium is transformed into an enchanting winter water-land illuminated by more than 1 million twinkling lights and over 65,000 incredible animals. Watch in wonder as Scuba Claus spreads holiday cheer at one of his daily dive shows, embark on an epic adventure to the North Pole in the classic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4D Experience, and capture this year’s family portrait under the mesmerizing glow of the Jelly Snow Globe. Plus, enjoy festive treats, get hands on in our new Arctic Wet Lab, dive into fun holiday crafts, and so much more! Sometimes, new family traditions start under the sea. Plan your visit to Holiday Splash today!

  • Dates: November 12, 2023 to January 7, 2024
  • Location: Vancouver Aquarium
  • Admission: Daily Ticket Price

For more information: special-events/holiday-splash/

PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA

Holiday shows? Winter lights? Festive food and drink? Ice bumper cars? A market where you can shop for gifts for those you love (or yourself?) Say no more – the PNE Winter Fair is back and more festive than ever! 

When you’re looking for something to do that captures the spirit of winter, the PNE Winter Fair is basically a one-stop-shop of festive fun. Enjoy nightly performances of Nut Cracker on Ice, go on a quest to find Santa in Discover Santa, and catch a showing of The Magic of Santa. Once you’ve seen all the shows, you can go ice skating or hit the ice bumper cars on the Tim Hortons Rink, and then warm up with a hot beverage and a delicious meal while you wander through the light displays and watch the roving entertainers. With so much to do, this year’s PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA is sure to delight.

  • Dates: December 8 – 9, 14 – 23
  • Location: PNE
  • Admission: $0 – $30 (Kids 3 and younger get in free!)

For more information: www.pne.ca/winter-fair

Big Elf Run

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!

  • Date: December 9
  • Location: Lumberman’s Arch
  • Tickets: $22 to $65 (Save 10% with code “VCK10”)

For more information: the-big-elf-run

Carousel Theatre for Young People presents Snow White

Carousel Theatre for Young People presents Snow White, November 29 to December 31, 2023

Just in time for the holidays, Carousel Theatre for Young People presents playwright Greg Banks’ acclaimed retelling of the cherished fairytale classic Snow White, at Granville Island’s Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St), from November 29 to December 31, 2023. The wickedly funny reinterpretation sees two actors, accompanied by an on-stage musician, embody a cast of beloved characters: the handsome prince, the malicious queen, a helpful dwarf, and the pure-hearted Snow White herself. This charming tale is given a fresh, ingenious twist that will delight audiences of all ages during the festive season. Snow White will feature several special events, including a mandatory masked performance on Dec. 2 (1pm), an ASL Interpreted performance on Dec. 9 (1pm), and a Vocal Eye described performance on Dec. 16 (4pm). Audiences are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairytale characters on Saturday showings at 4pm (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30). 

  • Dates: November 29 to December 31
  • Location: Waterfront Theatre
  • Admission: From $18

Tickets and information at: carouseltheatre.ca/season/snowwhite

Mixed Nuts

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 that is fun for the whole family.

  • Dates: December 15-17
  • Location: Vancouver Playhouse
  • Admission: Adult and Student/Senior tickets available.

For more information: events/mixed-nuts-2023/

Photos with Santa

Join us for a truly special photo opportunity with Santa himself as he prepares his sleigh for the grand adventure following an unexpected mishap that left his sleigh in need of repair!!Come and witness the holiday spirit in action as you visit Santa in his workshop at the museum, where the magic of Christmas comes to life.Don’t miss out on this unique and unforgettable experience!

Admission includes:

  • Two digital images.
  • A visit with Santa.
  • Complementary hot chocolate.
  • Access to the lower site exhibits and gold panning.
  • Santa’s mailbox will be right here on site, so bring those letters to Santa. When you include an address, you’ll be in for a delightful surprise – a personalized response from Santa himself!
  • Dates: December 9/10 and 16/17
  • Location: Britannia Mine Museum
  • Admission: $35 for family of 5

For more information: britanniaminemuseum.ca/pages/photos-with-santa

North Pole Express

A 50 minute train and and then a visit in the Roundhouse to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! And a ride on our Holiday Mini-rail train, through the Christmas Car Shop and right on by our 1910 Pacific Great Eastern #2 Steam Engine! Holiday Model Train Displays. Christmas crafts and other fun activities. 

  • Dates: Nov. 25/26, Dec. 2/3, Dec. 9/10 and Dec. 16/17
  • Location: Railway Museum of BC in Squamish
  • Admission: $41, $52.50 and $66 per ticket (sold in pairs)

Tickets and information at: wcra.org

Steveston Festival of Trees

The Steveston Festival of Trees is back for the holidays! Throughout the month of December, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site transformed into a winter wonderland as they host merrymaking activities for the whole family.  

While enjoying the illuminated trees as part of their annual tree decorating competition, the historic Cannery will be full of festive joy with all-new seasonal delights including free photos with Santa, holidays crafts, and more! 

  • Dates: Dec. 1 – Jan. 7
  • Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
  • Admission: Mixed regular admission rates and free

For more information: gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/festival-of-trees

Vancouver

Holiday Splash – Vancouver Aquarium
Dates: November 12, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Admission: Daily Ticket Price
Website: special-events/holiday-splash/
PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA
Dates: December 8 – 9, 14 – 23
Admission: $0 – $30 (Kids 3 and younger get in free!)
Website: pne.ca/winter-fair/

Big Elf Run
Date: December 9
Tickets: $22 to $65 (Save 10% with code “VCK10”)
Website: the-big-elf-run

Carousel Theatre for Young People presents Snow White
Dates: November 29 to December 31
Admission: From $18
Website: carouseltheatre.ca/season/snowwhite

Mixed Nuts
Dates: December 15-17
Admission: Adult and Student/Senior tickets available.
Website: mixed-nuts-2023

Bright Lights
Date: Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 (Closed: Dec. 5 / 6 / 25)
Admission: By Donations (Train Tickets sold out)
Website: bright-nights-train.aspx

Candytown
Date: Dec. 2
Admission: Free
Website: whats-happening/candytown/

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Date: Nov. 17 – Jan. 21 (Closed Dec. 25
Admission: Daily Ticket Price
Website: events/canyon-lights/

Christmas at Canada Place
Date: Dec. 1- Jan. 2
Admission: Free
Website: canadaplace.ca/events/christmas/

Christmas in Kerrisdale Events
Date: Dec. 9 / 16 / 23
Admission: Free
Website: instagram.com/p/CzRhTcgxJ-f/

Dundarave Festival
Date: TBD
Admission: Free
Website: dundaravefestival.com/
Gingerbread Lane
Date: Dec. 1 – Dec. 29
Admission: Free
Website: gingerbreadlane.ca/

Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital
Date: Nov. 23
Admission: Free
Website: helpstpauls.com/lights-of-hope

Robson Square Ice Rink
Date: TBD
Admission: Free / Skate Rental $5.00 / Ice Cleat Rental $2.00
Website: robsonsquare.com/

The Shipyards Skate Plaza
Date: Dec. 1
Admission: Free / Skate Rentals: Adults $7 / Kids $5
Website: the-shipyards/skate-plaza

Vancouver Christmas Market
Date: Nov. 16 – Dec. 24
Admission: Varies
Website: vancouverchristmasmarket.com

VanDusen Festival of Lights
Date: Nov. 24 – Jan. 7 (Closed Dec. 25)
Admission: Daily Ticket Price
Website: festival-of-lights.aspx

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Date: Nov. 24 – Dec. 21
Admission: Free
Website: secretlantern.org

Festival of Trees
Date: Nov. 23 – Jan. 2
Admission: Free
Website: bcchf-festival-of-trees-vancouver/

The Nutcracker Ballet
Date: Dec. 14-17
Admission: Varies
Website: gohnutcracker.com/

Soar with Santa (FlyOver Canada)
Date: Nov. 16 – Dec. 7
Admission: $15 – $33
Website: flyovercanada.com/

Visit with Santa (Granville Island)
Date: Dec. 2 – 24
Admission: Free
Website: kidsmarket.ca/#events

Liven UP – Coal Harbour
Date: Dec. 1 – Dec. 31
Admission: Free
Website: livenup.ca/#overview

Burnaby

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Date: Nov. 25 – Jan. 5 (Closed Dec. 24 / 25)
Admission: Free
Website: heritage-christmas.html
The Peak of Christmas
Date: Nov. 24 – Dec. 25
Admission: Varies
Website: peak-of-christmas

Surrey

Bear Creek Park
Date: Dec. 2 – Dec. 31 (Closed Dec. 25)
Admission: Tickets $13.50 per person.
Kids under 2 are free
Website: bctrains.com/
Christmas Tree Kickoff
Date: Nov. 25
Admission: Free
Website: cloverdale-christmas-tree-fest

Cloverdale Christmas Tree Festival
Date: Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
Admission: Free
Website: cloverdale-christmas-tree-fest

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market
Date: Nov. 25 – 26
Admission: Free
Website: surreytreelighting.ca

Langley

Glow Gardens
Date: Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Admission: Varies
Website: glowgardens.com/langley-christmas
Christmas in Williams Park Society
Date: Dec. 1 – Dec. 20
Admission: Free
Website: christmasinwilliamspark/

Martini Town Merry & Bright
Date: Dec. 6 – Jan. 1 (Monday & Tuesday Closed except Dec. 26)
Admission: Varies
Website: https://martinievents.ca/

New Westminster

Shine Bright
Date: Dec. 1 – Dec. 31
Admission: Free
Website: shine-bright-2023

Richmond

Steveston Festival of Trees
Date: Dec. 1 – Jan. 7
Admission: Adult $12.50
Senior (65+) $10.75
*Youth under 17 and Society members are Free
Website: events/festival-of-trees/
Sparkle Brighter
Date: Nov. 16 – 18
Admission: Free
Website: whats-on/sparkle-brighter23/

Gateway Theatre presents the Magic of  Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA
Date: December 14 – 31
Admission: Starting at $40
Website: events/rodgers-hammersteins-cinderella/

Coquitlam

Lights at Lafarge
Date: Nov. 24 – TBD
Admission: Free
Website: coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge

Squamish

North Pole Express
Dates: Nov. 25/26, Dec. 2/3, Dec. 9/10 and Dec. 16/17
Admission: $41, $52.50 and $66 per ticket (sold in pairs)
Website: wcra.org/
Britannia Mine Museum
Dates: Dec. 9/10, 16/17
Admission: $35 for family of 5
Website: photos-with-santa

Abbotsford

Winter Jubilee
Date: Nov. 18
Admission: Free
Website: events-landing/winter-jubilee/

Tsawwassen

Festival of Lights
Date: Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
Admission: Free
Website: tsawwassensprings.ca/sponsorship/

Harrison Hot Springs

Lights by the Lake
Date: Nov. 18 – Jan. 7
Admission: Free
Website: lights-by-the-lake/

Pitt Meadows

Christmas in Pitt Meadows
Date: November to December
Admission: Free
Website: christmas-pitt-meadows

Christmas & Holiday Events in Chilliwack

As the holiday season approaches, Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley becomes alive with festive celebrations. From dazzling light displays to enchanting markets and heartwarming community gatherings, Chilliwack offers something for everyone to make their holidays merry and bright. I’m excited to share with you a list of exciting activities happening in Chilliwack. 

For more details about each event, please go here: chilliwack-christmas-holiday-events/

District 1881 Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 23
Admission: Free
Website: district1881.com/
District 1881 Christmas in the District
Date: Nov. 23 – Dec. 24
Admission: Free
Website: district1881.com/

A Traditional Christmas – With the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra
Date: Dec. 10
Admission: General Admission – $35 / Seniors & Students – $30
Website: ccc-event/a-traditional-christmas/
Brunch with Santa at Old Yale Chilliwack
Date: Dec. 10
Admission: Available for Dine in customers only
Website: events/santa-brunch-chilliwack

Chilliwack Christmas Craft Market
Date: Nov. 17 – 19
Admission: $7
Website: chilliwackartscouncil.com/events-1

Christmas Gifts Expo
Date: Dec. 8 – 10
Admission: $5 (cash only at door)
Website: events/christmas-gifts-expo/

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Date: Dec. 9
Admission: Free
Website: https://district1881.com/
Rotary Christmas Parade
Date: Dec. 2
Admission: Free
Website: chilliwackchristmasparade.ca/

The Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 22
Admission:
Adults – $32
Seniors – $28
Youth – $20
Website: ccc-event/the-nutcracker/

Winter Harp
Date: Dec. 12
Admission:
Adults – $49
Seniors – $45
Youth – $42
Website: ccc-event/winter-harp/

Wreath Workshop at Old Yale Brewing Chilliwack
Date: Dec. 6
Admission: $85
Website: wreath-workshop-chilliwack
Christmas in Chilliwack
By admin, November 8, 2023
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