Celebrate the festive wonders of Abbotsford with our comprehensive event guide. From longtime Abbotsford inhabitants to curious tourists, our guide offers something for every festive soul.
One highlight of the season is the Winter Jubilee, a mesmerizing event that transforms downtown Abbotsford with sparkling lights and joyful performances. Unique gifts and artisanal treats await you at The Christmas Market, bringing the charm of the season to life. And the Festival of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss, with beautifully decorated trees that light up the night. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Abbotsford
- Winter Jubilee
- The Christmas Market
- Festival of Trees
- Holiday Magic
- Holiday Hayrides
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Winter Wonderland Skate
- Holiday Open House
- Holiday Toy Drive
Abbotsford Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic European-style market stalls
Description:
The Christmas Market in Abbotsford brings a slice of old-world Europe to British Columbia. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering handcrafted ornaments, artisanal cheeses, and traditional German stollen. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Visitors can try their hand at making traditional beeswax candles in one of the interactive workshops. This market draws inspiration from the region's strong German heritage, dating back to the early settlers of the Fraser Valley in the late 1800s.
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Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Focus on Indigenous artisans and crafts
Description:
Abbotsford's Christmas Craft Fair stands out for its strong representation of Indigenous artisans. The fair showcases a wide array of traditional and contemporary First Nations crafts, from intricate beadwork to modern interpretations of ancestral designs. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional craft techniques and learn about their cultural significance. The fair takes place in the Tradex, a former WWII air force hangar now repurposed as an event space. Sample traditional Indigenous foods like bannock while browsing the unique handcrafted items. This event has been promoting Indigenous art and culture in the Fraser Valley since 2010.
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Abbotsford Holiday Giving Opportunities
Holiday Toy Drive
What to Expect:
Interactive "Toy Workshop" for children to create donations
Description:
Abbotsford's Holiday Toy Drive goes beyond simple gift collection. The centerpiece is an interactive "Toy Workshop" where children can create toys to donate. Under the guidance of local artists and craftspeople, kids build wooden toys, sew stuffed animals, or assemble science kits. This hands-on approach teaches the value of giving and craftsmanship. The workshop takes place in a converted warehouse, decorated to resemble Santa's workshop. Participants can also write personal notes to accompany their creations. Since its inception in 2015, this unique toy drive has fostered a strong spirit of community giving among Abbotsford's youth.
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Abbotsford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experiences
Description:
Holiday Magic in Abbotsford brings beloved winter tales to life through immersive storytelling experiences. Professional actors lead small groups through elaborately decorated sets, weaving narratives that blend local history with holiday lore. Visitors become part of the story, donning costumes and participating in the unfolding drama. The event takes place in the historic Clayburn Village, offering a glimpse into Abbotsford's brick-making past. Enjoy the crackling of a bonfire as you listen to tales of winters long ago.
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Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dancers perform alongside professionals
Description:
Abbotsford's Nutcracker Ballet production stands out for its unique blend of professional and community talent. Seasoned ballet dancers from across Canada perform alongside promising local students, creating a performance that's both world-class and deeply rooted in the community. The production incorporates elements of Abbotsford's history, with set pieces inspired by local landmarks. Audience members can participate in a pre-show workshop to learn basic ballet moves. This annual event has been nurturing local dance talent since 1995, with many former student performers going on to professional careers.
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Abbotsford Other Holiday Activities
Winter Jubilee
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures
Description:
Abbotsford's Winter Jubilee transforms the city center into a frosty playground. Visitors marvel at intricate ice sculptures, some standing over 10 feet tall. You can even watch skilled artisans carve new creations throughout the event. The jubilee pays homage to Abbotsford's agricultural roots with an impressive fruit-themed ice bar. Warm up with a steaming cup of locally-sourced apple cider as you explore the icy wonderland. The event originated in 1987 as a small community gathering and has since blossomed into a beloved winter tradition.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Trees decorated by local businesses and organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees showcases Abbotsford's community spirit through a forest of uniquely adorned evergreens. Each tree tells a story, decorated by local businesses, schools, and non-profits to reflect their identity and mission. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The festival originated in 2005 as a fundraiser for the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and has since become a cherished holiday tradition. Don't miss the "Tree of Hope," decorated entirely with handwritten wishes from community members.
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Holiday Hayrides
What to Expect:
Rides through illuminated orchards
Description:
Holiday Hayrides in Abbotsford offer a unique twist on the traditional sleigh ride. Visitors climb aboard wagons filled with fragrant hay for a journey through illuminated apple orchards. The route showcases Abbotsford's agricultural heritage, passing by historic barns and farmhouses decorated for the season. Riders can spot wildlife like owls and deer along the way. The hayrides conclude with a tasting of local apple varieties, connecting visitors to the land's bounty. This event celebrates Abbotsford's status as the "Apple Capital of Canada," a title earned in the early 20th century.
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Winter Wonderland Skate
What to Expect:
Outdoor rink surrounded by light sculptures
Description:
Winter Wonderland Skate in Abbotsford reimagines the traditional outdoor ice rink. Skaters glide beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, surrounded by towering light sculptures depicting local wildlife. The rink's surface is embedded with color-changing LEDs, creating a dynamic skating experience. Visitors can warm up in geodesic dome lounges, each themed after a different ecosystem found in British Columbia. Try your hand at ice sculpting during one of the daily workshops. This innovative skating experience debuted in 2018 and has quickly become an Abbotsford winter staple.
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Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Tours of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Holiday Open House in Abbotsford offers a rare glimpse into the city's architectural heritage. Several historic homes, normally closed to the public, open their doors for this special event. Each home is lavishly decorated in period-appropriate holiday style, spanning from the Victorian era to the 1950s. Visitors can explore the unique architectural features and learn about the families who once called these houses home. Enjoy live performances of era-specific holiday music in each residence. This event, started in 2003, has become instrumental in raising awareness about Abbotsford's historic preservation efforts.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Multi-faith celebration incorporating various holiday traditions
Description:
Abbotsford's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service breaks the mold with its inclusive, multi-faith approach. The service incorporates elements from various winter holiday traditions, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and Diwali. Participants join in songs, prayers, and rituals from different faiths, creating a unique tapestry of celebration. The event takes place in Abbotsford's oldest church, built in 1876. Experience the harmonious blend of voices as the diverse congregation joins in a final candlelit song. This interfaith service, started in 2008, reflects Abbotsford's growing cultural diversity and spirit of inclusion.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Community Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Dinner prepared using locally sourced ingredients
Description:
Abbotsford's Community Christmas Dinner stands out for its farm-to-table approach. The entire meal is prepared using ingredients sourced from within a 100-mile radius, showcasing the bounty of the Fraser Valley. Local chefs volunteer their time to create a gourmet feast, transforming familiar holiday dishes with regional flair. Diners can learn about the farms and producers behind each dish through interactive displays. The event takes place in a converted barn, decorated with local agricultural artifacts. This community dinner, initiated in 2011, has become a celebration of Abbotsford's rich agricultural heritage and community spirit.
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Nearby Events
Santa Claus Parade (Mission)
What to Expect:
Parade floats designed by local youth groups
Description:
Mission's Santa Claus Parade stands out for its focus on youth creativity. Local schools and youth organizations design and build the majority of the parade floats, showcasing their artistic talents and holiday spirit. The parade route winds through Mission's historic downtown, passing by buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Spectators can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate served by local firefighters. This community-driven event has been a Mission tradition since 1948, evolving from a small procession to a major regional attraction.
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Heritage Christmas (Burnaby)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments of holiday traditions
Description:
Heritage Christmas in Burnaby transports visitors to the early 1900s through meticulous historical reenactments. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, demonstrating traditional holiday preparations and celebrations. Visitors can participate in authentic activities like making hand-dipped candles or pressing apple cider. The event takes place in Burnaby Village Museum, a faithfully recreated 1920s village. Listen to the clang of the blacksmith's hammer as you explore the festively decorated heritage buildings. This immersive experience has been educating and entertaining visitors about British Columbia's holiday history since 1971.
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Holiday Artisan Market (Langley)
What to Expect:
Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products
Description:
Langley's Holiday Artisan Market sets itself apart with its emphasis on sustainability. Every vendor must meet strict eco-friendly criteria, offering products that are locally made, sustainably sourced, or upcycled. Visitors can find unique gifts ranging from reclaimed wood furniture to organic skincare products. The market takes place in a LEED-certified building, powered entirely by renewable energy. Participate in workshops on sustainable gift wrapping techniques using natural materials. This green-focused market, established in 2012, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable holiday consumption in the Fraser Valley.
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Holiday Light Festival (Surrey)
What to Expect:
Light displays synchronized to original music compositions
Description:
Surrey's Holiday Light Festival elevates the traditional light display with its innovative use of technology. Millions of LED lights are synchronized to original music compositions created by local musicians, creating a multisensory experience. Visitors walk through immersive light tunnels and interactive displays that respond to movement. The festival takes place in Surrey's Green Timbers Urban Forest, incorporating the natural landscape into the designs. Try your hand at conducting the lights using special interactive wands. This cutting-edge light festival, launched in 2016, has quickly gained recognition as one of the most innovative holiday events in British Columbia.