Vancouver Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Vancouver and surrounding areas
Vancouver celebrates the Christmas season with Holiday lights and festive events across Stanley Park and the historic downtown, where VanDusen Festival of Lights and Lumière Festival 2025 create magical evenings. The Vancouver Christmas Market adds seasonal entertainment and Santa visits in the charming outdoor setting. Between holiday attractions, winter events, and family-friendly activities under the lights, Vancouver offers a coastal twist on winter celebrations perfect for strolling, shopping, and soaking up festive cheer.
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Christmas Markets
39 eventsDazzling light displays and interactive Santa journey
Christmas Lights
29 eventsOver one million lights in a botanical garden setting
Christmas Shows
11 eventsFestive symphonic holiday concert
Other Christmas Activities
15 eventsPersonalized Santa photo sessions with reservations.
Editor's Picks (6)
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VanDusen Festival of Lights
Over one million lights in a botanical garden setting
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The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens
(Brentwood Bay)
Twelve Days of Christmas light displays
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Festival of Trees: Christmas with the Nanaimo Clippers
(Nanaimo)
Autograph session with hockey players for charity
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Bellingham Holiday Festival of the Arts
(Bellingham)
Over 100 regional artisans in a festive holiday market.
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The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
(North Vancouver)
Mountaintop Christmas celebration with light displays and Santa.
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PNE Winter Fair
Dazzling light displays and interactive Santa journey
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Vancouver Christmas FAQ
Some of the biggest events include Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the VanDusen Festival of Lights, and the Vancouver Christmas Market downtown. These events draw large crowds and offer a range of festive experiences.
Vancouver’s holiday traditions often blend outdoor winter activities with festive light displays, such as snowshoeing through illuminated trails at Cypress Mountain and community-driven neighborhood light displays that foster local spirit.
Neighborhoods in Langley, West Vancouver, and parts of Metro Vancouver are known for their impressive Christmas light displays, featuring synchronized music and creative decorations that attract visitors each year.
Local makers and Christmas markets can be found at the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, the Shipyards Night Market, and various artisan markets throughout the city and nearby areas during the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly options include exploring neighborhood light displays, strolling waterfront areas like Dundarave Festival of Lights, and visiting open-air markets such as the Shipyards Night Market, which often has free admission.
Family-friendly picks include Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Lights to the Lodge snowshoe trail at Cypress Mountain, and the Vancouver Christmas Market, all offering activities and environments suitable for children.