Vancouver Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Vancouver and surrounding areas
The Christmas season in Vancouver centers on Esther Short Park and Fort Vancouver with Holiday lights and festive events that highlight local history and community cheer. Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Dave's Killer Bread, the Portland Holiday Market pop-ups, and Heritage Holiday at Fort Vancouver offer seasonal attractions and family-friendly activities near the waterfront. From neighborhood markets to lighted parades, Vancouver’s holiday events and winter celebrations invite visitors to enjoy warm, memorable seasonal experiences.
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Christmas Markets
31 eventsOver 100 artisan vendors and festive workshops
Christmas Shows
17 eventsLive musical performance of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Christmas Lights
16 eventsThousands of twinkling lights and a Holiday Night Market
Christmas Parties
7 eventsPortland's largest Christmas bar crawl with free venue entry
Other Christmas Activities
29 eventsMagical train journey to the North Pole with Santa.
Editor's Picks (6)
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The Polar Express™ Train Ride
(Hood River)
Magical train journey to the North Pole with Santa.
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Magic at the Mill
(Salem)
Thousands of twinkling lights and a Holiday Night Market
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Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Dave's Killer Bread
(Portland)
Largest drive-thru holiday light show in the Pacific Northwest.
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Portland Winter Light Festival
(Portland)
Citywide free light festival powered by volunteers.
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The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas
(Corvallis)
Live musical performance of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
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Vancouver Community Tree Lighting
Historic public square tree lighting ceremony
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Vancouver
Portland
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
- Portland Revels Midwinter Revels: Highland Hearth
- Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair
Bethany
See all in Bethany →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 attract large crowds and offer a variety 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 celebrating in waterfront neighborhoods with community light displays.
Neighborhoods in Langley, West Vancouver, and some residential areas near Vancouver are known for their impressive Christmas light displays. These areas often feature synchronized music and creative decorations shared by the community.
Local makers and Christmas markets can be found at the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver, and various artisan markets throughout the city during the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly options include visiting neighborhood light displays, strolling waterfront areas like Dundarave Festival of Lights, and exploring public parks with holiday decorations. Many markets also offer free entry or low-cost admission.
Family-friendly picks include Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the VanDusen Festival of Lights, and the Lights to the Lodge snowshoe trail at Cypress Mountain. These offer interactive experiences and festive activities suitable for children.