15 Best Christmas Events in Vancouver (2024)
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CHRISTMAS EVENTS VANCOUVER 2024
Welcome to the enchanting winter wonderland of Vancouver, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive with a plethora of festive events and activities in 2024!
As the city gears up for the most magical time of the year, both Vancouverites and those just visiting Vancouver for Christmas can look forward to a spectacular lineup of events that promise to light up the cityscape and warm hearts.
Whether you’re eager to glide gracefully on the city’s iconic outdoor ice rinks, savor delicious seasonal delicacies at the Vancouver Christmas Market, or be serenaded by carolers in the snow-kissed streets, this year’s Vancouver Christmas events promise unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
So, bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and explore this Christmas Vancouver events guide for 2024. Let the holiday festivities begin!
THE 15 BEST VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2024
1. THE VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market Vancouver plaza offers entertainment for all ages, including live music, a carousel, tasty food and drink options (don’t miss the collector’s Christmas mug!), roaming gingerbread mascots, and a 30-foot twinkling Christmas tree—perfect for holiday selfies! With over 80 artisan huts, you’re also likely to find the perfect gift or ornament to take home.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 13th – Dec. 24th 2024
Cost: Adult $19.99, Seniors $16.99 Youth (7-17 years) $11.99, 6 and under are free.
Learn more: vancouverchristmasmarket.com
2. STANLEY PARK CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Bundle up the family and enjoy a festive ride on the vintage 1961 locomotive as it winds through beautiful light displays in the heart of the Stanley Park forest. This magical experience is one of the top Christmas activities Vancouver has to offer.
In addition to the Bright Nights Train, visitors can explore a vintage fire truck, snap a selfie with a firefighter, get festive in Santa’s North Pole workshop, or settle in to enjoy live entertainment.
Food vendors will offer comforting treats like churros, pretzels, popcorn, and hot chocolate, perfect for warming up between activities.
Bright Nights is the single largest fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund , which provides essential support for burn survivors across the province.
Note: Tickets go on sale on Friday, November 8, 2024, at noon. Access to the waiting room starts at 11:30am. In 2023, they sold out in just 90 minutes!
Where: 2099 Beach Ave.
When : Nov. 29th, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Tickets: Buy tickets for the Christmas Train Vancouver, Stanley Park here. (Ticket release date TBC.)
Learn more at: vancouver.ca
3. VAN DUSEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is another must-do Christmas event in Vancouver! Step into a holiday wonderland as you wander through 15 acres aglow with over a million twinkling lights, featuring a brand-new interactive mycelium installation and a spectacular display inspired by BC’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Guests can enjoy a festive stroll through the gardens, with holiday music filling the air and seasonal treats and drinks to sample along the way.
New this year: On Dec. 3rd, a dedicated sensory-friendly evening is being offered for neurodiverse individuals, their families, and caregivers.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
When: Nov. 29th to Jan. 5th, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $28, Senior and Youth (13-18) $18, Child (5-12) $11, Tot (0-3) Free. Tickets available exclusively online.
Learn more at: vandusenfestivaloflights.ca
4. PEAK OF CHRISTMAS GROUSE MOUNTAIN
For the Peak of Christmas Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is transformed into the North Pole, including the SOS Gingerbread Village, Santa’s workshop, elf craft station, ice skating rink, sleigh rides, magical light walk in the trees, a sliding centre and more.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way.
When: Nov. 24th – Dec. 24th, 2024
Cost: Adult (17-64) $75, Seniors $65, Youth (13-17) $55, Child (5-12) $39 Tots (0-4) Free, Family Pass (2 adults, 2 kids) $189.
Learn more at: grousemountain.com
This venue is also an amazing place to experience a Vancouver Breakfast with Santa. The dates for 2024 are: Nov. 24th, Nov. 30th and Dec. 15-23rd. See booking options here.
5. THE CANYON LIGHTS AT CAPILANO
If you a looking for somewhere special to enjoy Christmas lights in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a great holiday choice.
Transformed for the Christmas season and decorated in thousands of twinkling lights are the suspension bridge, the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk, the rainforest and the canyon. Go on a Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, enjoy the festive tunes and enter to win a fabulous Canadians Rockies Vacation.
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver.
When: Nov. 22nd – Jan. 19th, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $71.95, Senior $66.95, student 18+ with ID $59.95, Youth (13-17) $42.95, Child (6-12) $24.95, Under 6 are free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Important Note: Strollers are not permitted on the attractions (suspension bridge etc.)
Learn more at: www.capbridge.com
6. THE PNE WINTER FAIR
The 2024 PNE Winter Fair in Vancouver promises a festive wonderland filled with holiday magic, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. As a highlight Christmas in Vancouver event, visitors can explore an array of attractions, including a spectacular holiday light display that transforms the fairgrounds into a glittering spectacle.
This year’s event at the PNE features a large indoor skating rink, ice bumper cars, a winter market, a walk-through winter lights display, a Christmas train, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, making it a must-visit destination for holiday cheer.
There are also two new rides this year: the festive ferris wheel or the Berry Go Round.
Save Money: If you have a BCAA membership you can save 30% when you pre-purchase tickets online.
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
When: Dec. 6-8th & 12-23rd 2024
Cost: Adults $20, Seniors $14, Youth $14, Child $7.50
Learn more: PNE Winter Fair
7. THE VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The annual VSO tradition returns! Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends as you gather to hear your favourite carols and Christmas music sung by special guest soloists and performed live by the VSO.
In addition to these wonderful concerts around Greater Vancouver, the VSO also performs live scores to popular holiday classic movies (Home Alone, The Snowman and Elf) on select dates throughout December.
Learn more or purchase tickets at: vancouversymphony.ca
8. CANDYTOWN YALETOWN
In its 12th year, this annual Vancouver winter festival transforms Yaletown streets into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes adorn lamp poles, costumed characters parade down the street, and live holiday music sets the stage for Yuletide cheer.
This festival provides a great setting for finding some thoughtful holiday gifts, while at the same time showing your support for the hundreds of local merchants in the area.
Where: Yaletown
When: TBC
Cost: Free
Learn more at: yaletowninfo.com
9. FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
While not one of the more traditional Vancouver Christmas activities, several Vancouver restaurants offer cheery, holiday afternoon tea menus. These include the beautiful holiday tea at The Bayshore’s H Lounge and The Fairmont Vancouver’s Festive Holiday Chalet Afternoon Tea.
While Ladurée (the gorgeous macaron shop on Robson St.) doesn’t specifically offer a holiday themed afternoon tea menu, the shop is so beautifully decorated that it will surely bring out your festive spirit.
10. FESTIVE VANCOUVER WINTER PATIOS
While it can be a little tricky to score a reservation, The Winter Terrace at Reflections (Hotel Georgia), the WinterLust dome dining experience (The Westin Bayshore) and the lovely patio at The Roof (Black and Blue Restaurant) are all wonderful places for festive cocktails and creative holiday cuisine.
Another excellent holiday dining choice is Yaletown’s Brix & Mortar where, if you are lucky, you just might score one of their cozy and festive courtyard tables. (That said, the inside tables are also really lovely.)
11. GINGERBREAD LANE
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is thrilled to announce the 32st Gingerbread Lane event , their cherished holiday displays supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Gingerbread Lane offers a unique opportunity for the community to witness the exceptional talents of local individuals and groups who use gingerbread as their canvas to create awe-inspiring masterpieces.
Where: Hyatt Regency
When: Nov. 28th – Dec. 28th, 2024
Cost: Free
Learn more at: gingerbreadlane.ca
12. CHRISTMAS CANADA PLACE
This family-friendly experience features the historic Woodward’s Windows, the North Point light display “Chrismoose,” (a 15-foot tall moose light sculpture), the iconic Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Trees at this free, family-friendly event
These displays are located very close to both FlyOver Canada and the Vancouver Christmas Market if you are looking to have an action-packed holiday outing.
Where: 999 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 29th, 2024 – Jan. 1st, 2025
Cost: Free
Learn more at: www.canadaplace.ca/
13. ROBSON SQUARE ICE SKATING
Surrounded by festively decorated trees, the Robson Square Ice Rink is a perfect place to impress your friends with that axle you have been patiently waiting to show off. (This also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly Christmas activities in Vancouver!)
Where: Downstairs at Robson and Howe.
When: Dec 1st, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 (dates TBC)
Cost: Skating is free, skate rental $5, helmets are free with skate rental.
Learn more at: robsonsquare.com
14. VANCOUVER LIGHTS OF HOPE
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope is a beloved Vancouver Christmas lights display that transforms the hospital’s facade into a dazzling spectacle with over 100,000 twinkling lights. This iconic Vancouver lights Christmas event symbolizes hope and support for the hospital’s essential programs.
Visitors gather to marvel at the display, embracing the spirit of giving and community. While free to visit, donations are encouraged to support St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, making it a meaningful way to enjoy the festive atmosphere while contributing to a great cause.
This spectacular volunteer-driven display of lights is an annual fundraising initiative for St. Paul’s Hospital.
Where: 1081 Burrard Street.
When: Nov. 27th – Jan. 25th, 2025
Cost: A donation to help St. Paul’s hospital reach their fundraising goal is appreciated.
Learn more at: https://helpstpauls.com/lights-of-hope
15. FLYOVER CANADA CHRISTMAS
Flyover Canada’s family-friendly flight simulation ride uses the latest in projection to create a true flying experience (complete with wind, scents and mist !) During the Christmas holiday season, flyers get to Soar with Santa on a magical journey to the North Pole. The festive experience is enhanced with holiday music, lights, hot drinks and festive food.
Where: #201 – 999 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 21st, 2024 – Jan. 1st, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $29, child 12 and under is $19. Buy tickets online here.
Note: If you are looking for a unique Breakfast with Santa in Vancouver, Flyover offers a fun package that includes a buffet breakfast, the Soar with Santa show, a souvenir gift and, of course, a meet-and-greet with Santa himself. Dates for 2024 are: Nov. 18-19th, 25-26th, Dec. 2-3rd, 9-10th and 16-17th.
Learn more at: flyovercanada.com.
