Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, cars line up to get into the parking lot. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight. Walking to Vancouver Christmas festivals….
Yes, it’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about snowpocalypse or The Great Salt Shortage (yet). Instead, what I’m talking about are all the fabulous Vancouver Christmas festivals, light displays and winter carnivals that are starting to open up around town. As you start to plan out your holiday schedule, refer to this handy guide for where to go and how much it’ll cost.
Christmas Glow Gardens
Apparently, Christmas Glow — also called Christmas Glow Gardens — is the world’s largest indoor Christmas festival. Glow Vancouver covers nearly 50,000 square feet with its “Santa’s Lost Presents” theme. Expect to see a number of illuminated structures, seasonal beverages, festive playgrounds, a trackless train, and live entertainment.
- Dates: November 21 to January 5
- Location: Harbour Convention Centre (760 Pacific Boulevard)
- Price: $20-$23 adults, $15-17 children/seniors, 3 and under free
- More info: glowgardens.com
There’s also Glow Abbotsford at Tradex (1190 Cornell Street). It runs from December 5 to January 4. Ticket prices are the same.
Aurora Winter Festival
There’s more happening at the PNE grounds than the PNE itself. Toward the north end of the property at the Amphitheatre and where they have the BBQ competitors during the Fair, you’ll find the Aurora Winter Festival. Beyond the “mystical worlds and characters,” Aurora features a tube slide park, skating pond, carnival rides and games, and market shopping opportunities.
- Dates: November 22 to January 5
- Location: Hastings Park / PNE (near the barns)
- Price: $18-20 adults, $13-15 children/seniors, 3 and under free
- More info: aurorawinterfestival.com
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
We love the Christmas train. Indeed, Bright Nights at Stanley Park has quickly become an annual tradition for us. The train takes you through a number of festive displays featuring live performers. Entrance to the plaza surrounding the train station is by donation with proceeds going toward the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
- Dates: November 28 to January 1
- Location: Stanley Park Railway (690 Pipeline Road)
- Price: $12 adults, $9 youth/seniors, $8 children, 2 and under free
- More info: vancouver.ca
Vancouver Christmas Market
If the traditional Bavarian village experience is more your cup of Glühwein (hot-spiced mulled wine), then it’s off to Jack Poole Plaza by the Vancouver Convention Centre for you. The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its 10th year with lots of German treats and treasures, plus live music, a Christmas carousel, and the Insta-worthy walk-in Christmas tree.
- Dates: November 20 to December 24
- Location: Jack Poole Plaza (1055 Canada Place)
- Price: $13-15 adults, $7-9 youths, $11-13 seniors, 6 and under free
- More info: vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Heritage Christmas
One of the best FREE attractions in Metro Vancouver is Burnaby Village Museum. Admission to the 10-acre site in Deer Lake Park is free. Walk among the several builders styled after an one-timey community, complete with period costumed townsfolk. During the holiday season, the village takes on a more festive flair with theater performances, holiday crafts, and visits with Father Christmas.
- Dates: November 23 to January 3
- Location: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Avenue)
- Price: Free (carousel rides are $2.65 each)
- More info: burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Lights at Lafarge Lake
The entire 1.2 kilometer loop that encircles Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam gets lit up for the holidays. Lights at Lafarge kicks off with a free event on November 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (food service is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), including live entertainment and a fire show.
- Dates: November 30 to January 19
- Location: Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam
- Price: Free
- More info: coquitlam.ca
Christmas at Canada Place
Remember Woodward’s? Remember how the department store’s windows would always get fancied with up with Christmas displays? Christmas at Canada Place aims to capture a bit of that nostalgia with Woodward’s Windows. You can also expect more light displays and the Avenue of Trees along the west promenade (Canadian Trail).
- Dates: December 6 to January 1
- Location: Canada Place
- Price: Free
- More info: canadaplace.ca
The Peak of Christmas
If we don’t get snow in the city, you’ll definitely find it up on the mountain. Head to the top of Grouse Mountain for the Peak of Christmas. There, you can visit Santa’s workshop, check out the light tunnel, skate on the 8,000 square foot pond, and craft a keepsake at Elf Headquarters. Your regular season pass, annual membership, and lift ticket are all valid.
- Dates: November 22 to January 5
- Location: Grouse Mountain
- Price: $59 adults, $52 seniors, $32 child 5-16, tots 0-4 free (Regular mountain admission)
- More info: grousemountain.com
More Vancouver Christmas Festivals
Looking for even more Vancouver Christmas festivals? I’ve included most of the main ones above, but you might also want to check out Wesbrook Winter Festival at Wesbrook Village (UBC) and Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. There are several craft fairs too, plus the Telus Santa Claus parade. What are you most excited to see and experience?
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