I don’t know about you, but our family is pretty eager to get back to some of our favorite holiday traditions. With Christmas in Vancouver upon us, I thought it would be a good idea to round up some of the best Christmas events in town. Understandably, this event listing is not exhaustive and the exact details are always subject to change. I’m thinking loosely in terms of Metro Vancouver and that could include Fraser Valley Christmas events too.

If there are any big ones missing from the list, let me know and I’ll do my best to update this page. On with the list! (And check it twice, whether you’re naughty or nice.)

Bright Nights in Stanley Park 2021

  • Dates: November 26 to January 2
  • Cost: $6 for matinee, $9 to $13 for evening, kids 2 and under are free
  • Location: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
  • Website: vancouver.ca

The Christmas train in Stanley Park has quickly become our family’s favorite holiday tradition. They say that the plaza will still feature “selected iconic light elements.” The main draw, of course, is the train itself. Timed tickets will only be sold online, and you can expect a typical train ride to take about 15 minutes.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

  • Dates: November 20 to January 23
  • Cost: From $18.95 to $54.95 per person, kids under 6 are free, family packages available
  • Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver
  • Website: capbridge.com

The beautiful canyon will once again be lit up for the holidays. And, new this season, “the world-famous bridge will be lit, end to end, with a multi-colour changing display.” As you walk around, you can explore the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world with Treetops Adventure. Plus, there’s the Arc de Lumina light tunnel too.

Vancouver Christmas Market 2021

  • Dates: November 1 to December 24
  • Cost: $6.99 to $12.99 online, $10 to $17 at the gate, early bird discounts available before 2pm
  • Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • Website: vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza to make “spirits bright with festive fun for everyone.” In addition to the artisan shops and food vendors, enjoy live entertainment, ride the HolidayLife carousel and cozy up in the Alpine Lounge. Remember when the market was outside Queen Elizabeth Theatre?

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2021

  • Dates: November 26 to January 3
  • Cost: From $10.25 to $17.50 before taxes, children 4 and under are free (but still need a ticket)
  • Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
  • Website: vancouver.ca

If you like Christmas lights, it doesn’t get much better than the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Anyone celebrating Christmas in Vancouver has at least heard of this iconic event, spanning 15 acres of “themed areas, tasty treats, unique light features, and holiday music.”

PNE WinterLights 2021

  • Dates: December 3 to December 31, select nights
  • Cost: $37 to $42 per vehicle
  • Location: PNE Fairgrounds, 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, enter through Gate 9 east of Playland
  • Website: pne.ca

If you’d prefer to stay warm and toasty in the comfortable confines of your vehicle, PNE WinterLights is the Christmas in Vancouver event for you. The drive-thru light display features nine enchanted lands, two light tunnels, special characters, festive performers, Snowglobe Village and the Food Truck Zone on your way out.

Lights at Lafarge 2021 in Coquitlam

  • Dates: November 27 to January 31
  • Cost: FREE!
  • Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
  • Website: coquitlam.ca

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Christmas in Vancouver. In fact, you don’t have to spend any money at all, because Lights at Lafarge is totally free. Walk all the way around the lake and enjoy the free, outdoor light display. Try to avoid busy weekends to skip the crowds and stroll through the lights at a more leisurely pace.

Soar With Santa at FlyOver Canada

  • Dates: December 9 to January 3
  • Cost: $13 to $25 per person
  • Location: Canada Place, 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • Website: flyovercanada.com

You might not have the chance to actually board Santa’s sleigh as her circumnavigates the glove on Christmas Eve. However, you can take the virtual trip with FlyOver Canada. In Soar With Santa, you’ll fly across Canada and the North Pole for an eight-minute journey aboard the Ultimate Flying Ride.

Holidays on the Block in Burnaby

  • Dates: December 9 to December 24, select dates
  • Cost: $5 per person, children 6 and under are free
  • Location: 2150 Alpha Avenue, Burnaby
  • Website: greatervanfoodtruckfest.com

The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival has occupied this space at Grosvenor Brentwood on select weekends this past summer. This time around, they’re taking a more festive approach. In addition to food trucks, entertainment and a local market, you also have the opportunity “snap a quick pic with Santa.” Rotating food trucks include Shameless Buns, Crack On, Beavertails and more.

Winterfest 2021 at Bear Creek Park

  • Dates: December 6 to December 31
  • Cost: $11.50 per person, children under 2 are free
  • Location: Bear Creek Park, 13750 – 88th Avenue at King George Blvd, Surrey
  • Website: bctrains.com

I’ve never been to this one myself, so I’m not entirely sure what to expect. On the website, it says you can buy in-person tickets for Santa Express, which appears to be the daytime train from 10:00am to 4:20pm. Then, there’s the Christmas Night Train from 6pm to 9pm. The train does appear larger than the one in Stanley Park, from what I can see.

Heritage Christmas 2021 at Burnaby Village Museum

  • Dates: November 27 to January 3
  • Cost: FREE!
  • Location: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Website: burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam isn’t the only free Christmas in Vancouver event. Step back in time with Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. Wander around the village and take in the festive lights, traditional decorations, seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. The Bright in Burnaby tree lighting ceremony is at 6pm on December 4. The historic carousel is open; rides are $2.65 each.

More Christmas in Vancouver Activities and Events

Considering how much uncertainty we had surrounding Christmas in Vancouver last year, it’s nice to see these holiday events confirmed for this year. Of course, remember to be safe and kind out there. At this point, I’m not entirely sure what Santa photos are going to look like. They do sound like they’re happening, albeit adapted for our current circumstances. We’ll see how it goes.

All this said, are there any other Christmas events and light displays I need to add to this list? Let me know below!