Are you ready to get into the festive spirit again? Just as I did last year and the year before that, I’ve compiled a curated list of Christmas and holiday events in Vancouver and its suburbs. This list is not meant to be complete — I don’t think it really can be — but it should give you a good idea of what’s going on around town this holiday season. Feel free to comment below with any festive Vancouver events I missed that you think should be included!

Note: I’ll update this post periodically with additional events and/or any new coverage or information about this year’s Christmas events in Vancouver. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube too. Prices below are subject to taxes and fees and they reflect buying tickets online in advance (where applicable); ticket prices at the door may be higher. Check the official websites for the latest information.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver at any time of the year is a treat. But crossing that bridge and taking in the Treetops Adventure when surrounded by innumerable holiday lights and decorations? It’s a whole other experience. Canyon Lights is back for another year, including the Arc de Lumina light tunnel as part of Cliffwalk. Admission is a bit more spendy than most, but BC residents get a full annual pass for the price of one day’s admission.

Pro tip: Time it right and you can effectively get two Canyon Lights seasons for the price of one.

  • Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
  • Dates: November 19 to January 22
  • Prices: $62.95 for adults, $57.95 for seniors, $49.95 for students, $34.95 for youth (13-17), $24.95 for children (6-12), free for children under 6

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

The Christmas Train in Stanley Park is something we look forward to every year and it’s become one of our family’s holiday traditions. Unfortunately, just as they had to cancel the Halloween Ghost Train in October, there will be no Christmas Train this year either due to mechanical issues. However, the Stanley Park Railway plaza will still be lit up for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. Food vendors will be on site and Santa’s Workshop is open again. Best of all, admission is by donation and you don’t need to book your visit online in advance.

  • Location: Stanley Park Railway Plaza, 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
  • Dates: December 1 to January 1
  • Prices: By donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

Christmas Glow Langley at Glow Gardens

If you’re out in the Fraser Valley and prefer a holiday experience a bit closer to home, Christmas Glow Langley could be just the magic ticket. The walkaround experience surrounds you in the twinkle of over one million lights, perfect for holiday selfies. Wander through “the sea of giant ornaments, magical trees and cascading lights to delight the senses.” Santa is on site for visits, plus food trucks, a musical tunnel and a bouncy farm.

  • Location: Glow Gardens Langley, 6690 216 Street, Langley
  • Dates: November 23 to December 31
  • Prices: $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for children/seniors, children 3 and under are free

Winter Fair at PNE

The PNE has done a tremendous job in adapting to the circumstances of the last couple of years. If you liked WinterLights last year, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re expanding the experience with PNE Winter Fair for 2022. It’s no longer just a drive-thru experience. In addition to the walk-through light displays, there’s an indoor skating rink at the Agrodome, the Magic of Santa holiday musical, an outdoor winter market, and a nightly concert series. (Concert tickets start from $39, including Winter Fair admission).

  • Location: PNE Fairgrounds, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
  • Dates: December 14 to December 23
  • Prices: $15 for adults, $12 for children/seniors, kids under 3 are free

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum is a local treasure and the tradition continues with Heritage Christmas 2022. As before, gate admission is free and the historic village is transformed for the holidays with seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, plus holiday lights and displays. Mayor Mike Hurley will be on hand on Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. for the official Bright in Burnaby tree lighting ceremony.

  • Location: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Dates: November 26 to January 2
  • Prices: Gate admission is free

VanDusen Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Dazzle in the joy and magic of a winter wonderland decorated with more than one million lights decorating the 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. The annual Festival of Lights features a winter garden with several themed areas and lakeside light features, including Glacial Passage, Santa’s Castle, and Grotto-A-Glow. Stop by the Scottish Shelter to light a candle and make a donation to Make-A-Wish.

  • Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
  • Dates: November 25 to January 2
  • Prices: $21 for adults, $15.50 for seniors (65+) and youth (13-18), $11 for children (5-12), free for children 4 and under

Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza

Prefer your Vancouver Christmas experience with a bit of European or German flair? Look no further than Vancouver Christmas Market, which returns to Jack Poole Plaza for 2022. Get in our fill of gluhwein (mulled wine) and schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) while listening to live music and holiday entertainers, shopping for unique handicrafts, and riding the holiday carousel. New this year is are three augmented reality animations. Just scan the QR codes to unlock the Instagram filters.

  • Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • Dates: November 12 to December 24
  • Prices: From $17.99 for adults, $14.99 for seniors, $9.99 for youth, free for kids 6 and under

Lights at Lafarge Lake

Over in the Tri-Cities, Town Centre Park gets decked out in holiday fashion again for Lights at Lafarge. It’s completely free to take in the holiday lights as you walk all the way around Lafarge Lake. Parking can be challenging during clear, busy weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver’s largest, free outdoor lights display. The kickoff event, featuring food vendors, activities and live entertainment, is scheduled for November 26.

  • Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
  • Dates: November 26 to TBD
  • Prices: Free

What Are Your Favorite Vancouver Holiday Events?

Growing up, my family didn’t make that big of a deal around Vancouver holiday events. We’d do our usual shopping and enjoy meals with extended family, but that’s about it. Now that I’ve got a family of my own, with two little ones, I’m definitely making more of an effort to get out there and fill their hearts with treasured memories.

As I said, I’m sure this list is nowhere near exhaustive, so please leave a comment below with any Vancouver holiday events and Christmas displays I may have missed! Now, if you’ll excuse me, this eggnog isn’t going to drink itself.