Grab your calendar and start filling in the squares for the holiday season is upon us again and Vancouver is lit with an array of events to get you into the Christmas vibes. Christmas celebrations in Vancouver are in full swing, and the preparations start quite early. With glittering Christmas lights, beautiful decorations, and various festive events, the city and its people are all sunken in joy and fun at this time of the year. The city leaves you with a big bundle of choices to celebrate your Christmas. You can go ice skating, take a joyful sledge ride, or visit the Blue Grouse Lake.
With dozens of places to visit and experiences to indulge in, the festive spirit of Vancouver will get you into the streets of the city, dancing along to the tunes of Christmas and indulging in all the merry-making. Here are a few of the many things to do if you plan to celebrate Christmas in Vancouver.
10 Best Things To Do In Vancouver In Christmas In 2024
Are you already on your calendar and planning what to do on Christmas in Vancouver and when? Let’s make things a little easier for you. Here are some of the best things you must not miss when in Vancouver during Christmas.
1. You Gotta Visit The Vancouver Christmas Market
The celebrations for Christmas amplify the moment you step into this lively market. This German-themed holiday market is home to a great variety of artisans and vendors and food stalls with a great variety of delicious stuff. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a scrumptious christmas dinner in Vancouver along with some mulled wine and cider then this definitely the place to be. Featuring views of the North Shore, the Winterdeck will allow you to savour in some stunning sightseeing. And because Christmas decorations in Vancouver are all about Santa, spot one underneath the Olympic Cauldron.
Admission Fee: $5-$10
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2. See Park & Tilford Hi-Light Festival
A great affair of lights, this majestic festival displays more than 150000 variety of lights spread over an area of three acres. Family Friday nights are held every friday evening which offer a variety of entertainment shows like live music and other fun activities. The lights are on between 5:00 Pm and 9:00 Pm which is obviously the best time to visit this heavenly place all lit up.
Address: Park & Tilford Gardens, 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Van
Admission Fee: Donation to the North Vancouver firefighters to the appointed charities
3. Attend The Vancouver Santa Claus Parade
The Vancouver Santa Claus Parade is a Christmas Parade celebrated in Western Canada and features dance troupes, marching bands and festive floats. It is one of the largest food and fundraising events; it takes place on the first Sunday of December. The annual parade starts at Broughton and finally finishes at Davie Street. Special kid’s activities behind the Vancouver Art Gallery are also arranged.
Starting Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
TIPS: Dress warmly, get there early to find a good viewing spot and take public transit if possible. If the weather is good, there will be a LOT of people! Hang onto your kids tight!
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4. Christmas at FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada offers a multidimensional theatre flying experience. Located at the Canada Place, you can fly like Santa this Christmas across the whole of Canada and experience fun with your magical flight across Canada. You can enjoy this thrilling experience in the months of November and December. It is advised to book your tickets in advance especially during Christmas.
Time: Late November- Early January
5. Enjoy The Polar Express Ride
A Polar Express Ride is one of the most popular activities of Christmas in the Lower Mainland. The Polar Express is available at the West Coast Railway Museum in Squamish from November end just before Christmas. The Polar Express Train Ride includes hot chocolate and cookies, chefs, lots of entertainment, singing, a visit by the hobo and a magical ride to the North Pole. You will enjoy a movie-like experience at this ride.
Duration: 40 minutes
Dress-code: Pajamas
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6. Bring In The Christmas Vibes At Glow Christmas
Glow Christmas is an indoor Christmas attractions in the center of a greenhouse of a huge garden. A giant light tunnel, light maze, christmas displays, market and live music will play your way while at this beautiful center. Play under the stars at this largest indoor festival and whisper your Christmas list to Santa and buy some Christmas souvenirs from the unique market and enjoy your Christmas in Vancouver.
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216th St., Langley
Entry Fee: $ 17 For Children, $23 For Adults, Free for kids under the age of 3
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7. Take The Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
The festively decorated Christmas Trolleys will revive you holiday spirit. Take a sightseeing tour while you are completely engrossed in singing the Christmas Carol all through your way. The trolleys are equipped with Karaoke machines, TVs, and your favourite Christmas carols as you drive downtown and arrive at Bright Nights Stanley Park. The tour further continues past other local displays like English Bay Christmas Tree, Hycroft Manor and Canuck Place. Hereafter, your next stop will be VanDusen’s Festival of Lights. Later, you will return to St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope. The train departs at around 6:30 PM from Canada Place.
Cost: $30-$60 per person
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8. Visit The Gingerbread Lane
Beautiful gingerbread creations line your way as soon as you enter the lane. Located halfway between Canada Place and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, this gingerbread lane is at the Hyatt Regency. During the Christmas season, the hotel’s foyer is one of the best sights of the hotel. You can combine this activity with others in the area for a wholesome experience. The gingerbread lane runs from late November until late September, allowing you to make the most of Christmas in Vancouver.
9. Celebrate Heritage Christmas
Another preferable option to spend time in the city during Christmas is at the Burnaby Village Museum. Entertainment activities like theatre performances, choirs, musicians, and street characters make for a wonderful event in the village. While strolling through the streets of the village, you will witness the cedar swags, vintage-themed displays, and wreaths. Family-friendly activities like baking in the farmhouse and crafts for kids are also organised.
Address: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave
Time: 1:00 PM
Fee: Free Entry
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10. Discover The Canyon Lights
One of the top tourist destinations, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with its Christmas lighting, is magical in this season. If you wish to indulge in some Vancouver sightseeing, then this is one of the best places to visit. The canyon is lit up during winter, and the suspension bridges and forest offer an impressive sight during the season.
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With all the glitz and glamor, Vancouver is lit up for Christmas. The streets are decorated, and one can soak up the holiday vibes that the city imparts. Plan your trip to Vancouver with TravelTriangle and experience the best on your vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Vancouver
Does it snow in Vancouver during Christmas?
The chances of snowfall during Christmas are only 10 per cent. However, you might want to be prepared for snow during your visit to Vancouver in December.
What are the things to do at Christmas in Vancouver?
You can visit the Vancouver Christmas market to enjoy some delicious food and wine, or Take a polar express ride, or visit the Christmas Vancouver Santa Clause parade, etc
What is Vancouver best known for?
Vancouver is famous as one of the world’s most livable cities. Also, with its snow capped mountains and the deep blue sea, with the Sun shining Vancouver is a sight to behold. The town provides for some fresh seafood, especially Salmon.
How cold does it get in Vancouver?
Vancouver has the mildest temperature in Canada. In summer, the temperature on an average ranges around 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperature is about 0-5 degrees Celsius.
What are some of the famous foods in Vancouver?
The city offers fresh seafood with Salmon being its specialty. The Canadian dishes can be found in Vancouver; be it Japadog or Poutine. Your sweet tooth will also relish the pies as a dessert. 40% of Vancouver residents boast Asian heritage, and hence, it is no surprise that you may find Asian food too.
Which is the coldest month in Vancouver?
August is the hottest month in Vancouver with a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January as Vancouver sees an average temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius.
Where should I stay in Vancouver?
The neighborhood you decide to stay in depends on what you plan to do in the city. If you want to take up a cruise, then your first pick should be Coal harbor/ Waterfront. Are you discovering the city as a foodie? Then, choose Gastown, which has some of the best restaurants in the city. Yaletown can be called as one of the most happening areas of Vancouver, you can catch oceanic views from the hotels there, and it also has some great pubs and bars.
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A writer by hobby and an ardent traveler by heart has what encouraged me to pen down my experiences in every way possible and to also take up this profession as a writer. Getting to know about different places all around the world and putting down my own thoughts on paper with my own touch of creativity is what keeps me going!
