Be it the expansive and huge Christmas celebrations or just taking a stroll through pretty lights, the scenic views of the mountains, or the epic snowfall that increases the excitement multifold, many reasons make Vancouver in December a delight, and we will tell you why you shouldn’t miss out on this gem. The best part is that the weather can change any second and in a flick of a second it can turn from a bright sunny day to thunderstorm and the snows are unpredictable. Misty sights, mighty waterfalls, and obscure thick forests await you in Hong Kong. Still, if you visit the destination in December, then the peak of Christmas, great celebrations and Christmas markets, snowfall, snowshoeing and snowboarding, and skiing await you. Of all the seasons that are great for visiting this place, December is a month that makes it a hundred times better and more beautiful.
Weather In Vancouver In December
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Vancouver’s weather in December is milder and better than most other Canadian cities. December tends to be one of the rainiest months in Vancouver, so you can expect the same. The temperature stays around 3-4 degrees Celsius.
- Average Low Temperature: 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Average High Temperature: 7 degrees Celsius(45 degrees Fahrenheit)
While it’s rare there is a possibility for a snowstorm, and it is suggested that you pack accordingly. You have been warned.
Also Read: Vancouver Waterfalls
Things To Do In Vancouver In December 2024
There are many things that one can plan to do in Vancouver in December, and here we have listed some that we think you just can’t miss.
1. Robson Square Ice Rink- Skate
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The Robson Ice Square Rink opens through 1st December and stays open till the end of February. It is one of the most interesting and exciting activities to try in Vancouver in December 2022. Be it your friends or family that you are visiting Vancouver with, visiting the Robson Square Ice Rink is something you can’t miss. You can skate using your own skates or rent a helmet and skates at $4 or INR 285(approx).
Location: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
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2. Vancouver- Snowboarding
If ice skating is fun, snowboarding is even more exciting and better, which makes visiting Vancouver in December an even more fascinating experience. Get aboard a snowboard and start your journey over Vancouver’s most famous mountains—Cypress, Seymour, and Grouse. The time when it starts usually depends on weather conditions.
Location: Grouse Mountain: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver V7R 4K9; Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0; Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3
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3. The Peak Of Christmas- Explore
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This is one of the best events in December in Vancouver and would give you the best Christmas vibes. Meet Santa’s reindeer by walking into his workshop or take a sleigh ride through the obscure mountain forests or maybe bring along your skates and skate on an 8,000-square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond and pacify your adrenaline rush a bit. The choice is yours.
Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Markets To See In Vancouver In December
If you thought Vancouver was just about obscure terrains and forests or scenic landscapes, then it’s time to know about some of the most exciting fairs and markets to visit in Vancouver in December.
1. Vancouver Christmas Market
From cutesy and unique antique handicraft items to delicious delicacies, this busy Christmas Market in Vancouver is one of the best places to get those festive vibes and get into a celebratory mood on your trip to Vancouver. At this market, where around 50 sellers come together, one can find cute souvenirs and gift-able options.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Plaza, 650 Hamilton Street
Timings: 11:30 AM-9 PM, November 21 to December 23; 11:30 AM to 6 PM, December 24
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2. Vancouver Farmers’ Holiday Market
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Every year around Christmas, the Vancouver Farmers’ Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre gets into a celebratory and festive mood, and you must see it. Many artisanal items, seasonal vegetables, and other such stuff can be found here, and you will be lured into buying something. Give in to your desires and check out this exciting market in Vancouver in December 2022.
Location: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Timings: 12th December; 10 AM-4 PM
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Festivals To Attend In Vancouver In December
In December, the people of Vancouver are in a very festive and celebratory mood, and as a result, you can attend many fascinating festivals. Check these out.
1. Vancouver Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival
The largest indoor Christmas festival in Canada, the Vancouver Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival, is what you should attend in Vancouver in December. With over a hundred vendors, great food and some very unique and innovative drinks, this festival makes every traveller’s book and will make your escapade to Vancouver even more exciting.
Location: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
2. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
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Every year on the longest night, many communities and thousands participate in a traditional Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. ‘You can expect a self-guided lantern tour and a display of pretty illuminated lanterns highlighting the returning sun. There is also music and dancing; we think it’s exciting. The festival is held at many locations all over the city.
Location: Multiple locations in Vancouver
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3. Festival Of Lights
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Imagine more than one million lights twinkling and sparkling all at once! You will witness that at the Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Attending the Festival of Lights is a unique experience, and it is one of the best things to do if you visit Vancouver in December. Different themed areas offer different experiences, such as a dancing Light show at Livingstone Lake, a gnome performance, and many more.
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden: 5251 Oak St., Vancouver Bloedel Conservatory: 4600 Cambie, Vancouver
What To Pack For Vancouver In December
If you plan to visit Vancouver in December, be prepared for rain and snowfall, but don’t let it stop you. Put on a hoodie or a long coat, and you are ready. You can also wear an insulated vest under a waterproof jacket and visit famous attractions or attend one of the many exciting festivals. Your packing list for Vancouver must include a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, an umbrella, a hat, jackets, sweaters, socks, jeans and all the other things that would keep you warm.
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Vancouver In December Travel Tips
- If you plan on skiing in Vancouver in December, try taking an overnight trip to Whistler—Blackcomb for the most pleasant and adventurous experience.
- Christmas is a holiday for everyone, and almost all the shops, supermarkets and everything else is closed, so if you plan on cooking a Christmas dinner for yourself or your loved one, make sure you have all the required items beforehand,
- Visiting Vancouver in the first ten days of December is better and more budget-friendly than travelling to the destination in the last ten days, as everything increases in price.
- Remember to pack things that will protect you and let you enjoy the weather in Vancouver in December.
- For all the shopaholics, December 26 in Vancouver is seen as Boxing Day, when people can return unwanted gifts to stores. This means you will find some of the most significant sales during this period.
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Well, that’s not all. There is much more to see and experience in Vancouver, and you will have to see it to get to know it better. From steal-the-deal shopping to many exciting festivals to attend and markets to visit, Vancouver in December is nothing less than magic. Prompted already and can’t stop thinking about your festive trip to Canada? Book your vacation now, and enjoy a Christmassy holiday in Vancouver.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver In December
Is December a good month to visit Vancouver?
The best time to visit Vancouver is from March to September. In December, the weather in Vancouver drops down to 9 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius. So, due to the excessive coldness, December is not a good month to visit Vancouver. But, when it comes to Christmas celebrations and other festivals, the weather can be ignored.
How is Christmas celebrated in Vancouver?
Christmas is one of the best festivals which is celebrated in Vancouver with pomp and show. The whole town is decorated with lights. Many events and fairs are organized. People celebrate it by organizing a dance party and dinner party. Christmas is one of the best festivals which is celebrated in Vancouver with pomp and show. The whole town is decorated with lights. Many events and fairs are organized. People celebrate it by organizing a dance party and dinner party.
How is the weather of Vancouver in December?
December is the coldest month in Vancouver. The temperature of Vancouver in December falls up to 7 degrees Celsius (highest) to 3 degrees Celsius (lower).
Does it snow in Vancouver in December?
Vancouver city gets cold enough to snow in December. Usually, snowfall in Vancouver lasts only for 4-5 days, which is enough to make the surroundings of this city fizzy.
What are the popular things to do in Vancouver in December?
There are many things which you can enjoy in December in Vancouver like Stanley Park Train riding, Christmas Markets, the lighted and enchanted city, and skiing, skating.
What type of events are organized in Vancouver in December?
The December month of Vancouver is mostly known for Christmas. In December, there are many events which are organized like dancing and singing performances. Festivals like Aurora Winter Festival, A Holly Cole Christmas, Art Exhibitions, and Burnaby Art Gallery-Echoes are also organized.
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A kid at heart who is the happiest when traveling and an avid reader who can talk to you about books endlessly, Japneet is someone who cannot do without chai and her love for mountains knows no bounds and quotes ‘Mujhe khabar thi mera intezar ghar mein raha, yeh haadsa tha ki main umr bhar safar mein raha’.