Vancouver In December- Your Handbook To Get The Best Of This Beautiful Destination

23 Mar 2023

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Be it the expansive and huge christmas celebrations or just taking a stroll through pretty lights or the scenic views of the mountains or the epic snowfall that increases the excitement multifold there are many reasons that 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 at Hong Kong Kong but if you visit the destination in December then the peak of christmas, great celebrations and christmas markets, snowfall, snowshoeing and snowboarding, and skiing too await you. Of all the seasons that are great to visit 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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The weather in Vancouver in December is milder and better than most of the other cities in Canada. December tends to be one of the rainiest months in Vancouver so you can expect the same. The temperature of Vancouver in December stays around 3-4 degrees Celsius.

Average Low Temperature: 1 degree Celsius (34 degree Fahrenheit)
Average High Temperature: 7 degrees Celsius(45 degree Fahrenheit)

While it’s rare but there is a possibility for a snowstorm and it is suggested that you pack accordingly. You have been warned.

Best Things To Do In Vancouver In December

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 and 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 just 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

Must Read: 5 Vancouver Waterfalls Which Are All That You Need For That Well Deserved Break

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2. Vancouver- Snowboarding

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If ice-skating is something fun, snowboarding is something even more exciting and better and something 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 would start 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

3. The Peak Of Christmas- Explore

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This is one of the best events to attend in Vancouver in December and something that would give you the best kind of 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

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From cutesy and very unique antique handicraft items to some really delicious delicacies, this busy and bustling 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. One can find some really cute souvenirs and gift-able options at this market where around 50 sellers come together.

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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The Vancouver Farmers’ Market gets into a very celebratory and festive mood around Christmas every year at the Croatian Cultural Centre 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 for sure. Give in to your desires and check out this exciting market in Vancouver in December in 2022.

Location: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Timings: 12th December; 10 AM-4 PM

Festivals To Attend In Vancouver In December

The people in Vancouver in December are in a very festive and celebratory mood and as a result you can be a part of many interesting and fascinating festivals. Check these out.

1. Vancouver Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival

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The largest indoor Christmas festival in Canada, the Vancouver Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival is what you should be attending in Vancouver in December. With over a hundred vendors, great food and some very unique and innovative drinks this festival makes to every traveler’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 of the year many communities and thousands of people come together and participate in a traditional festival named ‘ Winter Solstice Lantern Festival’. A self-guided lantern tour and highlighting the returning sun with pretty illuminated lanterns is what you can expect here. There is also music and dancing and we think it’s really exciting and it is held at many locations all over the city.

Location: Multiple locations in Vancouver

3. Festival Of Lights

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Imagine more than one million lights twinkling and sparkling all at once! That is something that you will witness at the Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. One of the best things to do if you are visiting Vancouver in December attending the festival of Lights is a very unique experience. There are different themed areas which 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

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If you plan on visiting Vancouver in December then be prepared for rains and even snowfall but don’t let it stop you. Just put on a hoodie or a long coat and you are good to go. You can also wear an insulated vest under a waterproof jacket and visit the many famous attractions or just attend one of the many interesting 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.

Vancouver In December Travel Tips

If you plan on skiing in Vancouver in December then 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 would be more budget friendly than traveling to the destination in the last ten days as the prices of everything increase.
Do not forget to pack stuff that will protect you and let you enjoy the weather in Vancouver in December.
For all the shopaholics out there, December 26 in Vancouver is observed as Boxing Day where people can return all the unwanted gifts to stores which means that you would find some of the biggest sales around this period.

Further Read: 10 Essential Vancouver Travel Tips For A Seamless Vacation To Canada!

Well, that’s not all. There definitely is much more to see and experience in Vancouver and you will have to see to know better. From steal the deal kind of shopping to many exciting festivals to attend and markets to see, Vancouver in December is nothing less than magic. Prompted already and can’t stop thinking about your festive vacation to Canada? Well, check out these customizable options and you might just be packing and not planning.

Frequently Asked Question 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.

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.