50 Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver (2025 Guide)
Your cozy, chatty, “I-got-you” holiday roundup
Why Christmas in Vancouver Hits Different
So here’s the thing: if you’re new to Vancouver or just haven’t explored Christmas here properly, you might be wondering… is it actually festive or is it just rain with twinkly lights?
Honestly? It’s both.
And that combo kind of works.
Vancouver at Christmas feels like the city collectively decides to soften a little. Even with the drizzle, everyone’s out, bundled up in scarves, sipping hot chocolate, taking photos of anything that glows. There’s something really charming about it — like the whole city turns into a cozy living room.
And since you asked for the best Christmas activities in Vancouver, I went all out and made you the ultimate list.
Think of this as me sliding a handwritten list across the table saying:
“Here — trust me. Do these.”
The 50 Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver
Below are all the festive things you can do — from classic holiday events to the cute, random low-key ones locals swear by. Mix, match, repeat.
1. Explore the Vancouver Christmas Market
The vibes?
German food, twinkly lights, mulled wine, and cozy stalls. Total holiday serotonin.
2. Wander Through Capilano Canyon Lights
Suspension bridge + glowing forest = magical.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it.
3. Ride the Peak of Christmas Gondola to Grouse Mountain
Snow. Lights. Reindeer. A huge sleigh.
Feels like stepping inside a Christmas postcard.
4. Go Ice Skating at Robson Square
Classic, lively, and free (if you bring your skates).
Great for people-watching too.
5. Visit the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver
Less crowded than downtown and super local.
Plus, waterfront views? Yes please.
6. Watch the Carol Ships Festival of Lights Parade
A whole parade… but with boats.
The inner kid in you will be delighted.
7. Stroll Through Bright Nights at Stanley Park
Trains, lights, and hot cocoa.
Peak Vancouver nostalgia.
8. Take the Magical Flying Chairs at the Peak of Christmas
A calm ride through snowy trees.
10/10 calming winter therapy.
9. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium Holiday Displays
Themed lights + animals = perfect for kids and adults.
10. Explore VanDusen Festival of Lights
One of the most beautiful light displays in the city.
Fairytale vibes.
11. Do Christmas Shopping on Main Street
Vintage shops + indie boutiques = unique gifts galore.
12. Go Snowshoeing on Mount Seymour
Quiet, peaceful, and full-on winter wonderland.
13. Explore the Glow Christmas Light Festival
Indoor lights + installations = perfect rainy-day option.
14. Visit Steveston Village for Holiday Markets
Coastal, charming, cute — like a Hallmark set.
15. Take the SeaBus at Night (Trust Me)
Cheap, short, and the skyline looks dreamy in December.
16. Check Out the PNE Winter Fair
Ice shows, rides, concerts — all under one roof.
17. Shop Local at the Circle Craft Christmas Market
Over 300 artisans = gift heaven.
18. Cozy Up in a Holiday-Themed Café
Cafés like Off the Rail, Timbertrain, and The Birds & The Beets go full cozy mode.
19. Take Photos at the Bentall Centre Giant Tree
Office workers love it; Instagram loves it more.
20. Drive Through the Valley’s Christmas Light Farms
Langley, Abbotsford, Surrey — all doing the most with Christmas lights.
21. Do a DIY Christmas Cookie Night at Home
Easy, cheap, and smells amazing.
22. Watch Holiday Movies at the Rio Theatre
Elf + popcorn ≠ bad decisions.
23. Go to Whistler for a One-Day Christmas Escape
Lights, mountains, snow… it’s basically Europe.
24. Take Kids to FlyOver Canada — Christmas Edition
Kids love it. Parents low-key love it too.
25. Do a Christmas Brewery Hop
Holiday ales = festive fuel.
26. Go to the Burnaby Village Heritage Christmas
A 1920s village + lights + carols = pure nostalgia.
27. Visit the Grouse Sleigh Ride
Snow + sleigh = romantic, even if you’re single.
28. Take a Walk in Olympic Village Lights
Cozy, quiet, and pretty by the water.
29. Drive to North Van for the Shipyards Skating Rink
More space than Robson and great views.
30. Visit the Granville Island Artisan Winter Markets
Handmade everything. Also: warm mini donuts.
31. Do a Holiday Brunch with Friends
Jam Café, OEB, Twisted Fork — no wrong choices here.
32. See Live Christmas Theatre or Ballet
The Nutcracker = instant serotonin.
33. Wander Through UBC Botanical Garden’s Winter Light Walk
Nature + lights = peaceful holiday reset.
34. Drink Mulled Wine in Coal Harbour
Cozy, quiet, and pretty at night.
35. Take Kids to Storytime with Santa
Malls, libraries, and pop-ups do this all December.
36. Try a Holiday Afternoon Tea
The Fairmont’s is iconic (and very Instagrammable).
37. Do a Christmas Puzzle or Board Game Night
Cheap and cozy. Bonus points for pajamas.
38. Find Random Neighbourhood Houses Covered in Lights
Some people go all out.
Like… Clark-Griswold-level out.
39. Warm Up at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Themed cocktails + cozy decor = full holiday mood.
40. Do a Gastown Christmas Photo Walk
The cobblestones + warm lights = gorgeous.
41. Attend a Local Christmas Concert
Choirs, bands, indie shows — lots of choice.
42. Take a Christmas Yoga or Candlelit Class
A festive reset for your brain.
43. Have a Holiday Dessert Night in Richmond
Cream puffs, shaved ice, pastries — sweet heaven.
44. Try Curling at the Hillcrest Centre
Surprisingly fun, especially in groups.
45. Visit a Local Christmas Craft Workshop
Make wreaths, candles, ornaments — the cute stuff.
46. Do a Night Walk at Queen Elizabeth Park
City skyline + chilly air = calm holiday date.
47. Visit the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Van
Trees decorated by the community — wholesome vibes.
48. Sip Hot Chocolate on a Seawall Walk
One of those simple joys that hits extra hard in December.
49. Watch Fireworks at Canada Place (Select Dates)
Big crowds, big colors, big holiday moment.
50. Have a Zero-Plans, Cozy-Blanket-at-Home Christmas Night
Because not every festive moment has to be out and about.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Christmas in Vancouver
- Book big attractions early — they sell out fast.
- Bring an umbrella — Vancouver gonna Vancouver.
- Wear layers — it’s chilly but damp more than freezing.
- Transit > driving in December.
- Weekdays are quieter for big attractions.
- Keep a snack on hand — holiday crowds = long lines.
FAQ: Christmas Activities in Vancouver
What is the most popular Christmas activity in Vancouver?
The Vancouver Christmas Market, VanDusen Festival of Lights, and Canyon Lights top the list every year.
Is Vancouver good for kids at Christmas?
Super family-friendly. Activities like Bright Nights, Peak of Christmas, Santa visits, and skating are perfect for kids.
Is anything free?
Yep — Robson skating (with your own skates), Shipyards lights, neighbourhood displays, Canada Place lights, and many Christmas markets.
Where should I go if I only have one day?
I’d do:
Vancouver Christmas Market → Canada Place → Robson skating → Hot chocolate → Downtown lights.
Does it snow in Vancouver at Christmas?
Sometimes. But if you really want snow, head up to Grouse, Seymour, or Cypress.
Final Thoughts — What Makes Vancouver at Christmas So Good
Vancouver’s Christmas season isn’t flashy or dramatic. It’s warm, cozy, soft — like a hug from a friend who knows exactly what comfort you need.
Whether you’re into lights, markets, snow, food, or just wandering the city with a hot drink in hand, there’s something here for you.