The Best and Brightest Christmas Events in Greater Vancouver for 2019

Vancouver Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market is a beloved holiday tradition for Vancouverites. It’s a prime place to enjoy the festive spirit, delight in European delicacies, ride the carousel, and shop for unique and eco-friendly Christmas gifts in an enchanting, outdoor atmosphere.

Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market

WHEN: November 20 to December 24, 2019 | 11:30 am–9:30 pm (December 24 closes at 6:00 pm)
WHERE: Jack Poole Plaza (Vancouver Convention Centre West), 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
COST: Adults $12.99 | Youth $6.99 | Seniors $10.99 | Mistletoe Combo $54.99
WEBSITE: http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Scuba Claus at the Vancouver Aquarium

The holidays aren’t complete without a visit to see Scuba Claus! Keen-eyed youngsters and adults alike will be able to spot Scuba Claus during his daily divers spreading holiday cheer and magic. Visitors can also pose for a photo with Scuba Claus between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm on December 7-8, December 14-15, and December 20-24 ($23 not included in admission). Returning holiday favourites include our “shocking” electric eel-powered Christmas tree (feedings daily at 11:30 am), the tot-friendly kelp maze, and the picture-perfect jelly snow globe. The Polar Express 4D Experience plays daily in the 4-D Theatre.

Photo: Vancouver Aquarium

WHEN: November 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020 | 10:00 am-5:00 pm
WHERE: Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
COST: Adults $38 | Seniors/Students $30 | Children (4-12) $21 | Children (0-4) free
WEBSITE: https://www.vanaqua.org/explore/holiday

Flyover at Christmas

Fly like Santa this Christmas on a magical flight across Canada. After meeting some of Santa’s elves, Chestnut and Pinecone, you’ll join them as they take flight across Canada looking for their fellow elves. You may even get a sneak peek of Santa’s Workshop as you soar over the North Pole.

WHEN: November 21, 2019 – January 5, 2020 | 10:00 am-9:00 pm
WHERE: Canada Place 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
COST: Adults from $26 | Students (13-21) from $20 | Seniors from $20 | Children from $16
WEBSITE: https://www.flyovercanada.com/events-promotions/christmas

Glow (Vancouver)

Experience a family-friendly indoor wonderland as you celebrate the magic of Christmas and help the elves uncover Santa’s lost presents! Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights.

WHEN: November 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020
WHERE: Harbour Convention Centre, 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
COST: Adults from $19.99 | Children (4-12) from $14.99 | Seniors from $14.99 | Family pass $65.99
WEBSITE: https://www.glowgardens.com/vancouver-christmas

Aurora Winter Festival

This holiday season, Hastings Park/PNE will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Experience Canada’s Largest Winter Festival. Escape to a hidden village with a beautiful skating rink, a tube park, massive light displays, a Christmas Market, amusement rides, food gardens, magical characters, and plenty of other exciting activities.

Photo: Facebook/Aurora Winter Festival

WHEN: November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020 (closed December 24 & 25) | Hours vary by day
WHERE: Hastings Park/PNE, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
COST: Adults from $18.89 | Children (4-12) from $13.69 | Seniors from $13.64 | Family pass from $52.49
WEBSITE: https://www.aurorawinterfestival.com/vancouver

Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting

Back for its 13th year, the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Friday, November 29th at Robson Square. Watch four magnificent holiday trees, one of which is 76 feet tall, come alive with hope and light. This free family-friendly event features live entertainment and music plus free cookies and hot chocolate. Complete your night with a visit and photo with Santa and his elves!

WHEN: November 29, 2019 | 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
WHERE: Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
COST: Free
WEBSITE:

Festival of Lights

Experience a magical winter wonderland with over one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. All tickets include a free ride on the carousel! Stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, take a photo with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, warm up with a specialty beverage at the licensed fireside lounge, savour tasty treats from food trucks, and much more.

WHEN: November 30, 2019 to January 5, 2019 (closed December 25) | 4:00 pm-9:30 pm
WHERE: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
COST: Adults from $19 | Seniors from $14.50 | Children (4-12) from $11.50 | Children (3 and under) free
WEBSITE: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

CandyTown – A Yaletown Holiday Festival

Downtown Vancouver’s only free winter festival will transform Mainland, Hamilton and Davie Streets into a winter wonderland. Holiday shoppers are invited to start their seasonal gift buying in Yaletown with local merchants as well as a specialty market carrying unique gifts and holiday treats. Visit with Santa and the Ice Queen. Stilt walkers and roaming holiday characters interact with revellers, while live music and caroling set the stage for Yuletide cheer. Expect food Trucks, live ice carving, and horse carriage rides by donation (in front of Roundhouse Community Centre).

Photo: Jade Stone Photography

WHEN: November 30, 2019 | 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
WHERE:
Christmas Square — 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Santa Claus Parade — 12:00 pm-approx. 1:30 pm | See parade route here
TELUS Photos with Santa — 2:00 pm-4:00 pm | TELUS Garden Laneway between Georgia & Robson, 510 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://yaletowninfo.com/event/candytown

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

Santa’s early visit to Vancouver on Sunday, December 1, 2019 is the perfect kick off to the holiday season! Join the family fun pre-parade festivities at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza. The Santa Claus Parade will start at 12:00 pm, then photos with Santa from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm in the TELUS Garden Laneway for holiday music, dancing, holiday stories, hot chocolate and snacks, giveaways and more!

WHEN: December 1, 2019 | 10:00 am-4:00 pm
WHERE:
Christmas Square — 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Santa Claus Parade — 12:00 pm-approx. 1:30 pm | See parade route here
TELUS Photos with Santa — 2:00 pm-4:00 pm | TELUS Garden Laneway between Georgia & Robson, 510 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver
COST: Free
WEBSITE: http://vancouversantaclausparade.com

Christmas at Canada Place

This holiday season, join us for the 32nd annual Christmas at Canada Place, presented by the Port of Vancouver. Experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” our 15-foot tall moose light sculpture, the iconic Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Trees.

Photo: Canada Place

WHEN: December 6, 2019 to January 1, 2020 | 7:00 am-10:00 pm
WHERE: Canadian Trail (west promenade) and North Point of Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.canadaplace.ca/events/christmas

Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour

Upon pickup, guests will sing their way past the city lights of downtown before arriving at Bright Nights at Stanley Park. After being given time to walk through the light display and take in Stanley Park’s holiday magic, the tour will continue along and view local light displays such as the English Bay Christmas Tree, Hycroft Manor and Canuck Place. The second stop of the evening will be at VanDusen Botanical Garden where guests will disembark once again to enjoy the Festival of Lights. Hop aboard one last time for the return trip to downtown Vancouver and viewing of St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope.

WHEN: December 1 to December 29, 2019 | 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
WHERE: Canada Place Welcome Kiosk, 999 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
COST: Adults from $64 | Children from $32
WEBSITE: https://westcoastsightseeing.com/guided_tours/karaoke-christmas-lights-tour

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Stroll through the streets of the Village to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays, seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. The official launch and tree lighting ceremony at Bright in Burnaby will take place on November 30, 2019 from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm.

Photo: Burnaby Village Museum

WHEN: November 23, 2019 to January 3, 2020 (closed December 24 & 25) | Hours vary by day
WHERE: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
COST: Free | Carousel rides $2.65
WEBSITE: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/visit/events/events/heritage-christmas.html

Christmas with the Horses

This free, family-friendly event features crafts, barn tours, drill team, demo rides and more! Pony rides by donation. Please note that the pony rides are exceptionally popular and they book up early (register in the indoor arena upon arrival). BBQ and snacks available (cash only).

WHEN: Sunday, December 1, 2019 | 10:00 am-2:30 pm
WHERE: Burnaby Equestrian Center, 9080 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/events/704672010025175

New Westminster Santa Claus Parade

Santa and friends will hit Columbia Street in downtown New Westminster at 11:00 am sharp so be sure to arrive early to get a front-row spot. PLUS kids, bring your letters to Santa and Canada Post’s Holiday Helpers will collect them during the parade and will have their letter writing station set up in Anvil Centre from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

WHEN: December 15, 2019 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown New Westminster along Columbia Street
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.newwestcity.ca/calendar-of-events/events/5804.php

Winter Celebrations at Anvil Centre

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Anvil Centre filled with a cornucopia of entertainment for everyone – from choirs, singalongs, art installations, musical performances, arts and crafts. Dozens of free family activities and performances including the Lantern Labyrinth in a World of Wintry Wonder.

WHEN: December 18, 2019 to January 5, 2020 | Hours TBA
WHERE: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://anvilcentre.com/events/winter-celebrations-2

Lights at Lafarge Lake

This annual event is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor light display wrapping around the 1.2 km Lafarge Lake. Kick off the season on Saturday, November 30 from 6-8 p.m. with an expanded event site, live entertainment, buskers, food trucks and more!

Photo: City of Coquitlam

WHEN: November 30, 2019 to January 19, 2020 | 5:30 pm-11:00 pm
WHERE: Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.coquitlam.ca/parks-recreation-and-culture/arts-and-culture/special-events-calendar/LightsatLafarge.aspx

CP Holiday Train

The train arrives, the stage door lowers, and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. The whole event lasts about 30 minutes.

WHEN: December 17, 2019
WHERE: Port Moody — 300 loco Road, behind Arena and Rec Centre 5:45 pm-6:15 pm
Port Coquitlam — Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station 7:15 pm-7:45 pm
COST: Free, but please bring food or a monetary donation for your local food bank.
WEBSITE: https://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada

Timberline Country Christmas

Leave the busy city behind, and enjoy the short trip to a 73 acre horse ranch in Maple Ridge that has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Here you will be enchanted by glorious lights, beautiful trees, interactive scenes, lovely music, and delightful activities that remind us of times when Christmas was a lot simpler…and a lot less commercial.

WHEN: November 30 to December 22, 2019 | Hours vary by day
WHERE: Timberline Ranch, 22351 144 Avenue, Maple Ridge
COST: Adults and children (6+) Fridays $12.00 and Sat/Sun $14.00 | Seniors and children (1-5) Fridays $10.00 and Sat/Sun $12.00 | Infants (pre-walking) free
WEBSITE: https://www.timberlinechristmas.ca

CP Holiday Train

The train arrives, the stage door lowers, and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. The whole event lasts about 30 minutes.

WHEN: December 16, 2019
WHERE:
Haney/Maple Ridge — Across from Billy Miner Pub 8:00 pm-8:30 pm
Pitt Meadows — Corner of Harris Road and Advent Road, at the railway crossing 9:05 pm-9:35 pm
COST: Free, but please bring food or a monetary donation for your local food bank.
WEBSITE: https://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market

The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival returns to Surrey’s Civic Plaza on Saturday, November 23 featuring free admission, Holiday Market, activities, amusement rides, performances, and the lighting of Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree! Visit the Holiday Fun Zone, take a free photo with Santa, walk through the Enchanted Forest and Light Tunnel, go on rides, meet Mickey and Minnie, enjoy live music on 6 stages (headliner Begonia), and grab tasty eats from 8 different food trucks.

Photo: City of Surrey

WHEN: November 23, 2019 | 12:00 pm-8:00 pm | Tree lighting at 6:30
WHERE: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.surrey.ca/treelighting

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights

Celebrate the arrival of Santa with a magical, evening, lighted parade. The parade has a wonderful mix of antique vehicles, big rigs, boats, floats, marching bands, mascots (like Mr Peanut), remote controlled vehicles, dancers, service clubs and sports teams.

WHEN: December 1, 2019 | 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
WHERE: Cloverdale, Surrey – see parade route here
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.surreysantaparade.com

Bear Creek Park Christmas Train

Ride the Santa Express during the day and enjoy arts and crafts, a treat, and take a picture with Santa (bring your own camera). At night, the lights come on for a beautiful night light display.

WHEN: December 7 to December 31, 2019 (closed December 25 & 26) | 10:00 am-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
COST: General admission $10.00 | Family $35.00
WEBSITE: https://www.bctrains.com/christmas

Christmas in Williams Park Event

A 3-week Christmas light wonderland for families to enjoy.

WHEN: November 29 to December 21, 2019 | 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: William Park, 68 Ave & 238 Street, Langley City
COST: By donation
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Christmas-in-Williams-Park-Society-1416522011933815

Miracle on Church Street – A Fort Langley Christmas

Miracle on Church Street is premiering this year as a non-profit traditional outdoor Christmas market celebrated over two weekends. All proceeds will benefit our charitable partners. On site activities will include artisans, vendors, food and libations, live entertainment, crafts for the kids, miniature reindeer, and more!

WHEN: December 6-8 and December 13-15, 2019 | Fridays 4:00 pm-9:00 pm | Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 am-9:00 pm
WHERE: Mary, Glover, and Church Pop Up Park, 9123 Church Street, Langley City
COST: By donation, suggested $10 per person or $25 per family
WEBSITE: https://www.miracleonchurchstreet.com

Magic of Christmas Event

On the first Saturday in December Langley City will once again host it’s annual Magic of Christmas Event featuring Breakfast with Santa, live entertainment, crafts for kids, letters to Santa, parade, tree lighting, and caroling.

WHEN: December 7, 2019
WHERE:
Breakfast with Santa ($5) — 9:00 am-11:00 am | Douglas Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Crescent
Entertainment and Crafts — 4:00 pm-6:00 pm | Innes Plaza, McBurney Plaza and St. Andrews Plaza
Parade — 6:00 pm-7:00 pm | Fraser Highway (56^th Avenue to 207^th Street)
Tree Lighting and Caroling — 7:00 pm-7:30 pm | McBurney Plaza – 20518 Fraser Highway
COST: Free | Breakfast with Santa $5
WEBSITE: https://city.langley.bc.ca/parks-recreation/community-events/magic-christmas

Loft Country Christmas

Loft Country Christmas is a family-friendly Christmas entertainment event set in the Old West. This family-friendly Christmas event will have something for everyone, from our live carousel, Santa rides, bumper cars, carnival games, live shows, and more!

Photo: Loft Country Christmas

WHEN: December 14-15 and December 21-22, 2019 | 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: 2640 248th Street, Langley
COST: General admission (4 and up) $14.99 | Family of 5 $65.99
Website: https://www.loftcountrychristmas.com

Aldergrove Christmas Light Up Parade

Aldergrove’s Christmas Light Up Parade is an annual event held on the second Saturday of December. The parade route runs along Fraser Highway through downtown Aldergrove and includes carol singing and free hot chocolate. The Walter Levy trophy is presented to the Christmas home decorating contest winners.
WHEN: December 14, 2019 | 6:00 pm
WHERE: Fraser Highway, Downtown Aldergrove – see parade route here
COST: Free
Website: https://aldergrovefair.ca/parades/christmas-light-up-parade

Heritage Holidays at the Fort

Hear stories by the fire, taste a roasted chestnut, and join costumed interpreters for a guided, holiday-themed tour. Admire the charming holiday ambiance and take family snapshots at various scenic spots on site.

Photo: Fort Langley National Historic Site

WHEN: December 21 to December 30, 2019 (closed December 25-26) | 10:00 am-5:00 pm
WHERE: Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley
COST: Adults $7.80 | Seniors $6.55 | Youth (17 and under) free
Website: https://www.tourism-langley.ca/event/heritage-holidays-at-the-fort

Christmas Tree Festival

This free family event is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season! Live music and sing-along, gingerbread cookie decorating, complimentary hot chocolate, colouring contest with prizes, create and mail your letter to Santa, gingerbread photo booth, and many other fun activities. Santa arrives at 7:15 pm to light the Christmas Tree.

WHEN: November 28, 2019 | 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
WHERE: Historic Ladner Village (corner of 48th Avenue and Delta Street)
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.ladnerbusiness.com/events/christmas-tree-festival

Festival of Lights at Tsawwassen Springs

Tsawwassen Springs is delighted to announce the first annual Festival of Lights, sponsored and decorated by families, community groups and businesses. The sponsorship of the Christmas trees on beautiful Tsawwassen Springs golf course will raise funds for Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation to purchase a new Gastroscope which assists with early detection and diagnosis of chronic illnesses. This family-friendly community event is a wonderful opportunity to wander through a beautifully decorated forest of trees and spread infectious spirit and the goodwill of the holiday season.

WHEN: November 29, 2019 to January 6, 2020 | 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, 5133 Springs Blvd, Tsawwassen
COST: TBA
WEBSITE: https://www.tsawwassensprings.ca/festival-of-lights

Christmas in Steveston Village

Santa arrives off the boat on Steveston Public Wharf at 1:00 pm. Bring your camera and take a photo with Santa inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Photo: Explore Steveston

WHEN: December 1, 2019 | 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
WHERE: Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf, Richmond
COST: Free
WEBSITE: http://www.exploresteveston.com/news?eventId=4000033

A Victorian Christmas at London Heritage Farm

Celebrate a Victorian Christmas exploring the heritage house and learning about the London Family story. Visit the gift shop, enjoy a cup of cider, and sign up to create Victorian-inspired decorations including wreaths, popcorn and cranberry garlands and yule log centerpieces.

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays from November 16 to December 15, 2019 | 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
WHERE: London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Rd, Richmond
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://londonheritagefarm.ca/news/?ai1ec_event=christmas-at-london-heritage-farm

Downtown Abbotsford Winter Jubilee

The 30th Annual Winter Jubilee and Tree Lighting will occur on Saturday, November 23rd in Downtown Abbotsford. Come for the live musical entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a vendor market, food trucks, a skating rink, fireworks and MORE!

WHEN: November 23, 2019 | 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Abbotsford, 2633C Montrose Avenue
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://tourismabbotsford.ca/event-directory/downtown-abbotsford-winter-jubilee

Cultus Lake Christmas

Join the Cultus Lake Park Community Events and Engagement Committee for this year’s Cultus Lake Christmas. This FREE two-day family event features a visit with Santa, Christmas light display, artisan gift market, bonfire with marshmallows, and Christmas music. Food is available for purchase, and parking is by donation.

WHEN: November 29 and 30, 2019 | 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
WHERE: Cultus Lake Park, 4165 Columbia Valley Highway, Chilliwack
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.cultuslake.bc.ca/events/cultus-lake-christmas

Glow (Abbotsford)

Experience a magical family-friendly indoor wonderland as you help Santa and his elves find his reindeer and discover new ways to deliver presents using hot air balloons, planes, trains, motorcycles and more! Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights.

Photo: Glow

WHEN: December 5, 2019 to January 4, 2020 | Hours vary by day
WHERE: Abbotsford Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
COST: Adults from $19.99 | Children (4-12) from $14.99 | Seniors from $14.99 | Family pass $65.99
WEBSITE: https://www.glowgardens.com/abbotsford-christmas

CP Holiday Train

The train arrives, the stage door lowers, and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. The whole event lasts about 30 minutes.

WHEN: December 16, 2019 | 5:45 pm-6:15 pm
WHERE: Across from Agra Centre on Pioneer Avenue, West of Highway 9, Agassiz
COST: Free, but please bring food or a monetary donation for your local food bank.
WEBSITE: https://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada

Canyon Lights

Named one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in the world, Canyon Lights at the Capilano Supension Bridge Park is an event set to dazzle and amaze, high above the forest floor. Explore the park as it transforms the suspension bridge, Cliffwalk, Treetops Adventure, canyon and rainforest into a twinkling West Coast winter wonderland. Along with these and other interactive light displays, the 250-year-old Douglas-firs at Treetops Adventure light up from top to bottom, making them the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world. Partial proceeds from admissions are donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

WHEN: November 22, 2019 to January 26, 2020 (closed December 25) | 11:00 am-9:00 pm
WHERE: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
COST: Adults $53.95 | Seniors $48.95 | Students (17+ with valid ID) $39.95 | Youth (13-16) $29.95 | Children (6-12) $16.95 | Children (under 6) free | Family $99.00
WEBSITE: https://www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Experience the magic of Christmas at Vancouver’s North Pole. As the snow falls and the lights twinkle, explore all that Grouse Mountain has to offer this holiday season. Visit Santa’s Workshop and his reindeer. Walk amongst the fir and spruce around Blue Grouse Lake where stunning light installations bring radiance to the winter night. Grab a snow carpet and go sliding or take a snowy sleigh ride.

WHEN: November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020 | 9:00 am-10:00 pm
WHERE: Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
COST: Family $99.00 (until December 24, 2019)
WEBSITE: https://www.grousemountain.com/events/peak-of-christmas-2019

Polar Express Train Ride

Based on the computer animated Christmas classic The Polar Express, the highly anticipated Polar Express Train Ride is back in Squamish this holiday season. Claim your golden train ticket and board the train for a 50-minute ride to the indoor “North Pole” located in the West Coast Railway Association Roundhouse. Along the way, you’ll sip hot chocolate, nibble cookies, and sing carols to get in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to wear your favourite pair of pyjamas! Once you arrive at the “North Pole”, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, and ride the mini-train.

WHEN: Saturdays (10:00 am-6:00 pm) and Sundays (10:00 am-4:00 pm) from November 24 to December 15, 2019
WHERE: West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
COST: Coach $35 | Coach Plus $45 | First Class $52.50
WEBSITE: http://www.wcra.org

Harrison Lights by the Lake

Get into the holiday spirit with the second annual Lights by the Lake! This free attraction will give you that warm Christmas feeling as you stroll along a Christmas light display along the Harrison Hot Springs waterfront promenade. This year’s Lights by the Lake includes a new outdoor synthetic ice rink. Bring your skates or rent some from the concession and enjoy our outdoor rink by the lake. Open daily, access to the rink is free but there is a small charge for skate rentals.

WHEN: November 23, 2019 to January 12, 2020 | 5:30 pm-11:00 pm
WHERE: Harrison Hot Springs waterfront
COST: Free
WEBSITE: https://www.tourismharrison.com/lights-by-the-lake