Burnaby and New Westminster are easy to overlook at Christmas, squeezed between Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. That’s a mistake. Burnaby has one of the best free Christmas outings in the region, a lit heritage village with a carousel, and New West has a cheerful holiday market right in front of City Hall. Both are on SkyTrain.
Burnaby
- Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum, November 25 to January 3: a heritage village lit for the season, with carollers, Father Christmas and a vintage carousel. Gate admission is free. Open 2:00 to 9:00 PM on open days; closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 13, and on December 24 and 25.
- Bright in Burnaby, Saturday, November 28: the tree lighting that officially opens Festive Village, around 6:50 PM.
- Metropolis at Metrotown: the Holiday Hive Market ran on the South Plaza in December 2025, but hasn’t been announced for 2026. The mall’s toy drive for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau is one of the easiest places to donate. See giving at Christmas.
- Julmarknad, the Swedish Christmas Market, November 21 and 22. Its 2026 venue hasn’t been confirmed.
New Westminster
- NWFM Holiday Market, December 12 and 13, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM: 90-plus artisans and food vendors directly in front of City Hall, by donation, rain or shine and dog-friendly.
- The Quay and Columbia Street are good for a walk along the river and some independent shopping. Check the City of New Westminster’s events page for its own tree lighting and holiday programming.
A Burnaby and New West Afternoon
Arrive at Festive Village around 2:00 PM to ride the carousel before the crowds, stay as the lights come on, and finish with dinner in Burnaby Heights or on Columbia Street in New Westminster. On December 12 or 13, start at the NWFM market instead.
Getting There
Burnaby Village Museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, a short bus ride from Metrotown or Edmonds SkyTrain stations. New Westminster City Hall is a 10-minute walk from New Westminster Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Festive Village in Burnaby free?
Yes, gate admission is free. Carousel rides cost $2.86 plus tax.
When is the Burnaby tree lighting?
Bright in Burnaby is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, with the tree lit around 6:50 PM.
When is the New Westminster holiday market?
The NWFM Holiday Market is on December 12 and 13, 2026.
Christmas in Other Areas
- City of Vancouver
- North Shore
- Richmond and Delta
- Surrey and White Rock
- Tri-Cities
- Langley and the Fraser Valley
- Squamish and Whistler
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026
