Vancouver Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
The Ultimate Holiday 2025 Guide for Metro Vancouver
The holiday season in Metro Vancouver is filled with festive lights, winter attractions, holiday markets, live performances, and cheerful community celebrations. Whether you’re planning cozy date nights, family-friendly outings, or seasonal adventures across the city, this guide brings together the best Christmas events happening across Metro Vancouver in 2025 — all in one place.
This official Christmas guide is brought to you by Vancouver Christmas, a holiday project created by Vancouver Page, your local digital guide to events, attractions, and neighbourhood experiences in Metro Vancouver. Our goal is to help residents and visitors discover meaningful, memorable, and local festive experiences throughout the holiday season.
From glowing light displays in North Vancouver and waterfront celebrations in White Rock, to artisan holiday markets, classical Nutcracker performances, Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas trains, cultural traditions, and neighbourhood festivities — Vancouver truly shines in winter. The season typically begins in mid-November and runs through early January, with many events returning annually and new celebrations joining each year.
Below, you’ll find a curated, categorized, and easy-to-navigate guide, along with dates and locations for each event where available. If a date is not yet confirmed, it’s simply listed without one — check back on the event page for updates as we approach December.
Explore, plan, and enjoy the season — and be sure to share the magic with friends, family, and community.
Christmas Attractions & Light Experiences
Capilano Suspension Bridge – Canyon Lights 2025
Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC
One of Vancouver’s most iconic holiday experiences: millions of lights across the bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk, all set in a glowing rainforest.
VanDusen Festival of Lights 2025
Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (closed Dec 25)
Location: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
A botanical garden transformed by more than a million twinkling lights, themed zones, dancing displays, and warm holiday treats.
The Peak of Christmas 2025 at Grouse Mountain
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 24, 2025
Location: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, BC
Mountaintop magic with light walks, skating, Santa’s workshop, and snowy views high above the city.
Lights at Lafarge 2025 in Coquitlam
Dates: Nov 28, 2025 – Feb 2026
Location: Town Centre Park / Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam, BC
A massive, free outdoor light display circling Lafarge Lake with themed installations perfect for evening strolls.
Bear Creek Lights 2025 in Surrey
Dates: Nov 7 – 21, 2025 (closed Nov 11)
Location: Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC
A colourful illuminated walk through gardens and forest paths; family-friendly and photo-ready.
Harrison Hot Springs – Lights by the Lake 2025
Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Location: Harrison Lakefront, Harrison Hot Springs, BC
A lakeside winter wonderland with light sculptures inspired by local wildlife and outdoor adventure.
Bright Walk in White Rock 2025
Dates: TBC
Location: 15010 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC
Seaside promenades lined with glowing trees and tunnels.
Christmas Lights Glow Langley Festival 2025
Dates: November 20 – December 31, 2025
Location: Glow Gardens Langley, 6690 216 St, Langley, BC
An immersive indoor/outdoor light festival with interactive zones.
Noel Holiday Light Festival 2025 in Surrey
Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607 179 St, Surrey, BC
A walk-through Christmas village of light tunnels, entertainment, and treats.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town 2025
Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025
Location: Martini Town Film Studio Backlot, Langley, BC
A real movie-set town transformed into a festive photo playground.
Christmas at Canada Place 2025
Dates: November 2025 – January 2026
Location: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Free waterfront installations and heritage-themed displays.
Holiday Splash 2025 at Vancouver Aquarium
Dates: November 12, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Location: Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park
Aquatic exhibits with seasonal décor and programs.
Gingerbread Lane 2025 at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Dates: November 27 – December 28, 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Intricate gingerbread creations; free lobby display.
Arctic Nights 2025 at Greater Vancouver Zoo
Dates: TBC
Location: Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 264 St, Aldergrove, BC
After-dark light walk with wildlife themes.
Robson Square Ice Rink 2025-2026 in Vancouver
Dates: December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Location: 800 Robson St, Vancouver
Free downtown skating; rentals available.
Spirit of the Season 2025 at Sea to Sky Gondola
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2025
Location: Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, BC
A cozy mountaintop village with light trails and fire pits.
Squamish at Dusk 2025
Dates: TBC
Location: Rose Park, 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish, BC
A scenic illuminated forest experience in the mountains.
Festivals, Tree Lightings & Community Celebrations
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration 2025
Dates: November 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, Vancouver
The city’s seasonal kickoff with live entertainment and the lighting of the iconic tree.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival 2025
Dates: November 22–23, 2025
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC
A large free celebration with stages, kids’ zones, food trucks, and the giant tree.
St. Paul’s Lights of Hope 2025
Dates: November 27, 2025 to January 2, 2026 – (Lights of Hope Launch Night: November 27, 2025)
Location: St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver
A dazzling charity display of stars supporting community care.
Dundarave Festival of Lights 2025
Dates: November 29, 2025 – Early January 2026
Location: Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver, BC
Community-decorated trees line the waterfront; select days feature live music.
Ladner Tree Lighting Festival 2025
Dates: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Location: Historic Ladner Village
A small-town celebration with vendors, performances, and Santa.
Christmas Wonderland on The Drive 2025
Dates: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Location: Grandview Park, Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
Neighbourhood festivities with music, characters, and crafts.
WinterFest at Museum of Surrey 2025
Dates: November 22 – December 22, 2025
Location: Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey, BC
Month-long family programming, crafts, and creative activities.
Winter Jubilee 2025 in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
Dates: November 22, 2025 – 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Montrose Ave & Essendene Ave, Abbotsford
A festive street party with vendors, music, and a tree lighting ceremony.
CPKC Holiday Train 2025 in Canada & USA + Full Schedule
Dates: Nov 19 – Dec 21, 2025
Location: Multiple Lower Mainland stops
A decorated train with free live music supporting local food banks.
Santa’s Christmas Ships 2025
Dates: November 29, 2025
Location: Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
Lighted boats form a floating parade along the shoreline.
Spirit of the Season Festival 2025 at The Shipyards
Dates: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Location: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
A waterfront celebration with skating, entertainment, and markets.
Bright Nights Surrey 2025
Dates: —
Location: Various locations in Surrey
A city-wide initiative highlighting neighbourhood light displays.
HollyDaze in the Heights 2025 in Coquitlam
Dates: —
Location: Austin Heights, Coquitlam
A lively community event with activities and storefront displays.
Christmas at Greendale Acres 2025 in Chilliwack
Dates: —
Location: 41905 Yale Rd, Chilliwack
Rustic farm holiday charm with lights, treats, and photo spots.
Chilliwack Christmas at District 1881 (2025)
Dates: —
Location: District 1881, Chilliwack
Heritage storefronts, markets, music, and festive décor downtown.
Christmas Markets & Artisan Shopping
Vancouver Christmas Market 2025
Dates: Nov 13 – Dec 24, 2025
Location: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
A European-style market with Glühwein, Bavarian eats, music, and artisan gifts.
Shipyards Christmas Market 2025
Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2025
Location: Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
A waterfront holiday market village with vendors, food, and performances.
The Christmas Store at Potters Garden Centre
Dates: —
Location: 19158 48 Ave, Surrey
A massive seasonal store with themed rooms and décor.
Circle Craft Holiday Market 2025
Dates: Nov 11 – 16, 2025
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
One of Western Canada’s biggest and best-known artisan markets.
Got Craft Holiday Market 2025
Dates: Nov 22 – 23 & Nov 29 – 30, 2025
Location: Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver
Independent makers, handmade gifts, and famous swag bags.
Toque Craft Fair 2025 in Vancouver
Dates: —
Location: Western Front, 303 E 8th Ave, Vancouver
A curated design-forward fair supporting the arts community.
Hycroft for the Holidays 2025
Dates: —
Location: Hycroft Manor, 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver
An elegant heritage-house shopping experience with festive décor.
Portobello West Roundhouse Holiday Market 2025
Dates: Nov 15 – 16, 2025
Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Local designers, jewelry, art, clothing, and unique gifts.
Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair 2025
Dates: —
Location: Coquitlam
A long-running community craft fair for handmade holiday finds.
Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair 2025
Dates: —
Location: Port Moody
Seasonal shopping with local makers and festive atmosphere.
Blackberry Winter Arts Market 2025 in Port Moody
Dates: —
Location: Port Moody
A juried artisan market showcasing quality handmade works.
NWFM Holiday Market 2025
Dates: —
Location: New Westminster
A festive market with local goods, crafts, and treats.
Swedish Christmas Market (Julmarknad) 2025
Dates: Nov 15 – 16, 2025 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Location: Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St, Burnaby
Scandinavian food, crafts, traditions, and gifts.
Christmas on the Peninsula 2025 in White Rock
Dates: —
Location: White Rock
A seaside celebration with artisan shopping and concerts.
Dunbar Holiday Market & Craft Fair 2025
Dates: —
Location: Dunbar Community Centre, Vancouver
A neighbourhood favourite with local artisans and seasonal goods.
Christmas Shows, Concerts & Cultural Experiences
Goh Ballet Nutcracker 2025
Dates: Dec 18 – 21, 2025
Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver
A beloved holiday ballet with world-class dancers and live orchestra.
Elf in Concert 2025 at the Orpheum
Dates: —
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
The classic Christmas film accompanied by a live symphony.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival 2025 in Vancouver
Dates: —
Location: Multiple Neighbourhoods (Vancouver)
Community lantern-making and music to welcome the return of light.
Lumière Festival Vancouver 2025
Dates: —
Location: West End & Downtown Vancouver
Whimsical public light installations animating winter nights.
Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada 2025
Dates: Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2025
Location: FlyOver Canada, Canada Place
A cinematic flight-ride over wintry scenes with a North Pole twist.
Victorian Christmas Evening 2025
Dates: —
Location: —
Step back in time with carols, candlelight, and period décor for a nostalgic holiday night.
Festive Village 2025 at Burnaby Village Museum
Dates: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
A 1920s heritage village dressed for the season with lights and exhibits.
Winter Tram 2025 at Steveston Tram (Richmond)
Dates: Dec 1 – 31, 2025
Location: 4111 Moncton St, Richmond
A heritage interurban tram decked out for Christmas; free and family-friendly.
Granville Island Christmas Vibes 2025
Dates: —
Location: Granville Island, Vancouver
A festive waterfront atmosphere with markets, dining, and artisan finds.
Steveston’s Winter In The Village 2025
Dates: —
Location: Steveston Village, Richmond
Village-wide décor, window displays, and neighbourhood activities.
Steveston Festival of Trees 2025
Dates: —
Location: Steveston, Richmond
Community-decorated trees throughout the village.
Holiday Ferris Wheel 2025 in Downtown Vancouver
Dates: —
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
A seasonal attraction offering skyline views and festive ambience.
Harrison Hot Springs Lights by the Lake 2025
Dates: —
Location: Harrison Hot Springs
Romantic waterfront lights inspired by local nature (also listed under Attractions).
Cultus Lake Christmas 2025 in Chilliwack
Dates: —
Location: Cultus Lake, Chilliwack
A lakeside holiday setting with light displays and seasonal activities.
❄️ Closing Note
Many holiday events announce performance schedules, market vendors, and activity details in mid-autumn. Be sure to check back on your favourite event pages for updates — and share the festive spirit in your community.
