Three days is the sweet spot for a Christmas trip to Vancouver: enough to see the big light shows and the markets, ride the SeaBus to the North Shore, get up a mountain and still have an unhurried dinner. This itinerary works any time from late November to December 23, when almost everything is open. Swap days around to fit the weather.
Before You Go
- Book timed tickets for VanDusen (on sale November 4) and, if you want them, the North Pole Express and a holiday show.
- Buy Vancouver Christmas Market tickets online for a cheaper price.
- Check our weekend-by-weekend event guide for one-off events during your trip, such as parades and tree lightings.
- Pack a waterproof jacket and boots. See Vancouver weather in December.
- Stay downtown, near a SkyTrain station. See where to stay in Vancouver at Christmas.
Day 1: Downtown, Gastown and the Christmas Market
- Morning: walk the Stanley Park seawall from Coal Harbour. If it’s pouring, try Soar With Santa at FlyOver at Canada Place instead.
- Afternoon: wander Gastown. Through December the Magic of Gastown brings lights, trees and carriage rides. Warm up with a festive afternoon tea at the Fairmont, then see Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt (from December 3).
- Evening: the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza for Glühwein and the carousel, then skating at Robson Square if it’s open.
Day 2: The North Shore
- Morning: bus or drive up to Grouse Mountain for The Peak of Christmas: Santa’s workshop, reindeer, the skating pond and, usually, real snow.
- Afternoon: head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park around 3:00 PM to see the canyon in daylight, and stay for Canyon Lights after dark.
- Evening: dinner at the Shipyards Christmas Market (free, from November 27), then the SeaBus back downtown across a lit-up harbour.
More ideas: Christmas on the North Shore.
Day 3: Granville Island and VanDusen
- Morning: Granville Island Public Market for breakfast and stocking stuffers, then the artisan studios. See Granville Island at Christmas.
- Afternoon: a holiday show or concert. See Christmas concerts and holiday theatre. Or browse a craft fair.
- Evening: VanDusen Festival of Lights (from November 27), a million lights and the Dancing Lights show.
Got More Time?
- A Santa train in Squamish, a soak in Harrison or a snowy day in Whistler: see Christmas day trips from Vancouver.
- Langley’s light shows, Glow Gardens and Merry & Bright.
- Free lights at Lafarge Lake and Burnaby Village Museum, both reachable by SkyTrain.
Travelling With Kids?
Swap the afternoon tea for the North Pole Express, and add Festive Village in Burnaby. Our guide to Christmas with kids in Vancouver has more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Vancouver at Christmas?
Three days covers the highlights. Five lets you add a day trip and a Langley light show.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver for Christmas?
Late November to December 23, when the markets, light shows and Santa visits are all open. Weeknights are less crowded.
Do I need a car?
Not for this itinerary. SkyTrain, the SeaBus and buses reach every stop.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Best Christmas Things to Do in Vancouver
