December is here and we love it! It’s the perfect time of year to get out of the house with the whole family and create some magical memories. There are hundreds of Christmas events happening around the Lower Mainland this month, but we’ve rounded up our top 10 favourite events that are perfect for family fun.
During the holiday season, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. Experience the lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the train route.
Date: November 28 — January 1
Time: 10 am — 11 pm
Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: $8-$12
The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. See the world’s tallest living Christmas tree, go on a Snowy Owl Prowl, decorate gingerbread cookies and make your own Christmas card in the Winter Pavilion, and sing-along with the holiday band.
Date: November 24 — January 8
Time: 11 am — 9 pm
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver
Cost: $13.95 — $39.95
The 29th annual Christmas at Canada Place will be held outdoors along the Canadian Trail. Guests will enjoy free festive activities, including Woodward’s Windows, a 15ft snow globe, Rudolph’s theature, Avenue of Christmas Trees, arts and crafts, Christmas fly over Canada and Port of Vancouver Discovery Centre.
Date: December 16 — 30
Time: 12 pm — 6 pm
Where: Canada Place — Canadian Trail, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Take a picture with Santa Claus and receive a candy cane! With a Christmas activity to enjoy the festivities with family. Also, don’t forget to ride the train through the Christmas forest.
Date: December 9 — January 1
Time: 10 am — 4 pm
Where: Bear Creek Park, Surrey
Cost: $10
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
Date: December 1 — 20
Time: 9 am — 5 pm
Where: Timberline Ranch, Maple Ridge
Cost: $9.45 — $11.55
Stroll with friends and family through interactive themed areas, enjoy the famous Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, look for roving Scandinavian gnomes and reindeer in the garden, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, take a photo with Santa, and much more!
Date: December 1 — January 2
Time: 10 am — 3 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Cost: $11 — $18.50
Heritage Christmas
Stroll through the streets of the Village to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound.
Date: November 19 — January 2
Time: 1 pm — 9 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Cost: Free, Carousel rides $2.60
Come ride the Polar Express to visit Santa at the North Pole. Get your picture taken with the Hobo! Ride the Mini-Rail! See the new G Scale Train Set! Lots of fun for the whole family.
Date: November 26 — December 18
Time: 10 am — 6 pm
Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Squamish
Cost: $30 — $49
The festivities begin at 10 am with two hours of family entertainment at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square at the 800 block of Robson Street. Christmas Square includes the Food Bank drop-off zone, gingerbread decorating station, face painting, Letters to Santa station and an entertainment stage featuring several music and dance performances.
Date: December 4
Time: 10 am, parade starts at 12 pm
Where: Georgia & Howe Streets, Vancouver
Cost: Free
During your visit to the Vancouver Christmas Market you’ll experience our mix of traditional food and beverage, as well as our selection of authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery and other unique gifts. Explore our many kids activities and ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel.
Date: November 26 — December 31
Time: 11 am — 9 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Cost: $4 — $50