Nov 05, 2025
Christmas Activities in Vancouver, 2025
With winter approaching, Vancouver is set to become a festive hub where locals and visitors alike can partake in activities unique to the holiday season. In this guide, you’ll find some of the best activities and events to enjoy this holiday season, from artisan craft markets to family-friendly attractions throughout the city.
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is a central attraction of the city’s festive season, drawing inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets. Located beside the Vancouver Convention Centre, this market brings a unique holiday atmosphere to Vancouver, combining traditional charm with local artisan flair. From November 13 to December 24, 2025, visitors can explore a variety of stalls offering handcrafted goods perfect for holiday gifts. From ornaments to toys and artisanal products, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. The culinary offerings are a highlight, featuring traditional European fare like schnitzels, bratwursts, and freshly baked pretzels, along with sweet treats such as stollen and gingerbread. The aroma of spiced mulled wine adds to the market’s warm ambiance. In addition, the market offers entertainment like live music, making it a festive destination for families and visitors of all ages.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge is a special way to experience this famous bridge in North Vancouver. From November 21, 2025 until January 18, 2026, the bridge, along with the surrounding rainforest and cliffwalk, is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a dazzling winter wonderland. This event offers a unique experience as visitors walk among the illuminated trees and across the bridge, providing a breathtaking view of the lit-up landscape.
Big Elf Run
This year marks the 11th annual Big Elf Run in Stanley Park, where runners dress as elves and take over the seawall and park as they race towards the finish line. There is a 1km route for the littlest of elves, and longer ones for more experienced runners, ensuring fun for the whole family. The race will take place on December 13, 2025, and includes a DJ, an “Elf-ie” station to snap pre-race photos, and more festive perks to look forward to. With prizes for Fastest Elf and Best Elf Costume up for grabs, it’s the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit.
Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Garden
The Festival of Lights at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens comes to life during the Christmas season, running from November 28, 2025, until January 4, 2026. Pathways and foliage are lit with over 1 million colourful, twinkling lights, transforming the garden into an enchanting, radiant landscape. Ideal for family strolls as well as romantic outings, the Festival of Lights invites guests to enjoy the serene beauty of the gardens under the night sky.
Visit Vancouver’s North Pole
If you are looking for a unique experience for the whole family, experience Christmas at Grouse Mountain. Travel above the city to Vancouver’s North Pole to find a plethora of festive activities. From November 21 to December 24, 2025, you can have breakfast with Santa, watch Christmas movies, and visit an actual reindeer! With even more activities to offer, this is one event you can’t miss this holiday season.
FlyOver Canada’s Soar with Santa
If you are looking for an activity that is a little bit different, FlyOver Canada has the perfect event for you. Soar with Santa is a Christmas-themed flight experience that will take you on a journey to the North Pole. You will get to see all of the Christmas sights, from the sparkling lights of the city to Santa’s workshop, and of course, Santa himself. The experience is suitable for all ages, and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas mood. Soar with Santa is running from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, so there is plenty of time to check it out.
Christmas Glow at Glow Gardens Langley
This Christmas festival lights up the season with its dazzling displays, featuring over a million twinkling lights that create a magical landscape. From November 20 until December 31, 2025, visitors can walk through themed light gardens and illuminated structures, perfect for capturing those festive family photos. Christmas Glow at Glow Gardens Langley also includes a large indoor market where local artisans and vendors sell a variety of holiday crafts and gifts. For families, Christmas Glow is particularly appealing, offering interactive features like a light maze and visits with Santa, making it a festive outing that appeals to both the young and the young at heart.
Lights at Lafarge at Town Centre Park Coquitlam
Set in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park, Lights at Lafarge is a dazzling winter spectacle that has become a key attraction in the Vancouver area during the holiday season. This free event runs from November 28, 2025, until mid-February 2026 and transforms the park into a sparkling wonderland with one of the largest free outdoor light displays in the Lower Mainland. The display features an array of themed sections that wind around Lafarge Lake, offering visitors a mesmerizing walk through beautifully illuminated tunnels, sparkling archways, and themed light installations. Each year, the display is creatively designed to bring a new and magical experience to visitors.
Conclusion
There are plenty of Christmas events taking place in Vancouver this year, and our team at HighStreet Accommodations has selected only a few of them. Whether you’re looking for a festive market to peruse, some Christmas lights to admire, or family-friendly activities to enjoy, Vancouver has you covered. Many of these events are incredibly popular and sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Don’t miss the chance to experience the holiday magic, check out the Christmas events happening in your area and get into the holiday spirit!
