It is no secret that anything Christmas related is my JAM! I love the smells, the treats, the songs… I can even withstand an immense amount of cold if it means I get to walk around and look at twinkle lights. So because I love Vancouver Christmas (and you) I have compiled my list of favourite Family-Friendly Christmas Outings around YVR.
Capilano Suspension Bridge- Canyon Lights:
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC
When: November 19, 2022 – January 22, 2023
Park Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets:
Adult tickets: $62.95
Senior tickets: $57.95
Student tickets (18+): $49.95
Youth tickets (13-17): $34.95
Child tickets (6-12): $24.95
Drink hot chocolate as you wander through the glowing rainforest that is Canyon Lights. There’s something for everyone (unless you’re not into heights… then I would suggest you skip this one). This is a must-see for visitors to Vancouver, and BC Residents enjoy admission for one full year from the date of purchase for the price of one day’s regular admission.
Burnaby Village Museum- Heritage Christmas:
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC
When: November 26-December 18, 2022
Monday-Friday, 1-5:30 pm*
Saturday-Sunday, 1-9 pm
*December 5, 1-4 pm
December 19, 2022-January 2, 2023
Daily, 1-9 pm
Closed December 24 and 25
Tickets:
Gate admission is free.
Burnaby Village Museum is the sweetest little step back in time, and its Christmas events are that much more special. Scavenger hunts, live music, and visits from Father Christmas, you don’t want to miss this FREE event.
Museum of Surrey:
Where: 17710 56a Ave, Surrey, BC
When: November 26, 2022- December 18, 2022
Kick Off event: November 25, 2022 1:00-4:00pm
Tickets:
FREE Event
Donations Accepted: While admission is free, MOS is collecting new, unopened toys and non-perishable food donations for the Cloverdale Community Hamper. Leave yours at the front desk before touring the trees.
I always love events at the Museum of Surrey. They always have crafts for the kiddos, this event will have a visit from Santa, and of course a viewing of all the Christmas trees decorated by local Cloverdale businesses.
Vandusen Gardens- Festival of Lights:
Where: 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
When: November 25, 2022- January 2, 2023
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm daily (Last entry 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm)
Tickets:
Tickets are not sold on sight:
Adult (19-64)- $21.00
Senior (65+): $15.50
Child (5-12): $11.00
Children 4 & under: FREE
This event always feels so magical. Make sure to bundle up for a beautiful stroll around 15 acres of over one million lights. And don’t worry, if you get chilly you can get cozy with warm beverages and snacks. This event is outdoors, rain or shine… I’d say snow but it’s Vancouver and rain feels far more likely.
Christmas Night Train:
Where: Bear Creek Park
When: December 1st-31st (6-9pm)
Tickets: $12.60 per person (children under 2 are free)
This event is super kiddo friendly; think, the kid version of Vandusen Gardens, with the added bonus of a Christmas train. Beautiful light displays, and pictures with Santa… who could ask for anything more? Santa Express happens as a separate event, so be sure to book tickets for the appropriate events. Check their website for more details.
Arts Nursery:
Where: 8940 192ST, Surrey, BC, Canada
When: Holiday Premiere- Saturday November 19th and November 20th 11am-4pm
Free Admission
Celebrate the Arts Nursery Seasonal Collections with hot chocolate in hand, live music, cookies, workshop demos, and of course shot holiday decor, gifts, greenery & plants. There will also be people and pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4th, 11am-4pm (by donation, proceeds going to Dhana Metta Animal Rescue.
Lights at Lafarge Lake :
Where: Lafarge Lake
When: Kick-Off- Saturday, Nov. 26 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Town Centre Park
Tickets: Free Admission
This beautiful, free event is a great opportunity to take in the views at Lafarge Lake and of course, see all the light displays. I’ve only been once and I remember it being lovely and incredibly cold so bundle up.
Vancouver Christmas Market:
Where: Jack Poole Plaza-1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC.
When: Nov 12 – 25: open 4 pm to 9:30 pm (Fr and Sat until 10:00 pm)
Nov 26 – Dec 23: open 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Fr and Sat until 10:00 pm)
Dec 24: open 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Tickets:
Kids 0-6: Free
Adult (18-64): $17.99-$21.99 (check dates online)
Youth (7-17): $9.99-$13.99 (check dates online)
Senior (65+): $14.99-$18.99 (check dates online)
Annual Pass: $35.99
Give me all the food and german drinks and sweets, the Vancouver Christmas Market will get you in all the feels! My fav is the carousel (I can’t wait to take little girl on it this year). Check out their website as they have more details about parking deals etc.
Fly Over Christmas:
Where: 201 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
When: November 7, 2022- December 31, 2022
Tickets:
Adult: $25-$33 (check dates online)
Children 12 and under: $10 off the adult price
Mainland Winter Market:
Where: West Coast Gardens- 1420 172 St, Surrey, BC
When: Weekends, Nov 12-Dec 18
9am-5pm Saturdays
10am– 5pm Sundays
Tickets:
VIP Tickets- $12.95
Pictures with Santa- $29.95
Food & Toy Drive Donations encouraged
I am super excited for this market and privileged to be one of their social media ambassadors. Come check out this beautiful market filled with local creator booths, food trucks, Santa photos, gift wrapping and even some local children’s book authors joining the market for readings. Check them out on social media for updates as each weekend has unique, special features to enjoy.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park:
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
When: December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023
4pm to 10pm
Monday, December 5, Tuesday, December 6, and Sunday December 25
Tickets: By Donation
Bright Nights has been my longest running Christmas Tradition. I have gone with friends, students and their families, church groups, and most recently my sweet baby girl and my hubs. Though this year the Christmas Train will not be running, they will still have tons of light displays, food, drinks, entertainment, with all of the proceeds going towards the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
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