🎄 Things to Do in Christmas in Vancouver 2025: Lights, Mountains, Markets & Coastal Magic
- Let's Live A Life
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Vancouver combines winter beauty with West Coast charm — glowing forests, twinkling city streets, snowy mountain adventures, and festive waterfronts. Here are 15 amazing Christmas experiences to enjoy this 2025 holiday season.
1. Vancouver Christmas Market (Jack Poole Plaza)
Website: https://vancouverchristmasmarket.com
A European-style Christmas market overlooking the ocean and mountains. Explore artisan huts, mulled wine, pretzels, ornaments, live music, and the iconic Christmas carousel.
Why you should go:
Classic Vancouver holiday outing
Beautiful waterfront location
Perfect for festive food and shopping
Tips:
Go early evening for sunset + lights
Buy the collectible mug!
2. Canyon Lights – Capilano Suspension Bridge
Website: https://capbridge.com
The Capilano Suspension Bridge becomes a glowing forest with illuminated treetops, light tunnels, and the famous bridge lit high above the canyon.
Why you should go:
One of the most magical light displays in Canada
Stunning photos
Fun for families & couples
Tip: Wear warm, non-slip shoes — it can get slick.
3. VanDusen Festival of Lights
Website: https://vandusengarden.ca
VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms into a winter dreamland with themed areas, music, light sculptures, glowing trees, and cozy food stands.
Why you should go:
Romantic and peaceful
Amazing photo spots
Great for a calm evening out
Tip: Book timed entry early — it always sells out.
4. Grouse Mountain – Peak of Christmas
Website: https://grousemountain.com
A snowy holiday village on the mountaintop complete with Santa’s workshop, light walks, skating pond, sleigh rides, and epic winter views.
Why you should go:
Real snowy Christmas atmosphere
Great for kids and winter lovers
Stunning city + mountain views
Tip: Dress warmly — temperatures drop quickly at the top.
5. Bright Nights Christmas Train (Stanley Park)
Website: https://stanleyparktrain.com
A magical holiday train through Stanley Park decorated with lights, displays, music, and festive scenes.
Why you should go:
Perfect for families
Beloved Vancouver tradition
Festive and cheerful
Tip: Tickets sell out — buy early.
6. Lights at Lafarge (Coquitlam)
Website: https://coquitlam.ca
BC’s largest free light display, wrapping around Lafarge Lake with glowing tunnels, sculptures, and themed zones.
Why you should go:
Free & beautiful
Great for evening walks
Accessible for all ages
Tip: Weeknights are much quieter.
7. FlyOver Canada – Christmas Edition
Website: https://flyovercanada.com
A thrilling flying-theatre experience that shows Canada (and the North Pole!) from the sky with holiday music, scents, and festive effects.
Why you should go:
Unique holiday ride
Indoors — perfect for rainy days
Fun for all ages
Tip: Combine with the Christmas Market next door.
8. Robson Square Ice Rink
Website: https://robsonsquare.com
A free (with your own skates) outdoor rink in downtown Vancouver surrounded by shops, lights, and holiday energy.
Why you should go:
Classic Vancouver holiday moment
Affordable fun
Great downtown location
Tip: Evenings are busiest — go early.
9. Glow Langley Christmas Festival
Website: https://glowgardens.com
A massive indoor light festival featuring glowing tunnels, interactive displays, holiday markets, food stalls, and themed worlds.
Why you should go:
Perfect for families
Indoors = weatherproof
Tons of photo ops
Tip: Weekday visits mean shorter lines.
10. Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Christmas
Website: https://burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
A charming 1920s village decorated for the holidays, with vintage storefronts, lights, carousel rides, and old-fashioned Christmas cheer.
Why you should go:
Free admission
Nostalgic and magical
Great for families
Tip: Ride the vintage carousel — it’s iconic.
11. PNE Winter Fair
Website: https://www.pne.ca
A lively winter festival featuring concerts, skating, holiday markets, food vendors, light displays, games, and festive performances.
Why you should go:
Big indoor + outdoor event
Lots of activities for all ages
Perfect for a full evening out
Tip: Check the schedule — some events are only on select days.
12. Shipyards Christmas Market (North Vancouver)
Website: https://theshipyardsdistrict.ca
A seaside winter village with markets, live music, warm drinks, ice skating, igloos, fire pits, and waterfront views.
Why you should go:
Beautiful night views of the Vancouver skyline
Cozy and festive
Great for holiday photos
Tip: Take the SeaBus for an extra fun experience.
13. Whistler Village – Christmas Lights & Activities
Website: https://whistler.com
Just two hours away, Whistler becomes a snowy Christmas paradise with glowing streets, skiing, sleigh rides, markets, and winter adventures.
Why you should go:
One of the most magical winter destinations in Canada
Real snow + stunning mountains
Perfect for a day trip or weekend
Tip: Roads can be snowy — check conditions.
14. Science World Winter Programming
Website: https://scienceworld.ca
Special holiday exhibits, shows, and interactive programs perfect for kids — all indoors and warm.
Why you should go:
Educational and fun
Great rainy-day activity
Festive seasonal displays
Tip: Buy tickets in advance on weekends.
15. Steveston Village Holiday Events (Richmond)
Website: https://visitrichmondbc.com
A charming historic fishing village decorated for the holidays with cozy cafés, lights, waterfront views, and festive shops.
Why you should go:
Peaceful and scenic
Great coastal Christmas vibes
Perfect for relaxed holiday walks
Tip: Visit during sunset for stunning photos.
Tips for Christmas in Vancouver 2025
✔ Expect rain — bring waterproof jackets
✔ Visit mountain events earlier in the day
✔ Buy light-show tickets in advance
✔ Use SkyTrain to avoid parking headaches
✔ Bring gloves, hats, and warm layers
Conclusion: Experience the Magic of Christmas in Vancouver
From glowing forests and mountain-top villages to European markets and oceanfront lights, Vancouver truly shines during Christmas. Whether you’re exploring with family, strolling hand-in-hand with someone special, or enjoying a festive getaway, there’s holiday joy in every corner of the city.
Enjoy Christmas in Vancouver 2025 — a season filled with lights, charm, culture, and West Coast magic.
The end: 🎄 Christmas in Vancouver 2025: Lights, Mountains, Markets & Coastal Magic
🎄 Christmas in Vancouver 2025: Lights, Mountains, Markets & Coastal Magic
