Family-Friendly Christmas Events in Vancouver This Holiday Season
The holiday season in Vancouver is a magical time filled with sparkling lights, festive markets, enchanting performances, and unforgettable family outings. Whether you’re planning a cozy night with the kids or a full day of holiday adventure, you’ll find no shortage of family-friendly Christmas events in Vancouver BC to fill your calendar. From twinkling light displays to trolley tours and Christmas trains, Vancouver transforms into a winter wonderland every December.
Below is your ultimate guide to the best Christmas events in Vancouver BC, including long-standing favourites, hidden gems, and new attractions worth exploring this year.
1. Christmas Lights and Karaoke Trolley Tour – The Great Canadian Trolley Co.
One of the most joyful and unique Christmas events in Vancouver BC is the Christmas Lights and Karaoke Trolley Tour by The Great Canadian Trolley Company. Perfect for families, this festive journey takes guests through the city’s most dazzling residential and public light displays while singing along to classic holiday favourites on board a vintage-style trolley.
Kids adore the lively music, adults enjoy the nostalgia, and everyone leaves with that unmistakable holiday cheer. The tour also includes photo stops at iconic decorating spots, and each trolley is fully heated, making it a cozy escape from the winter chill.
2. Vancouver Christmas Market
Located at Jack Poole Plaza, the Vancouver Christmas Market is a beloved European-inspired celebration that delights families every year. Enjoy handcrafted gifts, festive décor, hot chocolate, apple cider, and delicious treats like chimney cakes and Bavarian pretzels.
Kids can ride the Christmas Carousel, visit the Lovers’ Lane walk-through light display, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the season. It’s the sort of Christmas outing that creates lasting family memories.
3. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
For families seeking a little adventure, Canyon Lights is a breathtaking holiday experience. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park lights up every December with thousands of twinkling bulbs illuminating the rainforest, the iconic suspension bridge, and the Tree Top Adventures pathways.
This event is stroller-friendly, full of magical photo moments, and offers educational displays that teach kids about the local environment. It’s one of the most visually stunning Christmas experiences in the city.
4. Bright Nights in Stanley Park
A true Vancouver tradition, Bright Nights in Stanley Park features millions of sparkling lights, family-themed displays, and festive decorations throughout the plaza and train area. While the Bright Nights Christmas Train may vary year-to-year, the light displays continue to enchant families with vibrant tunnels, illuminated trees, and kid-friendly holiday installations.
The Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society also benefits from donations at the event, making this a heartwarming way to support the community.
5. FlyOver Canada – Soar with Santa
FlyOver Canada transforms its immersive flying theatre ride into a holiday spectacular each winter. “Soar with Santa” takes guests on a magical flight across the North Pole and Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, accompanied by festive scents, wind effects, and holiday music.
It’s a thrilling and visually stunning experience suitable for kids and adults alike.
6. VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s most iconic Christmas attractions. Families can wander through themed light areas, dine on warm holiday treats, and enjoy interactive installations spread throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens.
This event welcomes all ages and includes a carousel, photo ops with Santa, and dazzling light shows timed to music.
7. PNE Winter Fair
The PNE Winter Fair combines carnival-style fun with holiday spirit. Families can enjoy live entertainment, indoor rides, ice skating, a Winter Market, and musical performances. Kids especially love the holiday theatre shows and giant indoor play areas, making this an excellent option for colder nights.
8. Glow Christmas
Glow Christmas offers an enchanting indoor light festival perfect for younger children. Families can explore glowing tunnels, animated light displays, and themed rooms, along with craft vendors and festive treats. Since Glow takes place indoors, it’s also a reliable option on rainy December days.
9. Robson Square Ice Skating
Robson Square’s outdoor ice rink is a classic winter activity that’s free for families (with small skate rental fees). Skating under twinkling lights with holiday music playing in the background is the kind of simple seasonal joy that creates timeless memories.
10. Christmas at Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Christmas
At Grouse Mountain, you can experience the magic of the holidays at The Peak of Christmas. Families can visit real reindeer, explore a magical Light Walk, enjoy seasonal films in the theatre, and experience snowy mountaintop activities like ice skating and sleigh rides.
For kids, the highlight is often meeting Santa in his mountaintop workshop.
Final Thoughts
With so many incredible Christmas events in Vancouver BC, families can enjoy a full month of holiday magic—whether you love sparkling lights, outdoor adventures, Christmas markets, or festive entertainment. Vancouver’s holiday season offers something for every age, interest, and tradition.
Be sure to book your Christmas Lights and Karaoke Trolley Tour early, as seats fill quickly each December. It’s one of the most joyful and unforgettable ways to celebrate the holidays in Vancouver.