Can’t-Miss Christmas Events in Vancouver 2025

Can’t-Miss Christmas Events in Vancouver 2025

Vancouver lights up for the holidays with an amazing lineup of Christmas events in Vancouver BC. From twinkling light festivals to bustling outdoor markets and festive concerts, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland. In 2025 the calendar is packed: start with tree lightings and markets in late November, then fill your December with spectacular illuminations, family shows and fun winter activities. Below is a guide to the top seasonal happenings, complete with dates, ticket info and tips for planning your festive itinerary.

Festive Holiday Markets & Shopping

Vancouver’s classic Christmas market is back at Jack Poole Plaza on the waterfront. The Vancouver Christmas Market (Nov 13–Dec 24, 2025) is modeled on a Bavarian Christmas village: over 110 artisan huts selling handcrafted gifts, hot Glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst and pastries, plus a giant Christmas pyramid (pictured below) and live entertainment. It’s open nightly through Dec 24, and general admission tickets start at just $6.99. Other seasonal markets pop up across the city – for example, the Merry Maker’s Market (part of Langley’s Glow Gardens, Nov 20–Dec 31) and Granville Island’s festive craft stalls – making shopping and sipping cocoa a big part of Vancouver’s holiday fun.

Beyond markets, don’t miss these holiday shopping traditions: the downtown Robson Square Ice Rink (open Dec 1–Feb 28) often offers nearby vendor booths, while special pop-up shops like Glenda’s Christmas Cottage (Oct 28–Dec 23, 2025) sell vintage toys, ornaments and local gifts. A festive stroll down Robson and Alberni Streets will also find seasonal décor and holiday window displays to admire.

Spectacular Winter Light Displays

Vancouver’s outdoor light shows are must-see holiday events. At VanDusen Festival of Lights (Nov 28, 2025–Jan 4, 2026), the botanical gardens are draped in over 1 million twinkling lights. Visitors wander 15 acres of illuminated displays (such as the interactive “Wood Wide Web” mushroom installation and new Great Bear Rainforest exhibit) while sipping hot cocoa. Don’t miss the choreographed Dancing Lights shows on the lake several times each night. Advanced tickets are required (starting around $29 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children) and can be bought online to lock in preferred dates.

For a magical forest walk, head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park after dark. The annual Canyon Lights (Nov 21, 2025–Jan 18, 2026) floods the famous suspension bridge, treetop canopy and cliffwalk with millions of lights. This year’s new Wildlight feature projects 3D images of forest animals across the trees, adding to the enchantment. Canyon Lights is included with regular park admission; you simply reserve a timed entry and show your ticket at the gate. (Tip: book early for prime evenings, as reservations during peak season sell out fast.)

Another mountaintop spectacle is the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain (Vancouver’s “North Pole”). Running Nov 21–Dec 24, 2025, this event turns the gondola ride into a festive journey. At the top, you’ll find Santa’s workshop, a reindeer habitat (meet Vixen the red-nosed reindeer!), an enchanted Light Walk through forest light installations, and outdoor ice skating on the mountaintop pond. Theatre-in-the-Sky plays holiday movies, and kids can make crafts or visit with elves. Best of all, all of this is included with a standard Grouse Mountain admission ticket or season pass.

High above the city, Grouse Mountain’s Santa’s Workshop and light displays turn the mountaintop into “Vancouver’s North Pole” (Nov 21–Dec 24).

Other notable light-up events include the Stanley Park Christmas Train (sometimes called Bright Nights). This heritage miniature train (Pipeline Rd, Stanley Park) carries riders through tunnels of lights from late November through early January. Nearby, the Bright Nights plaza is free to walk through for giant illuminated displays and ornaments. And don’t forget Lights of Hope on Burrard Street – every night Nov 27, 2025–Jan 2, 2026 hundreds of personalized light stars (commemorating donations) turn the area by St. Paul’s Hospital into a glowing tribute.

Holiday Music, Theatre & Festivals

Vancouver’s cultural scene also gets into the spirit. The Nutcracker returns in 2025 (Goh Ballet: Dec 18–21 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre) – a family favorite choreographed holiday ballet. Choral ensembles and orchestras fill concert halls with festive tunes all December. For example, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra offers its annual Christmas concert series (traditional carols and beloved holiday scores at various venues). Local theatre companies stage holiday plays and pantomimes – the Arts Club Theatre Company traditionally presents a Christmas Carol and other themed shows. (Short on time? Even an evening at one of Vancouver’s cozy restaurants or pubs often features live caroling or jazz holiday sets.)

For something truly Vancouver, try the Carol Ships Cruise: an evening dinner cruise on a brightly lit boat in False Creek, complete with song sheets and caroling led by the captain. These cruises run throughout December (starting at Granville Island and cruising the harbor lights). Or bundle up for the Caroling at VanDusen nights, where volunteers lead sing-alongs through the Festival of Lights (often on weekends).

Outdoor Winter Fun

Don’t let mild coastal weather slow you down! Vancouver’s proximity to snow means you can mix city sights with mountain adventure. Local ski areas open around late November. Grouse and Cypress offer skiing, snowshoeing and tubing just a short drive from downtown. But for city fun, bundle up for ice skating on Robson Square (Dec 1–Feb 28) or Nat Bailey Stadium’s Winter Festival (December weekends with public skating, carnival rides and holiday treats). New this year, check if a snowshoe and fondue night or après-ski sledding tour pops up – these outdoor “holiday packages” have become trendy, often with 360° alpine views. Whatever the weather, Vancouver’s parks and waterfront look lovely festooned in lights, making evening strolls along the Seawall or through historic neighbourhoods a charming holiday outing.

Additional Holiday Highlights

You’ll find dozens more festive happenings across the region. Here are a few quick picks to fill out your itinerary:

• Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – Nov 28, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Art Gallery. Watch a 76-foot tree ignite with lights on Georgia St., with live music, Santa visits and free hot chocolate.
  
  
• Lights of Hope (St. Paul’s Hospital) – Nov 27, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026. A cherished charity event where thousands of twinkling lights (each representing a donor) turn Burrard St. into a bright wonderland.
  
  
• Robson Square Ice Rink – Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026. Free skating in the heart of downtown (rentals & lessons available); the rink is adjacent to the outdoor night market and festive food vendors.
  
  
• Pacific Arts Market Holiday Bazaar – Dec 6–7 & 13–14, 2025. A free craft market at the Roundhouse in Yaletown featuring local art, jewelry and gifts – perfect for checking off the Christmas shopping list.

• Glenda’s Christmas Cottage – Oct 28 – Dec 23, 2025. A longtime Vancouver tradition, this massive pop-up store in East Van is packed with holiday décor, collectibles and live caroling (and yes, free spiced cider).
  
  

These extra events (and many smaller community tree-lightings, Santa parades and craft fairs) ensure the holidays in Vancouver BC are as busy and bright as anywhere. In fact, exploring all these Christmas events in Vancouver BC has become an annual tradition for many families and visitors alike.

Sing-Along Holiday Trolley Tour

Finally, for a uniquely Vancouver festive experience, book the Christmas Lights & Karaoke Trolley Tour by Great Canadian Trolley. Each evening starting in late November (roughly Nov 28 onward), this vintage trolley departs from Canada Place at 6:30pm and cruises through the city’s best light displays while playing classic carols. You can add your voice to the mix with on-board karaoke microphones! The route typically includes the illuminated Market, vibrant Robson Street, Stanley Park and scenic Denman/English Bay – and an optional stop at VanDusen Festival of Lights for extra sparkle. It’s a fun, upbeat way to see Vancouver’s holiday decorations, and a great group outing for friends or families. Seats fill up quickly every year, so reserve your spot early and make this jolly trolley ride the highlight of your holiday celebrations.

All in all, Vancouver’s 2025 holiday lineup is bursting with festive cheer. From the old‐world charm of the Christmas Market to the new thrills of light spectacles and karaoke trolleys, there are countless ways to celebrate. Be sure to add some of these Christmas events in Vancouver BC to your calendar – you’re guaranteed a merry, unforgettable season in Canada’s west coast winter wonderland!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most popular Christmas events in Vancouver BC in 2025?

Some of the most popular Christmas events in Vancouver BC include the Vancouver Christmas Market, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Capilano’s Canyon Lights, the Stanley Park Christmas Train, and the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain. The Christmas Lights & Karaoke Trolley Tour is also a must-try for a unique festive experience.

2. When do Christmas events typically start in Vancouver BC?

Most Christmas events in Vancouver BC begin in mid-November and continue until early January. Markets usually open first, followed by major light displays and mountain holiday attractions.

3. Are Christmas light displays in Vancouver free to visit?

Some light displays are free — like Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital — while others, such as VanDusen Festival of Lights and Canyon Lights at Capilano, require paid admission and advance reservations.

4. What is the best family-friendly Christmas event in Vancouver?

Families love the Stanley Park Christmas Train, Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, and VanDusen Festival of Lights. Kids also enjoy the Great Canadian Trolley’s Christmas Lights & Karaoke Trolley Tour for its festive music and sightseeing.

5. Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Christmas events in Vancouver BC?

Yes. Popular Christmas events in Vancouver BC — including the Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights, and the Christmas Trolley Tour — often sell out. Purchasing tickets ahead of time guarantees entry and preferred dates.

6. What Christmas markets are happening in Vancouver in 2025?

The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza is the largest and runs from mid-November to December 24. Additional pop-up craft markets appear at Granville Island, the Roundhouse Community Centre, and holiday fairs across the Lower Mainland.

7. Are there Christmas events suitable for couples or date nights?

Absolutely. Romantic picks include Canyon Lights at Capilano, a holiday dinner on a Carol Ship Cruise, the Christmas Lights & Karaoke Trolley Tour, and strolling the Vancouver Christmas Market with warm mulled wine.

8. Where can I see Santa Claus in Vancouver during the holidays?

Santa appears at numerous locations, including Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas, the Vancouver Christmas Market, shopping centres like Pacific Centre and Metropolis, and select trolley tours.

9. What are the best free Christmas events in Vancouver BC?

Top free offerings include the Vancouver Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lights of Hope, community holiday parades, Robson Square ice skating (with your own skates), and festive neighbourhood lights across residential areas.

10. How do I book the Christmas Lights & Karaoke Trolley Tour?

Tickets can be purchased online through Great Canadian Trolley. The tour runs select evenings starting in late November and regularly sells out, so booking early is highly recommended.