Tis the season for all things bright and warm! There’s no shortage of festive activities throughout the region to get into that wonderful Christmas spirit! With markets, tree lightings, ice skating and Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick, communities in the Lower Mainland are spreading Christmas cheer for all to enjoy.

Here’s our list of some of the more popular markets and activities for 2024. Did we miss something? Let us know if there’s a market or other event happening in your neighbourhood.

Vancouver

VanDusen Festival of Lights

Where? VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
When? Friday, November 29^th, 2024 to Sunday, January 5^th, 2025 (closed December 25^th, 2024)
Admission? Adult $28.00; Senior (65+) $18.00; Child (5-12) $11.00; Preschooler (4-) free

Wander the lush VanDusen Botanical Gardens as thousands of lights brighten up the dark evenings.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Where? Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
When? Wednesday, November 13^th to Tuesday, December 24^th, 2024
Admission? General $19.99; Single season pass $35.99; Family season pass $99.99

Experience a German Christmas market in downtown Vancouver! Savour European delights, purchase some artisan gifts or hop on the carousel!

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

Where? Stanley Park Railway, 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC
When? Friday, November 29^th, 2024 to Saturday, January 4^th, 2025 (closed December 25^th, 2024)
Admission? Train tickets sold out, plaza admission by cash donation

Ride the iconic Stanley Park train through a wonderland of dazzling displays or enjoy the lights in the plaza outside with a cup of hot chocolate.

Lights of Hope

Where? St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
When? 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 27^th, 2024
Admission? Donation

Light up the façade of St. Paul’s Hospital for a good cause! This fundraiser supports many British Columbians get the treatment they need across the Providence Health Care network.

Japan Market Christmas Market

Where? Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
When? 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 7^th, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 8^th, 2024
Admission? $4.00 online or $5.00 at the door

The seasonal market offers many Japanese-inspired items from handicrafts to food. There’s also cultural performances and the famous samurai!

PNE Winter Fair

Where? Hastings Park, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
When? 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on December 6^th to 8^th, and 12^th to 23^rd, 2024
Admission? Prices vary by date

A family-friendly event at the PNE with rides, light displays, food, performances and a chance to meet Santa Claus!

Burnaby

Heritage Christmas

Where? Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
When? Saturday, November 23^rd, 2024 to Friday, January 3^rd, 2025
Admission? Free; Carousel rides $2.62

Step back in time with a stop at the Burnaby Village Museum. See what Christmas was like at the turn of the 20^th century with carolers, singers and Father Christmas himself.

Richmond

Winter in the Village

Where? Multiple locations: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Steveston Tram, Steveston Community Centre
Admission? Free

Steveston transforms into a wonderland with colourful Christmas trees, craft markets and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

North Vancouver

Shipyards Christmas Market

Where? The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC
When? Friday, November 29^th to Tuesday, December 24^th, 2024
Admission? Free

Wander through a European-style Christmas market that’s buzzing with food, vendors and live entertainment that makes a great day out with the family.

Canyon Lights

Where? Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC
When? Friday, November 22^nd, 2024 to Sunday, January 19^th, 2025
Admission? Adults $71.95; Senior (65+) $66.95; Student (18+) $59.95; Youth (13-17) $42.95; Child (6-12) $24.95

Stroll across the famous suspension bridge and enjoy the immersive light displays decorating the massive trees in this North Vancouver adventure.

Peak of Christmas

Where? Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC
When? Friday, November 22^nd to Wednesday, December 25^th, 2024
Admission? Adult $80; Senior (65+) $70; Youth (13-18) $60; Child (5-12) $40; Tot (4-) free

See Vancouver from up on high with light displays, ice skating, reindeer and Santa!

Surrey

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

Where? Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC
When? 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday, November 23^rd, and 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, November 24^th, 2024
Admission? Free

Watch Surrey light up its massive Christmas tree with live entertainment, rides, shopping and food!

Coquitlam

Lights at Lafarge

Where? Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
When? Friday, November 22^nd, 2024 to Saturday, February 1^st, 2025
Admission? Free

This annual event transforms the path around Lafarge Lake with colourful displays making for a relaxing stroll during the hectic holiday season.

Langley

Merry and Bright at Martini Town

Where? 1123 272 Street, Langley, BC
When? December 4^th to 8^th, 11^th to 15^th, 18^th to 22^nd, 26^th to 29^th, 2024, January 1^st to 5^th, 2025
Admission? Adult (13+) $22, Children (6-12) $12, Senior (65+) $18, Family of four $60

Recreate your favourite Christmas movie scenes at Martini Town. With live entertainment, food and drinks, local merchants, and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s an experience for the whole family.

 

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