Christmas is fast approaching, and communities across the Lower Mainland are embracing the season with a wide range of festive activities. From bustling holiday markets filled with local vendors and handcrafted gifts, to tree lighting ceremonies that illuminate town squares, Metro Vancouver is alive with celebration with fun for all ages.

Here’s my list of some of the more popular markets and activities for 2025. Did I miss something? Let me 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 28^th, 2025 to Sunday, January 4^th, 2026 (closed December 25^th, 2025)
Admission? Adult $29.00; Senior (65+) and Youth (13-18) $19.00; Child (5-12) $12.00; Preschooler (0-4) 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? Thursday, November 13^th to Wednesday, December 24^th, 2025
Admission? General $6.99 and up; Single season pass $35.99; Family season pass $89.99

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

Lights of Hope

Where? St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
When? 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 27^th, 2025
Admission? Free

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, November 29^th, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 30^th, 2025
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!

Burnaby

Festive Village

Where? Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
When? Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 to Friday, January 2nd, 2026 (closed December 24^th and 25^th, 2025)
Admission? Free

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

New Westminster

New West Farmers Market Holiday Market

Where? City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
When? 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 13^th, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 14^th, 2025
Admission? Free, $5.00 donation encouraged

Over 90 vendors will setup shop at City Hall for the sixth annual New West Holiday Market. This fun family-friendly (and dog-friendly) event will include food trucks, music, and craft activities for the kids.

Richmond

Winter in the Village

Where? Multiple locations: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Steveston Tram, Steveston Community Centre
When? Thursday, November 20^th, to Wednesday, December 31^st, 2025.
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 28^th to Wednesday, December 24^th, 2025
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 21^st, 2025, to Sunday, January 18^th, 2026
Admission? Adults $75.00; Senior (65+) $70.00; Student (18+) $64.00; Youth (13-17) $49.00; Child (6-12) $28.00

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 21^st, to Wednesday, December 24^th, 2025
Admission? Prices vary per date

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 22^nd, and 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, November 23^rd, 2025
Admission? Free

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

Noel Surrey and Bright Nights

Where? Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Avenue, Surrey, BC
When? Friday, November 28^th, to on Sunday, December 28^th, 2025; closed on December 1^st, 8^th, 24^th, and 25^th, 2025.
Admission? Children (0-6) free; Youth (7-18) $17; Adult (18-64) $22; Senior (65+) $17

The Cloverdale Fairgrounds lights up with both the brilliant decorations of Bright Nights and the magical Noel Village. Ticket sales benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

Coquitlam

Lights at Lafarge

Where? Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
When? Friday, November 28^th, 2025, to Monday, February 16^th, 2026. Lights are on Between 4:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
Admission? Free

This annual event transforms the path around Lafarge Lake with colourful displays making for a relaxing stroll during the hectic holiday season. Stop for a bite at the food trucks or take in live entertainment on the lakeside.

Port Coquitlam

Christmas in the Square

Where? Port Coquitlam Community Centre,2150 Wilson Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC
When? 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday, November 29^th, 2025
Admission? Free

Kick start your Christmas shopping in the heart of Port Coquitlam with a local market, live entertainment, tree lighting and photos with Santa Claus!

Parade of Lights

Where? Port Coquitlam Community Centre,2150 Wilson Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC
When? 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Saturday, December 6^th, 2025
Admission? Free

Downtown PoCo will glow with the second annual Parade of Lights where it will bring jolly spirit to the Tri-Cities!

CPKC Holiday Train

Where? Port Coquitlam Station, 2073 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC
When? 6:35 pm Saturday, December 20^th, 2025
Admission? Free, donation encouraged

A holiday tradition! A fully lit CPKC train pulls up with music and donations going towards local food banks. This year’s performers are the Barenaked Ladies.

Langley

Merry and Bright at Martini Town

Where? 1123 272 Street, Langley, BC
When? Friday, November 21^st to Wednesday, December 31^st, 2025
Admission? Adult (18+) $24; Children (6-12) $12; Youth (13-17) $18; Senior (65+) $20; no sales at the gate

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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