Holiday Events In and Around Vancouver to Get You in the Festive Mood

By Travel British Columbia

The countdown to Christmas is officially on and with less than a month away before the big day, we thought we’d share some of the festive activities and events taking place in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. From light festivals and magical winter wonderlands to old-fashioned celebrations and traditional markets, there’s sure to be an event to suit everyone!

Christmas Glow

Christmas Glow started in 2017 and was so successful that it is now experienced all over Canada. In BC the Christmas Glow event is being held at Glow Gardens in Langley. This family-friendly winter festival is decorated with magical landscapes under a million twinkling lights. This year Christmas Glow is introducing “The Magic Toyshop” – follow Fox and Bunny through the magical Toy Shop where there are oversized toys and surprises round every corner. Christmas Glow is being held until December 31, 2025. Tickets required.

Festive Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Festive lights and traditional decorations await you at the 10-acre Burnaby Village Museum. A sporting theme will delight all ages. Enjoy carolers and other entertainment plus Father Christmas. Festive Christmas runs to January 2. More information.

Christmas Train – Surrey

The train lovers (young and not so young) will love the Bear Creek Christmas Train. Set among the trees of Surrey’s Bear Creek Park, you are invited to take an enchanted train ride through a sparkling, festive forest. The Santa Express is a day-time journey through a series of interactive holiday displays and runs from 10am – 5:00pm December 1 to December 31. Look for Santa on the train platform (bring your camera for a quick pic), take some time to do a holiday craft and don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate. The Christmas Night Train, running from 6pm – 9pm to December 28, transports riders to Bear Creek Park’s Enchanted Forest for a magical ride through glittering light displays. More information.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Running until January 18, guests to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest, across the Suspension Bridge, through the Arc de Lumina light tunnel  along a portion of Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure. Plus, new for 2025 is Wildlights, a 3-D projection of wildlife set deep in the rainforest. More information.

The Peak of Christmas, North Vancouver

A favourite Vancouver holiday tradition. Santa Claus, reindeer, ice skating, sleigh rides, carollers, holiday movies in The Theatre in the Sky. Operating until December 24, the spirit of Christmas comes alive with a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities atop Grouse Mountain. A highlight is to wander around Blue Grouse Lake through stunning light installations on the Light Walk, and then glide across the mountaintop skating pond! More information.

Lights at Lafarge

The City of Coquitlam is proud to be home to Metro Vancouver’s largest, free outdoor light display! The dazzling light displays encircle two walking loops in Town Centre Park and Lafarge Lake. The Lights at Lafarge will twinkle until the end of February. More information.

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Published: December 12, 2019
Last Updated: November 26, 2025