Vancouver at Christmas is pure magic. Think twinkling string lights, red bows on storefronts, and markets where the smell of Glühwein makes you feel like you’re in Europe. Yes, Vancouver is great year-round. But the holiday season? It’s next level. Grab an eggnog and let me show you why.
I first visited Vancouver during the holidays a few years ago and fell in love instantly. I couldn’t stop thinking about how festive the city felt.
Then last December in 2024, I had the perfect excuse to come back: Taylor Swift’s final Eras Tour show of the year. It was so fun to repeat my favorite holiday things like Capilano Suspension Bridge lit up with Canyon Lights and the Vancouver Christmas Market, where I picked up a banana ornament. (If you’re a real Taylor fan, you know exactly why that made me laugh out loud at the booth.)
Robin and I both grew up in Wisconsin but live in San Francisco now, so we crave chilly Christmas vibes each year. Vancouver gives us that cozy-but-not-freezing weather plus some of the best holiday events I’ve ever seen. Get ready for my massive Vancouver Christmas guide!
Why Visit Vancouver At Christmas
- Affordable Hotels: Late November and December is off season. We scored a great rate at the Shangri-La and I also love The Burrard for a trendy budget stay.
- Cozy, Not Arctic: Temps hover in the 40s. I ran around in a sweater and medium coat, totally comfortable.
- Wall To Wall Festivities: Trees in every plaza, garlands over doorways, glowing light tunnels, and carolers in unexpected corners.
Best Christmas Things To Do In Vancouver
Vancouver Christmas Market
This downtown market on Jack Poole Plaza is like stepping into Europe without the flight. Wooden stalls, artisan gifts, chimney cakes, bratwurst, and mugs of Glühwein to drink around a giant Christmas tree.
I loved it so much on my first trip that I went right back last year before the Eras show. That’s when I spotted (and immediately bought) the banana ornament for my tree. You can easily take the Metro Vancouver train here since it’s downtown. It’s hands down the best of the Christmas events in Vancouver. The market runs from November 13- December 24th, 2025.
VanDusen Festival Of Lights
Christmas in Vancouver gets extra magical with VanDunsen, which usually runs late November to January. The botanical garden becomes a glowing winter wonderland with tunnels of pink and golden holiday lights, themed displays, and a light show over the lake.
- Pro tip: go on a weeknight to avoid the biggest crowds since it’s a big attraction
Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights
Capilano is iconic year-round as one of the top Vancouver activities, but the holiday season with Canyon Lights is next level. Last December I walked the glowing bridge again and it still gave me butterflies, millions of lights draped across the rainforest make it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
Peak Of Christmas At Grouse Mountain
Thirty minutes from downtown on Grouse Mountain, you can find snow, reindeer, Santa’s workshop, and mountain views over the city. It really does feel like a North Pole escape.
Bright Nights Holiday Displays
Stanley Park is always festive, with sparkling displays and seasonal spirit. Even if the train is booked, the lights alone are worth a visit.
Robson Square Ice Rink
A classic Vancouver date night: ice skating under skyscrapers and Christmas lights. Free with your own skates, or rent for a few dollars.
St. Paul’s Lights Of Hope
Over 100,000 bulbs transform St. Paul’s Hospital into a glowing landmark. It’s free, central, and one of my favorite quick stops after shopping on Robson.
Gingerbread Lane At The Hyatt
The Hyatt Vancouver lobby fills with elaborate gingerbread houses that smell as good as they look. It’s a whimsical and free holiday stop.
Canada Place At Christmas
Walk along the waterfront at Canada Place to see the sails lit in holiday colors, decorated trees, and playful window displays.
Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island is a foodie paradise year-round, but extra cozy in December. Snack your way through stalls, then take your haul outside to watch Christmas lights in Vancouver twinkle on the harbor.
Holiday Pop Ups And Bars
Vancouver’s bar scene gets festive in December with decorated patios, themed cocktails, and pop-up experiences. Locals recommended spots like Tinseltown and Miracle on Granville for fun holiday cocktails.
Cloverdale Christmas Tree Festival
Over 30 local businesses and organizations decorate Christmas trees for this annual festival in Surrey. It’s free to enter, family friendly, and you get to vote for your favorite tree. It feels super community driven, less flashy than Capilano or VanDusen, but very wholesome and cozy.
If you’re road tripping with kids, this is an easy, festive stop.
Unique Winter Wellness: Sauna + Cold Plunge
One of the coolest things I tried last December was at Tality in Vancouver. It’s a Scandinavian-inspired sauna and cold plunge spot with mountain and city views, free kombucha on tap, and the coziest vibes for winter.
I swear the plunge left me totally rejuvenated after a night dancing away to Taylor Swift. It’s not a Christmas-specific activity, but trust me, it’s worth building into your holiday trip.
More Festive Ideas Locals Love
- Shipyards Christmas Market (North Vancouver): Free market with live music and a huge tree for a festive time.
- Lights At Lafarge (Coquitlam): A free, 1.2 km lakeside light loop.
- Heritage Christmas (Burnaby Village Museum): A 1920s village lit up with holiday decor and carousel rides.
- PNE Winter Fair: Lights, shows, skating, and holiday treats.
- Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker: A classic performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
- Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour: Storytelling and festive history walk through downtown, passing many of the Vancouver art gallery windows.
- Soar With Santa (FlyOver Canada): A motion ride over Canada with a holiday theme, great for families.
- Dundarave Festival Of Lights (West Vancouver): Dozens of decorated trees by the seawall.
- Martini Town Merry & Bright (Langley): A film set dressed like a Hallmark movie.
- Glow Langley & Williams Park Lights: Light displays in the Fraser Valley.
- North Pole Express (Squamish): A Polar Express style train ride with cocoa and carols.
- Big Elf Run (Stanley Park): A fun run where everyone dresses like elves.
- Fort Langley National Historic Site : Just outside the city, Fort Langley hosts a seasonal “Bah! Humbug” event with festive decorations, craft activities, and storytelling. It’s both fun and educational, making it a great holiday outing if you want a break from light shows and markets.
Quick Ideas For A Victoria Side Trip
If you have a couple extra days, hop on the ferry to Victoria for even more holiday magic. Highlights include Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights, holiday tea at the Fairmont Empress, and Parliament glowing with lights.
Some highlights:
- Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights: Millions of twinkling bulbs turn the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
- Holiday High Tea at the Fairmont Empress: Sip tea inside a castle-like hotel fully decked out for Christmas.
- Parliament Building Lights: Every night in December the Parliament glows with festive bulbs.
- Festive Parades & Markets: Depending on when you visit, you might catch a Christmas parade or local artisan market.
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Harbor Stroll: Cozy lights reflect off the water, making for a magical evening walk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver At Christmas
Does It Snow In Vancouver At Christmas?
Not usually! Since Vancouver is at sea level, it rarely gets snow in December. Expect chilly but mild temps in the 40s (F). If you’re craving snow, head up to Grouse Mountain or even do a day trip to Whistler for guaranteed white Christmas vibes.
Where Can You Go Ice Skating In Vancouver At Christmas?
There are three magical options:
- Robson Square Ice Rink downtown (iconic and free with your own skates).
- Shipyards Rink in North Vancouver (the largest outdoor rink in Metro Vancouver with skyline views).
- Grouse Mountain Skating Pond (snowy North Pole vibes at the Peak of Christmas).
Is The Vancouver Christmas Market Worth It?
Absolutely. It’s one of my favorite holiday nights in the city. Think bratwurst, chimney cakes, artisan stalls, and mugs of Glühwein under a giant tree. Go on a weeknight to skip the long entry lines and enjoy the market as the skyline lights up at dusk.
What Should I Wear In Vancouver In December?
Pack for damp, cool weather. I was comfortable in a sweater, waterproof coat like this one that’s under $50, jeans, and boots with grip. Add an umbrella, hat, and thin gloves for evenings.
You don’t need heavy-duty winter gear unless you’re planning a snowy mountain day trip.
What Are The Best Free Christmas Things To Do In Vancouver?
Some of the most festive activities are totally free:
- St. Paul’s Lights of Hope in downtown Vancouver.
- Robson Square Ice Rink if you bring your own skates.
- Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam (a huge lakeside display).
- Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum.
- Window shopping and Christmas trees along Robson Street and Canada Place.
Vancouver has completely stolen my holiday heart. Whether it’s sipping Glühwein at the Christmas Market in downtown Vancouver, walking across Capilano’s glowing suspension bridge, or sweating it out at Tality before a cold plunge, this city knows how to make December feel magical.
If you’re planning a trip this Christmas season, drop me a comment below, or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul I’m always happy to help fellow travelers plan their own festive getaway.
