A Holiday Guide to Metro Vancouver

Holidays are not only about distance traveled but perspective gained, and lucky for us, here in Metro Vancouver, there’s lots for you to discover! Winter in the Lower Mainland isn’t just a season, it’s a dazzling spectacle filled with lights, laughter, and sparkle. From glittering outdoor displays to cozy fun indoors, the holiday season promises winter activities for everybody! 

Burnaby

Burnaby Village Museum 

The Burnaby Village Museum offers  vintage light displays, live entertainment, crafts, and scavenger hunts, all for free! With free admission and carousel rides for a small fee, you can enjoy stepping back in time from November 2nd to January 2nd. 

Metrotown 

Meet various Santas and explore traditions from all around the world! Metrotown has a festive atmosphere with seasonal pop ups, gift stations, and photo-worthy decorations. It’s the perfect place to shop for all your gifts and has so many delicious food spots all around! 

Holiday Lights Display and Public Skating 

Local community ice rinks and decorated neighbourhoods are the perfect opportunity to bundle up and head outside. Skating under colourful lights is a favourite winter activity for many! 

North Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge - Canyon Lights 

One of Metro Vancouver’s most iconic displays, the Canyon Lights exhibit  thousands of lights illuminating the forest canopy and bridge! Trees shimmer and rivers sparkle below, it's a wonderful and amazing sight to see before January 18! 

Grouse Mountain

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, riding the Skyride, meeting Santa’s reindeer, or grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, Grouse Mountain offers a full holiday experience. 

Shipyards Christmas Market

Located right on the waterfront, the Shipyards market offers family owned stalls, fire pits, hot chocolate, and artisan gifts to make the perfect setting for a night by the water. Best of all, it’s free to enter!

Richmond

Steveston’s Winter in the Village

Hallmark movie by the sea? Visit Stevenston’s Winter in the Village for carollers, family-friendly events, and seasonal displays with Christmas lights!

Richmond Christmas Market

Vendors selling handmade gifts, festive decor, and seasonal treats inside Aberdeen Centre make it an ideal stop for festive snacks and gifts! 

Holiday Dog Parade

Dogs in sweaters, antlers, and costumes—what could be better? 

Downtown Vancouver

Robson Square outdoor skating rink

Glide through downtown under shining lights and music playing in the background for only $5! Energetic, exciting, and after you skate, holiday shopping is right around the corner!

Vancouver Christmas Market

Inspired by Europe, this downtown classic features wooden cabins, holiday snacks, and twinkling lights. However, it is a bit on the pricey side as it’s pay to enter and has expensive  food and drinks. 

General Winter Must-Dos

• Go cafe hopping and discover holiday themed drinks!

• Hit the slopes at Cypress, Grouse, or Seymour!

• Build a snowman when it snows.

You don’t need a plane ticket to experience something special this holiday season. From snowy mountain tops to twinkling lights, Vancouver has its own winter magic right outside your door! Whether you’re skating downtown, drinking cacao by the ocean, or exploring mountain trails, make this winter one to remember! 

Happy Holidays!