Here are our top picks of 28 amazing things to do in Vancouver in December.
Metro Vancouver is a hive of activity in December as it ramps up for the busy festive season. Find incredible immersive experiences, live performances, fun-filled family events and culinary delights.
If we have missed your favourite December event, let us know in the comments below and make sure to subscribe for the latest updates.
Looking more festive holiday events and the best Christmas lights see our 2022 Vancouver Christmas lights, holiday events and markets.
If you are planning to pick up a live Christmas tree don’t miss our roundup of where to find the best Christmas Tree Farms in Metro Vancouver.
Vancouver in December Events
Best December Christmas events in Vancouver
1. Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – Drive-by Christmas Lights 2022
Don’t miss the spectacular Lights of Hope display in front of St. Paul’s Hospital. Enjoy it as you walk or drive by. The light display starts November 17, 2022.
Donations can be made onsite or online to support Providence Health Care hospitals.
Location: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver.
Best December Christmas events in Vancouver – Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo
2. VanDusen Festival of Lights – November 25 to January 2, 2023
Vancouver’s VanDusen Festival of Lights features more than one million shimmering lights in the 15 acres of botanical gardens.
Activities: The 45-minute experience follows the one way path through a magical wonderland with themed areas. Enjoy holiday music, dancing lights show and tasty treats are offered for purchase.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked online. There are no tickets available at the gate. The event happens rain or shine and there are no refunds.
Location: 5251 Oak St at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver.
Best December Christmas events in Vancouver BC VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of the best holiday lights displays in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
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3. National Geographic Beyond King Tut – The Immersive Experience, November 4, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Take a one hour journey through nine galleries for a multi-sensory experience of one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds in Egypt. Discover the ancient wonders of the King Tut story, Great Sphinx, Pyramids of Giza and more.
Admission: Tickets range in price from peak to off peak hours. Use this discount code when selecting a date and time (wendynordvikvarr) in the “enter coupon code here” box. It will then take $3 off each ticket until the end of day November 4. See more details and buy tickets.
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
4. Beauty And The Beast Cocktail Experience – November 4 – January 22, 2023
Activities: For ages 19+, the Beauty and the Beast Immersive Cocktail Experience is a 90-minute journey into a magical Victorian world. Non-alcoholic drinks are available. Costumes are encouraged.
Tickets: Book tickets here.
Hours: Various time slots from November 14 – January 22, 2023
Location: 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver.
5. The Sound of Music – November 10-December 24, 2022
The hills are alive! One of the most powerful and romantic musicals of all time, The Sound of Music brims with beloved tunes such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and “Edelweiss.” Journey along with the spirited Maria, who takes a governess position with the von Trapp family, falling first for the children and then the widower Captain von Trapp himself, all against the stirring backdrop of pre-WWII Austria.
Location: Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
6. Vancouver Christmas Market – November 12 – December 24, 2022
Activities: Vancouver’s beloved Christmas Market is back with all the festive fun, great gift ideas, festive foods and drinks. There are over 80 European and local artisan stalls to enjoy. Ride the magical Carousel. Walk down the tunnel of light in Lover’s Lane. Marvel at the walk-in Christmas Tree. Get into the holiday spirit with holiday entertainment. There are 30 new vendors added for gourmet treats along the Gourmetstrasse.
Tickets: Book tickets in advance. Pre-season launch Sale: use code VCM2022 to save $4 per ticket.
Hours: Entertainment weekdays – 4:30 – 9:30 pm and on weekends 12:30 – 9:30 pm.
Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver.
Website: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/
Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in November. Photo: Desiree Carr©
7. Tinseltown – Christmas Pop Up Bar – for adults only – November 15-December 31, 2022
Activities: Tinseltown is decorated in everything Christmas to get into the full festive spirit. There will be everything Christmas: Christmas music, Christmas drinks and Christmas food. Non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Tickets: Book tickets here.
Hours: Various time slots from November 15-December 31, 2022
Location: 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver.
8. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge – Now until December 31, 2022
Activities: Winterlust is an elevated outdoor domed dining experience at the Westin Bayshore Inn’s Coal Harbour patio. Enjoy festive cocktails and food in a magical heated snow globe. Each dome seats a maximum of six people.
Hours: Various seating times from 11:30 am – 12 am. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge books up fast. We were lucky and managed to secure a reservation on the same day due to a cancellation.
Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver.
Reservations are a must.
Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge is an elevated dining experience in Vancouver. We went for a special birthday celebration. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
9. Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2022
The 29th Winter Solstice Light Festival takes place in two Vancouver neighbourhoods, Granville Island and Yaletown.
Experience the Labyrinth of Light on the darkest night of the year. A self-guided ceremony with over 600 pure beeswax candles. The ritual is intended to help release old attachments and envision new possibilities.
Buy tickets here
10. East Van Panto: The Little Mermaid – November 16, 2022 – January 02, 2023
Under the sea Ariel dives into an ocean adventure where she makes a questionable deal with a devilish octopus named Ursula, fights off evil electric eels with her trash crab BFF, Sebastian, and has to help save the ocean from a mysterious purple slime of despair.
The performances will be at the York Theatre and offered online. Buy tickets here.
11.Bright Nights Stanley Park – December 1 – January 1, 2023
Bright Lights in Stanley Park will look a little different this year.
The train and its antique passenger cars and engines did not pass Technical Safety BC’s recent inspection. Fixing these old engines requires mechanics who are highly specialized with this type of vintage equipment and the parts are also extremely hard to find.
Activities: There will be an antique fire truck, giant red reindeer, Santa’s Workshop, entertainment and a sparkling tunnel of lights in the plaza.
Food vendors will offer a great selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate.
Admission is by donation. All proceeds benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Tickets: There are capacity restrictions. Advance online ticket sales only. Only ticket holders will be allowed at the attraction. Arrive 30 minutes in advance at the entrance. Latecomers will not be allowed. Buy tickets.
Hours: 4-10 pm. Closed: Monday, December 5, Tuesday, December 6, and Sunday December 25
Location: Use the West Georgia Street park entrance and go to Pipeline Road in Stanley Park. Parking is free after 3pm in the main lot across the street.
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx
12. Holiday Splash at The Vancouver Aquarium – November 12 – January 2, 2023
Activities: The Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium includes twice-daily dives by Scuba Claus until December 24 and the holiday favourite, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4D Experience® Holiday treats are available for purchase.
Admission: Book your tickets in advance.
Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
13. Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights
Activities: Wander through the fresh air of almost 40 acres of Granville Island to see the light displays. Takeout hot drinks and treats available and other food options with patios.
Admission: There is no admission.
Hours: Starts November 12, 2022, from sunset to 10 pm. daily.
Closed: All businesses including Granville Island Market are closed on December 25 and 26, 2022, but lights will be on.
Location: 1661 Duranleau St.
14. Christmas at Canada Place – December 2 – January 2, 2023
Activities: New this year, don’t miss Canada’s biggest drone show at Canada Place. Stroll the outdoor promenade to see the beautiful historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, the holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display, “Chrismoose,” the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture and more!
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily from 8 am-11 pm. Bright Skies Drone Show at 6 pm only on December 2 and 3.
Location: Canadian Trail (west promenade) 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Website: Canada Place
15. Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – December 2-28, 2022
This wonderful holiday tradition is back!
Come down to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver and see the wonderful gingerbread creations. The Hyatt has been doing this for 30 years. The aroma of gingerbread fills the lobby of the hotel. You won’t be disappointed.
A previous display at Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver
A previous display at Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver16. Fly Like Santa at Fly Over Canada – December 8 – January 3, 2023
Activities: Fly with Santa on a magical Christmas journey across Canada and up to the North Pole.
Admission: Buy tickets online and save. Ticket prices vary by day but start from: Adults: $25 Children: $15 up to age 12 and at least 102 cm / 40 inches tall.
Hours: December 8 – January 3, 2023.
Location: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
17. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 26-January 2, 2023
Activities: Walk through the 1920s village adorned with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take part in a bird-themed scavenger hunt. The Ice Cream Parlour is open for treats or a meal. The official launch of Heritage Christmas takes place December 3 from 5-9 pm, with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. See a map of the village.
The carousel is not operating due to maintenance.
Admission: Gate admission is free. Check the official website for hours of operation.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby just off Canada Way.
Phone: 604-297-4565
Website: Burnaby Village Museum
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18. Steveston Christmas Dog Parade – December 11, 2022
This will be a super cute new Christmas event. Dress your dog and yourself in festive holiday clothes.
Meet at Phoenix Pond bridge and parade your pooch to Starbucks. The event starts at 11 am on December 11.
19. Winter in the Village in Steveston – December 1-31, 2022
Activities: Explore the decorated historic sites of Richmond’s charming waterfront village of Steveston.
“Light Up the Village” self-guided tour.
Location: Steveston Village
Website: Visit Richmond
20. Victorian Heritage Christmas at the Stewart Farm – Dec 3- Dec 18
21. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 19, 2022 – January 22, 2023
Activities: Journey through a magical festive light display in a rainforest high above the Capilano River Canyon. Cross the glowing suspension bridge, walk along the Cliffwalk and through the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel. The world’s eighth tallest Christmas tree is found at the Treetops Adventure.
Admission: Partial proceeds will be donated to support the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Association
Tickets: Tickets will be sold online and will become available at the beginning of November 3,2022.
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily November 19, 2022 – January 22, 2023. Closed on Christmas Day.
Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Free shuttle is available from Canada Place.
Email: info@capbridge.com
Phone: 604-985-7474
Website: Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights
22. Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Harrison Hot Springs lakefront will be lit up from dusk until 11 pm. Stroll along the 1 km waterfront promenade to see the sparkling light display. The holiday lights focus on the natural environment, wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch.
November 19, 2022 – until January 8, 2023.
Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake
23. Glow Langley at Milner Village Garden Centre Christmas Lights 2022 – November 23 – December 31, 2022
Langley’s Christmas Glow is a walk-around adventure with a new “Jolly Jumble” theme.
Activities: Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you wander through the sea of giant ornaments, forest of dancing magical trees and a dazzling display of almost one million lights. Visit the animated musical tunnel, Elf Castle, swings, hop scotch, playpark, bouncy farm and take a ride on the Glow Comotive. Meet special character and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa who will be there nightly until December 24.
There will be featured food trucks and entertainment.
Admission: Use the EarlyBird40 discount code for 40 per cent off tickets for November 23 – December 2, 2022. Regular admission: Adults 13+: $19.99 plus fees, Children 4-12 and Seniors: $14.99 plus fee. Ages 3 and under free. Family rate for 2 Adults and 3 children/seniors: $69.99 plus fees.
Tickets: Buy tickets online.
Hours: Select times between 4-10 pm November 23-December 31, 2022.
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216th Street, Langley.
Website: Glow Gardens Langley
24. PNE Winter Lights Fair and Holiday Market- December 14-23, 2022
Activities: There is a magical walk-through lights display, nightly tree lighting ceremony of the 50-foot tree, 10 nights of Christmas-themed concerts, holiday-themed ice skating in the Agrodome featuring live music, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, the Magic of Santa Holiday Musical and group performances, carollers, a Christmas edition of Duelling Pianos, an outdoor marketplace, tasty food and beverages.
The walk-through light display takes you through enchanted lands to see winter creatures, experience Northern Lights in light tunnels, Polar North and Candy Cane Lane.
The nightly concert series starts at 7:30 pm. and features David Foster & Katharine McPhee, The Tenors, Tom Cochrane, Dallas Smith, Jann Arden, Holly Cole, Post Modern Jukebox, Dionne Warwick, Johnny Reid and a special Boy Band Christmas.
Admission: Buy online and save – Online: $12-$15. At the Gate: $14-$17. Concert tickets range from $39.00 – $69.00 and do not include admission.
Hours: The Winter Fair 4:30-10:30 pm, December 14-23, 2022.
Location: Hastings Park, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver.
Phone: 604-253–2311
Email: info@pne.ca
Website: https://www.pne.ca/winter/
One of the best Vancouver holiday lights display is at the PNE Winter Lights Fair. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
25. Lumagica – A magical walk through experience – November 25 – December 30, 2022
Activities: Lumagica provides an magical interactive display, light animation and photo opportunities for the entire family. The 1 km light walk takes you on a mesmerizing journey through diverse lands. Walk through a light tunnel to Gingerbread Lane, leading to the magical North Pole Village. Live entertainment and a Christmas market.
Admission: Buy tickets online.
Hours: November 25 – December 30, 2022 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Closed Christmas Day
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17607 62 Ave, Surrey
Email: info@lumagica.ca
Website: https://lumagica.ca/
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26. Christmas in Williams Park – Drive-thru Christmas Lights – November 25 – December 18, 2022
Activities: Christmas at Williams Park has been a holiday tradition since 1991. It is a drive-thru event.
Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted to help with maintaining display costs and keep this event running.
Hours: Every day from 5 – 9 pm, November 25 – December 18, 2022.
Location: 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
Website: Christmas in Williams Park Society
27. Lights at Lafarge – November 26 – January 31, 2023
Activities: This year the winter Lights at Lafarge has been modified to display lights on two walking loops to help disperse crowding. The new loop will go through Inspiration Garden and the new concession plaza in Town Centre Park.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to Lafare Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 26 – January 31, 2023 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to avoid the crowds on weekends and the week of December 16 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Email: FestivalsandEvents@coquitlam.ca
Website: Lights at Lafarge
28. North Pole Express at the Railway Museum November 26 – December 18, 2022
Activities: Board a one hour ride on the North Pole Express to find Santa Claus. On your journey meet elves, sing songs and be entertained. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and candy canes onboard the train. When you arrive at the North Pole there will be arts and crafts, hot chocolate, cotton candy, ride a holiday minirail train, and explore the holiday model train displays and more.
Admission: First Class – $50, Coach – $40, Night Time Ride (6PM) – $63. Infants on lap free. Free parking included with ticket.
Tickets: Available online here.
Hours: November 26-27, December 3-4 and December 17-18, 2022.
Location: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Website: The North Pole Express
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Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.