holiday events

METRO VANCOUVER HOLIDAY EVENTS 2023

In Christmas, Events, Evergreen, Family, Featured, Holidays, Seasonal Guides, by Healthy Family Living TeamLeave a Comment

If you’re looking for family-friendly local events this holiday season, our 2023 Metro Vancouver Holiday Events Guide has all the holiday fun you’re looking for!

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is almost here, but it’s time to get these Metro Vancouver holiday events on your calendar and book tickets as early as you can! We've got you covered from Whistler to Chilliwack and everything in between. We’ve gathered our favourite holiday events and attractions for families and published this guide early to give you lots of time for planning & booking ahead.

And for some extra holiday cheer, we’re counting down the days until our annual online Holiday Instagram LIVE Party on Nov 16th with over $5000 in prizes!

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At this year’s Holiday Instagram Live Party for BC families, we’re giving away over $5,000 in prizes from the ideas featured in our Holiday Gift Guide, Foodie Stocking Stuffer Guide, and BC Experience Gift Guide & tickets to Metro Vancouver Holiday Events! To RSVP, just follow @hflvancouver on Instagram & set a reminder for the party by clicking the Live Video Reminder button under our profile on your phone. Then join us in @hflvancouver Instagram stories on November 16th at 8 pm PST for your chance to win over $5,000 in prizes!
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VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates: Nov 16th - Dec 24th

Now in its 13th year, the German-inspired outdoor Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza to spread holiday cheer! It's Vancouver's largest traditional Christmas Market offering activities for all from signature gourmet food, to unique gifts from 90+ artisan vendors, and activities for kids like the beloved Scavenger Hunt and riding on the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel. You'll especially love being transported down the winding alleys of European markets, enjoying festive eats & treats and traditional German beverages. New this year are Christmas Trivia, Photos with St. Nikolaus, Christmas Karaoke, and several new spectacular light displays & photo opportunities! Everyone will find festive fun at the Vancouver Christmas Market.

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Goh ballet'S
THE nutcracker

Dates: Dec 14th - 17th

A holiday classic and a favourite Vancouver tradition, Goh Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker brings together more than 250 local dancers, actors, gymnasts, glittering costumes, and Principal Dancers from world-renowned professional companies on the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. All ages can experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice. This heart-warming production is danced to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. 

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Canyon Lights at Capilano suspension bridge park

Dates: Nov 17th – Jan 21st

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park does not disappoint! Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the twinkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk. Capture an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, or get in on the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt. We love that Canyon Lights continues its support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund with partial proceeds from admissions donated to fire and burn education in schools throughout British Columbia. 

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santa photos at britannia mine museum on the Sea to Sky

Dates: Dec 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th

Experience a magical encounter like no other at the Britannia Mine Museum. Step into Santa's enchanting workshop for a special photo opportunity with Santa as he prepares his sleigh for the grand adventure, and witness the holiday spirit in action as the magic of Christmas comes to life! For just $35 (for up to 5 family members), every family receives a digital image, a visit with Santa, plus hot chocolate and access to the lower site exhibits and gold panning. If you wish to enjoy the full Underground Train and BOOM! viewing experiences, be sure to select the “full experience” when booking. Santa’s mailbox will also be on-site to mail those all-important letters to the North Pole, so don’t forget to bring your kiddos’ letters with a return address for a personalized reply! 

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north pole express
in squamish

Dates: Nov 25/26, Dec 2/3, 9/10 & 16/17

Climb aboard the North Pole Express for a 50-minute train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and many of Santa’s elves & friends.  Enjoy a hot chocolate at the station, then board the train to enjoy cookies, candy canes, and everyone singing your Christmas favourites from the provided songbooks while rolling down the track.  When you arrive at the North Pole to meet with the Jolly Old Man and the Mrs., there are many other activities to enjoy.  The North Pole Express is a long-time family favourite event – fantastic fun for train and holiday-loving kiddos alike and the young at heart!

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lights to the lodge
at cypress mountain

Dates: Based on Mountain Conditions

We love spending time in a snowy forest on a winter evening! Lights to the Lodge at Cypress Mountain's Nordic Area is a safe and family-friendly 1 km snowshoe trek to Hollyburn Lodge along a self-guided trail through the enchanting Old Growth Forest. The magical trail is lit with LED lights strung sustainably through the ancient forest on your way to Hollyburn Lodge which serves delicious food & drinks. After enjoying the warmth of the Lodge, you can snowshoe back to the base area along a return trail that also has beautiful feature lighting. Snowshoe rentals are available in all sizes for the whole family!

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FLYOVER CANADA'S
SOAR WITH SANTA

Dates: Nov 16th - Jan 7th

Celebrate the festive season with the return of FlyOver Canada’s popular holiday flight ride, Soar with Santa! It takes off from the eastern shoreline on its epic flight west, soaring over Canada's iconic destinations. Throughout the journey, riders can keep a close watch for Santa's runaway elves as he desperately needs them home before Christmas Eve. The flight then veers sharply off course for an enchanting visit to the snow-dusted North Pole. The Soar with Santa experience lasts approximately 25 minutes and includes the preshow, the pre-flight briefing in the boarding zone, and eight minutes on the Ultimate Flying Ride. FlyOver Canada uses state-of-the-art technology – including special effects such as wind, mist, and scents – to replicate the feeling of flying across the country. The attraction is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends, and can be gifted as a unique holiday experience! 

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Spirit of the Season at
sea to sky gondola 

Dates: Dec 1st - 31st

Start a new tradition or continue a beloved one at Sea to Sky Gondola’s Spirit of the Season. With festive decorations, winter activities, and holiday events, their winter wonderland at the Summit is a place where memories are made and traditions are celebrated. You can even book your spot now to have your photos taken with Santa on select days in December! The Sea to Sky Gondola is located 2km south of Squamish, and the gondola ride up is part of the magic! A short 10-minute scenic ride from the base to the summit 885m above sea level provides sweeping views of Howe Sound, the majestic coastal forest, and surrounding mountains. Once at the summit you can explore a variety of hiking trails, cross the thrilling Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, take in the views from a breathtaking viewing platform, and then head back to the cozy lodge for a warming cup of hot chocolate!

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CINDERELLA at the Gateway theatre

Dates: Dec 14th - 31st

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical Cinderella rides into Richmond this holiday season! This newly updated fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike, and they are delighted to share this award-winning show with their audiences. The story was adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity. In 2013, the production earned nine Tony Awards nominations and won three Tony Awards when it first premiered on Broadway. Not only does it have a sweeping score, but this beloved fairy tale has also been beautifully contemporized for the stage, with a new focus on female empowerment and resiliency. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella combines the story's classic elements – glass slippers, a magic pumpkin carriage, and a beautiful ball – along with some surprising twists.

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MARTINI TOWN MERRY & BRIGHT IN LANGLEY

Dates: Select days from Dec 1st - 31st

Step into a world of movie magic at Martini Film Studios and indulge in a unique holiday experience! For the first time, Martini Town, Langley’s very own exterior Film Backlot, is open to the public after being transformed into a Christmas wonderland by a team of skilled industry crew. Visit a New York City street, courthouse, diner, town square, and small town – all at Merry & Bright. This is a holiday event like no other. With heartwarming classic decor and modern light displays, food trucks and a cafe, live entertainment including carollers, musicians, and choirs, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, Martini Town Merry & Bright will delight visitors of all ages. And their exclusive Hallmark Fan Experience on December 2nd will allow you to immerse yourself in the magic of Hallmark movies by spending a day with some of your favourite actors and touring the sets!

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY EVENTS NEAR YOU!

ABBOTSFORD
    Burnaby
    CHILLIWACK
      COQUITLAM
        DELTA
          LANGLEY
          MAPLE RIDGE & PITT MEADOWS
          MISSION
          NEW WESTMINSTER
          NORTH VANCOUVER
          PORT COQUITLAM
                PORT MOODY
                RICHMOND
                      SQUAMISH
                      SUNSHINE COAST
                      SURREY
                      VANCOUVER
                      VANCOUVER ISLAND
                        WEST VANCOUVER
                        White Rock
                        WHISTLER
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