METRO VANCOUVER HOLIDAY EVENTS 2025

In British Columbia, Christmas, Events, Family, Family Activity Guides, Featured, Holidays, Seasonal Guides, Travel, by Healthy Family Living TeamLeave a Comment

If you’re looking for family-friendly local events this holiday season, our 2025 Metro Vancouver Holiday Events Guide has all the holiday fun!

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 with our favourite holiday events and attractions for families! We publish 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 13th with over $10,000 in prizes!

Image

50+ prizes to be won at the party!

At this year’s Holiday Instagram Live Party for BC families, we’re giving away over $10,000 in prizes from the ideas featured in our Foodie Stocking Stuffer Guide, BC Experience Gift Guide, and Metro Vancouver Holiday Events Guide! 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 13th at 8 pm PST for your chance to win over $10,000 in prizes!

Image

METRO VANCOUVER
HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR FAMILIES

Image
Spirit Of the season at sea to sky gondola

Dates: Nov 29th – Dec 31st

Make memories in the mountains this holiday season at the Sea to Sky Gondola’s Spirit of the Season celebration. 🎄✨ Just minutes south of Squamish, your family will begin the magic the moment you step into the gondola — a peaceful 10-minute ride that carries you high above Howe Sound and snow-tipped forest to a winter wonderland at the summit. Up top, twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cozy lodge vibes set the scene for hot chocolate moments, snowy adventures, and heart-warming family time. Wander forest trails, cross the iconic Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and soak in sweeping mountain views that feel straight out of a holiday movie. Don’t forget to book a photo with Santa on select dates — the perfect keepsake from a tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Create new traditions in the spirit of the season at the Summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Image
VANCOUVER
CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates: Nov 13th - Dec 24th

Celebrate the magic of the season at the Vancouver Christmas Market, outside the Convention Centre downtown for its festive 15th year! Inspired by the charm of traditional German holiday markets, this beloved outdoor event brings twinkling lights, hot cider and Glühwein, and old-world treats to the waterfront. Stroll through more than 110 artisan stalls offering handcrafted gifts and gourmet bites from around the world, snap selfies with Santa, ride the Christmas Carousel, and create magical family memories. Kids will love the walk-through Christmas tree, storytime with Santa, and playful holiday games, while parents can take in live entertainment, sparkling installations, and cozy mulled drinks. With tickets starting at just $6.99, this festive tradition is the perfect way to kick off the season and feel transported to a European winter village — without leaving Vancouver.

Image
Canyon Lights at Capilano suspension bridge park

Dates: Nov 21st – Jan 18th

A North Shore holiday tradition that never loses its magic, Canyon Lights  at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is pure winter wonderland delight. ✨ Bundle up and stroll across the world-famous suspension bridge as it glows with shifting colours above the sparkling Capilano River, then wander into a rainforest wrapped in twinkling lights. Kids will love exploring Treetops Adventure as it's transformed into a shimmering canopy walk, and the illuminated Cliffwalk makes for stunning family photos. Warm up with hot chocolate, enjoy festive live tunes, and don’t forget to visit the Treehouse where little explorers can collect character stickers to create their own holiday card. Best of all, your visit helps support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, making this magical night out feel even more meaningful.

Image
north pole
express
in squamish

Dates: Nov 29-30, Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21

All aboard for a magical holiday journey! 🚂✨ The North Pole Express  at the Railway Museum of BC in Squamish is a beloved family tradition that brings Christmas dreams to life. Enjoy unlimited hot chocolate and marshmallows at the station before climbing aboard for a festive 50-minute train ride filled with cookies, candy canes, and cheerful sing-alongs from classic songbooks. Once you arrive at the “North Pole,” meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for keepsake family photos and explore charming holiday activities including model train displays, crafts in Santa’s Workshop, and live musical entertainment. With twinkling lights, joyful surprises, and nostalgic train magic, this enchanting experience delights little conductors and grown-up believers alike — the perfect way to make holiday memories that last long past the season.

Image
britannia mine museum photos with santa

Dates: Dec 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th

  Celebrate the magic of the season — and Britannia Mine Museum’s 50th anniversary — with Photos with Santa 2026: Toys Through the Decades. 🎅⛏️ This free community event invites families to step into a festive winter wonderland filled with vintage charm and timeless holiday spirit. Wander through a twinkling walkway of Christmas trees and explore Santa’s photo zone, beautifully decorated to showcase 50 years of toys that shaped generations, from the 1970s to today. Capture special moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus using your own camera or phone, with help from the friendly museum team. No booking required — just drop in for nostalgia, laughter, and togetherness. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate or cider, and enjoy a holiday experience that connects generations while celebrating the heart of Britannia’s community.

Image
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Dates: Nov. 21st - Dec. 24th

Climb into a winter wonderland your kids will never forget! At The Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain transforms into “Vancouver’s North Pole,” where the gondola ride sets the tone, lights twinkle among snow-tipped trees, and reindeer meet sleigh rides. 🦌🎄 Skate on the mountaintop pond, wander the glowing Light Walk, craft memories in the Elf Headquarters, and meet Santa himself in his workshop. Cozy lodge moments, snowy views, and joyful surprises make this the ultimate family outing of the season — because the best holiday memories are made way up there. Whether you’re heading up for the day or staying late to watch the city lights sparkle below, Grouse Mountain is pure festive magic from top to bottom.

Image
ANNIE
AT GATEWAY THEATRE

Dates: Dec. 11 – Jan. 3

Gather the whole gang and kick off your holiday season with a heart-warming outing at Gateway Theatre in Richmond, where the beloved musical Annie lights up the stage! Follow the spirited orphan Annie as she embarks on a charming adventure through 1930s New York, meets billionaire Daddy Warbucks, and befriends her faithful pup Sandy—set to unforgettable songs like “It’s a Hard Knock Life”. With dazzling sets, joyful performances, and moments that delight all ages, this sparkling production is perfect for families looking for uplifting, festive theatre. Cozy up with hot chocolate in the lobby, make a memory, and bring home smiles that will echo every “Tomorrow” from the car ride home.

Image
Goh ballet'S
THE nutcracker

Dates: Dec. 18th - 21st

Presented by RBC,  Goh Ballet's The Nutcracker  transforms the Queen Elizabeth Theatre into a dazzling world of holiday magic and imagination. ✨ With over 250 performers, exquisite costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, this enchanting production captures the wonder and nostalgia of the season. Families can enjoy a pre-show experience filled with music, festive photo ops, and meet-the-characters fun before the curtain rises. From the first snowfall on stage to the final bow, Goh Ballet creates moments of joy, artistry, and togetherness — holiday memories your family will cherish for years to come.

Image
CIRCLE CRAFT
HOLIDAY MARKET

Dates: Nov. 11th - 16th

Looking for the perfect place to find thoughtful, handcrafted gifts (and enjoy a festive outing) with the whole family? The Circle Craft Holiday Market brings over 300 Canadian artisans together under one roof for a joyful, holiday shopping experience. 🎁 Wander rows of beautifully made jewellery, textiles, home décor and specialty foods, listen to live local music, and enjoy treats along the way — whether it's a colourful scarf for Grandma or a handcrafted toy for your kids. With its cozy atmosphere and curated craftsmanship, this event is ideal for gathering unique presents, creating memories, and kicking off the season in style.

Image
DISNEY'S FROZEN AT THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE

Dates: Oct. 30th - Jan 4th

Step into a winter wonderland with your whole family at Disney's Frozen — playing at the Stanley BFL Canada Stage on Granville St. in Vancouver. ✨ Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Sven on an incredible journey through the icy magic of Arendelle as live music, dazzling costumes and unforgettable songs like “Let It Go” bring this holiday classic to life. With special matinee and sing-along performances, it’s ideal for both younger children and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re making the theatre before a holiday dinner or planning a festive family outing, this show delivers joy, heart and sparkle for everyone.

Image
HOLIDAY SPLASH
AT VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Dates: Nov. 12th - Jan. 4th

Experience the magic of the season like never before at Holiday Splash! The Vancouver Aquarium transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland beneath the waves, nestled in the heart of Stanley Park. Immerse yourself in the glow of over 1 million twinkling lights and festive decor that fill every corner of Canada's largest aquarium. Capture unforgettable moments with family at their Jelly Snow Globe, a picture-perfect backdrop for your next holiday card. And for a limited time, guests can watch in wonder as Scuba Claus makes a magical splash surrounded by adorable aquatic animals three times daily, spreading Fishmas spirit during three daily dive shows. Don’t miss the excitement of their newest 4-D experience, Penguins 4-D.  

Image
Noel Holiday Light Festival Surrey with Bright Nights 

Dates: Nov 28th - Dec 28th

Surrey’s newest holiday tradition is back — and brighter than ever! ✨ Held at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, the Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market blends indoor coziness with outdoor wonder for the perfect family outing (and kids 6 and under are FREE!). Wander through millions of sparkling lights, glowing tunnels, and larger-than-life displays. Little ones will love the 50ft Ferris wheel, Bumper Cars, Berry-Go-Round, and festive visits with the Green & Grumpy One. Explore the charming Noel Village indoors, then bundle up for the fully accessible 1km light walk around the pond. This year, the magic continues with Bright Nights onsite, adding even more twinkle to your evening. It’s a dazzling mix of lights, rides, treats, and holiday cheer — pure family fun.

Image

more 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
                          Image
                          Image

                          Related Articles:

                          corn mazes vancouverCORN MAZES IN METRO VANCOUVER 2025 PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS NEAR METRO VANCOUVER Holiday Shows VancouverHOLIDAY SHOWS IN METRO VANCOUVER

                          Leave a Comment