METRO VANCOUVER HOLIDAY EVENTS 2025

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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 14th with over $5000 in prizes!

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50+ prizes to be won at the party!

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 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 16th at 8 pm PST for your chance to win over $5,000 in prizes!

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METRO VANCOUVER
HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR FAMILIES

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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.

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VANCOUVER
CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates: Nov 13th - Dec 24th

Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Vancouver Christmas Market , returning to Jack Poole Plaza for its festive 15th year! Inspired by the charm of traditional German holiday markets, this beloved outdoor event brings twinkling lights, mulled 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, and create magical family memories with photos with Santa and a ride on the Christmas Carousel. Kids will love the walk-through Christmas tree and playful holiday games, while parents can take in live entertainment, sparkling installations, and cozy sipping moments by the water. 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.

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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.

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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.

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santa photos at britannia mine museum

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

For a holiday memory that truly shines, head to Britannia Mine Museum where Santa trades in his sleigh for a mining cart! 🎅⛏️ On select December dates, families can snap a festive photo with Santa surrounded by twinkling lights and hardworking elf “miners” in a charming mining-themed setting you won’t find anywhere else. After your picture-perfect moment, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, then continue the fun with gold panning and hands-on exhibits at the museum’s lower site. Want to turn your visit into a full-day adventure? Upgrade for the Underground Train and award-winning BOOM! experience. It’s a magical mix of history, holiday cheer, and family fun — the perfect festive outing for curious kids and the young at heart.

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The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Dates: Nov. 21th - 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 here. 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.

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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.

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Goh ballet'S
THE nutcracker

Dates: Dec 18th - 21st

Presented by RBC, Goh Ballet’s  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.

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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.

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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.

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HOLIDAY SPLASH
AT VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Dates: Nov. 12th - Jan. 4th

Dive into a sea of festive fun at the Vancouver Aquarium's Holiday Splash, where the magic of the season meets the wonder of the underwater world. 🐠✨ Little ones will light up spotting Scuba Claus swimming by, posing inside the sparkling Jelly Snow Globe, and exploring dazzling aquatic habitats decked out for the holidays. Families can cozy in for a special 4D holiday movie experience, complete with immersive sights, sounds, and surprises that bring seasonal storytelling to life. With twinkling lights, cheerful characters, and over 65,000 incredible sea creatures to meet, this joyful winter tradition makes holiday memories splash in the very best way.

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Noel Holiday Light Festival Surrey with Bright Nights 

Dates: Nov 28 - Dec 23

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.

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FLY OVER CANADA
SOAR WITH SANTA

Dates: Nov. 20th - Dec. 31st

Get ready to soar into holiday magic! At FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, your family embarks on a virtual flight across Canada and up to the North Pole—complete with swirling snow, holiday music, misty winds, and surprises that make you feel like you’re truly flying. 🎅❄️ This immersive holiday spectacle offers a cozy indoor option for any weather day, with rides made for shareable thrills and laughter. After your flight, explore the festive deck with treats and hot drinks, or enjoy a cheerful breakfast with Santa on select weekends. Ideal for curious kids and wide-eyed grown-ups alike, this dazzling ride brings big family fun and seasonal sparkle to downtown Vancouver.

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Noel Holiday Light Festival Surrey with Bright Nights 

Dates: Nov 28 - Dec 23

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.

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
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