Hello December!
We’re here to help you get into the holiday spirit, so let’s find out what’s going on this weekend! From Bright Nights in Stanley Park to Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum, here are 26 fun and exciting things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend.
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Things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend
@stanleyparkrailway / IG
About: Guests of all ages can once again ride Stanley Park’s iconic Christmas train as it winds its way through the magical Stanley Park forest, alight with thousands of sparkling lights!
In addition to the magical train ride, guests can enjoy photos with Santa, an enchanting tunnel of lights, and live entertainment. Food vendors will offer delicious treats like churros, pretzels, popcorn, and hot chocolate.
While tickets for the train are sold out, people can still visit the holiday lights display and the activities will still be open to the public during event hours by donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. No tickets are required.
Date: November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025
Address: Pipeline Road, Stanley Park
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Admission: FREE
About: The Robson Square Ice Rink reopens for the 2024 winter season on Friday, November 29th. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver (800 Robson Street), this magical experience is perfect for the entire family.
Skating is free for all ages as long as you bring your own skates. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for a small fee. Helmets are mandatory for everyone 12-years-old and under.
Date: November 29, 2024 to January 28, 2025
Address: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Time: 9am to 9pm
Admission: FREE
About: Visitors get to walk through the 1.2 km pathway around Lafarge Lake that gets transformed into a winter wonderland. Awe-inspiring seasonal lights and beautiful displays will definitely get you and the entire family in the holiday spirit.
Date: Beginning November 22, 2024
Address: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Tickets: FREE
About: Cirque du Soleil returns to the Big Top in Vancouver this fall with a brand new show! Fuelled by the power of invention, the hope of the youth and the importance of empathy, Cirque du Soleil ECHO invites the audience to “participate in a universe of colour, wonder and infinite possibilities”.
Date: October 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Location: Concord Pacific Place – 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Time: Various show times
Cost: Various prices
@WWE / X
About: Survivor Series: World of War is being held at Rogers Arena on Saturday, November 30th, 2024.
Held annually since 1987, Survivor Series is the world’s largest professional wrestling promotion. It is the second longest-running pay-per-view (PPV) event in history, only behind WrestleMania.
Date: November 30, 2024
Address: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Hours: 2:30pm
Cost: Various prices
About: A small quaint Fraser Valley neighbourhood has once again come alive for the holiday season, and we’re here to tell you all about it!
We’re talking about District 1881, located in the heart of downtown Chilliwack. This neighbourhood is a historic enclave and vibrant commercial hub, making it feel like you’re walking through the street of Europe.
The neighbourhood has a magical Christmas tree, pictures with Santa, a bustling shopping district, and much more!
Date: Open throughout the holiday season
Address: 6128 Yale Road, Chilliwack
About: Guests will once again be able to dine in spacious snow globes at H Tasting Lounge. Each dome boasts panoramic glass panelling bound by an intricately designed wooden framework.
Date: November 1 to March 16, 2025
Address: H Tasting Lounge — 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
About: Beginning November 22nd, visit the popular suspension bridge and see it lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and gaze at the illuminated Capilano River below. Park visitors will come across a glowing rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on Treetops Adventure’s seven suspended bridges, twinkling from treetop to forest floor.
Date: November 22, 2024 to January 19, 2025
Address: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Time: 11am to 9pm
Tickets: Various prices
Vancouver Christmas Market
About: The beloved market features 90+ huts, including new vendors, carousel rides, festive live music, photo opportunities and magical lighting displays. When you’re feeling hungry, make your way through old-world Market alleys to find favourite European and international eats and treats like Glühwein, German Bratwurst and Swiss Raclette.
As you stroll through the Christmas village, you’ll want to sample Glühwein (mulled wine), their selection of German and Austrian beers, and a variety of sweet and savoury epicurean delights.
Date: November 13 to December 24, 2024
Address: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Time: Various times
Cost: Various prices
The Christmas Store at Potters
About: Each year, Potters Nursery transforms itself into Western Canada’s largest Christmas store, boasting more than 28,000 square feet devoted to all things yuletide. The store boasts more than 50,000 ornaments to look through!
Date: November 1 to December 24, 2024
Address: Potters Garden Centre – 19158 48 Ave, Surrey
Hours: Various times
About: Glow Langley takes place this year from November 21 to December 28 and visitors will get to experience the Enchanted Forest, which features with trees, mushroom homes, and woodland creatures, along with other spectacular surprises!
On twenty brightly lit acres in Langley, BC, the Glow team has created a holiday spectacle like no other. This includes a three-storey crystal palace, allowing young and older alike to climb this intricate centrepiece where, once at the top, they will have a breathtaking aerial view of the colours and lights that make this event shine!
Date: November 21 to December 28, 2024
Address: Glow Langley – 6690 216 Street, Langley
Time: Various times
Tickets: Various prices
Stormtech Factory Outlet Black Friday Sale
About: Stormtech Factory Outlet’s early Black Friday Sale is back this week! Enjoy an extra 30% off the lowest ticketed price storewide, including clearance items.
Date: November 19 to 30, 2024
Address: 2550 Boundary Rd # 115, Burnaby
Time: Various times
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
@grousemountain / Instagram
About: Feel the enchantment and radiance of twinkling lights, the calm echo of the snow and the joy of witnessing real reindeer at Peak of Christmas up at Grouse Mountain.
Open until December 25th, Vancouver’s very own North Pole experience has something for everyone to be excited about.
Grab your skates and visit their 8,000 sq. ft. mountaintop ice skating pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. Don’t forget to enjoy the natural beauty of Blue Grouse Lake and stroll through the light tunnel for that perfect holiday photo.
Date: November 22 to December 25, 2024
Address: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Hours: Various times
Admission: Various prices
About: Presented by Port of Vancouver, experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, Canada’s North light display, including “Chrismoose,” their 15 ft. tall moose light sculpture.
Date: November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Address: Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: FREE
Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
About: The 32nd annual Gingerbread Lane fundraising event is back at Vancouver’s Hyatt Regency. Open to the public, this year’s event features 34 gingerbread house entries, which is the largest number in their history.
Gingerbread Lane helps spread joy and grants wishes for children facing critical illnesses by supporting Make-A-Wish Canada.
Date: November 28 to December 27, 2024
Location: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: FREE
About: Celebrate the holiday season with Christmas at Greendale Acres, and their sleigh full of family-friendly activities.
Beginning Friday, November 22nd, you and the entire family can enjoy trips aboard the Greendale Express Train as it meanders through enchanting light displays, a Christmas market showcasing local merchants, artisans and fresh-cut Christmas trees.
Date: November 22 to December 23, 2024
Address: Greendale Acres – 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Hours: Various times
Admission: Various prices
About: For a limited time, Coast Restaurant has brought back their buck-a-shuck oyster deal for all you seafood lovers out there to enjoy.
Guests can enjoy buck-a-shuck oysters during happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays throughout November. Swing by on Fridays between 2:30pm and 5:30pm, or Saturdays from noon to 5:30pm to get your hands on these $1 oysters.
Date: Throughout November
Address: Coast – 1054 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
@burnabyvillage / Instagram
About: Come experience Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum beginning Saturday, November 23rd.
Guests are invited to wander the museum’s 10 acre venue, as you take in festive lights and traditional decorations. Activities include live entertainment, scavenger hunts and incredible light displays across the 10-acre complex in Deer Lake Park.
Date: November 23, 2024 to January 3, 2025
Address: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Time: Various prices
Admission: FREE
About: This holiday season, Harrison Hot Springs is once again transforming into a magical world of lights, and the while family is invited to experience it!
Visitors will get to stroll along Harrison’s promenade, while taking in the warm glow of Christmas lights and charming winter window paintings. These magical lights highlight the local wildlife and the Sasquatch’s favourite Harrison Hot Springs activities.
Holiday lights will illuminate the 2 km long waterfront space and promise to be magical.
Date: November 23, 2024 to January 12, 2025
Address: Harrison Lakefront – Harrison Hot Springs
Time: Dusk to dawn
Tickets: FREE
About: Come skate at Metro Vancouver’s largest outdoor skating rink! The skate plaza offers daily skating, as well as free helmets and skate aides
Date: Opening November 30, 2024
Location: The Shipyards – 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Time: Various times
Admission: FREE
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
About: See BC’s tallest Christmas tree light up for the season with hot cocoa, Santa Claus, and other family-friendly activities!
Address: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 750 Hornby Street
Date: November 29, 2024
Time: 6pm
Admission: FREE
About: Guests will discover more than one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Stroll along the lakeside and get in the holiday spirit with the return of Dancing Lights.
Date: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Address: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Tickets: Various prices
Downtown Vancouver ferris wheel
About: As part of Destination Downtown, a free, month-long family-friendly activation, a holiday ferris wheel will be open for rides at Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza beginning Sunday, December 1st.
This new festive attraction, which will be located by Vancouver’s dazzling 76-foot-tall Christmas tree, allows you to see the city from up high like never before!
Date: December 1 to 26, 2024
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Time: Various times
Admission: $7
About: Part art exhibition, part winter experience, part festival of lights, Dusk is a mesmerizing, magical wonderland brightening our dark winter nights. vent-goers will be experience a fusion of light, art and narrative as installations unveil stories about our region, and transform our beloved park into a nighttime wonderland.
Date: November 28 to December 14, 2024
Address: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Ln, Squamish
Time: Various time slots
Tickets: Various prices
About: Being held on Sunday, December 1st, the 14th annual parade will feature new and exciting entries – a wonderful mix of antique vehicles, big rigs, boats, floats, marching bands, mascots (like Mr Peanut), remote controlled vehicles, dancers, service clubs and sports teams.
Date: December 1, 2024
Location: Downtown Cloverdale
Time: 5pm
Tickets: FREE
Gingerbread House Decorating & Lunch at Honey Salt
About: Honey Salt’s Gingerbread House Decorating & Lunch event is back for the holidays! Guests will have the chance to participate in this classic Christmas tradition, where they can construct and decorate their very own gingerbread house. All the necessary ingredients and tools will be provided for a fun and festive afternoon.
Date: December 1, 15, 22
Location: Honey Salt – 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Cost:
- Adults: $38 – Includes a choice of spiked cocoa or a glass of bubbles, plus one item from the special gingerbread lunch menu.
- Children: $23 – Includes hot cocoa and one item from the kids’ menu. There will also be a complimentary candy cart for extra sweet treats!
- Gingerbread House Kit: $36 – Each kit includes a gingerbread house shell, candy, icing, and other goodies to create a one-of-a-kind house to take home.