10 outdoor events to check out in Vancouver this December

Nov 26 2018, 12:32 am

Enjoy the great outdoors with these 10 fun events happening around Vancouver in December. Peak of Christmas, Santa Shuffle, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

2018 Santa Shuffle

Christmas

Santa Shuffle (StockPhotosLV/ Shutterstock)

What: More than 1,000 people are expected to take part in a festive-focused fun run on Saturday, December 1 with the goal of helping the less fortunate in the community. The 2018 Santa Shuffle 5 km fun run and 1 km Elf Walk takes place at 10 am in Stanley Park, beginning at Lumberman’s Arch. The coast-to-coast event raises money for the Salvation Army.

When: Saturday, December 2, 2018
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
Time: 10 am
Tickets: Available online

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas 2018

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a Sleigh Ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic Reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital. And if you really want to get to know St. Nick, join him breakfast from Saturday, December 2 to Sunday, December 24, and be sure to get on his good list.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

Christmas Open House

What:  Drop into the Nature House to enjoy crafts and complimentary refreshments or join a guided nature walk. Presented by Burnaby Lake Park Association, all ages.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 2 pm. Drop in anytime
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

2018 Christmas with the Horses

What: This free, family-friendly event features pony rides, crafts, barn tours, drill team, demos and more. BBQ and snacks available.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Burnaby Equestrian Center – 9080 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2018

What: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl prowl, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now to Sunday, January 27, 2019 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six

Casual Birding Walk

What: Check out shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and more on this 2.5-hour birdwatching amble. Bring binoculars. Presented by Boundary Bay Park Association, all ages.

When: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Bounday Bay Regional Park – Meet at Cammidge House
Admission: Free

English Bay Beach Cleanup & Christmas social

What: Join Surfrider for their last Beach Cleanup of 2018. Put on your best ugly Christmas Sweater (there will be a prize for the ugliest), invite a friend, and help preserve and protect English Bay. Reusable gloves, buckets and pickers will be provided. However, cleaners are invited to bring their own as there is a limited supply. Also, wear closed-toe shoes and bring your own reusable mug.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – 1790 Beach Avenue (Meet at the seawall just north of Cactus Club Cafe), Vancouver
Register: Online

The 4th annual Big Elf Run

elf run

Running Tours/Facebook

What: Over 700 runners and walkers are expected to join the holiday-themed event which rallies around fitness, festiveness, and a charitable spirit. It’s the fourth consecutive year for the fun run, with all of the proceeds going to support the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Participants will have their choice of a 1 km “wee elf” run or a 5 km or 10 km “big elf” run or walk, both of which take place around the beautiful Stanley Park. Live DJs, dancing, prize giveaways, and vendors will add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Lumberman’s Arch Concession, Stanley Park – 3301 Stanley Park Drive
When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tickets: $30 to register for the 10 km or 5 km portion

Holiday Hi-Light Festival

What: This annual event features a majestic festival of illumination with more than 150,000 lights on display over three acres. Entry is by donation, with 100% of proceeds to the North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.

When: Friday, November 30, 2018, to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Park & Tilford Gardens – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration at Grouse Mountain

What: Enjoy performances throughout the night as well as a special 9 pm countdown for the littlest revellers that will be sure to light up the sky with a boom.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Festivities starts at 5 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain Resort – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online (available soon)

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