While Vancouver might not be known for its White Christmases, it’s definitely a fabulous destination for the holidays – especially if you live here!

It’s time to be reminded of all the wonderful and unique things to do for Christmas in Vancouver.

Our stunning setting (think: city lights, mountain tops, and lush forests) can be the backdrop for any kind of festive adventure you can think of.

Here are seven amazing things you have to do for the holidays this season:

1. VanDusen Festival of Lights

 

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When: November 25, 2022, to January 2, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: $11-$21, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online starting November 1

2. Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas

 

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To feel completely transported this holiday season, venture to the mountains, where you can feel some real snow and go ice skating.

When: November 25, 2022, to January 2, 2023
Time: Various hours. See the schedule of events online
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: All Peak of Christmas activities is included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, Winter Season Pass or Day Lift Ticket. Bring your family of 4 for $119. Purchase online

3. Canyon Lights

 

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You can’t miss your chance to see the tallest Christmas trees in the world and walk along the daring suspension bridge illuminated at night.

When: November 19, 2022, until January 22, 2023 (closed on December 25)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online

4. Vancouver Christmas Market

 

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Perhaps the most European holiday market outside of Europe, this German-inspired market has all the festive holiday eats and treats for the season, with incredible views of the North Shore Mountains.

When: November 12 to December 24, 2022
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (November 26 to December 23), 11:30 am to 6 pm (December 24)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Adult tickets start at $17.99, senior tickets (ages 65+) start at $14.99, and youth tickets (ages 7 to 17) start at $9.99. Children ages 0-6 are free. Purchase online

5. Spirit of the Season at Sea to Sky Gondola

 

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When: December 3 to 31, 2022. See full schedule of events online
Time: Various times
Where: 36800 BC-99 – Squamish
Admission: Access the Spirit of the Season activities with a season pass or day ticket. Photos with Santa are an additional cost

6. Cypress Village Holiday Lights 2022: Trestle Bridge & Pop-Up Village

 

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This stunning trestle bridge in West Vancouver is breathtaking, even more so now that it’s done up for the holidays.

When: Starting December 10, 2022

• Cypress Pop-Up Village: 9 am to 10 pm, daily
• The Shed at Cypress Pop-Up Village: 11 am to 7 pm, daily
• Trestle Bridge: 5 pm to 10 pm on weekdays; All day on weekends until 10 pm

Where: 3757 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver (location of the Pop-Up Village and primary vehicle parking site)
Cost: Free

7. Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

 

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While technically in North Vancouver, it’s just a quick Seabus trip away, and I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where you can ice skate outdoors in a modern plaza with ocean and city views like these.

When: Daily until the end of winter
Time: 1 to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE; skate rentals are available at the cost of $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

You might also like:
• 6 places in Vancouver to celebrate the holidays with your dog
• 8 magical places in Vancouver to take holiday photos
• Hidden "Christmastown" just over the border is a magical holiday getaway

With files from Daily Hive Staff