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Christmas Events Vancouver 2022
How tired are we of hearing “Things are going to look a little different this year?” Well, great news, things are going to be almost back to normal this year! Christmas Vancouver events in 2022 will be like stepping back in time to the good old days of 2019 – before health restrictions! If that’s not a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is!
Whether you are visiting Vancouver for Christmas for the first time, or are a long-time local resident, you will find tons of holiday fun in this Vancouver Christmas activities 2022 list!
Note: Sadly, there is still one big Christmas event in Vancouver that has yet to make a return to the city streets. The “annual” Vancouver Christmas Parade will not be happening in 2022 as the organizers are currently looking for a new sponsor. On the plus side, we may see the return of Christmas sing-a-long trolley buses and boat cruises. I’ll be sure to keep you posted right here!
The 15 Best Vancouver Christmas Events 2022
1. Lumière
Lumière makes for the perfect Christmas activities Vancouver teaser as it happens in November (only). Traditionally, it has consisted of numerous beautiful light installations around the city, set against stunning backdrops such as English Bay.
In 2022, Lumière has been reimagined as a series of pop-up performances located throughout the downtown’s interconnected public spaces with lights, music, art and dance.
Where: Various locations around downtown Vancouver
When: Nov. 17 – 22, 2022
Cost: Free
Learn more: https://lumiereyvr.com/
2. The PNE Winter Fair
What was previously Winter Lights at the PNE is now the Winter Fair! Join in the fun as the PNE transforms into an immersive magical holiday experience for the entire family!
The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas-themed concert series, a large indoor skating rink, magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru WinterLights display!
Where: Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
When: Dec. 14th – 23rd, 2022
Cost: Adults $15, Seniors $12 Youth (4-17 years) $12, under 4 are free.
Learn more: PNE Winter Fair
3. The Vancouver Christmas Market
This festive outdoor market includes entertainment for both kids and adults including live music, a Christmas carousel, fantastic food and drink options (get your collector’s Christmas mug), roaming gingerbread mascots, and a 30 foot twinkling Christmas tree (great for those holiday selfies!). You may also find the perfect gift or ornament at one of more than 80 artisan huts within the plaza.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place.
When: Nov. 12th – Dec. 24th 2022
Cost: Adult $19.50, Seniors $16.29 Youth (7-17 years) $10.94, 6 and under are free.
Learn more: vancouverchristmasmarket.com
4. VanDusen Festival of Lights
Over one million tiny bulbs makes the Van Dusen Festival of Lights one of the best displays of Christmas lights Vancouver has to offer. Guests can enjoy a festive stroll through the gardens while being entertained by holiday music and sampling delicious holiday treats and drinks.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
When: Nov. 25th to Jan. 2nd, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $21, Senior and Youth (13-18) $15.5, Child (5-12) $11, Tot (0-3) Free. Tickets available exclusively online.
Learn more at: http://vandusenfestivaloflights.ca/
5. Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain
For the Peak of Christmas Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is transformed into the North Pole, including the SOS Gingerbread Village, Santa’s workshop, elf craft station, ice skating rink, sleigh rides, magical light walk in the trees, a sliding centre and more.
Note: Breakfast with Santa is happening for 2022! See booking options here.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way.
When: Nov. 24th – Jan. 2nd, 2023
Check website for additional events including Breakfast with Santa.
Cost: Adult (17-64) $69, Seniors $59, Youth (13-17) $49, Child (5-12) $36 Tots (0-4) Free, Family Pass (2 adults, 2 kids) $179.
Learn more at: www.grousemountain.com
6. The Canyon Lights at The Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you a looking for somewhere special to enjoy Christmas lights in vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a great holiday choice. Transformed for the festive season and decorated in thousands of twinkling lights are the suspension bridge, the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk, the rainforest and the canyon. Go on a Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, enjoy the festive tunes and enter to win a fabulous Canadians Rockies Vacation.
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver.
When: Nov. 19th – Jan. 22th, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $62.95, Senior $57.95, student 18+ with ID $49.95, Youth (13-17) $34.95, Child (6-12) $24.95, Under 6 are free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Important Note: Strollers are not permitted on the attractions (suspension bridge etc.)
Learn more at: www.capbridge.com
7. Christmas Train Stanley Park
Update Nov. 17, 2022: Unfortunately due to some repairs being done on the vintage Stanley Park engines, the Christmas trains will not be running this year. That said, there will still be lots of festive activities and holiday cheer to be enjoyed at the park.
Along with dazzling displays, visitors can visit:
- The antique fire truck
- The giant red reindeer
- The sparkling tunnel of lights in the plaza
Food vendors will offer a great selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate. So bundle up and come to Stanley Park for a magical evening.
Snap a selfie with a fire fighter, grab a candy cane, and get festive with the family in Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole or find a sheltered spot to enjoy the live entertainment.
Where: 2099 Beach Ave.
When : Starting Dec. 1, 2022 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: By donation
Learn more at: vancouver.ca
8. CandyTown Yaletown
In its 10th year, this Vancouver winter festival transforms Yaletown streets into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes adorn lamp poles, costumed characters parade down the street, and live holiday music sets the stage for Yuletide cheer.
This festival provides a great setting for finding some thoughtful holiday gifts, while at the same time showing your support for the hundreds of local merchants in the area.
Where: Yaletown
When: Dec. 3 & 4th, 2022
Cost: Free
Learn more at: yaletowninfo.com
9. Festive Afternoon Tea
Several Vancouver establishments offer a very cheery holiday afternoon tea menu, including the holiday tea at The Bayshore’s H Lounge and The Fairmont Vancouver’s Festive Afternoon Tea.
While Ladurée (the gorgeous macaron shop on Robson St.) doesn’t specifically offer a holiday themed afternoon tea menu, the shop is so nicely decorated that it will surely bring out your festive spirit.
10. Festive Winter Patios in Vancouver
While it can be a little tricky to score a reservation, The Winter Terrace at Reflections (Hotel Georgia), the WinterLust dining experience (The Westin Bayshore) and the lovely patio at The Roof (Black and Blue Restaurant) are all wonderful places for festive cocktails and creative holiday cuisine.
Another excellent holiday dining choice is Yaletown’s Brix & Mortar where, if you are lucky, you just might score one of their cozy and festive courtyard tables. (That said, the inside tables are also really lovely.)
11. Christmas Canada Place
This family-friendly experience features the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more!
These displays are located very close to both FlyOver Canada and the Vancouver Christmas Market if you are looking to have an action-packed holiday outing.
Where: 999 Canada Place.
When: Dec. 2nd, 2022 – Jan. 2nd, 2023
Cost: Free
Learn more at: www.canadaplace.ca/
12. Robson Square Ice Skating
Surrounded by festively decorated trees, the Robson Square Ice Rink is a perfect place to impress your friends with that axle you have been patiently waiting to show off.
Where: Downstairs at Robson and Howe.
When: Dec 1st, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 (dates TBC)
Cost: Skating is free, skate rental $5, helmets are free with skate rental.
Learn more at: robsonsquare.com
13. Festival of Trees Vancouver Fairmont
This long-running BC Children’s Hospital Foundation fundraiser sees the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver turned into a festive forest full of twinkling Christmas trees. Pop by to take a peek and then vote on your favourite one.
All proceeds this year will go towards mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital.
Where: 900 West Georgia
When: Nov. 23rd – Jan. 1st, 2023
Cost: By donation
Learn more at: festival-of-trees-vancouver/
14. Vancouver Lights of Hope
This spectacular volunteer-driven display of lights is an annual fundraising initiative for St. Paul’s Hospital.
Where: 1081 Burrard Street.
When: Nov. 17th – Jan. 2nd, 2023
Cost: A donation to help St. Paul’s hospital reach their fundraising goal is appreciated.
Learn more at: http://lightsofhope.helpstpauls.com
15. FlyOver Canada Christmas
Flyover Canada’s family-friendly flight simulation ride uses the latest in projection to create a true flying experience (complete with wind, scents and mist !) During the Christmas holiday season, flyers get to Soar with Santa on a magical journey to the North Pole. The festive experience is enhanced with holiday music, lights, hot drinks and festive food.
Where: #201 – 999 Canada Place.
When: Dec. 8th – Jan. 3rd, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult $23-25, child 12 and under is 50% of adult rate. Buy tickets online here.
Breakfast with Santa: Flyover is offering a Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th!
Learn more at: flyovercanada.com.
More Holiday Fun
- Whistler Christmas Events
- 15 Magical Christmas Destinations
- Whister with Kids Winter Guide
- Victoria with Kids Guide
- Seattle with Kids Guide
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