29 Amazing things to do in Vancouver in December 2024

Here are our top picks of 29 amazing things to do in Vancouver in December. Metro Vancouver is a hive of activity in December as it ramps up for the busy festive season. Find incredible immersive experiences, live performances, fun-filled family events and culinary delights.

It can be one of the most memorable times of the year to visit Vancouver to explore all its festive glory. On the same day you can be in the city checking out the Christmas Markets and then head to the mountains to a magical festive light display in a rainforest, cross the glowing suspension bridge, walk along the Cliffwalk, through the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel and the world’s eighth tallest Christmas tree.

If we have missed your favourite December event, let us know in the comments below and make sure to subscribe for the latest updates.

Looking more festive holiday events and the best Christmas lights see our 2024 Vancouver Christmas lights, holiday events and markets.

If you are planning to pick up a live Christmas tree don’t miss our roundup of where to find the best Christmas Tree Farms in Metro Vancouver.

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Best Things to Do in Vancouver in December Events

December is everyone’s favourite time of the year. Andy Williams famously sang the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”.

With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all

Best December Christmas events in Vancouver

1. Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – November 27 – January 3, 2025

Don’t miss the spectacular 27th annual Lights of Hope display in front of St. Paul’s Hospital.  Enjoy it as you walk or drive by. The light display starts November 27, 2024.

Come enjoy the first night lighting event on November 27 from 6-8 p.m. There will be free hot chocolate, a choir, fireworks and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Donations can be made onsite or online to support Providence Health Care hospitals. You can even buy your own star to display at home.

Location: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

Best December Christmas events in Vancouver – Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo

1.1 Disney on Ice – Magic in the Stars – November 27 – December 1, 2024

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars with adventures of Disney and Pixar brought to life in new ways. Take a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Cars, and today’s favourites, including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Create new memories with Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and become enchanted by Tiana, Rapunzel, and the Disney Princesses. *Note: Costumes are not permitted for guests age 14 and older. Use discount code FALL24 for up to 25% off on select tickets.  www.ticketleader.ca

2. VanDusen Festival of Lights – November 29 to January 5, 2025

Vancouver’s VanDusen Festival of Lights features more than one million shimmering lights in the 15 acres of botanical gardens. Sensory-friendly night is December 3.

Activities: The 45-minute experience follows the one way path through a magical wonderland with themed areas. Enjoy holiday music, dancing lights show and tasty treats are offered for purchase.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked online. There are no tickets available at the gate. The event happens rain or shine and there are no refunds.
Location: 5251 Oak St at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver.

Best December Christmas events in Vancouver BC VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of the best holiday lights displays in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

2.1 Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – October 4-February 28, 2025

Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a biteout of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive and interactive event will have guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.

3. The Nutcracker Ballet – December 9-17, 2024

The Nutcracker ballet is an annual classic holiday favourite. This festive season, Vancouver has two different ballet companies offering the story of Clara’s dream, her Nutcracker Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing mice, a pudding-stealing bear, toy soldiers, and other characters danced to Tchaikovsky’s musical composition.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet – The Nutcracker – December 13-15, 2024

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet comes to Vancouver’s Ballet BC stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with their Canadian version of the Nutcracker. Get tickets here.

Goh Ballet – The Nutcracker – December 19-22, 2024

Vancouver’s Goh Ballet presents its annual retelling of the Nutcracker. Goh Ballet brings together the best local talent and Principal Dancers from world-renowned professional companies to the stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Come see more than 200 dancers, actors, and gymnasts as they follow the journey of Clara’s adventures from the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. The Vancouver Opera Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s ballet score. Buy tickets here.

4. Cirque du Soleil ECHO – October 9 – January 5, 2025

The Cirque du Soleil 20th Big Top show brings a new performance with surprising new twists to Vancouver this season. The show takes audiences on a journey through a universe of colour, wonder, and infinite possibilities with bold visuals and a unique aesthetic.

ECHO is a story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, Cirque du Soleil ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores our sacred bond with animals and nature.

Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific features vibrant characters, inspiring music, astounding lights and projections, never-before-seen acrobatic feats and more to thrill any audience.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased online. See our video from opening night on Instagram.

Exciting news! Cirque du Soleil is returning to Vancouver June 4-8, 2025, with CRYSTAL for 7 performances. CRYSTAL, a one-of-a-kind production that brings circus arts to the ice, follows the show’s protagonist, Crystal, as she goes on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery full of whimsy and wonder.  CRYSTAL will perform at Pacific Coliseum.

4.1. Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol – The Musical – November 14- December 24, 2024

Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting and Dickens’s classic characters make this musical a winning combination. Set during the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this heartwarming musical reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life and love anew.

This lively musical performance takes place on the Stanley Industrial Stage.

4.2. Miracle on 34th Street – November 21, December 29, 2024

5. PNE Winter Lights Fair and Holiday Market- December 6-8, 12-23, 2024

In our opinion, this event ranks as one of the best light shows on the Lower Mainland.

The PNE Express Train travels through mesmerizing light tunnels that mimic the dazzling Northern Lights and passes by fantastical displays. Don’t miss the Nutcracker on Ice at the Pacific Coliseum, blending ballet and ice skating in a magical winter wonderland with captivating choreography and stunning costumes.

Activities: There is a magical walk-through lights display, nightly tree lighting ceremony of the 50-foot tree, holiday-themed ice skating and Ice Bumper Cars in the Agrodome featuring live music, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, the Magic of Santa Holiday Musical and group performances, carollers, a Christmas edition of Duelling Pianos, an outdoor marketplace, tasty food and beverages. There are two new rides added this year.

The walk-through light display takes you through enchanted lands to see winter creatures and experience the Northern Lights in light tunnels, Polar North and Candy Cane Lane. If you are a BCAA member, take advantage of the 30% discount for tickets. Website: https://www.pne.ca/winter/ 

6. Vancouver Christmas Market – November 13 – December 24, 2024

Activities: Vancouver’s beloved Christmas Market is back with all the festive fun, great gift ideas, festive foods and drinks. There are over 90 European and local artisan stalls to enjoy. Ride the magical Carousel. Get into the holiday spirit with holiday entertainment. There are lots of gourmet treats along the Gourmetstrasse.

Lantern Parade – November 24

Join the Lantern Parade around the Vancouver Convention Center. The parade celebrates St. Martin, a German tradition from the 19th century. Registration is a must. Children 0-17 years of age will receive free admission to the market and apple cider.

Christmas Market Tickets: Book tickets in advance.
Hours: November 13-30: Monday to Thursday: 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. December 1-23: Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm., Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. December 24: Sunday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Subject to change.

Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver.

Holiday lights and entertainment at the Christmas Market in Vancouver

Delicious food and drink options available at the Christmas Market in Vancouver

7. Jingle Bar Vancouver at Hotel Le Soleil – for adults only – various dates from Dec 1-29, 2024

Get into the full festive spirit at Jingle Bar. It is decorated with twinkling lights and everything Christmas to make it a holiday wonderland. There will be Christmas music, games, and Elfin entertainment, as well as holiday-themed drinks and bites. There will be prizes for the best festive outfit, so wear your ultimate ugly sweater or perhaps a Grinch costume.

8. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge – December 2024

Activities: Winterlust is an elevated outdoor domed dining experience at the Westin Bayshore Inn’s Coal Harbour patio. Enjoy festive cocktails and food in a magical heated snow globe. Each dome seats a maximum of six people.
Hours: Various seating times from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge books up fast. We were lucky to secure a reservation on the same day due to a cancellation.
Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver.
Reservations are a must.

Winterlust at the H Tasting Lounge is an elevated dining experience in Vancouver. We went for a special birthday celebration. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

8. 1 Christmas with Chor Leoni December 19-21, 2024

Canada’s most awarded choir, Chor Leoni, presents its annual Yuletide tradition with a welcoming program of cherished melodies, modern carols, and reimagined folk classics on December 19 at 7:30 pm, December 20 at 5 pm and 8 pm, and December 21 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm. Nestled in the warmth and beauty of one of Vancouver’s most striking historic venues at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United (1022 Nelson St).

Chor Leoni will be joined by Vancouver-based musical guests, including pianists Tina Chang and Karen-Lee Morlang, violinist Cameron Wilson, bassist Laurence Mollerup, and guitarist Keith Sinclair. For tickets and information, visit chorleoni.org

9. Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2024

The 30th Winter Solstice Light Festival takes place in two Vancouver neighbourhoods, Granville Island and Yaletown.

Experience the Labyrinth of Light on the darkest night of the year. A self-guided ceremony with over 600 pure beeswax candles. The ritual is intended to help release old attachments and envision new possibilities.

Buy tickets here

10. East Van Panto: Robin Hood – November 20, 2024 – January 05, 2025

East Van Panto has become a holiday favourite and is back for its 12th year with Robin Hood. It starts as a beautiful day in Trout Lake for Robin Hood and the Merry-Thems until they discover the naughty sheriff has other plans—the parks have been privatized! Everyone, including the birds and animals, must pay to use the park. A trip to the library to read up on their rights leads Robin and friends on a grand adventure to invade Britannia, retrieve the keys to the city’s public amenities, and try to steal back our neighbourhood from the rich and powerful. Belle takes the audience on a hilarious adventure through East Van neighbourhoods. Bell meets the Beast in an enchanted specialty grocery store where she is imprisoned.

The performances will be at the York Theatre and offered online. Buy tickets here.

11. Bright Nights Stanley Park – November 29 – January 4, 2025 – SOLD OUT and NOW CANCELLED FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON

This iconic Vancouver event celebrates its 27th year. Tickets are sold out!

Activities: There will be an antique fire truck, giant red reindeer, Santa’s Workshop, entertainment and a sparkling tunnel of lights in the plaza. Food vendors will offer a great selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Check for times, hours and ticketing for Bright Nights. This event is closed on December 25.

Location: Use the West Georgia Street park entrance and go to Pipeline Road in Stanley Park. Parking is free in the main lot across the street after 3 p.m.

12. Holiday Splash at The Vancouver Aquarium – November 12 – January 5, 2025

Activities: The Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium includes twice-daily dives by Scuba Claus until December 24 and the holiday favourite, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Experience®. Holiday treats are available for purchase.
Admission: Book your tickets in advance. For November 12-24, buy one regular admission and get a child admission free.
Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver

Meeting Santa Claus at Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium

13. Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights – November 12 – January 3, 2025

Activities: Wander through the fresh air of almost 40 acres of Granville Island to see the light displays. Takeout hot drinks and treats available and other food options with patios.
Admission: There is no admission.
Hours: Starts November 12, 2024, from sunset to 10 pm. daily.
Closed: All businesses including Granville Island Market are closed on December 25 and 26, 2024, but lights will be on.
Location: 1661 Duranleau St.

14. Christmas at Canada Place – November 29 – January 1, 2025

Activities: Stroll the outdoor promenade at Canada Place to see the beautiful historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, the holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display, “Chrismoose,” the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture and more!
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily from 8 am-11 pm.
Location: Canadian Trail (west promenade) 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Website: Canada Place

15. Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – November 28-December 27, 2024

This wonderful holiday tradition is back to celebrate its 32nd year! Come down to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver and see the wonderful gingerbread creations. The aroma of gingerbread fills the hotel lobby. You won’t be disappointed, and it’s a free event.

A previous display at Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver

A previous display at Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver

16. Soar Like Santa at Fly Over Canada – November 16 – December 31, 2024

Activities: Soar with Santa on a magical Christmas journey across Canada and up to the North Pole.
Admission: Buy tickets online and save. Ticket prices vary by day but start from: Adults: $28 Children: $18 up to age 12 and at least 102 cm / 40 inches tall.
Hours: November 16 – December 31, 2024.
Location: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

17. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 23 – January 3, 2025

Activities:  Walk through the 1920s village adorned with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take a ride on the vintage carousel. Mai’s Cafe is open for treats or a meal.  Carousel rides are available for a fee. See a map of the village.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, just off Canada Way.

Bright in Burnaby

The official launch of Heritage Christmas takes place November 30 from 5-9 pm, with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. Proceeds from carousel rides on this night will go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau with Concord Pacific matching the donations.

One of the best free lights displays near Vancouver is Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

18. Squamish at Dusk – November 28 – December 14, 2024

19. Winter in the Village in Steveston – December 1-31, 2024

Activities: Explore the decorated historic sites of Richmond’s charming waterfront village of Steveston.

“Light Up the Village” self-guided tour.
Location: Steveston Village
Website: Visit Richmond

20. Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour by Forbidden Vancouver – November 15 through December 2024

The Holiday History and Hot Chocolate walking tour strolls through Vancouver’s heritage architecture. Hear scandalous stories and see holiday lights. Start the 1.5-hour tour with hot cocoa from Trees in hand and end with a tour inside the fabulous Marine building, all lit up for the holidays. The meeting point is outside Trees Cafe at 738 Granville Street.

21. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 17– January 21, 2025

Activities: Journey through a magical festive light display in a rainforest high above the Capilano River Canyon. Cross the glowing suspension bridge, walk along the Cliffwalk and through the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel. The world’s eighth tallest Christmas tree is found at the Treetops Adventure.

Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily November 17, 2024 – January 21, 2025. Closed on Christmas Day.

Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Free shuttle is available from Canada Place.

A spectacular light display at Canyon Lights at Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver

22. Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 24, 2024 – January 7, 2025

The Harrison Lights on the Lake opening will occur in Civic Centre Plaza on Nov. 24 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. There will be a welcome dance from the Sts’ailes Sasquatch Dancers, a Jingle Paw’s Pet Parade, Christmas Carols, photos with Santa and Sasquatch, free hot chocolate as supplies last and more.

Harrison Hot Springs lakefront will be lit up from dusk until 11 pm. Stroll along the 1 km waterfront promenade to see the sparkling light display. The holiday lights focus on the natural environment, wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch.

23. Glow Langley at Milner Village Garden Centre Christmas Lights – November 21 – December 28, 2024

Langley’s Christmas Glow is a walk-around adventure with a new “Christmas Carnival” theme.

Activities: Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you wander through the sea of giant ornaments, forest of dancing magical trees and a dazzling display of almost one million lights. Visit the animated musical tunnel, Elf Castle, swings, hop scotch, playpark, bouncy farm and take a ride on the Glow Comotive. Meet special characters and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa who will be there nightly until December 24.

There will be featured food trucks and entertainment.
Tickets: Buy tickets online.
Hours: Select times between 4-10 pm November 21-December 28, 2024.
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216th Street, Langley.

24. PNE Winter Lights Fair and Holiday Market- December 8-9, 14-23, 2024

In our opinion, this event ranks as one of the best light shows on the Lower Mainland.

New this year is the PNE Express Train through mesmerizing light tunnels that mimic the dazzling Northern Lights and passes by fantastical displays. Don’t miss the Nutcracker on Ice at the Pacific Coliseum, blending ballet and ice skating in a magical winter wonderland with captivating choreography and stunning costumes.

Activities: There is a magical walk-through lights display, nightly tree lighting ceremony of the 50-foot tree, holiday-themed ice skating and Ice Bumper Cars in the Agrodome featuring live music, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, the Magic of Santa Holiday Musical and group performances, carollers, a Christmas edition of Duelling Pianos, an outdoor marketplace, tasty food and beverages.

The walk-through light display takes you through enchanted lands to see winter creatures, experience Northern Lights in light tunnels, Polar North and Candy Cane Lane.
Website: https://www.pne.ca/winter/

One of the best Vancouver holiday lights display is at the PNE Winter Lights Fair. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

25. The Gingerbread Men – A holiday Cabaret – December 5-22, 2024

A classic cabaret, The Gingerbread Men presents classic holiday songs and harmonies. The charming quartet spice up the performance with witty banter and nostalgia.

Location: Newmont Stage, BMO Theatre Centre

26. Winterfest and Christmas Train at Bear Creek Park – December 1-31, 2024

Activities: During the day, enjoy arts and crafts, Santa, a train ride and lots of photo opportunities. At night, enjoy a train journey through a magical light display. Santa leaves on December 24.
Santa Express Day Train, 7 days a week – 10 am – 4 pm.
Christmas Night Train through the light display, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 – 9 pm. Closed on December 25 and 26.
Location: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88th Avenue at King George Blvd., Surrey
Email: contact@bctrains.com
Phone: 604-501-1232
Website: Bear Creek Christmas Train

26.1 Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – November 23 and 24, 2024

Activities: Santa and Mrs. Claus host the event, which includes the lighting of Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, followed by entertainment from a variety of local performers, dance groups, choirs and more. Be sure to visit the Holiday Market.

Children can enjoy free pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate, free holiday cookie kits, Kids Crafts, magical light and holiday displays, as well as illuminated swings and teeter totters.

The Enchanted Eats zone offers delicious treats for purchase from food trucks and free hot chocolate while it lasts.
Admission: Free
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, 1340 104 Avenue, Surrey
Website: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

26.2 Noel Lighting Festival – November 28-December 23, 2024

The Noel Lighting Festival takes place at the Cloverdale Fair Grounds, both indoors and outdoors. The immersive experience festival features over 1 million dazzling lights, a 300-ft light tunnel and other illuminated displays.

27. Lights at Lafarge – November 22 – January 31, 2025

Activities: The winter Lights at Lafarge has been modified to display lights on two walking loops to help disperse crowding. The new loop will go through Inspiration Garden and the new concession plaza in Town Centre Park.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to  Lafarge Lake – Douglas station.
Hours from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to avoid the crowds on weekends and the week of December 16 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Email: FestivalsandEvents@coquitlam.ca
Website: Lights at Lafarge

28. North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of British Columbia – Select dates from November 21 – December 21, 2024

Activities: Board a one-hour ride on the North Pole Express to find Santa Claus. On your journey, meet elves, sing songs and be entertained. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and candy canes onboard the train. When you arrive at the North Pole, there will be arts and crafts, hot chocolate, cotton candy, ride a holiday mini rail train, and explore the holiday model train displays and more. Admission: Tickets are sold in pairs only.
Tickets: Available online here.
Location: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Website: The North Pole Express

29. Martini Town Merry and Bright – Select dates, December 4 – January 5, 2025

Martini Film Studios is open to the public to experience a unique outdoor holiday experience. The talented team of skilled film industry crew is transforming the studios’ backlot into a magical Christmas wonderland.

Martini Town is where numerous TV series, movies, and commercials as well as over 12 Hallmark movies have been filmed. Visit a New York City Street, courthouse, diner, town square and small town decked out in holiday splendor. There will be entertainment with an array of singers, choirs, entertainers, and Santa Claus. Food and drink is available for purchase from food trucks and the cafe.

The event is capacity controlled and the purchase of advance tickets is highly recommended. Open Wednesday through Sunday every week throughout December and December 26th (Boxing Day) and January 1st (New Year’s Day). Tickets go on sale after Thanksgiving.

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Don’t miss these stops to check out near Vancouver on one of your next outings:

10 easy Vancouver hikes to explore, Top things to do Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America

Epic BC road trip to Banff, a 21-day adventure of a lifetime – Part 1, Discover More in Port Alberni: Your Guide to 21 Local Travel Adventures , Top things to do from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park , Scenic trails of Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, Washington