Sparkling lights on trees, ringing of jingle bells, rosy cheeks, children’s giggles and the sweet smells of gingerbread and candy canes floating through the air. Christmas is such a joyous time of year, filled with so many wonderful things to do as a family. Since the holiday season is quickly approaching, we thought we would share our favourite outdoor activities that will get your whole family into the Christmas spirit – Here is our round-up of Christmas activities in Vancouver.
Check Out our Outdoor Round-Up of all the Best Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Vancouver!
Mt. Seymour
Mt. Seymour Ski Resort is the perfect stop for both tubing and snowshoeing adventures. Start with the thrill of sliding down the hill giggling and laughing as you feel the wind through your hair and snowflakes on your face. Enjoy the easy ride back to the top on their custom tube tow.
Then lace up your snowshoes for a leisurely walk through the snow-covered forest. Half of the trails are marked as ‘green’ giving you lots of variety to explore with your little ones. Then head back to the Adventure Centre to warm up over a mug of steaming hot chocolate!
- Tubing – $33 per person for 2 hours (must be at least 48″ tall)
- Snowshoe Trail Pass Only – Senior (60+) – $12.00, Adult – $17.00, Youth (13-18 yrs.) – $12.00, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $11.00, Tot (4 and under) – $6.00
- Snowshoe Trail Pass & Rentals – Senior (60+) – $29.00, Adult – $39.00, Youth (13-18 yrs.) – $29.00, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $23.00, Tot (4 and under) – $6.00
For detailed info and opening dates, visit their website.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into a Winter Lights Festival to be part of the Christmas Activities in Vancouver, and the sights are truly spectacular. From walking across the world-famous suspension bridge to scaling through lit treetops, to dancing under beautiful balls of lights next to the lake, the display is overwhelming in all the right ways. This year they will have their 250-year-old Douglas firs lite up, all 110 feet, making these trees the 8 tallest Christmas trees in the world!
Kids will love the additional on-site activities, including the Snowy Owl Prowl, decorated Gingerbread cookies (by donation), decorating wooden ornaments, making your own holiday badge, and sing-a-longs with the holiday band.
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 21, 2024 (closed Dec. 25, 2023)
Cost: Adult – $66.95, Senior (65+) – $61.95, Student (17+ with ID) – $53.95, Youth (13-16 yrs) – $36.95, Child (6-12 yrs) – $26.95, Child 5 & under – free (these are online ticket prices, add $3 per ticket if you purchase at the window)
Note: as a BC resident, these prices give you an annual membership to the bridge and you can visit as many times as you’d like!
For detailed info, visit their website.
Winter Ice Palace
This year marks the 22nd annual winter wonderland at the Cloverdale Arena. The ice rink has been transformed into an old-time pond skating atmosphere, sure to bring back joyous memories of years past. Lace-up those skates and enjoy whizzing around the ice with your family at this holiday event.
Dates: December 17, 2022 to January 2, 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: $4.75/person, $3.25/skate rental, $1.75/helmet
For detailed info and to register in advance, visit their website.
Heritage Christmas
Step into the past at the Burnaby Village Museum and experience a season of old-fashioned fun and spectacular light displays. Stroll through the village, enjoy the sounds of carolers, sit in an old streetcar, grab a bite to eat at the new Mai’s Cafe, ride the 1912 restored carousel and challenge yourself with their scavenger hunt. A wonderful experience for the whole family.
Dates: November 25, 2023 to January 5, 2024 (closed December 24 & 25)
Cost: Free Admission (carousel rides are $2.52 or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $30.24)
For detailed info, visit their website.
Christmas Activities in Vancouver – VanDusen Festival of Lights
Every year the botanical garden is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with over one million lights! Wander through the 15 acres of gardens and be mesmerized by the lights dancing to music on Livingstone Lake, explore light themed areas, and pick up a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors. Grab a hot beverage and listen to the sounds of choirs, bands, singers and other entertainment inside the Visitor Centre halls. This family-friendly Christmas event is sure to become one tradition you will want to add to your list!
Dates: November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult – $24.00, Senior (65+) – $16.50 Youth (13-18 yrs.) – $16.50, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $11.00, Child (4 yrs. & under) – free (Tickets MUST be purchased in advance, no tickets are sold on-site at the door)
For detailed info and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
Grouse Mountain
One step off the Grouse Mountain Gondola and you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into the North Pole. The smell of the logs burning on the fire quickly welcomes you and invites you down to the rink-side fire pit. You gaze out over the outdoor skating rink and see the little cabin at the end that is home to the one and only Santa. This North Pole is elf approved, even Buddy the elf is one of their biggest fans!
Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas is by far one of the best “all-encompassing” Christmas Experiences. The mountaintop setting is home to a variety of activities that the whole family will enjoy. From lighted snowshoe trails to sledding, sleigh rides, skating, visits with Santa, and even Christmas movies inside, kids of all ages will love this adventure.
We’ve crafted a special article outlining all the adventures at Grouse! Check it out here.
Dates: November 24, 2023 to December 25, 2023
Cost: Adult (17-64 yrs.) – $75.00, Senior (65+) – $65.00, Youth (13-17 yrs) – $55.00, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $39.00, Tot (0-4)- Free
The Peak of Christmas Family Pricing!
Depending on your visit date, they have a deal on their Family Ticket Rate (2 adults & 2 children). Visit earlier in the holiday season to save more!
- November 24 – December 8: $89.00
- December 9 – December 15: $119.00
- December 16 – December 25: $139.00
For detailed info, visit their website.
Christmas Light Tour
There are some folks who go crazy with the Christmas decorations on their houses. Lights timed to music, full-size Santa with his reindeer and giant inflatable elves are just a few of the things that adorn houses and yards. Check out your local community newspaper for their lists of the must-see houses in your neighbourhood. Then fill the family car full of gas, throw on your Christmas pyjamas, hit up your favourite drive-thru for hot chocolate and a treat and get exploring. Don’t forget to bring small change and canned food with you, as many houses collect donations for their local food banks. This is always a must on our Christmas Activities in Vancouver list!
FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada will offer virtual tours to the North Pole as they transform into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season during their Soar with Santa event. Guests will fly along with Santa from coast to coast across Canada and onto the North Pole.
The complete Christmas at FlyOver Canada experience will last between 20 – 25 minutes and include:
- Christmas-themed pre-show.
- FlyOver Canada is a thrilling 8-minute flight ride experience from coast to coast over Canada.
- An extended, animated final scene over Santa’s magical North Pole!
In addition, stop by our festive outdoor deck to enjoy holiday performances, Christmas lights, hot drinks and seasonal snacks. Don’t miss this magical Christmas offering at Vancouver’s must-see attraction FlyOver Canada. Reserve your spot and save money by taking advantage of their BC Resident rates!
Dates: November 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Cost: Price varies from day to day. Adults – $28.00-$33.00, Child – $18.00-$23.00 (These are the online ticket prices, at the door, they are more expensive.)
Soar with Santa Family Experience – Kids Fly Free!
Soar with Santa Monday through Thursday for a family adventure with free admission for kids, with each accompanying adult*.
*One child admitted free with each regular-priced adult ticket. Valid Monday through Thursday, excluding November 23 and December 22 through January 7. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
For detailed info, visit their website.
Embrace your Inner Lumberjack
When it comes to Christmas trees, nothing beats the real thing. That smell of the fresh evergreen tree when you walk in the front door of your house can’t be beaten. There are a variety of Christmas tree farms throughout the Fraser Valley.
Here are our top picks:
- Aldor Acres: Chop down your own, or choose a pre-cut tree. Then head over to the barns to visit the animals and play in the hay tunnel.
- Dogwood Christmas Tree Farm: Once you’ve chosen your favourite tree, the kids will enjoy munching on a candy cane while listening to Christmas carols.
- Oh Christmas Tree Farm: Gather around the bonfire and enjoy a steaming hot cup of hot chocolate once you’ve finished your hunt for the perfect tree.
Christmas Activities in Vancouver – Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Get ready for a sliding good time! With 8 thrilling tubing lanes and a carpet lift to bring you back to the top, this adventure is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone in your family. Once you are finished your sliding adventures, head on over to the cafeteria for some warm drinks and food to get everyone nice and toasty before heading back home.
Dates: Opening December 22nd, 2023 (snow pending) / Open Friday Nights (4-8pm), Saturdays (10am-8pm), and Sundays (10am-4pm).
Cost: All passes are valid for a maximum of 2 hours. Individuals (6+) – $25.00, Children (0-5) – free (tickets are sold online and by a timed entry system, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance!)
For detailed info, visit their website.
Christmas Parades
Dust off your camping chairs, fill a thermos with hot chocolate, bundle up and find your perfect viewing spot! There are a few local parades that are bound to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.
Here are a few you might want to check out:
- Chilliwack’s Rotary Christmas Parade – December 2, 2023 at 5:30 pm
- Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights – December 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm
- Aldergrove’s Christmas Light Up Parade – December 16, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Lights at LaFarge
Located in Coquitlam, LaFarge Lake’s dazzling Christmas display is back with over 100,000 lights! With a loop trail around the lake covered in light displays, food vendors, live performances and children’s activities, this free family-friendly event is sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Dates: November 24, 2023 to January 2024
Cost: Free
Tip: Parking on site is limited. Event-goers are encouraged to walk, carpool or take transit.
There are so many wonderful adventures throughout the Lower Mainland that are sure to get all the members of your family into a joyous holiday spirit! Just wait for the look of excitement on the kids’ faces when you let them know all about the Christmas Activities in Vancouver that you have planned!
Looking for more Inspiration this Holiday Season? Check out these Articles!
Is this a sponsored post?: No, we were not paid for this post. We simply want to share amazing experiences and adventures with our followers! We hope this list of Christmas Activities in Vancouver inspires you and your family to get outside and try something new!
