Are you looking for the best Christmas activities in Vancouver this year?
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.
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 season, guests can discover something entirely new: Wildlight, a mesmerizing 3D wildlife projection set deep within the rainforest. West Coast forest creatures such as the black bear, coyote and Great Horned Owl come to life in stunning detail across the natural landscape. This captivating blend of technology and nature adds a breathtaking new layer of magic to the Park’s beloved holiday transformation.”
Kids will love the additional on-site activities, including becoming Winter Rainforest Explorers! “Join Dr. Woods, Ranger Raccoon, Scout Squirrel, Ollie Otter and Echo Eagle for a whimsical holiday market in the rainforest. Kids can pick up a festive ornament at the Treehouse at Treetops Adventure, then explore the park to collect stickers of rainforest explorer characters to complete their special keepsake.”
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026 (closed Dec. 25, 2025)
Cost: Adult – $75.00, Senior (65+) – $70.00, Student (18+ with ID) – $64.00, Youth (13-16 yrs) – $49.00, Child (6-12 yrs) – $28.00, Child 5 & under – free (these are online ticket prices, add $2-3 per adult or senior ticket if you purchase at the window).
Note: as a BC resident (with a valid BC ID), these prices give you an annual membership to the bridge, and you can visit as many times as you’d like in a year! Making this one of the best Christmas activities in Vancouver, because your pass will be valid for the following holiday season as well.
For detailed info, visit their website.
Winter Ice Palace
This year marks the 26th 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 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed on Dec. 14-16 & Christmas Day)
Cost: $5.00/person, $3.50/skate rental, $1.75/helmet
Sign-up opens 72 hours in advance; each participant must register at least one hour in advance of their desired session time to secure their spot, and everyone must sign up for a spot to be guaranteed entry.
For detailed info and to register in advance, visit their website, call 604-501-5100, or visit any Surrey recreation facility.
Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
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 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Hours: November 22 to December 15, 2025 – Tuesday-Friday, 1-5:30 pm, Saturday-Sunday, 1-9 pm, Closed Mondays and December 16, 2025 to January 2, 2026 – Daily, 1-9 pm, Closed December 24 & 25, Open January 1
Cost: Free Admission (carousel rides are $2.71 or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $32.50)
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 activities in Vancouver is sure to become a tradition you will want to add to your list!
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: Adult – $29.00, Senior (65+) – $19.00, Youth (13-18 yrs.) – $19.00, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $12.00, Child (4 yrs. & under) – free (Prices are subject to GST and service fees)
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance; no tickets are sold on-site at the door. Tickets must be purchased for a specific date and time.
For detailed info and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
The Peak of Christmas at 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 The Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake, reindeer talks with Vixen, sleigh rides, lighted snowshoe trails to sledding, skating, live entertainment, visits & breakfasts with Santa, the Grinch & some elves, and even Christmas movies inside, kids of all ages will love this adventure.
Dates: November 21st, 2025 – December 24th, 2025
Cost: Adult (17-64 yrs.) – $82.00, Senior (65+) – $72.00, Youth (13-17 yrs) – $62.00, Child (5-12 yrs.) – $42.00, 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 21 – December 5: $99.00
- December 6 – December 12: $135.00
- December 13 – December 25: $155.00
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 – Soar with Santa
Flyover will offer virtual tours to the North Pole as it transforms into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season during their Soar with Santa event. Guests will fly alongside Santa from coast to coast across Canada and on to the North Pole.
The complete Christmas at Flyover experience will last between 20 – 25 minutes and include:
- Christmas-themed pre-show.
- Flyover 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 their 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. Reserve your spot and save money by taking advantage of their BC Resident rates!
Dates: November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Cost: Price varies from day to day, but we always suggest buying online in advance to secure your date & time.
Soar with Santa Family Experience – Kids Fly Free!
Kids ride FREE Monday through Thursday. Save on your Soar with Santa adventure, with a complimentary kid’s ticket (13 and under) included with every adult ticket purchased*.
*One child (ages 13 and under) admitted free with each regular-priced adult ticket. Valid only Monday – Thursday.
For detailed info, visit their website.
Outdoor Skating
Did you know that there are two spectacular locations for outdoor skating in Vancouver? This is one of our family’s favourite Christmas activities in Vancouver every year.
First off, located in downtown Vancouver, is the Robson Square outdoor rink. The ice rink is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., from Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, until Feb. 28, 2026 (weather permitting), and rentals are just $5.00.
Second, located in North Vancouver, is the Shipyards Skate Plaza. This rink is open daily from noon – 8 pm, from now until March 29, 2026 (weather permitting), and skate rentals are $8.00 for adults and $5.50 for kids.
So lace up those skates and get gliding!
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 at the Yeti Tube Park! 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 with 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 2025 (snow pending). Friday & Saturday – 10 am to 8 pm. Sunday – 10 am to 4 pm.
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 – November 29, 2025, at 5:30 pm
- Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights – November 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm
- Aldergrove’s Christmas Light Up Parade – December 13, 2025, 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. This is one of our favourite Christmas activities in Vancouver.
Dates: November 28, 2025, to February 16, 2026 (lights are on from 4 pm- 11 pm daily)
Cost: Free
Tip: Parking on site is limited. Event-goers are encouraged to walk, carpool or take transit.
Vancouver Aquarium
Every holiday season, the Vancouver Aquarium transforms into a glowing underwater winter-wonderland for Holiday Splash, filling its galleries with over a million twinkling lights, festive décor, and shimmering aquatic scenes that bring the magic of the season beneath the waves. Visitors can meet playful sea otters, penguins, seals and sea lions, enjoy immersive 4D shows, and — for a touch of holiday whimsy — watch “Scuba Claus” dive underwater to spread “Fishmas” cheer alongside the aquarium’s marine residents. With glowing exhibits like the Jelly Snow Globe (a dreamy photo spot), festive treats, and heart-warming rescue stories, Holiday Splash offers families and friends a unique, cozy way to celebrate the season — full of wonder, sea life, and holiday spirit.
Dates: November 12, 2025 to December 24, 2025
Cost: Daily tickets: $39.95 – $55.20. Family annual pass: varies based on adults/children & tier level (silver, gold or platinum)
For tickets and more information, visit their website.
Bear Creek Christmas Train
Each December, the Bear Creek Christmas Train transforms the miniature railway at Bear Creek Park into a glowing holiday wonderland — think twinkling lights, festive decorations, and an enchanting ride through a forest decked out for the season. During the day, the “Santa Express” offers visits with Santa, holiday crafts and treats, and a cheerful train ride perfect for kids. In the evening, the “Christmas Night Train” brings a magical experience with illuminated woods, cozy ambiance, and seasonal charm — all ideal for families, couples, or anyone who loves the Christmas spirit.
Dates: December 1 – 31, 2025 (daily from 10 am – 5 pm)
Cost: $12.50 per person (2 and under are free)
Check out their website for more information.
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!
