Photo via @capilanosuspensionbridge / Instagram
There’s nothing more magical than fully embracing the holidays, and Vancouver is fortunate to have many festive activities, shows, markets, and light festivals to enjoy with your loved ones every year. So grab your warm layers and get ready to lean into everything red, green, white, and dazzling. Here are some of the most magical holiday attractions to check out in and around Vancouver this year.
Canyon Lights is a beloved tradition that transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge into a winter wonderland, illuminated by millions of twinkling lights. We can’t think of anything more quintessential to the season than strolling across the glowing bridge, suspended high above the forest floor.
When: Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $78 per adult
Every year, VanDusen Botanical Garden hosts its Festival of Lights, transforming its 15 acres into a series of twinkling, illuminated paths that wind through themed displays. Interactive exhibits this year include the mycelium installation, Wood Wide Web, Salmon Run, and the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit at the Visitor Centre.
What makes this experience truly special are the garden’s Dancing Lights, which come to life every 20 minutes from the top of the hour. This year, visitors can enjoy three festive Dancing Lights sets set to holiday music.
When: Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
Cost: $29 per adult, $19 for youth and seniors, and $12 per child
With a first-ever tree-lighting ceremony, new food happy hour, and new traditions like a communal toast (“Prost!”), there’s so much to enjoy at this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market. And admission starts at $7, making this festive annual celebration more accessible.
When: Nov. 13 to Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $6.99 for GA until Nov. 12, 2025
The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest in Canada, and as such, its holiday transformation is something to look forward to every year. Starting Nov. 12, 2025, its Holiday Splash festivities will be back in full swing, with the return of Scuba Claus and a picture-perfect holiday backdrop, the Jelly Snow Globe.
Those who visit the aquarium between Nov. 12 and Jan. 4 will be greeted by over one million glowing lights, bringing a whole new level of warmth and holiday cheer to all the exhibits and marine life.
When: Nov. 12, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Time: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 per person (ages 13 to 64)
Vancouver’s Japan Market Christmas Fair brings some of the best Japanese food, art, live performances, and traditions together for a holiday event like no other. With over 90 local vendors to peruse at this year’s market, shopping for gifts for everyone in your life just got that much easier.
When: Nov. 29 and 30, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 800 Robson St.
Cost: $4 to $9 per person
Fancy a train ride through B.C.’s historic Kettle Valley? The Christmas Express follows a section of the restored railway, which dates all the way back to the early 20th century. This magical one-hour ride will enchant passengers with bright lights, festive music, hot beverages, carolling, and even an appearance from Santa himself.
When: Dec. 4 to 14 and Dec. 18 to 22, 2025
Time: Rides at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Where: 18404 Bathville Rd., Summerland
Cost: $35.50 per adult, $25 to $30 per child
Langley’s Martini Town filming backlot is once again transformed for the holidays and has everything you need to feel the magic of the season. This includes nostalgic window displays, festive lights, carolling, nightly visits from Santa, and sweet treats galore.
This year, you can expect to see two new pop-up shops: Fort Langley’s Bar Down Bakery and Sticky’s Candy, which will have imported candies and rare sweets in addition to its iconic fudge.
When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 per adult, $20 per senior, $18 for youth (ages 13 to 17), and $12 for children (ages 6 to 12)
Over 150 Christmas trees will glow at this year’s Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver, which will be its largest and brightest yet! In addition to its “Forest of Miracles,” the festival will feature a series of free festivities on four consecutive Saturdays from noon to dusk, starting Nov. 29, 2025.
This includes the Dundarave Christmas Fair on Nov. 29, 2025, Nativity and Paddle Songs on Dec. 6, 2025, World Christmas on Dec. 13, 2025, and Christmas Wassail and Bonfire at Dundarave Beach on Dec. 20, 2025 (3 to 8 p.m.).
When: Nov. 29, 2025, to early January, 2026
Time: Nightly
Where: From Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Cost: Free
Across Canada, Cadillac Fairview (CF) is celebrating Christmas with a variety of immersive decor and holiday lights. This includes the tallest Christmas tree in Metro Vancouver, which will officially light up on Nov. 20, 2025, at CF Richmond Centre.
So get ready to gather with your loved ones to celebrate the most enchanting time of year, and watch the whopping 78-foot tree light up with holiday cheer.
When: Nov. 20, 2025
Time: During opening hours
Where: 6551 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: Free
This one’s also a bit more of a trek from the city, but it’s well worth the day trip, and it’s free to enjoy! From Nov. 22, 2025, to Jan. 11, 2026, Harrison Hot Springs’ annual Lights By The Lake Holiday Festival will illuminate the two-kilometre promenade along Harrison Lake with vibrant lights and Sasquatch-themed decor.
Starting at 5 p.m. on opening night (Nov. 22, 2025), visitors can snag a photo with Sasquatch Santa, enjoy holiday carols, watch a pet parade, and sip on free hot cocoa.
When: Opens on Nov. 22, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: Free
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