Photo via @contactfestival / Instagram
The holidays have arrived, bringing with them no shortage of family-friendly festivities, live shows, and even an EDM music festival. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this weekend (Dec. 26-28).
You’ve still got time to check out VanDusen’s magical Festival of Lights, which turns the garden’s 15 acres into a walking Christmas fantasy. The series of illuminated paths lights the way through themed displays and interactive exhibits, including the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit.
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: Until 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
Known as Canada’s ultimate winter rave, Contact Winter Music Fest is returning to the Pacific Coliseum the day after Christmas for two wild nights of electrifying performances and rave visuals.
When: Friday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 100 North Renfrew St.
Cost: $222.50
Turnabout’s Biggest Sale of the Year is Back and bigger than ever!
Save up to 80%, with max discounts at $600 per item in-store and $300 per item online! Find the best deals on all your favourite brands including Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and more! Online discounts are auto-applied at checkout! Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last!
Shop any of Turnabout’s 8 store locations or shop online at turnabout.com to snag quality luxury for less.
When: Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Eight locations across Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
The ultimate holiday pop-up bar is back at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Kringle’s will bring twinkling lights and cozy, decorated corners to the forefront, where guests are beckoned in by Christmas spirit and Christmas spirits.
When: Until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: 900 West Georgia St.
Cost: Book a table online
Cheer on the ‘Nucks as they face off against the San Jose Sharks this Saturday at Rogers Arena.
When: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $141.45+
Burnaby Heritage Museum has opened its annual Festive Village, which is completely free to enjoy. Visitors can expect roving seasonal entertainment, festive bites, warm lights and light installations throughout the open-air museum, exhibits centred around the theme of sports and games for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. on weekends (and daily starting Dec. 16, 2025)
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
It’s time for some holiday laughs at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. This new improv show follows a classic sitcom style, with “commercial breaks,” drama, and plenty of festive jokes — and no night is the same.
When: Until Dec. 30, 2025
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St.
Cost: $25+
The tiny former fishing village of Steveston has also transformed for the holidays, complete with its own Festival of Trees, twinkling lights, seasonal displays, visits with Santa, and delightful sips of all kinds.
When: Until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Events at various times
Where: Locations throughout Steveston
Cost: Free admission
Langley’s Martini Town filming backlot is once again transformed for the holidays, and you can check it out until the end of the month. Nostalgic window displays, twinkling lights, nightly carolling, and sweet treats galore all await.
When: Until 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)
Canyon Lights is a quintessential holiday experience in the Vancouver area for a reason. Millions of glowing holiday lights illuminate your way as you explore the iconic suspension bridge and suspended paths.
When: Friday, 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
Harry Potter fans of all ages can still visit the “Forbidden Forest” at Stanley Park. Visitors follow an illuminated path filled with magical creatures like unicorns and hippogriffs to a themed village, where they’ll find nostalgic bites and sips, souvenirs, and bespoke Harry Potter merch.
When: Until February 2026
Time: Slots available between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m.
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $43+
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