It’s finally Christmas weekend, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with friends & family. But we also want to spotlight these exciting activities, performances, and things to do around the city that will hopefully add a bit of holiday cheer into your proverbial (and literal) mug. Without further ado, here are 10 of the best things to do in & around Vancouver this weekend (December 23-25).
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
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From 11 am to 3 pm, Santa’s Workshop atop Grouse Mountain will be fully open, providing visitors with a memorable, fun-filled experience for everyone in the family. Take photos with Santa, go on a holiday light walk, and skate on top of the mountain.
When: Friday, November 25th to January 2nd
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $36-$69, or $119 for a family of four
Robson Square Ice Rink
Luckily for ice skating enthusiasts, the rink at Robson Square is open on both the 24th and 25th: Between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturday, and from 12 to 5 pm on Sunday. For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content.
When: Friday, December 2nd to February 28th, 2023
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Sponsored Pick: Enjoy a festive holiday shopping experience at CF Shopping Centres
With Christmas quickly approaching, Cadillac Fairview (CF) is continuing its holiday magic across its 18 shopping centres so you can enjoy joyful activities that extend into the New Year. Don’t miss the holiday musical performances, festive and picturesque decor, wondrous indoor snowfall, fun outdoor events, extended holiday shopping hours and much more. To see a full listing of events in your area, visit CF’s holiday hub.
When: Now until January 8, 2023
Where: Cadillac Fairview Shopping Centres across Canada
VanDusen Festival of Lights
The holiday season at VanDusen Botanical Garden is marked by festive light displays and scenic walks through the illuminated lakeside path, surrounded by over one million Dancing Lights across the garden’s 15 acres. And luckily for Vancouverites, the garden is open on Saturday, December 24th from 4 to 10 pm. Just note that they are closed on Sunday, December 25th.
When: Until January 2nd
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $21
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Sponsored Pick: Couture for Christmas
It’s not too late to fill out your line-up of gifts this season, Vancouver! Couture Pop-Ups is making it even more enticing with major savings on luxury goods from over 80 brands with their Couture for Christmas event.
Boasting an impressive ‘innovative luxury wholesale shopping experience’, Couture Pop-Ups is hosting men’s and women’s fashion, bags, accessories, and a whole lot more this week at The Amazing Brentwood from now until December 27th (closed December 25th).
Offering up to 80% original ticket prices, Couture for Christmas is an unbeatable event to find high end gifts without breaking the bank.
Where: Amazing Brentwood Unit #012-26 4567 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby
When: Now until December 27, 2022
Go on a holiday-themed Forest Walk & visit Santa
The Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting a ton of festive events & activities this year, including a Decorated Forest Walk decked out with festive lights and Scandinavian-style decor. And on Christmas Eve, you can visit Santa from 10 to 10:30 am at the Backyard Plaza. Admission is free with a lift ticket.
When: Saturday, December 24th
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Lumagica in Surrey
While the festival is closed on the weekend, you can head to Surrey’s Lumaciaga on Friday, December 23rd, and the impressive light displays, family-friendly activities, and host of food and live entertainment are well worth it.
When: Open Friday, December 23rd (Until December 30th)
Where: 6050 176 Street, Surrey
Cost: Tickets from $18
Sponsored Pick: Canada’s Holiday Headquarters
We love family dinners and friendly get-togethers come holiday season. Hosting them, however, is a whole other story. No matter how experienced you are, planning, prepping and executing can be an overwhelming task. But as always, our holiday headquarters, aka M&M Food Market, is here to save you (and us) from admitting defeat.
With a lineup of new festive frozen meals with appetizers to main entrees to desserts, you can arrange an elaborate & gourmet holiday meal without breaking a sweat. Spend your time with loved ones & leave the meal planning up to the experts this holiday season!
Glow Gardens Langley
ICYMI, Glow Langley is a beloved annual event that brings over one million cascading lights to Langley. This year’s theme? “The Jolly Jumble,” which features a scavenger hunt, a holiday train ride, pictures with Santa, and much more. While the gardens are closed on Christmas Day, there are limited tickets available for Saturday, December 24th between 4 and 10 pm, so snag them while you can!
When: Wednesday, November 23rd to December 31st
Where: 6690 216 Street, Langley
Cost: $20-$70+
See a holiday-themed improv show
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If you’re ready for some extra fun this season, you’ll definitely want to check out The Improv Centre’s Happy Hectic Holidays show from December 17th to December 24th, or their “NYE at TIC” show or the “Year in Review.” Because what better way to look back on 2022 than with laughter and libations?
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Go on a classic winter stroll
And finally, if your belly is full of holiday eats and drinks, we suggest taking a leisurely afternoon stroll. Thankfully, our city transforms into a winter wonderland when it snows, so hopefully, we get a white Christmas!
Where: See our picks above
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
And last but certainly not least, we have this classic holiday tradition: Canyon Lights at Capilano. Every year, the suspension bridge transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland every year, complete with multi-colour displays, a ‘Snow Owl Prowl’ scavenger hunt, and cocoa & live music at the Trading Post Gift Store. Visit on Christmas eve between 11 am and 8 pm.
When: Open on Saturday, December 24th
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $62.95 GA for a day pass
And that’s all for this weekend, Vancouver. Happy holidays!
