Family-Friendly Winter Holiday Events in Metro Vancouver: Lights, Santa, and More!

Looking to make the most of the holiday season with your family? Metro Vancouver offers a variety of festive events to brighten your winter days, from dazzling light displays to visits with Santa Claus.

Many events are free, while others require tickets purchased online in advance. Be sure to check specific event websites for up-to-date details, as hours and availability may vary, especially around major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.

Vancouver

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens

• When: Nov. 29 – Jan. 5

• What: A five-acre garden illuminated with over one million lights.

• Tickets: Available online only.

• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; details on the website.

Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza

• When: Dec. 13 – Nov. 24

• What: Outdoor market with live music, lights, food, and an outdoor carousel. Santa is available for photo ops during select hours.

• Tickets: Buy online or in person.

Bright Nights Train at Stanley Park

• When: Nov. 29 – Jan. 4

• Note: Sold out. Tickets were available exclusively online starting Nov. 8.

Burnaby

Burnaby Village Museum and Carousel

• When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 3

• What: A 10-acre outdoor site with lights, live carolers, and Santa. Carousel rides are $2.75.

• Admission: Free entry.

• Parking: Limited. Check the website for updates during peak hours.

• Accessibility: Site and carousel are wheelchair accessible.

Surrey

Bear Creek Christmas Train

• When: Dec. 4 – Dec. 29

• What: Includes Santa, the Grinch, crafts, and a treat. Santa is available until Dec. 24.

• Tickets: Available online and in person. Check train schedules online.

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Noel Holiday Light Festival and Market at Cloverdale Fairgrounds

• When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 23

• What: Light festival with a market, Ferris wheel, face-painting, and nightly visits from Santa.

• Tickets: Available online.

White Rock

Bright Walk in White Rock

• When: Dec. 7 – Jan. 12

• What: Waterfront and pier illuminated with festive lights.

• Admission: Free.

Coquitlam

Lights at Lafarge Lake

• When: Nov. 22 – Feb. 28

• What: A one-kilometre path of light displays around Lafarge Lake.

• Admission: Free. Public transit is recommended to avoid parking hassles.

• Accessibility: Trail is mostly flat and paved.

Richmond

Steveston's Winter in the Village

• When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31

• What: Holiday lights, craft markets, live music, and story-time events.

• Admission: Mostly free; some locations require tickets.

Festival of Trees at Gulf of Georgia Cannery

• When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 7

• What: Decorated trees on display inside the museum. Free admission on Dec. 3, with Santa appearances.

• Tickets: Available at the entrance.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

• What: A full-sized train adorned with lights stops for live music performances. Events last less than an hour.

• Admission: Free.

• Stops in Metro Vancouver:

  • Dec. 19: Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Agassiz.

  • Dec. 20: Port Moody, Port Coquitlam.