Christmas Activities Vancouver

Planning a Christmas getaway to Vancouver? This city is a magical place year round, but takes the magic to a new level for the holiday season with Christmas activities like ice skating, festive markets, holiday entertainment and live shows, and cozy indoor celebrations to make your Christmas getaway to Vancouver exciting and memorable.

Explore some of the best Christmas activities in Vancouver below!

November 22, 2024 – January 19, 2025

One of the most popular holiday activities in Vancouver is the Capilano Canyon Lights, a holiday installation at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Cross the world-famous suspension bridge over the Capilano River, decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, then venture into the rainforest to walk high above a colorfully-lit winter wonderland. 

December 2024 – February 2025

The Robson Square Ice Rink, a great holiday activity in Vancouver for families, couples, and friends, returns this year to the heart of downtown Vancouver. This ice skating rink in Vancouver opens annually in December, ringing in the start of winter and running through February. 

2024 Date TBA

Visitors and locals alike gather for the lighting of western Canada’s tallest Christmas tree, the 76-foot tall tree at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Donors purchase bulbs to help light the tree, with proceeds benefiting the Vancouver Children's Festival. This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment and music, free hot chocolate, visits with Santa, and the iconic tree lighting ceremony.

December 6 – 15, 2024

Downtown Vancouver will host their annual Fleurs de Villes NOËL celebration again in 2024. See Vancouver’s bustling downtown streets adorned with extravagant floral arrangements and sculptures, including a self-guided floral trail through the city’s shopping district. This holiday celebration features floral displays like winter ice skaters, snow queens, reindeer, and even interactive selfie stations! 

November 27, 2024 – January 2025

A Vancouver tradition for a quarter of a century, the Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital showcase the generosity of donors from throughout the year with thousands of twinkling lights that make up personalized stars on the display. The lights shine every night during the holiday season, transforming this area of downtown Vancouver into a sparkling wonderland. 

Robson Street, downtown Vancouver’s famous shopping district, is just steps from our Vancouver boutique hotel and is home to 150 of the city’s most popular shops. This street spans three blocks, and offers delicious dining options from upscale restaurants to quick pub bites to keep you fueled up for your holiday shopping in Vancouver.

Discover more things to do on Robson Street.

Alberni Street, also known as Luxury Row, is home to most of the luxury stores in Vancouver. This high-end shopping destination runs parallel to Robson Street, making it easy to visit both places and tackle your holiday shopping list, have a fantastic meal, and enjoy the festive atmosphere

November 13 – December 24, 2024

A Christmas trip to Vancouver isn’t complete without a visit to the Vancouver Christmas Market. This outdoor market hosts over 50 vendors, offering traditional German food and products plus Christmas karaoke, a lantern parade, Christmas trivia, and more.  

November 21 – December 28, 2024

Part of the Langley Glow Gardens, the Merry Maker’s Market is a large semi-indoor artisan market. Covered and heated to allow patrons to browse in comfort, this market highlights more than 20 local vendors and offers a chance to breeze through your holiday gift buying list! 

Multiple Dates

When it comes to holiday entertainment and Christmas shows, Vancouver doesn’t disappoint. One holiday tradition in Vancouver is attending a Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert, a Traditional Christmas concert featuring talented guest soloists and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. This traditional Christmas show takes place at multiple venues – visit the VSO’s website for the schedule and event details. 

In addition to their famous Traditional Christmas show, The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has a busy Christmas season with other shows like Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Home Alone in Concert, The Snowman, and Elf in Concert!

Multiple Dates

Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver will host three Christmas shows in 2024: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Gingerbread Men: A(nother) Holiday Cabaret. Settle in for Dolly’s take on A Christmas Carol, soak in the classic feel of Miracle on 34th Street, or go for something unique with a Christmas cabaret!

The Vancouver Art Gallery is open 7 days a week, the perfect place to enjoy the warmth of the indoors while experiencing ground-breaking exhibitions and selections from the museum’s collections. This art gallery is also the site of the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – start your evening with a museum visit and wrap up with the tree lighting ceremony! 

December 7 and 8, 2024

For a fun holiday night out in Vancouver, visit the Pacific Arts Market’s Holiday Bazaar. This free gallery and market in Vancouver features original artwork and one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists, perfect for holiday shopping. Delight in the joy of supporting local artists and getting something for everyone on your holiday gift list – including yourself. 

October 29 – December 23, 2024 (and online from September 1 to January 30!)

This long-time icon of Vancouver’s Christmas season returns for their 36th season this year. Glenda’s Christmas Cottage is a family-run holiday store that comes complete with spiced apple cider and festive holiday tunes to enjoy while you browse the endless aisles of gift ideas and holiday collectibles. Got a snow globe lover to buy for? Glenda’s Christmas Cottage has you covered.

From the captivating Capilano Canyon Lights and festive ice skating in Robson Square to live holiday shows and the city’s Christmas tree lighting, Vancouver is a winter wonderland during Christmas. Stay in the heart of downtown Vancouver to be close to the holiday magic with Carmana Hotel and Suites, giving you easy access to these remarkable experiences.