This year, with COVID-19 restrictions eased up from last years, and most of the things being open, there is a lot to see and do this winter. To make up for our loser winter last year, we decided to purchase tickets to most of these events. Here's our lowdown on some of our favorites (and some we have decided to skip!).
Spirit of the Season at the Shipyards
The Shipyards are all decked up and there is an ice-skating rink there. But to kick off the holiday season, there was an entire concert and celebration with live music, entertainment, twinkling lights, food trucks, the official City tree lighting with Mayor Linda Buchanan + much more.
Saturday December 4th, 2021 @ the Shipyards, North Vancouver
Dundarave Festival of Lights
We had never heard about this festival until now! The event itself takes place every Saturday with a concert(s) taking place from noon to dusk, and a beautiful outdoor display of Christmas Trees in coastal British Columbia. It is perhaps the only major Christmas event in West Vancouver, and we decided to go there since we were going to Park Royal to shop anyways!
December 2021 @ Dundarave Park, West Vancouver
PNE Winter Lights
This is one of the most popular light event of the season, and we decided to go this year. This is also great for lazy people who just want to go out for a drive, and can still weather this event on a rainy day since it is a drive through. That being said, fill up the car, because it is around $37.5/car so definitely not cheap. The drive thru takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on whether you want to eat there or not, and there are indeed some yummy options, such as mini-donuts!
December 3 - 5, 9 - 12, 16 - 31, 2021 @ PNE Grounds, 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Canyon Lights
These are known to be one of the most spectacular lights of the season, also because Capilano park is awesome. Though we haven't as yet gone, it would undoubtedly be gorgeous. That being said, it is a pricey attraction, at around $55 for an adult ticket. It is however worth it for BC Residents who can get an annual pass for the same price and also enjoy the sights in the morning.
November 20th to January 23rd, 2022 | 11AM – 9PM @ Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Heritage Christmas
I love Burnaby Village and moreso because there attractions are always free and pretty good. I'd love to go here in the morning and then watch it get dark and lit up! They also have an animal-themed scavenger hunt including a menagerie of adorned Eco-sculptures like salmon, herons and hawks.
November 27, 2021-January 3, 2022 @ Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
DuPlessis Family Christmas Display
Talk about fun folks! These guys go all out and last year some $$$$!!** made a complaint so they could not have the lights up. This year, things are different and they were able to put up there Christmas display which feature a new larger ice rink with Mickey and Minnie taking centre stage along with Olaf, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy.
December 1 until January 9, 2022 | 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM @ 8222 Burnlake Drive, Burnaby
Granville Island Festive Lights
These are worth it, not only because they are free but because there is sufficient entertainment on Granville Island. Best to combine it with some early shopping, a bite at sundown, and a stroll in the night. Lights are on daily, including holidays, from sundown.
November 24, 2021 – January 3, 2022 @ Granville Island
Glow Gardens
Another major event and also a drive through. We decided to skip it since we decided drive-throughs are not for us (they make us feel like we are in a traffic jam!). However, if you have people visiting and some older folk, its best to stick to warm and cozy drive throughs. This ones in Langley though so around an hour from downtown Vancouver.
November 18, 2021 to January 1, 2022 @ Milner Village Garden Centre
Christmas at Canada Place
This family-friendly, outdoor experience will feature the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, delicious holiday recipes, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more! Details
Friday, December 3 – Sunday, January 2,2022 @ Canada Place
Lumagica
Walk a 1km light walk to escape on a fantastical journey through diverse lands to capture and believe in the spirit of the Holidays. You are then transported through a light tunnel to Gingerbread Lane, leading to the magical North Pole Village. Soak up the magical atmosphere with interactive displays, animation, photo opportunities and surprises galore for all ages.
December 3–30, 2021 @ Cloverdale Fairgrounds
Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
This event takes place online and in three neighbourhoods, and is a family-friendly, outdoor experience that will feature the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, delicious holiday recipes, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more!.
Tuesday December 21, 2021 | 6:00 PM -10:00 PM @ Yaletown, Granville Island & Strathcona
Peak of Christmas
These lights are on Grouse Mountain resort, so a bit of a trek for some. We decided to skip these this season due to not the best weather, but the season isn't over so who knows? You can also witness real reindeer and enjoy natural beauty of Blue Grouse Lake, lit by breathtaking light installations.
November 25 – January 3, 2022
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Within Vancouver, easily accessible and very affordable, this attraction is definitely worth going to because Van Dusen is simply gorgeous. Still, my personal preference is VanDusen in the mornings because it is just one gorgeous garden.
VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Surrey Holiday Lights
We went to the Surrey Holiday Lights last year, but decided to skip it this time around. However, this time around, it seems that there are many more activities from a Gingerbread Village, North Pole, Holiday Market, Lights Around The World, and more!
November 25 to January 2, 2022 @ Surrey Civic Plaza
Bright Nights Christmas Train
We are so thrilled we were able to get tickets for this. An event that is sold out within seconds, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. Experience the lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the train route. Details
November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 @ the Stanley Park Train, Pipeline Road in Stanley Park
Glow Maple Ridge
Unlike Langley Glow, this one is an installation along downtown Maple Ridge and Memorial Peace park and it is free to stroll through.
November 26 – January 07, 2022 @ Memorial Peace Park and Maple Ridge city centre
Vallea Lumina
Skipping this for now, because the road conditions are suspect and we don't have winter tires. Vallea Lumina is a winter experience created by Moment Factory and powered by The Adventure Group Whistler, will greet the season with a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, emotive soundscapes and stunning scenography.
November 26, 2021 to April 18, 2022 @ Cougar Mountain Road, Whistler
Christmas in Williams Park
Come celebrate the holidays with your family and friends in the magical setting of Williams Park. View the spectacular show of lights as you drive through the park in the comfort of your own vehicle and enjoy this well-loved community event! Details
Daily, November 26 to December 19, 2021 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Williams Park, Langley
Lights at Lafarge
The dazzling light displays that encircle the 1.2 km Lafarge Lake loop will be on at dusk. Lace up your walking shoes (or slip on your rain boots) and embark on the 1.2 km lake loop. New this year is a second walking loop that takes walkers through the Inspiration Garden and by the new concession plaza in Town Centre Park. Details
November 27, 2021 to January 31, 2022 @ Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cloverdale Christmas Tree Festival
Visit the Museum of Surrey to see trees custom decorated by Cloverdale businesses.
November 27 to December 19, 2021 | 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM @ Museum of Surrey
Festival of Trees Fairmont
Here's something to include in the downtown Christmas plan. Fairmont Hotel is a historic building and a masterpiece so it is definitely worth it to step inside and enjoy the festival of trees here.
November 26, 2021 to January 2, 2022 @ Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Lights of Hope
These are the Christmas lights lit up outside St. Pauls. A free sight and one worth seeing if you combine it with a fun downtown activity.
November 18th onwards @ St Paul’s Hospital
Steveston Festival of Trees
I'm tired, arent you of all the lights? Well, we can't miss this one.
December 1 to 31st 2021 | 10AM to 5PM @ Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
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