Must-See Holiday Attractions in Vancouver

Each winter many of Vancouver’s iconic attractions transform into the ultimate holiday experience. Enjoy the city’s favourite places like Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge and more all dressed up for the season while you snap photos and enjoy festive treats.

The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain to visit Vancouver’s answer to the North Pole at the Peak of Christmas event between November 22 and December 25. You can wander through a snowy forest decorated with holiday lights, meet real reindeer, skate on a frozen pond, watch Christmas movies, make holiday crafts, enjoy breakfast with Santa and lots more. Most activities are included with a mountain admission ticket and there are special family rates.

Soar with Santa at Flyover Canada

Let Flyover Canada’s Soar with Santa experience whisk you away to the North Pole between November 21 and January 1. Enjoy an immersive sleigh ride with motion, sights, sounds, and scents as you fly over a winter wonderland of snowy mountains, the Arctic Ocean, and the northern lights on your way to meet Santa. After the ride grab seasonal treats like peppermint mochas or gingerbread cookies at the Flying Whale Cafe. Or book tickets for breakfast with Santa on select Saturdays and Sundays.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Each holiday season the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park transforms into a winter wonderland at the Canyon Lights event. Between November 22 and January 19 the suspension bridge, Cliffwalk, Treetops Adventure, and other areas of the park are decked out in millions of twinkling lights. The experience also includes a cute holiday photo op backdrop, activities for kids, and a holiday food and drink menu.

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden

With plants and flowers from around the world, VanDusen Botanical Garden is gorgeous at any time of the year. But during the winter holiday season, the entire garden is adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights. This year the Festival of Lights runs from November 29 to January 5. Wander the paths to discover themed light areas including a new interactive mycelium installation. Don’t miss the Dancing Light show, offered every 20 minutes. You can also buy festive treats from a variety of food vendors.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

The Burnaby Village Museum spreads across 10 acres in Deer Lake Park and includes historical buildings and displays that celebrate the city’s diverse history. Each holiday season the museum’s buildings are decked out in holiday lights and old-timey decorations for Heritage Christmas. This year’s event is on between November 23 and January 5. It includes lots of fun holiday photo ops, family-friendly sports and games, seasonal treats, carol singers, roving entertainers, and visits from Father Christmas.

Winterlust at H Tasting Lounge

Dine inside a private translucent dome decorated with seasonal evergreens and Alpine-themed accents at Winterlust. Each of the five private domes includes incredible views of the North Shore Mountain and Coal Harbour waterfront plus heaters to keep you warm. This pop-up event at the H Tasting Lounge at the Westin Bayshore runs until mid-March. Choose from the multi-course menu options which include an indulgent seafood tower.

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

Step into your holiday movie fantasy at the Merry & Bright event at Martini Town, the Langley backlot of Martini Films. The outdoor film set is covered in holiday lights and seasonal decorations and it even “snows” every 30 minutes thanks to some movie magic. Wander through the town to take fun photos, then stop by the Town Square to enjoy snacks and drinks and watch live performances from carollers and local musicians. Merry & Bright is on between December 4 and January 5.