Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market
The holiday season is getting into full swing. That means it’s almost time to break out your finest green and red attire and visit all of Vancouver’s most festive Christmas events across the city to celebrate with family and friends. Be sure to drop by these five favourite annual seasonal events this winter.
Photo: Lindsay Elliot/Vancouver Christmas Market
Vancouver Christmas Market
The annual Vancouver Christmas Market (VCM) is open now until Christmas Eve in its seaside home at Jack Poole Plaza downtown next to the icon Olympic Cauldron. The city’s largest and longest-running outdoor holiday market invites guests to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with its authentic German-inspired festivities.
Since 2010, VCM has entertained locals and visitors through its combination of colourful decor, artisan gifts, festive food and drinks, and live music. Visitors are encouraged to mix and mingle with friends and family to indulge in various activities, old-world confections, and seasonal entertainment.
Discover new treasures to stuff into stockings or tuck under the Christmas tree at one of VCM’s 90 artisan huts offering handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list. Sample traditional favourites of Glühwein (mulled wine), a selection of German and Austrian beers, and a variety of sweet or savoury epicurean treats.
To purchase tickets, visit VCM’s website.
Photo: FlyOver Canada
Soar with Santa
Celebrate the holiday season with a magical ride across Canada all the way to the North Pole. FlyOver Canada‘s seasonal Soar with Santa flight ride is back at Canada Place from now until January 7, allowing the whole family to fly the skies alongside Santa Claus. There are also special events throughout the winter, including their Breakfast with Santa buffet every weekend, to get you into the holiday spirit.
To purchase tickets, visit FlyOver’s website.
Image: Grouse Mountain Resort
The Peak of Christmas
Step into Grouse Mountain‘s world of enchantment at Vancouver’s North Pole for their The Peak of Christmas winter wonderland celebration from November 24 until Christmas Day. Twinkling lights, the gentle echo of snowfall, and the thrill of encountering actual reindeer come together for a magical holiday experience like no other.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Light Walk at Blue Grouse Lake, lit by breathtaking light installations. Experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000-square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. Watch Christmas movies at the Theatre in the Sky or enjoy festive activities like Christmas crafting and writing letters to Santa in the whimsical Elf Headquarters.
To purchase tickets, visit Grouse’s website.
Photo: Stanley Park Railway
Bright Nights Train
Bundle up the family for the return of the Bright Nights Train, an annual holiday tradition, and experience the iconic 1961 locomotive as it winds its way through the magical Stanley Park forest, alight with thousands of sparkling lights from November 30 until New Year’s Day.
Kids and adults of all ages can make cherished memories of riding the train for years to come. Stroll through the plaza to enjoy even more lights, whimsical displays, and the crowd-pleasing vintage fire truck. Check out the live entertainment on your way to the North Pole workshop, where you can snap a picture with Santa and his firefighter friends.
Tickets for Bright Nights have already sold out.
Photo: PNE
PNE Winter Fair
The PNE Winter Fair returns from December 8-9 and 14-23 for another unique celebration featuring favourite attractions from the Summer Fair translated into unique winter experiences, including holiday-themed food and beverages, a seasonal marketplace, and live performances.
Walk through the fair, where revellers can admire some incredible light displays in the brand new show, “Sparkle in the Night: A Holiday Light Spectacular.” The Tim Hortons Ice Rink is also back at the Agrodome with holiday-themed ice skating and the brand new Ice Bumper Cars.
New this year will be two nightly performances of the “Nutcracker on Ice” at the Pacific Coliseum. Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, skaters will perform breathtaking high-speed leaps, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and sublime ice dance to make the show a festive treat that will thrill and enchant all visitors.
To purchase tickets, visit TicketLeader’s website.
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