posted by Simona K.
Christmas is behind the corner and Vancouver has been getting ready for this year's festivities for a while now. Apart from the traditional Christmas markets and Christmas Lights displays around the city, we will enjoy the very first year of the Aurora Winter Festival right in the middle of Vancouver. Even though Vancouver is famous for the rain more than for the snow, we believe it won't take a lot for you to get soaked up in the Christmas magic Vancouver created. Find out what are the best places to visit during the holiday season!
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver’s finest botanical garden will get you into Christmas spirit in no time. Festival of Lights will bring you hundreds of extraordinary Christmas lights, carousel rides, Santa’s visit and more. For more information visit VanDusen Festival of Lights website.
In 2018 the Festival of Lights runs from December 1st to January 6th.
Hyatt Regency, located halfway between Canada Place and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, is well-known for its amazing Gingerbread Lane that celebrates its 27th annual return this year. The hotel’s foyer becomes one of the most visited places on the West Coast thanks to its amazing gingerbread creation display. More than just an attraction, Gingerbread Lane has raised over significant amount of donations for charity over the past years.
Gingerbread Lane starts on November 30th and continues until December 28th, 2018.
Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge are tastefully displayed. The visitors can have a unique experience admiring the lights from the treetops overlooking the suspension bridge. This certainly is a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience and a must-see attraction. To find out more information, click Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
In 2018, Canyon Lights is open from November 22, 2018, until January 27, 2019.
Christmas at FlyOver Canada
FlyOver Canada transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland during the Christmas season. This exceptional multi-dimensional movie theatre attraction at Canada Place takes you to “fly over” Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and then up to the Arctic. The guests are entertained by elves and follow Santa on his travels across the country. Click FlyOver Canada at Christmas for details.
FlyOver Canada hosts its Christmas shows this season from November 22nd until January 6th.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Located right next to the Convention Centre at the Canada Place, The Vancouver Christmas Market will lure you in with its festive decor, artisan and food vendors; and a wide range of festive products. This German-themed outdoor holiday market will entertain your whole family by featuring live entertainment and carousel ride. The Vancouver Christmas Market is a great place to enjoy mulled wine with your friends and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Regular admission ranges from around $5-$10. Find out more at the Vancouver Christmas Market website.
Open daily between November 21 and December 24 in 2018.
Bright Nights is open from November 27, 2018, until January 6, 2019
Aurora Winter Festival
Vancouver’s newest Christmas attraction is the Aurora Winter Festival which celebrates its very first year in 2018. The Aurora Winter Festival fills everyone with excitement and expectations to become a massive event by offering a wide variety of attractions and activities. Christmas-themed vendor market, an outdoor skating rink, tubing slides, beautiful displays, and live entertainment are all part of the festival. With its proximity to both downtown and the Main Street, Aurora Winter Festival is to become one of the major Christmas festivals hosted in Vancouver. Click Aurora Winter Festival for further details.
Open most evenings between November 23rd and December 30th.
Peak of Christmas at Grouse
If you looking for a Christmas adventure outside the city, Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver offers some of the best Christmas-time activities in the Lower Mainland. The Christmas movies in the theatre, sleigh rides, Santa to visit and gingerbread houses on display, ice skating, trails for snowshoeing, fine dining and the great ski slopes with amazing views of Vancouver below are all included in the admission The Peak of Christmas costs about $90 for a family and a ski ticket is included in the price. Not a bad deal, hey?
The Peak of Christmas runs from November 23, 2018, until January 6, 2019.
Hope you enjoyed our tips on Christmas festivities in Vancouver! Do you have any other recommendations? Comment below, let us know on our Facebook page or post your pictures on Instagram and se the tag #mydaysinnvan.
