9 Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver for 2015

Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver

Every year Vancouver celebrates the holiday season with Christmas light displays, parades, and shows. If you’re staying in Vancouver this Christmas season, here is a list of activities to check out in and around the city during the most wonderful time of the year.

The Peak of Christmas
Grouse Mountain (transformed into the North Pole) hosts a mix of sleigh rides, reindeer, and ice pond skating to create the ultimate Christmas experience. You can go to Santa’s workshop, see the choir perform, or even have breakfast with Santa! This event is perfect for families.

The Vancouver Christmas Market
You can’t have Christmas in Vancouver without the Vancouver Christmas Market. The market boasts traditional food and beverages, unique craft vendors, and an enchanting atmosphere. With over 50 vendors, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

The Nutcracker Ballet
A much-loved classic of the holidays, the Nutcracker is scheduled for the end of the year at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre this season. The performance is put on by Alberta Ballet with choreography by Edmund Stripe, and costumes by designer Zack Brown. You can enjoy this fantastical ballet with family or friends.

Holidays at the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium presents a multitude of festive entertainment to keep you jolly this Christmas. You can see Scuba Claus swimming with his aquatic friends, watch the Eel-ectric Lights show, or enjoy a 4-D Experience screening of Polar Express. With amazing activities and Christmas décor, this is a spot you want to check out this holiday season.

Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
It’s a trolley tour mixed with karaoke, mixed with Christmas lights. The tour goes through Stanley Park’s Bright Nights light display, and then makes its way to Van Dusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. Each trolley is equipped with a karaoke machine for your Christmas carol-singing urges. It’s a good way to see both Stanley Park and Van Dusen’s light displays while enjoying yourself in song.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade
This year marks the 12th Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade. It is scheduled for December the 6th in downtown Vancouver. Spectators can watch a myriad of dancers, musicians, and floats traveling all around downtown. Spectators are also encouraged to bring monetary or non-perishable food donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to help hungry families in the Lower Mainland. With over 300,000 people watching the parade each year, it is a great way to get into the holiday giving spirit.

A Traditional Christmas Concert
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs traditional holiday music at their concerts in Burnaby, the North Shore, Surrey, Delta, and downtown Vancouver. If you want to enjoy a night of Christmas music glee, this is the show for you. However, tickets sell out fast so make sure to be quick in making plans.

Carol Ship Dinner Cruises
For a unique Christmas dining experience, join in Harbour Cruises and Events’ annual Carol Ship Dinner Cruises. Guests can board a Carol Ship, decorated in Christmas lighting, and travel down the Burrard Inlet and False Creek. You can enjoy a festive dinner with onboard entertainment while taking in the Vancouver night view.

Canyon Lights
Celebrate the Christmas season with lights! Canyon Lights showcases holiday lighting all throughout Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. At Canyon Lights you can see the tallest living Christmas tree in the world, make your own gingerbread cookies, listen to live music and more! If you’re looking to see cool Christmas light displays and get into the holiday spirit, Canyon Lights is definitely the place to be.