There's something about the first Christmas lights going up that makes even an ordinary evening feel a little special. Across Metro Vancouver, the season brings outdoor skating, tiny train rides, handmade markets and neighbourhoods dressed up in their best Christmas lights.
Some outings call for tickets and a little planning. Others are as simple as bundling up, picking up something warm to drink and heading out for an evening walk. Here are some festive favourites worth making time for in 2026.
Updated November 2026. Dates are for the 2026 holiday season. Check each organizer's website before travelling, especially for timed tickets, weather changes and Santa bookings.
Christmas markets and handmade finds
Circle Craft Holiday Market
Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver · November 11–15 · Ticketed
More than 300 Canadian artisans gather for five days of ceramics, jewellery, art, textiles and thoughtful gifts. A good choice if you enjoy meeting the people behind the things you buy. Event details and tickets
Cloverdale Grand Christmas Market
Shannon Hall, Surrey · November 14 · Check organizer
A local craft-shopping afternoon in Cloverdale, with small vendors and seasonal finds. Event details and tickets
Vancouver Etsy Co Holiday Pop-Up
The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver · November 21–22 · Check organizer
A curated market of Canadian-made goods, with independent designers and makers. Event details and tickets
Got Craft Holiday Market
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver · November 21–22 and 28–29 · Ticketed
A favourite for interesting handmade gifts. Browse small businesses, grab a snack and look out for the Mini Makers area featuring young entrepreneurs. Event details and tickets
Portobello West Holiday Market
Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver · November 28–29 · Ticketed
A Yaletown market with BC-based artists, designers and makers. Lovely for finding something a little less expected. Event details and tickets
Make It Vancouver
PNE Forum, Vancouver · December 10–13 · Ticketed
A lively indoor craft market with handmade gifts, local treats, food trucks and activities for children. Event details and tickets
Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver · November 16–December 24 · Ticketed
A European-style holiday market with wooden stalls, festive food, decorations and a carousel. This one is as much about the atmosphere as shopping. Event details and tickets
Shipyards Christmas Market
The Shipyards, North Vancouver · November 27–December 24 · Free entry
Browse market stalls by the waterfront, enjoy the lights and make an evening of it with nearby outdoor skating. Event details and tickets
Langley Christmas Village
Langley City · See organizer's 2026 calendar · Free entry
A European-inspired Christmas village from the team behind the Shipyards market, with a festive atmosphere and local shopping. Event details and tickets
The big Christmas light experiences
Noël Holiday Light Festival with Bright Nights
Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey · November 27–December 29 · Ticketed
An evening of glowing tunnels, large light installations, Santa's Snow Barn and Christmas market stalls. The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Bright Nights displays are part of Noël this year. Event details and tickets
Glow Langley: Christmas Treasures
6690 216 Street, Langley · November 19–January 2 · Ticketed
An indoor-focused light festival with more than a million lights, artisan vendors and a new Christmas Treasures theme. Handy for evenings when the weather doesn't cooperate. Event details and tickets
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver · November 27–January 3 · Ticketed
Wander illuminated garden paths and catch the Dancing Lights show. Book a timed-entry ticket in advance. Event details and tickets
Tree lightings and village celebrations
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Surrey Civic Plaza · November 21–22 · Free
Holiday performances, a market, free skating and Santa visits. The main tree lighting is scheduled for November 21 at 6:30 pm. Reserve Santa photos when bookings open. Event details and tickets
Spirit of the Season at the Shipyards
The Shipyards, North Vancouver · November 28 · Free
A waterfront celebration with entertainment, Santa and the annual tree lighting. It's an easy outing to pair with the Christmas market. Event details and tickets
Winter in the Village
Steveston, Richmond · November 19–December 31 · Many free activities
Steveston's streets and heritage buildings take on a festive look. Check the schedule for Santa's arrival by boat and the tree lighting on November 29. Event details and tickets
Little train rides and Santa visits
Bear Creek Christmas Train
Bear Creek Park, Surrey · December 1–January 3 · Ticketed
A daytime Santa train and an evening Christmas train through the park. Check the operator's website for ride times and evening ticket availability. Event details and tickets
Santa at Guildford Town Centre
Guildford Town Centre, Surrey · November 13–December 24 · Photo packages vary
A convenient option for the annual Santa picture. Reserve ahead for the time you want. Event details and tickets
Santa at Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby · See booking calendar · Photo packages vary
Another indoor Santa photo option if a mall visit suits your family better than a festival lineup. Event details and tickets
Skating and beautiful lights that cost nothing
Lights at Lafarge
Town Centre Park, Coquitlam · Opens November 27 · Free
Take a slow walk around Lafarge Lake among the illuminated displays. One of our favourite kinds of Christmas outing: warm coats, something to drink and no admission fee. Event details and tickets
Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby · November 25–January 3 · Free entry; carousel extra
Heritage buildings, Christmas decorations and seasonal activities make this feel like a step into an older Christmas. Event details and tickets
Bear Creek Lights
Bear Creek Park, Surrey · November 6–20 · Free timed ticket
An illuminated park walk that starts the season early. Tickets are free but advance booking is required, so plan before you go. Event details and tickets
Shipyards Skate Plaza
The Shipyards, North Vancouver · Opens November 27 · Free with your own skates; rentals extra
Outdoor skating by the waterfront lights. A lovely way to extend a visit to the Christmas market. Event details and tickets
A little Christmas on the farm
Aldor Acres Christmas Tree Farm
8249 252 Street, Langley · November 28–December 20 · Ticketed
Christmas trees, country air, festive stalls and farm animals. A change of pace from the brighter, busier festivals. Event details and tickets
Christmas on the Farm at Maplewood Farm
405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver · December 12 · Ticketed
A holiday visit with the farm animals plus seasonal crafts, warm drinks and Santa. Event details and tickets
Before you head out
For the big light festivals, book your preferred evening early. For free celebrations, check whether Santa photos or activities need reservations. If you want a quieter night, choose a weekday and keep the outing simple. You can always make a tradition out of a short walk and a cup of hot chocolate.
A note about the Stanley Park Christmas Train: the miniature train is currently suspended, so it isn't included in this year's list. The Bear Creek Christmas Train is a separate Surrey attraction.
Have a lovely holiday season,
lovely day studio