Holiday Event Guide

December is approaching quickly, snow is to be expected as of early next week, and soon holiday season will be in full swing! Now’s the time to begin planning out which festive events you’ll be attending, and I have a list of my favourites to get you on the right track!

The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Image courtesy of The Peak of Christmas

First up we have The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, an event perfect for us locals! The enchantment and radiance of twinkling lights, the calm echo of the snow and the joy of witnessing real reindeer can be expected at The Peak of Christmas! Enjoy the natural beauty of Blue Grouse Lake, lit by breathtaking light installations. There’s plenty to to see this year – including new additions! If you’re not sold yet, there’s an incredible 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees – WOW! Ready to add this to your calendar? Click here to buy your tickets! Please note The Peak of Christmas is included with a Mountain Admission Ticket. Families can take advantage of The Peak of Christmas special day rate* of $119 for a family of 4.
Vancouver Christmas Market

Image courtesy of Happy to Wander

The Vancouver Christmas Market is Vancouver’s original German-themed outdoor holiday market. It’s home to dozens of artisan vendors and food stalls selling a wide range of festive products. Located at Jack Poole Plaza beside the Convention Centre, it also features a carousel ride and live entertainment.

If you are looking for an outdoor market with interesting knick-knacks to see while enjoying mulled wine or cider with friends, then this can be a great place to be. I’ll be making my annual visit this weekend and can’t wait for all the festivities!

Dundarave Festival of Lights

Image courtesy of Vancouver Christmas Guide

Get ready for a shimmering multitude of 130 outdoor Christmas trees (aka The Forest of Miracles) on the West Vancouver waterfront, each fully illuminated for the season by local groups, schools and businesses. The largest outdoor tree display in the region, it’s part of the Dundarave Festival of Lights which also includes three successive Saturdays of “Entertainment and Merriment” starting from December 3 with a tree-decorating party and light-up and concluding with a wassail and bonfire night on December 17. Keep in mind that this festival helps raise much-needed funds for local homeless programs and initiatives. The festivities begin as of December 3rd and run through January 7 2023 and entry is free!

Canyon Lights

Image courtesy of Capilano Bridge Suspension Park

A North Shore classic, Canyon Lights is never a miss. Create a beloved tradition and celebrate the season with lights! From November to January, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is utterly transformed into a magical world of festive splendour for Canyon Lights.

Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and gaze at the illuminated Capilano River below. Then, head into a glowing rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on Treetops Adventure’s seven suspended bridges, twinkling from treetop to forest floor. Wind your way through the mesmerizing “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel, which wraps along a portion of Cliffwalk.

There’s something for everyone, whether that’s taking advantage of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, finding the perfect gift in the Trading Post Gift Store, enjoying a decadent hot chocolate while listening to live festive tunes or taking part in the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt to win!

Canyon Lights is included in the price of admission. Click here to buy your tickets.

See the Nutcracker

Image courtesy of Goh Ballet’s The Nutrcracker

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is retiring to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for December 15 to 18 and I can not wait to see the show! Dancers will have the opportunity to work in-studio with world renowned choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes and perform to Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet score performed live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Tickets are now on sale! Click here to find out more and purchase your tickets now before they sell out.

I hope you’re as excited as I am for the holiday season, hoping you enjoy some of these activities with your loved ones!