Vancouver 
WINTER BREAK
Here’s a list of fun activities to enjoy as a family during the winter break from December 20 – January 4, 2026.
Grouse Mountain Resort
More Fun Things to Do During Winter Break
See Christmas Lights
See thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the city!
- Illuminating the streets with a breathtaking display of Christmas lights are the Lights of Hope.
- From the famous Public Market to the Granville Island Hotel, lights across the almost 40 acre site make for a beautiful, open air stroll whether you are under the stars, or under an umbrella.
- Downtown Maple Ridge and Memorial Peace park will be illuminated with beautiful holiday light installations that will make the town centre a magical winter destination.
- Be transported through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights in your mission to discover Santa, with special characters and festive performers to help you along your way.
- See beautifully decorated trees all lit up for the season from Dundarave Beach eastward to Millennium Park and the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria.
- Williams Park has been transformed into an annual winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and joyful decorations.
and more.
Fun Events During the Break
Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
June 26, 2025 To April 6, 2026
604.443.7440
$24.25 to $35.75
Blast Off to the Moon—One LEGO® Brick at a Time! Prepare… for… liftoff! Artemis Space Adventure with LEGO® Bricks, presented by White Spot Restaurants, turns the ... »
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
October 30, 2025 To January 4, 2026
604.687.5315
$39 & up
Experience the magic of the beloved animated movie live before your eyes! Revel in showstopping favourites such as “Let It Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” ... »
Cougar Mountain Road, Whistler
November 7, 2025 To March 31, 2026
6+: $49.99 & up
Vallea Lumina, winter experience, created by Moment Factory and powered by The Adventure Group Whistler, will greet the season with a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, ... »
Stanley Park, 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
November 7, 2025 To February 1, 2026
$63 & up
Ready your wand and cast spells, come face-to-face with magical creatures, revisit iconic scenes from the movies, and enjoy a spellbinding Forbidden Forest experience based on the ... »
The Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
November 12, 2025 To January 4, 2026
6046593474
Regular Admission
Experience the magic of the season like never before at Holiday Splash! The Vancouver Aquarium transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland beneath the waves, nestled in ... »
Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
November 12, 2025 To December 30, 2025
Free
Metropolis at Metrotown invites locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit and join in for holly jolly fun at BC’s biggest shopping centre. ... »
York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
November 19, 2025 To January 11, 2026
604-251-1363
$35 & up
When a freak atmospheric tsunami strands West Van influencer Holly, and her curling crew The Hurry Hards, deep in the wilds of East Van, she’s ready ... »
Steveston Village, Richmond
November 20, 2025 To December 31, 2025
Free and/or low cost
Richmond’s charming waterfront village is a Christmas destination for locals and visitors who love the magic of the festive holiday season. From decorated historic sites to ... »
The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
November 20, 2025 To December 30, 2025
6047387013
$26.50 to $38.50
Cue the holiday laughs! A close-knit bunch of pals take on big city life, festive mishaps, and seasonal surprises – all improvised in classic sitcom style. With commercial ... »
Flyover, 201 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
November 20, 2025 To January 4, 2026
855 463 4822
$19 to $35+fees
‘Tis the season for a festive journey with Santa Claus! Flyover will once again whisk travellers to the glittering, snow-blanketed landscapes of the North Pole with the ... »
6690 216 St, Langley
November 20, 2025 To December 30, 2025
6047291448
$14.99 & up
Dazzling displays, playful adventures, and interactive storybook settings await you as Glow Langley presents The Magic Toyshop. Lights sparkle and toys come alive with new magical lands ... »
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
November 21, 2025 To January 18, 2026
Regular Admission
Re-capture the feeling of wonder and excitement of the holiday season and be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park. The suspension bridge, ... »
Grouse Mountain Resort, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
November 21, 2025 To December 24, 2025
Regular Admission
Step into a world of enchantment at Vancouver’s North Pole, where twinkling lights, the gentle echo of snowfall, and the thrill of encountering a real reindeer ... »
1123 272 Street, Langley
November 21, 2025 To December 31, 2025
$18 to $24
Movie fans can get a taste of Tinseltown for the holidays at Martini Town, a picture-perfect film set in Langley owned by Martini Film Studios. Visitors to ... »
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
November 22, 2025 To January 2, 2026
Free
Come experience Heritage Christmas presented by Concord Pacific at Burnaby Village Museum. Enjoy the special atmosphere of festive lights and the traditional decorations. Event Highlights: Festive lights ... »
Museum of Surrey, 177110 56A Avenue, Surrey
November 22, 2025 To December 22, 2025
Free
Where else can you find a free, local, indoor Christmas event? Museum of Surrey is uniting Cloverdale businesses and organizations for some friendly competition… to decorate the ... »
Harrison Lakefront, Harrison Hot Springs
November 22, 2025 To January 11, 2026
604-615-6184
Free
Experience the Magic of the Season with Lights by the Lake! Each winter, enchanting holiday displays transform the Harrison lakefront. Lights by the Lake highlights Harrison’s ... »
St.Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
November 27, 2025 To January 2, 2026
Free
Experience the brilliance of this year’s Lights of Hope fundraising display at St. Paul’s Hospital! We are thrilled to welcome you to our 28th annual ... »
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
November 27, 2025 To January 4, 2026
604.687.5315
$37.00 - $83.00
Set in 19th-century New England, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women follows the four March sisters—independent Jo (Kate Besworth), traditional Meg (Elizabeth Barrett), shy Beth (Ming ... »
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard St, Vancouver
November 27, 2025 To December 28, 2025
6046834712
Free
Each year, the hotel lobby transforms into a festive wonderland filled with approximately 30 gingerbread houses crafted by talented members of the community. Participants are divided into three ... »
Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
November 28, 2025 To February 16, 2026
Free
Join in the magic of the opening night of the Lower Mainland's largest free outdoor lights display at Lafarge Lake. The dazzling light displays that encircle the 1.2 ... »
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
November 28, 2025 To January 4, 2026
$12 to $29
Experience a magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights illuminating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden! Stroll along the lakeside, shimmering in the glow of northern ... »
Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Ave #17607, Surrey
November 28, 2025 To December 28, 2025
$17.85 to $26.25
The magic of Bright Nights joins Noel Surrey for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Explore incredible light displays, family fun, rides, meet & greets with holiday characters, music, ... »
West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Road, Squamish
November 29, 2025 To December 21, 2025
(604) 229-1103
$41 to $52.50+fees
The North Pole Express is a fun family Christmas event that takes you on an adventurous and entertaining train ride from our Polar Express Station to our ... »
Dundarave Beach, Millennium Park and the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria.
November 29, 2025 To January 6, 2026
By donation
In the true spirit of the season, the Festival's "Forest of Miracles" calls out the better angels in all of us.The Forest of Miracles this season ... »
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, 12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond
November 29, 2025 To January 4, 2026
Regular Admission
The annual Steveston Festival of Trees features holiday trees decorated by local merchants and organizations. »
Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
November 29, 2025 To December 31, 2025
Regular Admission
Visitors of all ages are invited to create magical memories and a new holiday tradition this year with the Sea to Sky Gondola’s Spirit of the ... »
Various Venues, Metro Vancouver
November 30, 2025 To December 20, 2025
Varies
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with RCYB’s annual full-length ballet. Featuring a cast of 100+ dedicated and enthusiastic dancers, The Nutcracker is under ... »
Bear Creek Park, 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
December 1, 2025 To December 31, 2025
(604) 501-1232
$12.50
Visit with Santa & receive a candy cane, children do activities on our platform and take a train ride through the Christmas forest. »
8222 Burnlake Drive, Burnaby
December 1, 2025 To January 4, 2026
Free
There are lights everywhere, with angels upon the roofline, snowmen, trees and animals throughout the lawn, inflatable characters in all the right places and so much more. ... »
Coal Harbour, Vancouver
December 2, 2025 To January 3, 2026
Free
Bringing a little magic and meaning to the beautiful seawall in Coal Harbour, Destination Downtown is a free, month-long family-friendly activation that will see lighting installations, musicians, ... »
Gastown, 107 Carrall St, Vancouver
December 4, 2025 To December 31, 2025
Free
This month, Gastown is transforming into a holiday wonderland, inviting guests to experience The Magic of Gastown—a neighbourhood-wide holiday celebration filled with festive entertainment, nostalgic traditions, ... »
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
December 11, 2025 To January 3, 2026
$25-$73
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to ... »
Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
December 13, 2025 To December 31, 2025
Free
This winter, renew a classic Vancouver tradition and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Robson Square’s outdoor skating rink is open, so celebrate winter in style with free ... »
Williams Park, 238 68 Avenue, Langley City
December 13, 2025 To December 28, 2025
Free
Join us for Holiday Lights in Williams Park, a free, family-friendly outdoor event featuring over 150,000 lights and festive displays! Holiday Lights is a drive-through event. Family and ... »
Cloverdale Arena, 6090 176 Street, Surrey
December 13, 2025 To January 4, 2026
$5
Holiday fun for the whole family has returned to Surrey for the 24th year! Cloverdale Arena will be transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, decorations ... »
Harbour Cruises, 501 Denman Street, Vancouver
December 14, 2025 To December 21, 2025
$69.99 to $99.99 +fees
Start the holiday season with an unforgettable family adventure aboard our Breakfast with Santa Cruise! This festive experience is perfect for kids – and kids at heart – looking ... »
Deep Cove Stage, 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
December 17, 2025 To December 28, 2025
$22+fees
This beloved holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to ... »
Rogers Forum, 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
December 19, 2025 To December 20, 2025
$26 & up
American Hockey League »
Various Venues, Metro Vancouver
December 19, 2025 To December 20, 2025
Free, Donations appreciated
The CP Holiday Train is happy to be back for its supporting food banks and food shelves across our network by raising money, food and awareness for ... »
Orpheum, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
December 19, 2025 To December 20, 2025
604.876.3434
$31.50 - $145 +fees
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, and raised among Santa’s elves. This holiday season Buddy travels to New York — with a ... »
Fraser River Discovery Center, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
December 20, 2025 To January 4, 2026
6045218401
$5-$20
Winter has arrived at the Fraser River. Celebrate the season at Winter Discovery Days! Things calm down at this time of year but there’s lots going ... »
Cypress Mountain, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
December 20, 2025 To December 21, 2025
Regular Admission
Celebrate the holidays at Cypress Mountain! Join us for a day of holiday cheer in the mountains. The Crazy Raven and patios will be filled with festive ... »
Yaletown, Granville Island & Strathcona
December 21, 2025
Free to $15
We can’t wait to join hundreds of community members walking in the 3 lantern processions along False Creek to Granville Island, with yet another procession in David ... »
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
December 27, 2025
$63.50 & up
Experience the excitement of the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena! Witness fast-paced action, incredible skill, and unforgettable moments as top athletes compete ... »
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
December 30, 2025
$63.50 & up
Experience the excitement of the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena! Witness fast-paced action, incredible skill, and unforgettable moments as players compete for ... »
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver
December 31, 2025
$35.50 & up+fees
It all starts early, at Vancouver’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve tradition. Fun for all ages, but not just for kids! Hosted by funny-man Daniel Zindler ... »
Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
December 31, 2025
Regular Admission
Grouse Mountain is proud to reach its 100-year milestone in 2026, marking the occasion with a New Year’s Eve centennial kick-off on Wednesday, December 31st! Join us ... »
English Bay Beach, Beach Ave, Vancouver
January 1, 2026
Free
On Jan 1st jump into New Year with a splash and take an invigorating dip in English Bay. Enjoy live musical entertainment, food trucks and more beginning ... »
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
January 2, 2026
$63.50 & up
Experience the excitement of the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena! Witness fast-paced action, incredible skill, and unforgettable moments as top athletes compete ... »
Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster
January 2, 2026 To January 4, 2026
Varies
Traditional British Panto at it’s rambunctious best! Sparkling, magical, family fun awaits when you join our wacky cast! Come and sing along with toe-tapping music, groan ... »
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
January 3, 2026
$63.50 & up
Experience the excitement of the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena! Witness fast-paced action, incredible skill, and unforgettable moments as top athletes compete ... »
Skiing
Skiing is an enjoyable way to take in the winter scenery and a great activity for all ages. There are many places to enjoy skiing near Vancouver.
Snowshoeing
For easy, fun winter sports, try snowshoeing. This is an excellent way to exercise in winter and a great way to enjoy nature’s beauty. The snowshoeing trails at Mount Seymour wind through scenic lakes and old forests and will get you back in touch with nature.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a fun winter activity that’s enjoyed by one and all. Why not head out to enjoy it today?
Winter Golf
Geocaching
Find hidden treasures and discover the many geocaches located throughout the region. This family-friendly activity uses a mobile app or a GPS device. This is also a fun way to interact with nature while getting mild exercise and explore new areas.
Winter Walk
Winter Walks anyone? The beauty of winter can best be enjoyed by a walk. Whether you take a brisk walk or a relaxed one, what is certain is that you will have a wonderful time enjoying the open air. Pack a picnic and plan to spend an afternoon outside playing games with your loved ones.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll at the 310 acres Queen Elizabeth Park. Or drive down to West Vancouver’s Whytecliff Park to enjoy scenic views of Howe Sounds.
The historical Stanley Park is also well known for its unbeatable views. To enjoy hiking along shoreline trails head to Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Located in the heart of China Town is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This is a great place to enjoy tranquil nature and experience a moment of silent Zen.
25 Bucket List Worthy Nature Attractions In and Around Vancouver
Christmas Dinner/Brunch
Support your local restaurants this year by dining in or ordering a festive take-out dinner this holiday season.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain offers many incomparable experiences to enjoy in the winter season. Skating, sky rides, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sliding, ziplining are some of the activities to do. At dusk, experience the magic of the enchanting Light Walk. Details
The Hive Bouldering Gym
Challenge yourself at The Hive Vancouver’s climbing wall! Details
Children’s Activities
Keep your child engaged at home with these fun activities.
Go Bird Watching
Birding is a fun activity to do in winter. What are the popular winter birds that you can spot? Can you notice any winter adaptation changes in them? Grab a pair of binoculars, download a bird ID app, and try to name all the birds that you can spot. Do a Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t want to venture outside do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
