Best Christmas events in and around Vancouver

By Jamie Samhan

With the colder weather, you can almost feel snow in the air. That also means that Christmas is just around the corner.

While most of us will be rushing around buying gifts, countless Christmas parties, and bombarded with the commercial aspect of the holiday season, we should not forget to slow down and spend the festivities with those we love.

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland play host to a variety of events that will suit anyone and everyone.

For the Adults

There are a few great choices when just the adults want to get out and have some fun.

JJ Bean Coffee Roasters and Granville Island Brewery have come up with a winter treat for you- a small batch chocolate porter. The Mocha Porter is only around for the holiday season so hurry out to try it!

A personal favourite, Hotel Georgia has decorated The Reflections Lounge into a winter wonderland. Cosy up with your date on the Winter Terrace with some holiday-themed cocktails; perhaps you will even end up under the mistletoe. The Winter Terrance will be open until 31 December.

Before your winter cocktails, head over to the Artsclub for Blind Date. This romantic comedy has sold out in Toronto, New York and London. You can fall in love with the clever play from 22 November to 30 December at the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre. Click here for more info. You may also be interested in Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley from November 15 to December 30 at the Granville Island Stage. Click here for more info.

Just outside of Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting a Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner. The long table feast will feature festive meals and wine on 15 December.

For the Family

Nothing is better than seeing a child’s eyes light up during Christmas. Luckily, there is no shortage of events that will put the ‘wonder’ in winter wonderland.

Book now to avoid missing out because Bright Nights in Stanley Park is always a popular attraction. Anyone can walk through the exhibits but to ride the train, tickets must be purchased, and they sell out quickly! Not only does the event get you in the holiday spirit, but it also supports the B.C. Burn Fund.

Another favourite light display is the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens (featured photo). The light scheduled to dance to the music are always a hit with the kids (and kids at heart)!

If the cold is getting to the little ones, you could head to the North Pole- inside that is. Fly over the North Pole with Santa and his elves with FlyOver Canada. If you are a B.C resident, use the promo code LOCAL25 for 25% off.

If you wanted to also do the Vancouver Christmas Market, complete with German sweets and traditional ornament, they have teamed up with FlyOver Canada for a holiday deal. The Holly Jolly Combo includes entry to both events, a souvenir photo from your flight and a hot apple cider or Kinderpunsch at the market.

If you are outside of Vancouver, Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam hosts Lights at Lafarge and in Steveston you can browse the creatively dressed Christmas trees part of the Festival of Trees.

Unfortunately, it may not always snow for Christmas so a trip up the mountain may be in order. The Sea to Sky Gondola will get you your snow, and Santa fix. A variety of festive events are taking place, including a Christmas Forest Walk, Pancakes & Pictures with Santa on 1-3 December, and a concert on 10 December. Best to check out their website for all the details and times.

What are you waiting for? Go on and enjoy the holiday season, no need to be a Grinch!

Featured photo: VanDusen – Viv Lynch/Flickr