It's first day of November which means Halloween season is over and...CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!! Who's ready for the merriest season of them all? I know we are and lucky for you, the festive content is only just starting.
It's the most beautiful time of the year, lights fill the streets, spreadin' so much cheer — the Christmas spirit has already got me quoting Justin Bieber. Hmm is it too early to be listening to Christmas music already? Probs not.
Lucky for us, Vancouver is filled with Christmas spirit throughout the entire season. From magical lights to markets to events, the whole town is decked out for the holidays and is it pretty. There are so many different ways to spread holiday cheer in the city and several events are already returning this month to add to your already festive mood.
It's time for mulled wine, hot chocolate, decked out streets and magical lights because Christmas season is here! Make the most of the holiday season because it is unlike any other and check out these 12 markets and events to hit up in Vancouver.
What are you looking for?
For Returning November 1 to 15, click "Next".
Returning November 1 to 16
Christmas at Hycroft
Where: Hycroft Mansion // 1489 McRae Avenue
When: November 16 - 19 // Open daily 11am - 9pm, Sun 11am - 6pm
Want to see a beautiful Edwardian mansion decked out in holiday spirit? You know you do... For one weekend, the Hycroft halls will be festive for the holidays. Experience three levels of Christmas decorations, over 25 local Artisans, unique boutiques, and crafters at this 40 year Vancouver Christmas tradition.
Circle Craft Winter Market
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre // West 1055 Canada Place
When: November 8 - 12 // Wed - Fri 10am - 9pm, Sat 10am - 7pm, Sun 10am - 5pm
Looking to buy a gift that's unlike any other this Christmas? At Circle Craft, you can get quality crafts directly from the artists. You'll also be supporting local talent, so it's a win-win.
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope
Where: 1081 Burrard Street
When: Starts November 16
See downtown illuminated by lights that bring hope. Lights of Hope is an annual fundraiser supporting St. Paul’s Hospital's. Experience 10 km of lights and 100,000 bulbs. The annual display takes six weeks to build by over 150 volunteers. The lights will be up throughout the holiday season but the annual fireworks display is on November 16 at 6:30pm.
For Returning November 17 to 26, click "Next".
Returning November 17 to 26
Vancouver Christmas Market
Where: Jack Poole Plaza // 1055 Canada Place
When: November 22 - December 24 // Open daily 11am - 9pm, December 24 open 11am - 6pm
German Christmas markets are next level. And though you might not be able to visit Germany this holiday season, you can still experience a German style Christmas market right here in Vancouver. Mulled wine? We are there. Located at the Olympic Cauldron this year, the Vancouver Christmas Market brings over 50 amazing vendors from around the world.
Canyon Lights
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park // 3735 Capilano Rd
When: November 23 - January 28 // Open daily 11am - 9 pm, closed Christmas Day
One of the most beautiful light displays in Vancouver, Canyon Lights will have you feeling all of that holiday magic. The entire park becomes transformed with hundreds of thousands of lights. The Christmas cherry on top? Tons and tons of holiday Insta pics await you here.
CandyTown
Where: 1152 Mainland Street
When: November 25 // 12pm - 7pm
Who doesn't love free holiday festivals? Mainland Street will become a winter wonderland with street poles being transformed into lit up candy canes and gingerbread men parading down the streets! Get in the festive mood at this outdoor festival.
For Returning November 26 to 30, click "Next"
Returning November 26 to 30
Peak of Christmas
Where: Grouse Mountain // 6400 Nancy Greene Way
When: November 28 - January 1 // Open daily 11am - 10pm
Vancouver doesn't always get a white Christmas, but you can find one up on Grouse Mountain. The Peak of Christmas will fulfill all your winter wonderland dreams. Stroll through a beautiful light tunnel, drink hot chocolate at a cozy lodge, go snow tubing at their Sliding Zone, Skate Under The Stars at their 8,000 square feet frozen pond and more.
Dundarave Festival of Lights
Where: Dundarave Beach
When: November 26 - December 17 // Every Saturday from noon to dusk, December 17 3pm - 9:30pm
Love Christmas but also love summer, the beach and the tropics? Get the best of both worlds at at Dundarave Beach, which is hosting the Dundarave Christmas Fair every Saturday. There will be free concerts and lit up Christmas trees beside the beach.
Bright Nights Christmas Train
Where: 690 Pipeline Road // Stanley Park
When: Monday, November 28 – Saturday, January 1, 2017 // Open daily from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., closed December 25
All aboard the Christmas Express? At Stanley Park, you can find 3 million sparkling lights and a Christmas train. This festive event also goes towards a good cause. Your donations and a portion of ticket proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. It costs $12 to ride the Bright Nights Train or you can view the displays at the Train Plaza by donation ($4.00 suggested).
For Returning December, click "Next".
Returning December
Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Pacific National Exhibition // 2901 East Hastings Street
When: December 15 - January 21 // Sundays to Thursdays from 5pm - 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 11pm, closed Christmas Day
Experience the biggest Chinese Lantern Festival in Canada at this new Vancouver event. This 5-week celebration of Chinese culture will feature featuring 35 huge lanterns, nightly performances, and of course, delicious food.
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden // 5251 Oak St
When: December 1 - January 7 // Dec 1 - 15 4:30pm - 9pm, Dec 16 - 23 4:30pm - 10pm, closed Christmas Day, Dec 26 - Jan 2 4:30pm - 9pm
Christmas lights are a holiday must and the VanDusen Botanical Garden celebrates every year with a million lights at the Festival of Lights. With so many photo ops, from a selfie spot to Vancouver's own version of the Eiffel Tower, and a carousel within the lit up garden, this year is going to be lit.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Where: Chinatown/Strathcona, Granvillle Island, and Yaletown
When: December 21 // Starts at 6pm
Ever wanted to see the night illuminated by lantern like in Tangled? Every year the Secret Lantern Society hosts the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival to light up the darkest night of the year. This community event will be held in four different neighbourhoods on the same day. You can expect lanterns, fire, drumming, music, dancing and more!