With so much going on in Metro Vancouver, we’ve compiled the top 20 events for you to check out this year. Here they are:

Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: Free

Lights at Lafarge

Photo: City of Coquitlam – Municipality / Facebook

Enjoy the beauty of this dazzling light display that laps around the 1.2 km loop of Lafarge Lake. There is also live music, a visit from Santa and plenty of vendors to help keep you warm with their treats.

When: Saturday, November 30-January 19 @ 6-8 pm 

Where: Lafarge Lake (1299 Pinetree Way)

New West Craft Winter Night Market

This event is happening over two venues, with food, shopping and music. Together the events will have 50 vendors to choose from.

When: December 7, 6-9:30pm

Where: River Market & 100 Braid St. Studios, New Westminster

CandyTown

Photo: Yaletown BIA

This one-day event runs through Mainland, Davie, and Hamilton Street with characters roaming the streets, festive decorations and even horse-drawn carriages.

To get a little more cheery, you can take part in the self-guided holiday cocktail party, where restaurants throughout Yaletown are offering unique seasonal drinks.

When: November 30, 12-7 pm

Where: Mainland Street, Yaletown

Potters Christmas Store

This 28,000 square-foot Christmas store is the largest in B.C. Based in Surrey, the store has more than 60,000 ornaments and a 3,000-foot showroom to show them off.

When: November 1-December 24, Time Varies

Where: 19158 48 Ave, Surrey

Dundarave Christmas Festival

Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, come and see the dozens of Christmas trees lit up along the beach. The event will also feature live music and a bonfire, December 21.

When: November 30-December 31, Time Varies

Where: Dundarave Beach and Dundarave Village, 25th St, West Vancouver

Shipyards Christmas Festival

Photo: North Vancouver ShipYards District.com

This family-friendly event features festive lights, a Christmas market and live music. With a giant tree-lighting on the Saturday and a Christmas market over two days, it’s not to be missed.

When: November 30-December 1, 3-9pm

Where: Shipbuilder’s Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver

Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum is worth a wander any time of the year, but it’s especially gorgeous during the holidays. Heritage Christmas lights up the outdoor site in festive lights and hosts holiday-themed entertainment and a scavenger hunt.

When: November 23-January 3, Time Varies

Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby

Christmas at Canada Place

Experience the nostalgia of Woodward’s Windows, glowing lights, and the Avenue of Trees all within Canada Place this Christmas. It the venue’s 32nd anniversary, and they’ll be celebrating with live entertainment and beautiful holiday displays.

When: Friday, December 6, 8am-11pm

Where: Canada Place – 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver 

Santa Claus Parade

Photo: Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

The annual event is happening again this year, starting at West Georgia and Broughton. Catch Santa on his sleigh, along with many other magical floats. There are events prior to the parade, starting as early as 8:30 am, including Breakfast with Santa.

When: December 1, 12-1:30pm

Where: Downtown Vancouver – West Georgia and Broughton

Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $15 & Under

Weirdos Holiday Market

This holiday market is different from others you may have gone to before. With gifts for that unique person in your life, check out the embalmed insect jewelry, human bone ornaments and baby doll head vases.

Tickets: $2

When: Saturday December 14th – Sunday December 15th, 10 am – 6pm

Where: Ukrainian Cathedral Hall – 154 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver

Got Craft? 2019 Holiday Edition

At this East Van craft fair, you’ll have more than 95 vendors to choose from. Here you’ll find jewelry, artisanal food, ceramics and textiles among others. There will also be food and an area for kids to play.

Tickets: $3

When: December 7-8, 10 am-5 pm

Where: 3250 Commercial Drive

Stanley Park Bright Nights Christmas Train

Photo: @brightnightsvan / Instagram

Climb aboard the Christmas train to gaze at more than three million lights throughout Stanley park. The 22nd annual event is a Vancouver tradition, featuring a visit from Santa and dazzling displays.

Tickets: $12 for Adults, $9 for Seniors & Youth, $8 for Children 3-12 yrs. 

When: November 28-January 1, Time Varies

Where: Stanley Park – Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4

Vancouver Christmas Market

Photo: Vancouver Christmas Market / Facebook

The Vancouver Christmas Market is returning for its 10th year and is bringing with it more than 80 vendors. It also features a carousel, live performances, and even a walk-in Christmas tree, where you can view its dazzling lights from within.

Tickets: $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors, $9 for Youth (6-12)

When: November 20-24, 11:30 am-9:30 pm

Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place (home of the Olympic Cauldron)

Steveston’s Winter in the Village

Steveston is jam-packed with activities this season and decorated from head to toe. Santa will be around for visits, and there’s a market not to be missed.

Tickets: Varies for each event, with many of them free

When: November 21-December 31, Time Varies

Where: Steveston

Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $30 & Under

VanDusen Christmas Festival of Lights

Photo: shimmeringenergy / Flickr

Vancouver’s botanical garden features more than one million lights across its gardens. That includes the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake.

Tickets: $24 for Adults, $19 for Seniors, $14.75 for Children (4-12)

When: November 30-January 5, 4-9:30 pm

Where: Vandusen Gardens – 5251 Oak St, Vancouver

Aurora Winter Festival

Photo: Devon Nguyen / 604 Now

As Canada’s largest winter festival, there is so much to see and do. Check out the holiday market and vendors, before perusing the light displays, rides and the four worlds that exist within the PNE grounds.

Tickets: $17.99 GA for Adults, $12.99 for Seniors & Children (4-12)

When: November 22 – January 5, Time Varies

Where: The PNE, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver

Glow Christmas Festival

This massive indoor Christmas festival has come to Vancouver this year and features glowing light displays, games, a train and visits from Santa, his elves and a few princesses.

Tickets: $22.99 for Adults, $16.99 for Seniors & Children (4-12)

When: November 21-January 5, Time Varies

Where: Harbour Convention Centre 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver

Metro Vancouver Christmas Events: $35 to $60

Polar Express Train

Jump aboard the Polar Express train and head to the North Pole from Squamish. You’ll meet meet the Hobo, Hero Boy, Know-It-All, and the conductor on the train ride, while you enjoy your hot chocolate and cookies. Come in your pyjamas – it’s encouraged.

Tickets:$39 for Coach & $59 for First Class

When: November 23-December 15, Time Varies

Where: West Coast Railway Heritage Park – 39645 Government Rd, Squamish

Capilano Canyon Lights

Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge

The views from Capilano Suspension Bridge have always been a sight to see, but it’s magnified with the start of Canyon Lights. The North Vancouver Park will transform into a festive sight full of beautiful lights and some of the world’s tallest Christmas trees.

And for all B.C. residents, you can get a free annual season pass to the park for the price of one day’s regular admission. It also grants you free entry into Canyon Lights and 15% off admission for your guests.

Tickets: $53.95 for Adults, $48.95 for Seniors, $39.95 for Students, $29.95 for Youth, $16.95 for Children (6-12) 

When: November 22-January 26

Where: Capilano Bridge – 3735 Capilano Rd

The Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain

Photo: @snow_mads / Instagram

Grouse Mountain is turning into a Christmas Village with many attractions to choose from. Take a stroll through the gorgeous light displays, take a ride on Santa’s sleigh or go ice skating.

Tickets: $59 for Adults, $52 for Seniors, $32 for Children (5-16)

When: November 22-January 5, Time Varies

Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

So, what Christmas events are you going to check out this year?

To see more festivities around the city, check out Burnaby’s city lights or see this Canadian Superstars Christmas tribute event.

Source: 604NOW