It's always a great idea to plan a fun family outing at Christmas time. Luckily for all of us here in Vancouver there are so many fabulous things to do and experience over the 2016 holiday season. Here's our list to get the family Fa-la-la-la-ing the whole season through!
One of Vancouver's most popular holiday events (and one of our personal favourites), the Vancouver Christmas Market brings authentic German traditions to the city. Visit the outdoor market from November 26 to December 31 to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a wide range of festive fun for the entire family! Experience traditional food and beverages (glühwein is a must for the adults!) and do a little gift shopping as you enjoy live music under the stars. Kids will enjoy riding the beautiful carousel and decorating their own gingerbread cookie at the Kids Centre.
Enjoy a cozy train ride together and witness the beauty that is three million sparkling Christmas lights illuminating the entirety of Stanley Park. The Bright Nights Christmas Train is a local favourite in Vancouver, especially for those with children. The lights and displays are completely breathtaking. After you've toured through the park aboard the Christmas train and seen all of the glorious sights, end your night in the plaza listening to Christmas carols while sipping a cup of hot cocoa and delighting in tasty treats.
Over one million sparkling lights will light up VanDusen Botanical Garden during the month of December. The Festival of Lights transforms the garden into a dazzling winter wonderland. Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the light displays while you enjoy decadent holiday treats, watch the fun Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake (shows start every 30 minutes) and have your photo taken with Santa.
The Nutcracker has been a much-loved holiday tradition for years. From December 15 to 20, the Goh Ballet Academy will transform the stage at The Centre in Vancouver into a winter wonderland, taking audiences on a magical holiday journey. This ballet is sure to enchant audiences of all ages with its vibrant costumes, whimsical musical score and Christmas-themed setting. Tickets start at $28.
Visit the world's tallest living Christmas tree (153 feet!) at one of Vancouver's most popular tourist destinations, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Celebrate the return of Canyon Lights – the annual holiday spectacle is now in its 11th season this year. The suspension bridge, along with the parks' surrounding areas, will be transformed with hundreds and thousands of lights. Kids will enjoy going on a snowy owl prowl, decorating gingerbread cookies and making their own Christmas cards at the Winter Pavilion.
Breakfast with Santa, part of Grouse Mountain's Peak of Christmas celebration, is a much-anticipated yearly tradition. Families can join Santa Clause atop the beautiful Grouse Mountain for a scrumptious buffet breakfast. Take photos with Santa, enjoy fun face painting, watch Christmas movies, head out on a magic snowshoe tour and skate on the frozen mountaintop ice rink.
Have an old fashioned Christmas on a beautiful 73-acre horse ranch. If you’re looking for something a little mellower and less hustle and bustle, an adventure at Timberline's Country Christmas may be for you. This event is all about the kids and there are plenty of activities to get them in the holiday spirit: wagon rides, a fun barn maze, petting zoo and opportunities to create their own Christmas ornaments and decorate festive Christmas cookies.