The Christmas season is upon us and there is an endless list of activities and events that you can put on your calendar.
I have curated a list of some of our favourites and some new events we are checking out this year.
Some of the events are free, others you will need to get advanced tickets for.
All events are in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley in BC.
Keep checking it out as I will be updating it throughout the season!
I’d love to hear what your favourite Christmas event traditions are.
Highstreet Holiday Show
Every Saturday at 5pm from November 16 – December 14.
The FREE 30 minute live show includes performances by: the MEI Screaming Eagles Marching Band, Project Dance, Rudolf, Frosty, Spandy Andy, and of course Santa!
Glow Abbotsford/Vancouver
December 5 – January 4 on Mondays-Saturdays.
Experience a magical family-friendly indoor wonderland as you help Santa and his elves find his reindeer and discover new ways to deliver presents using hot air balloons, planes, trains, motorcycles and more! Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights.
Disney On Ice
November 28 – December 1
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party,a brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco in Miguel’s Disney On Ice debut, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky above you as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around!
Lights on the Lake
November 23 – January 12
Get into the holiday spirit with the second annual Lights by the Lake! This free attraction will give you that warm Christmas feeling as you stroll along a Christmas light display down the waterfront of Harrison Hot Springs.
Lights by the Lake highlights Harrison’s longstanding history of the elusive Sasquatch, which has been passed down through the oral traditions of the Sts’Ailes Nation. Our Holiday displays focuses on naturally Harrison, highlighting our local wildlife and the Sasquatch participating in various activities available in Harrison Hot Springs; i.e. hiking, biking, paddling.
All these displays are custom built and will be lit from dusk to 11:00 PM. The Lights by the Lake Holiday display lights up 1 km waterfront of Harrison Hot Springs along the promenade.
Vancouver Christmas Market
November 20 – December 24
A beloved holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the Vancouver Christmas Market features
more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures.
Experience the signature yuletide celebration at its expansive seaside site at
Jack Poole Plaza ~ home of the Olympic Cauldron.
Aurora Winter Festival
November 22 – January 5
This holiday season, Hastings Park/PNE will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Experience Canada’s Largest Winter Festival. Escape to a hidden village with a beautiful skating rink, a tube park, massive light displays, a Christmas Market, amusement rides, food gardens, magical characters, and plenty of other exciting activities.
Canyon Lights
November 22 – January 26
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, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment.
Once again the 30-ton Douglas firs of Treetops Adventure will receive star treatment. Treetops Adventure is a series of seven suspension bridges attached to eight 250 years old Douglas-firs with viewing platforms, reaching up to 110 feet above the forest floor. These magnificent Douglas firs will be lit above and below the collars, making these trees the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world!
Back by popular demand, go on a Snowy Owl Prowl, decorate gingerbread cookies (by donation) and sing-along carols with the holiday band.
Downtown Abbotsford Winter Jubilee
November 23 from 5-9pm
The 30th Annual Winter Jubilee + Tree Lighting in Downtown Abbotsford!
There will be live musical entertainment, Santa and Mrs Claus, a vendor market, food trucks, a skating rink, fireworks and MORE!
Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree
December 6-8 and 13-15.
Free tickets sell out fast!
In 2019 the event celebrates its 52nd anniversary. Since 1967 thousands of people have participated in the Singing Christmas Tree, and hundreds of thousands more have been thoroughly entertained.
The free event takes place about 10 times each year over the course of six days in the lead up to Christmas. It involves a cast, choir and support staff of over 250 volunteers, and the stage features a giant Christmas tree with 10 levels from which 80+ members of the choir perform. The show involves singing by the choir, solo performances, mini skits, acrobatics, dancers and even people floating down from the ceiling.