Enjoy the festive wonders of The Beaches with our detailed event guide. From those who navigate The Beaches streets with ease to those still finding their way, our guide leads to holiday joy.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the Vancouver Christmas Market, where festive stalls offer handcrafted gifts and delicious treats amidst twinkling lights. Bright Nights features stunning light displays that transform local parks into winter wonderlands, captivating visitors with its impressive displays. And the Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it showcases vibrant illuminations and lively entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around The Beaches
- Festival of Lights (Vancouver)
- Vancouver Christmas Market (Vancouver)
- Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver)
- Bright Nights (Vancouver)
- Christmas Glow (Langley)
- Martini Town Merry & Bright (Langley)
- Liven Up Coal Harbour (Vancouver)
- Lights at Lafarge (Coquitlam)
- Squamish at Dusk (Squamish)
- Dundarave Festival of Lights (West Vancouver)
See these and even more events listed below!
The Beaches Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations inspired by BC's ecosystems.
Description:
Explore 15 acres adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights, featuring a new interactive mycelium installation and a display inspired by the Great Bear Rainforest of BC. Enjoy themed light areas, Dancing Lights sets, and a variety of food vendors.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Festival of Lights
Bright Nights
What to Expect:
Iconic 1961 locomotive ride through a forest of thousands of sparkling lights.
Description:
Bright Nights in Stanley Park features millions of sparkling lights, a vintage fire truck, and live entertainment, all benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Bright Nights
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
What to Expect:
Multicolored light display on a historic suspension bridge.
Description:
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park transforms into a vibrant spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights, illuminating the iconic bridge, rainforest, and surrounding trees. Visitors can explore Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, and enjoy live festive tunes while sipping hot chocolate. The event includes various family-friendly activities and supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor light festival with interactive activities and live entertainment.
Description:
Christmas Glow in Langley, BC, features over one million lights, an Enchanted Forest theme, interactive light installations, live performances, and a Merry Makers Market with local vendors.
Where: Langley | More Info: Christmas Glow
Martini Town Merry & Bright
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration on a film backlot with live music and Santa visits.
Description:
Martini Town Merry & Bright is a unique holiday event featuring a film backlot transformed into a Christmas celebration with New York City Street, courthouse, diner, town square, and small town settings. The event includes heartwarming classic decor, modern light displays, live music, and visits from Santa Claus. It offers a variety of entertainment options and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Where: Langley | More Info: Martini Town Merry & Bright
Lights at Lafarge
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display with themed zones and live entertainment.
Description:
Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver's largest free outdoor winter lights display, featuring over 100,000 lights and themed areas around Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake.
Where: Coquitlam | More Info: Lights at Lafarge
Liven Up Coal Harbour
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and live music performances along the Coal Harbour Seawall.
Description:
Liven Up Coal Harbour is a free, month-long family-friendly activation featuring dazzling lighting installations, live music, and storytelling along Vancouver's iconic waterfront from Canada Place to Cardero Park. The event includes over 150 musicians, a specialty bar, and cultural performances.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Liven Up Coal Harbour
Dundarave Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Largest outdoor Christmas tree displays in coastal British Columbia.
Description:
The Dundarave Festival of Lights is a community-driven event featuring a forest of lovingly decorated Christmas trees along West Vancouver's waterfront. It includes free live concerts and activities, celebrating the holiday season with a sense of belonging and community spirit.
Where: West Vancouver | More Info: Dundarave Festival of Lights
Squamish at Dusk
What to Expect:
Interactive light art installations in a vibrant winter hub.
Description:
Squamish at Dusk is a winter light art experience transforming Rose Park with creativity, lights, and interactive installations, sharing stories and creating memories.
Where: Squamish | More Info: Squamish at Dusk
Bright Walk in White Rock
What to Expect:
Large-scale winter light display with interactive installations.
Description:
Bright Walk in White Rock features over 50,000 lights, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and an LED light tunnel at Memorial Park, offering photo opportunities and snowflakes.
Where: White Rock | More Info: Bright Walk in White Rock
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
What to Expect:
Thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays.
Description:
At Butchart Gardens, stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas displays, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and festive greenery. Enjoy traditional carollers and a festive brass band, and warm up with hot chocolate and gingerbread at the Coffee Shop.
Where: Victoria | More Info: Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
Lights of Wonder
What to Expect:
Interactive light tunnels and live entertainment.
Description:
Lights of Wonder is a free outdoor light display at Centennial Square in Downtown Victoria, featuring themed light exhibits, interactive tunnels, and a 40-foot festive tree. The event offers live entertainment, warm treats, and magical light displays for all ages.
Where: Victoria | More Info: Lights of Wonder
Holiday at The Well
What to Expect:
Sparkling displays and live entertainment in a chic, modern setting.
Description:
The Well transforms into a Nordic-inspired holiday destination with sparkling displays, ice skating, and live entertainment, offering a chic and modern winter experience.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday at The Well
The Beaches Holiday Markets and Shopping
Vancouver Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German Christmas market with artisan shops and festive eats.
Description:
The Vancouver Christmas Market is an outdoor event at Jack Poole Plaza, featuring traditional German Christmas market stalls, artisan shops, and festive eats. Enjoy live entertainment, a holiday carousel, and unique installations like the Walk-Through Christmas Tree and Lovers Lane Love Lock Installation.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Vancouver Christmas Market
Candytown
What to Expect:
Free outdoor winter festival with local vendors and interactive elements.
Description:
Yaletown transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with live ice sculpting, horse carriage rides, and a variety of festive activities and shopping opportunities.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Candytown
Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed shopping and family activities.
Description:
Join the Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market at Riverside Common Park for holiday shopping, meet-and-greets with Santa, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
One of a Kind Winter Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
Description:
The One of a Kind Winter Show is a premier event showcasing Canadian handmade and artisanal objects. It features over 500 vendors, daily fashion shows, and special theme days. Visitors can explore diverse artistic expressions, meet talented makers, and enjoy various activities like the Creative Lounge and photo booth.
Where: Toronto | More Info: One of a Kind Winter Show
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Interactive shopping experience with live artist demonstrations and DJ entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is a free, one-day outdoor event featuring 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans. Shop for unique items like art, photography, sculptures, jewelry, fashion, home decor, and skin care products. Enjoy live artist demonstrations, food vendors, and music by DJ Kid Artik.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Christmas Market at WinterFest
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Christmas Market at WinterFest offers a variety of local artisan vendors selling unique holiday gifts and seasonal items, creating a delightful shopping experience amidst the festive atmosphere.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: Christmas Market at WinterFest
The Beaches Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Distillery Winter Village
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live entertainment and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Distillery Winter Village is a festive celebration featuring a tree lighting ceremony, singing carolers, and Santa's Tower of Toys. Enjoy holiday decorations, live entertainment, and shopping in a historic setting.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Distillery Winter Village
The Beaches Other Holiday Activities
Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with floats, marching bands, and Santa.
Description:
The Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade is a community event featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa, held in downtown Chilliwack. Over 10,000 spectators line the sidewalks to watch the festivities and catch a glimpse of Santa as he passes.
Where: Chilliwack | More Info: Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade
Squamish Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Inclusive celebration of diverse winter traditions.
Description:
The Squamish Holiday Parade is a family-friendly event where community members come together to celebrate various winter celebrations. The parade features colorful floats from local businesses and organizations, creating a lively atmosphere in Downtown Squamish.
Where: Squamish | More Info: Squamish Holiday Parade
Maple Ridge Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Santa Claus Parade with floats, marching band, and Santa.
Description:
The Maple Ridge Christmas Festival is a community event featuring a Santa Claus Parade, family-friendly activities, and holiday-themed decorations at Memorial Peace Park. It includes children’s crafts, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of festive activities.
Where: Maple Ridge | More Info: Maple Ridge Christmas Festival
Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour
What to Expect:
Unique hot chocolate flavors from local chocolatiers and cafes.
Description:
The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is a city-wide celebration featuring over 160 unique hot chocolate flavors from 71 vendors across 105 locations. This 14th annual event supports local businesses and three charity organizations, offering a diverse range of hot chocolate creations.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree decorating event supporting pediatric healthcare.
Description:
The Festival of Trees is a cherished community event where local businesses and organizations decorate beautifully adorned trees to support BC Children's Hospital. This holiday season, the public is encouraged to explore and vote for their favorite tree at various locations across Victoria, Okanagan, and Sooke.
Where: Victoria | More Info: Festival of Trees
42nd Santa Light Parade
What to Expect:
Live audio description and hot chocolate distribution.
Description:
The 42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade, presented by CHEK, kicks off at 5:00 PM on November 30, 2024, at Government and Belleville Streets. The parade will move north along Government, east on Humboldt, and north on Douglas, ending at the Victoria Public Market. The event includes live audio description at the Victoria Disability Resource Center, hot chocolate distribution, and Santa and Mrs. Claus photo opportunities.
Where: Victoria | More Info: 42nd Santa Light Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East End-Danforth (1 miles)
- Birchcliffe-Cliffside (2 miles)
- South Riverdale (3 miles)
- Clairlea-Birchmount (3 miles)
- Flemingdon Park (4 miles)
- Thorncliffe Park (4 miles)
- Moss Park (4 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (4 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (4 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (5 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (5 miles)
- Eglinton East (5 miles)
- Wexford/Maryvale (5 miles)
- Banbury-Don Mills (5 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (5 miles)
- Annex (5 miles)
- Dorset Park (6 miles)
- Toronto (6 miles)
- Parkwoods-Donalda (6 miles)
- Niagara (6 miles)
- Bendale (7 miles)
- Oakwood Village (7 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (7 miles)
- Woburn (7 miles)
- Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan (7 miles)
- Bedford Park-Nortown (7 miles)
- South Parkdale (8 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (8 miles)
- Agincourt South-Malvern West (8 miles)
- Don Valley Village (8 miles)
- Willowdale (8 miles)
- Bayview Village (8 miles)
- L'Amoreaux (8 miles)
- Willowdale East (9 miles)
- West Hill (9 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (9 miles)
- High Park North (9 miles)
- Agincourt North (9 miles)
- Steeles (10 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (10 miles)
- Malvern (10 miles)
- Newtonbrook West (10 miles)
- Milliken (10 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (11 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (11 miles)
- Westminster-Branson (11 miles)
- Rouge (11 miles)
- York University Heights (12 miles)
- Mimico (12 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (12 miles)
- Islington-City Centre West (13 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (13 miles)
- Black Creek (13 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (13 miles)
- Markham (13 miles)
- Etobicoke (14 miles)
- Vaughan (15 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (15 miles)
- Richmond Hill (15 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (15 miles)
- Pickering (18 miles)
- Ajax (18 miles)
- Mississauga (19 miles)
- Stouffville (20 miles)
- Brampton (24 miles)
- Aurora (24 miles)
- Oakville (25 miles)
- Oshawa (27 miles)
- Newmarket (27 miles)
- East Gwillimbury (30 miles)
- Uxbridge (31 miles)
- Milton (31 miles)
- Burlington (34 miles)
- St. Catharines (35 miles)
- Grimsby (35 miles)
- Caledon (37 miles)
- Hamilton (40 miles)
- Keswick (41 miles)
- Niagara Falls (41 miles)
- Niagara Falls (42 miles)
- Orangeville (43 miles)