Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! We’re now on the final weekend of 2024—can you believe 2025 is just around the corner? Although the holidays fall in the middle of the week this year, the weekend is still packed with fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver.
With some holiday events wrapping up, this weekend is the perfect time to check out other festivities with the family before the season ends.
See you all in 2025!
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Boxing Day Shopping
Boxing Day shopping is in full swing, offering the perfect opportunity to snag incredible deals and discounts. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or check off items on your wish list, retailers across Metro Vancouver have plenty of offers to explore. From tech gadgets to fashion finds, it’s the ultimate day for bargain hunters. Don’t miss out—shop early to score the best deals!
Contact Winter Music Festival
The Contact Winter Music Festival returns to Vancouver on this weekend, bringing an electrifying lineup of top DJs and artists to BC Place. Known as Western Canada’s largest indoor music festival, this two-day event promises unforgettable performances and immersive visuals.
This year’s lineup features Grammy-nominated artist and producer deadmau5 alongside America’s Best DJ nominee Seven Lions. Joining them are other top-tier acts like Eli Brown, James Hype, and ARMNHMR, promising an unforgettable party experience.
When & Where: Dec 27 & 28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Stanley Park Bright Nights (Ending Jan 4)
Every holiday season has cherished traditions that bring joy to our hearts. And one of Vancouver’s favourite tradition is taking in the breathtaking light display at Stanley Park’s Bright Nights event.
Although unfortunately, the Stanley Park Holiday Train had to end early for the season, the park is still open for another week.
This FREE family-friendly event returns for another year of beautiful twinkling light displays, live entertainment, and delicious food.
When & Where: November 29– January 4, 2025 from 4-10 pm (closed Christmas Day) at Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: by donation
Christmas at Canada Place (Ending Jan 1) FREE
The annual family-friendly Christmas at Canada Place marks its return on November 30. Guests of all ages are invited to soak in the season and experience this popular holiday tradition.
Many of the favourites from past installments are here as well, including Woodward’s Windows, North Point Lights, Sails of Light and the Avenue of Trees.
When & Where: November 29 – Jan 1 from 8am – 10pm daily at Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Holiday Lights in Williams Park 2024 (Ending Dec 29) FREE
Langley’s annual Christmas in Williams Park lights display will be returning for the 2024 season! Visitors can once again enjoy Langley’s beautiful park adorned with 150,000 twinkling lights.
The annual drive thru experience is FREE to attend and is perfect for those looking to soak in holiday lights and cheer.
The event is free, but online RSVP is recommended.
When & Where: December 9-29 from 4-9pm daily at Williams Park, 68 Avenue and 238 Street, Langley
Cost: Free
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Glow Langley (Ending Dec 28)
The popular event returns to Langley, transforming a massive indoor venue into a dazzling wonderland of lights and interactive displays.
Families and visitors can explore illuminated gardens, admire intricate light sculptures, and even enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. With its enchanting atmosphere, Glow Langley has become a beloved holiday tradition, offering a magical experience for all ages during the festive season.
When & Where: November 21 – December 28 at Glow Gardens Langley, 6690 216 St, Langley
Cost: From $19.99
Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Village (Ending Jan 3) FREE
Experience Burnaby in all its festive beauty. The popular Heritage Christmas event will be coming back for another year.
The event takes place November 23 to January 3, 2025, and the best part yet—it’s free. The official launch of the Heritage Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony will be on November 30 at 6 p.m.
When & Where: November 23 to January 3, 2025 at the Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Cost: Free
Bear Creek Park Christmas Train 2024 (Ending Dec 31)
Riding on a mini-holiday train through a winter wonderland of lights and festive displays is undoubtedly one of the most magical holiday experiences.
If you’re having no luck getting tickets for the Stanley Park train, have no fear, because Surrey has its own magical train ride for all to enjoy.
The Bear Creek Christmas Train is back to provide a lot of joy, glee, and loads of family fun.
When & Where: December 1-31 at Bear Creek Park, Surrey
Cost: $11.50-$12.50
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Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver (Ending Dec 27)
Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver is a popular annual holiday event that features an impressive display of gingerbread houses crafted by local chefs, bakers, and community groups.
Held in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, guests can view the gingerbread houses for free, and the event includes a donation option for local charities.
When & Where: November 28 – December 27 at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Steveston’s Winter In The Village (Ending Dec 31)
The holiday season brings about many cheerful celebrations, but Steveston’s Winter In The Village is special. Special because it transforms Richmond into a month-long winter wonderland spreading Christmas joy and light. And the best part of this multi-venue, citywide festival – everything is FREE or low-cost. To beautiful lights and visits from Santa, to holiday trams and craft fairs, there are tons of things to do all month long.
When & Where: November 21 – December 31 at Steveston Village, Richmond
Cost: Free or low cost
St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (Ending Jan 3) FREE
Celebrate the Lights of Hope display at St Paul’s Hospital. The beloved Lights of Hope tradition returns! The Lights of Hope display will be shining bright over Burrard Street to show donor support for patients, residents, and frontline heroes across BC.
Their Light up event will be taking place on November 27 from 6-8pm with a free celebration with hot chocolate performances, and photos with Santa.
When & Where: November 27 – January 3 at St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver
Cost: Free
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Join the 450 Challenge and Donate blood
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Join the 450 Challenge and help meet Canada’s growing demand for blood and plasma. Every day, we need 450 new donors to ensure patients get the life-saving treatments they need.
If you’ve never donated before, now’s the time to become part of this vital mission. Book an appointment today or in the coming weeks to contribute to Canada’s Lifeline. Your donation could save three lives—let’s get Canada’s blood pumping!
Check out a beautiful Light Display
Perfect for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends and family, these sparkling displays in and around Vancouver are guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer.
You can check out our full guide here. Here are some events that has already started:
- Canyon Lights (Nov 22 – Jan 19) Cost varies (Details)
- Lights at Lafarge (Nov 22 – Feb 2025) FREE (Details)
- VanDusen Festival of Lights (Nov 29 – Jan 5) $28 (Details)
- Bright Walk in White Rock (Dec 7- Jan 12) Free (Details)
- Local Houses:
- DuPlessis Family Christmas Display (Dec 1-Jan 6) FREE (Details)
Catch a Show
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
This December, VIFF is presenting Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a hilarious and heartwarming new feature film adventure featuring the beloved claymation duo. Their first outing for over 15 years, it’s a treat for families (with $10 youth tickets!) – and anyone who loves endearing animation, dad jokes, slapstick comedy and joyous storytelling.
This time, Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit face off against a new tech-based threat: a “Smart Gnome” under the control of none other than the infamous Feathers McGraw.
The film promises a blend of humour, heart, and inventive gadgets—hallmarks of the Wallace & Gromit franchise. 35 years since British animation studio Aardman introduced us to the comedy odd couple, fans can expect the same beloved quirky characters, imaginative plot twists, and stunning claymation animation that has made these films so iconic.
Film lovers, this is your chance to enjoy a claymation masterpiece, with both matinee and evening screenings. Book your tickets now through the VIFF Centre website and rediscover the magic of Wallace & Gromit this holiday season!
When & Where: Shows throughout December-January.
Cost: From $16
Arts Club Theatre Company presents Miracle on 34th Street Starts (Ending Dec 29)
The Arts Club Theatre Company presents a Christmas classic this holiday season with Miracle on 34th Street on the Granville Island Stage.
Miracle on 34th Street was originally released as a film in 1947 and quickly became a holiday classic. Written by Valentine Davies and directed by George Seaton, the story has been adapted for the stage, television, and even radio over the decades.
When & Where: November 21 – December 29 at the Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver
Cost: $39
The Comedy Department’s Touring and Local Shows (Ending Dec 28)
The Comedy Department’s Touring and Local shows Light Up November & December.
During this holiday season, The Comedy Department continues to bring laughs across the Lower Mainland with two touring productions and holiday shows at their resident venue, The Show Cellar, in Vancouver.
When & Where: November 9 – December 28 all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: from $23
Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime
You are cordially invited to Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime! Metro Theatre’s yearly holiday tradition is back for the 39th time, with the same creative team that brought you last year’s big success, SINBAD!
This fairytale family favourite is sure to please young and old, prince and princess alike with exciting musical numbers, games, and laughs galore.
When & Where: December 13 – January 5 at the Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver
Cost: $33-$42
Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!
This holiday season Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, the award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel.
Join young Oliver Twist as he navigates the Victorian London underworld, searching for a place to belong, home, and – most importantly – family. Oliver! springs to life on the Gateway Mainstage with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage.
When & Where: December 12 – January 4 at Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road,
Richmond
Cost: From $40
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Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Cypress Pop-Up & Trestle Bridge (FREE)
Take a scenic stroll across an elevated trestle bridge adorned with dazzling holiday lights, nestled in a pocket forest on West Vancouver’s mountainside. Back by popular demand for the Christmas season, Cypress Village will light up nightly until the end of February 2025.
The Cypress Pop-Up Village is beautifully decorated for the holidays and features The Shed, a cozy outdoor spot offering festive treats and drinks like hot coffee, beer, and pizza. Visitors can also enjoy a designated lookout with breathtaking panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and Metro Vancouver.
When & Where: On now until February 2025, until 10 pm daily at 3757 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver (location of the pop-up village and main parking)
Cost: Free
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Rink (FREE)
North Vancouver’s impressive 12,000 square foot skating rink in The Shipyards returns this holiday season and it’s free for all.
The city skyline serves as a stunning backdrop, and with all these commercial amenities right at your fingertips, it’s truly spectacular. This skating rink is unlike any other in Vancouver.
When & Where: November 30 – February 28 at Shipyards District, 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Robson Square Ice Rink (FREE)
This winter, strap on some skates and frolic in one of Vancouver’s most beloved ice rinks. Downtown’s Robson Square Ice Rink will return to the public this holiday season. Conveniently located in the centre of downtown, it is an outdoor rink with a glass ceiling that beautifully lights up for the festive season.
When & Where: December 1 – February 29 from various times at Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Skate rentals are $5)
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Merry & Bright – Martini Town Film Studio Tour
Are you looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience this December? Step into Martini Town, a world of movie magic and indulge in a unique holiday experience. Langley’s very own exterior Film Backlot, is set to reopen to the public. Their beautiful set is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland by a team of skilled industry crew.
When & Where: December 4 – January 5, 2025 on select days at Martini Town, 1123 272 St, Aldergrove
Cost: $22
Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- Saturday, November 23 – The Polar Express 2D or 3D versions
- Saturday, December 7 – Elf
Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.
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