Each of these holiday events around the city are the perfect way to celebrate the start of December!
1. Pretend you’re on holidays in Italy at this beautiful Sistine Chapel exhibition
One of many fantastic immersive art exhibitions to grace Vancouver this year, the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Exhibition is a must-see. Prepare to be totally immersed in a historical era of Rome and one of history’s greatest artists right here in Vancouver! It’s the perfect date night idea on a cold night downtown.
2. Drive by one of these stunning Christmas residential light shows
It’s finally December and that means tons of Vancouver’s most stunning residential light displays are back up and running! Take a drive by one of these grand, festive houses and tune into their light show! All of these spots are donating money and/or food to local food banks or hospitals, so it’s a really great way to give back before the holidays.
3. Feast your eyes at the incredible Da Vinci Experience
Another beautiful exhibit coming to Vancouver in time for the holidays, is the all new Da Vinci Experience & His Machines. Featuring more than 10 full size replicas reproduced by Florentine artisans, this new immersive exhibit is a unique learning experience. There also is a one-of-a-kind Oculus VR experience that is sure to give you a true appreciation for this iconic artist’s mastery as a painter, an engineer, an architect, an inventor, and more.
4. Get your holiday shopping done at the only European Christmas market in Vancouver
The incredibly festive Vancouver Christmas market is officially open for the holiday season. Filled with tons of specialty products from both European and local artisans, you’re sure to find all the most delicious seasonal treats and gifts.
5. Hop on the holiday train through Stanley Park
The location of some of our most cherished memories, Bright Nights aboard the Stanley Park Christmas train is one of the most wholesome events of the holiday season. It’s truly amazing looking at the millions of lights and listening to Christmas carols in the snow-covered forest.
6. Go for an ice skate on a mountain top
Santa is back at the top of Grouse Mountain for the Peak of Christmas holiday special event! Go for an ice skate, say hi to Santa or hop on a sled with *real life* reindeer! This Christmas event is included in the cost of a lift ticket up so enjoy the stunning scenery at the top of Grouse, filled with holiday magic!
7. Stroll through the picturesque Van Dusen Festival of Lights
The iconic Van Dusen Botanical Garden is reopening their stunning Festival of Lights after a year hiatus! There are over a million lights that cover 15 acres of Van Dusen Gardens just for your holiday delight.
8. Drive through a Fairytale Christmas light show
This incredible drive-thru Christmas event in Langley is a wonderful family-friendly adventure! Drive under the cover of millions of twinkling lights and participate in their Fairytale Christmas special! Filled with stunning light tunnels, elves that give out goodies and a great holiday soundtrack – this event is a real treat!
9. Get lost in the mountain valley filled with fallen stars
The seriously magical Valle Lumina light show is back in Whistler! Their whimsical night walk follows the glow of “fallen stars” for a truly immersive experience. It truly feels like you’ve entered into a storybook on this luminous trail with glowing mushrooms and fallen stars caught in the branches of the trees. Expect to be completely immersed in the legends of the magical valley in their completely integrated multimedia experience.
10. Go for a snowy hike with your pup
Still want to adventure outside despite the cold? Grab some pals and your furry friend and head to one of these stunning hikes close to Vancouver! The most well stunning vistas of the Howe Sound and Indian Arm are covered in a light dusting of snow and just waiting for you!
11. Check out the 8 biggest Christmas trees in the world
Capilano’s Canyon Lights holiday event is back on and more beautiful than ever. The iconic suspension bridge is completely light up and the valley below, which truly shows off the magic of the location. Wander through the glowing forest and see eight of the biggest Christmas trees in the world! This is our favourite time to check out this famous site.
12. Go skiing at one of BC’s famous resorts
Is December really complete if you don’t hit the slopes at least once? It’s finally ski season and you can bet we’ve been watching the snow report for the local mountains like a hawk. All this rain in the city means snow up in the mountains so get stoked!
13. Go skating for free right in the heart of downtown
Robson Square Ice Rink is opening for the holidays December 2nd and is the perfect free holiday event. Snag some turns before sipping on some warm hot chocolate on their heated patio. Before Christmas, tons of fantastic local musicians will be playing some holiday classics so stay tuned!