The holiday countdown is on, and Metro Vancouver is packed with festive ways to spend the weekend.
From cozy markets and creative workshops to cheerful tastings and magical family experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season and enjoy what the city has to offer.
1. Made in the 604 Holiday Night Markets
Need last minute gifts but also want a fun night out that feels festive?
This night market at The Pipe Shop is basically your holiday shopping shortcut, with 75+ vendors, twinkling lights, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to wander.
It’s free to enter, runs in the evening, and is an easy excuse to grab a little treat while you browse handmade goods. Go early if you want the calmest lap before it gets busy.
- Date
- December 19, December 22, and December 23, 2025
- Cost
- FREE
2. Holiday Drink Showdown
Enjoy a festive sip-off at La Marzocco HQ on December 20, where guests can sample two new holiday drinks and vote for their favorite to unlock the recipe.
The event also features snacks, laid-back holiday music, and a cozy atmosphere, making it a fun way to ease into the weekend.
- Date
- December 20, 2025
- Cost
- FREE
3. Evergreen Pop-up
Discover thoughtful, long-lasting holiday gifts at the Evergreen Pop-up, a curated showcase of women-led brands at Another Studios Inc.
Explore offerings from Celsia Floral, Kara Yoo Jewellery, Livia Sweets, MiMoko Ceramics, Meemware, Naetal Skincare, Vestige Story, and Written Word Calligraphy while enjoying a day of meaningful activities and beautifully crafted designs.
- Date
- December 20, 2025
- Cost
- FREE
4. Magic of Gastown
Gastown has gone full holiday mode, with twinkly lights, roaming carolers, and cute little surprises tucked into shops and streets.
Expect neighbourhood elves, boutique shopping, a festive Tree Walk with decorated displays by local businesses, and plenty of cobblestone strolls that feel straight out of a movie.
If you want the most nostalgic moment, the free horse drawn carriage rides are back on December 14 and 21, bringing back a Gastown tradition that started in the 1980s.
- Date
- December 1 to 31, 2025 (carriage rides: December 14 and 21)
- Cost
- FREE
5. Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Vancouver’s longest night gets a little less dark when hundreds of lanterns hit the streets at this yearly solstice celebration.
You can make a lantern, join one of the evening processions in Yaletown or Granville Island, then end the night at the Labyrinth of Light, a calm, self-guided walk lit by beeswax candles.
- Date
- December 21, 2025
- Cost
- From $20 (Labyrinth of Light $20, Globe Lantern $25, Nature Lantern $35)
6. The Robson Square Skating 12 Days of Christmas
If you want the most classic Vancouver winter move, this is it.
Robson Square’s outdoor rink is back with free skating downtown, plus hot chocolate and snacks on-site.
The best part is the 12 Days of Christmas lineup, where you can skate to live music and DJs on select dates through mid to late December.
It’s an easy, low effort hang that still feels festive.
- Date
- November 28, 2025 to February 28, 2026 (12 Days of Christmas performances run December 13 to 24, plus December 31)
- Cost
- Free with your own skates (rentals: skates $5, ice cleats $2, sharpening $5 when available)
7. Coquitlam Christmas Night Market
The Coquitlam Christmas Night Market is a family tradition that blends festive shopping, great food, and evening fun.
Browse unique and handmade vendors perfect for last-minute gifts, enjoy delicious bites from local food stalls, and wrap up your night with a stroll through the dazzling Lights at Lafarge.
It’s a cheerful holiday outing worth visiting all three nights.
- Date
- December 20, 2025
- Cost
- $2
8. Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back, bringing a charming German-style village to the heart of the city.
Enjoy Bratwurst, Glühwein, artisan gifts, live music, and festive activities as you wander through cozy European-inspired lanes.
It’s the perfect holiday escape — no passport required.
- Date
- December 19 to 21, 2025
- Cost
- From $6.99
9. Wesbrook Village Holiday Market
The Wesbrook Village Holiday Market is back bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever! Running from November 28 to December 21 at Norman Mackenzie Square, this festive market lights up UBC Point Grey with weekend shopping, seasonal treats, and holiday fun.
Visit Fridays from 3–9 PM or Saturdays and Sundays from 12–7 PM and soak in the cosy village vibes all season long.
- Date
- December 19 to 21, 2025
- Cost
- FREE
10. Breakfast With Santa
Enjoy a festive morning at Breakfast With Santa, featuring a hearty holiday buffet, a special Santa visit, and an immersive Soar with Santa ride through Canada and the North Pole.
Guests receive a complimentary souvenir photo, making it a magical seasonal experience offered on multiple dates throughout December.
- Date
- December 20 & 21, 2025
- Cost
- From $60
11. Festive Village
Celebrate the season at Festive Village, where twinkling lights and classic decorations transform the museum’s 10-acre open-air site into a cozy holiday escape.
Explore sports-and-games–themed exhibits, enjoy carolers and roaming entertainers, meet Father Christmas, and dive into family-friendly activities like a scavenger hunt.
Grab a warm bite at Mai’s Cafe or sweet treats from Cravings Kettle Corn as you take in all the festive fun.
- Date
- November 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026
- Cost
- FREE
12. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Experience the magic now at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience, currently enchanting Vancouver!
Wander through an illuminated woodland where you can cast spells, meet magical creatures, and revisit iconic moments from the films.
This immersive trail brings Hippogriffs, unicorns, Nifflers, themed snacks, and tons of photo-worthy scenes to life.
It’s already underway — grab your tickets and step into the wizarding world.
- Date
- November 13, 2025 to January 11, 2026
- Cost
- From $70
That’s it for this weekend!
See more upcoming events happening in Metro Vancouver by visiting our events calendar.