From festive pop-ups and cozy village strolls to skating, lights, and immersive winter experiences, Metro Vancouver is packed with ways to enjoy the final weekend of the year.
If you’re craving treats, music, family fun, or a little seasonal magic, there’s something happening to keep the festive vibes going.
1. Christmas Pop-Up by Coyote’s Cafe
Coyote’s Cafe is hosting its final Christmas Pop-Up of the year with a festive takeover at Federal Store.
Expect a week of holiday treats, including pies, sausage rolls, specialty coffee, and new sweet creations.
Select days may feature lamingtons and stroopwafels, making this cozy pop-up a delicious stop for seasonal bites and warm coffee vibes.
Date: December 26 to 28, 2025
Address: 2601 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3A6
Cost: FREE
2. Morning Disco
Morning Disco brings brunch-time partying to Vancouver with music, coffee, drinks, and high-energy vibes.
Celebrate the event’s first birthday with a Slothee Coffee pop-up, top-tier DJs, live instrumentation, and a joyful, early-morning dance floor.
Hosted by familiar faces, this feel-good gathering also gives back, with partial proceeds supporting the Gaza Soup Kitchen.
Date: December 28, 2025
Address: 67 W 6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K2
Cost: FREE
3. Magic of Gastown
Gastown is going full holiday mode, with twinkling lights, roaming carolers, and festive little pop-ups all over the neighbourhood.
You’ll see local shops and restaurants join in with decorated displays, plus the Gastown Tree Walk that turns the area into a mini forest of holiday creativity.
Date: December 4 to 31, 2025
Address: Gastown, 107 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC
Cost: FREE
4. Winter Discovery Days
If you need a kid-friendly winter outing that’s not just another mall lap, this one’s a solid pick.
Winter Discovery Days brings the Fraser River to life with hands-on activities, storytime, and easy drop-in learning that actually feels fun.
From December 28 to January 4, the focus switches to plants, with microscope experiments and even a Just Dance Plant Edition moment.
Everything runs daily, and you can jump into facilitated activities in the morning and storytime in the afternoon.
Caretakers need to stay with kids the whole time, so it’s a full family hang.
Date: December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (10:00am to 4:00pm)
Address: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC
Cost: $5 to $20 (family $20, adult $8, senior $6, student $6, child $5, under 2 free)
5. Winter in the Village Steveston
Winter in the Village Steveston transforms the waterfront into a festive wonderland filled with lights, displays, and holiday spirit.
Visitors can enjoy free, family-friendly experiences including seasonal décor, cozy coffee stops, a Festival of Trees, a charming winter tram, selfie stations, and Santa visits.
It’s a warm, welcoming way to soak up festive cheer while strolling through Steveston Village.
Date: November 20 to December 31, 2025
Address: Steveston Village, Richmond, BC
Cost: FREE
6. Soar With Santa
Soar with Santa returns to FlyOver Canada with a magical flying-theatre adventure that takes guests on a festive journey across Canada and onward to Santa’s North Pole.
With immersive motion seating, wind, mist, scents, and a cozy holiday atmosphere, it’s a joyful seasonal experience complete with festive treats—perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak up Christmas magic.
Date: November 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Address: 999 Canada Pl #201, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
Cost: From $29
7. 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)
Address: Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Free with your own skates (rentals: skates $5, ice cleats $2, sharpening $5 when available)
8. 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
Address: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6
Cost: FREE
9. 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
Address: 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Cost: From $70
10. Destination Downtown Vancouver
Destination Vancouver brings festive winter fun to downtown with glowing lights, outdoor skating, and seasonal attractions for all ages.
Ride the Downtown Vancouver Ferris Wheel for skyline views, skate at Robson Square with free live entertainment, explore illuminated photo spots across neighbourhoods, and discover animal-themed light installations along the waterfront—complete with interactive contests, twinkling trees, and scenic evening strolls.
Date: December 2, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Address: Downtown Vancouver, BC
Cost: From $5
That’s it for this weekend!
See more upcoming events happening in Metro Vancouver by visiting our events calendar.