Kick off the new year with cozy, festive experiences happening across Metro Vancouver this weekend.
From glowing light displays and winter markets to family-friendly activities and immersive attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season before the holidays officially wind down.
1. 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
2. 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)
3. 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
4. Steveston Festival of Trees
The Steveston Festival of Trees returns with festive cheer as the historic Cannery transforms into a glowing winter wonderland.
Local businesses and community groups decorate illuminated trees in a friendly competition, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite.
Alongside the displays, enjoy seasonal activities and performances that celebrate Steveston’s diverse traditions and holiday spirit.
Date: November 30, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Address: 12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond, BC V7E 3J1
Cost: FREE
5. 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
6. Lights at Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights experience, presented by the City of Coquitlam.
Wander a 1.6-km illuminated pathway filled with dazzling displays and reimagined light features.
The show runs daily through mid-February, glowing from late afternoon into the evening.
Date: November 28, 2025 to February 16, 2026
Address: Lafarge, Coquitlam, BC
Cost: FREE
7. Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square Ice Rink invites Vancouverites to embrace a beloved winter tradition with outdoor skating in the heart of downtown.
This open-air rink offers a fun, festive way to enjoy the season, if you’re gliding with friends, spending time with family, or soaking up the city’s winter atmosphere.
It’s a classic, feel-good experience that captures the magic of winter in Vancouver.
Date: November 28, 2025 to February 28, 2026
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. 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.