Vancouver Christmas Fun for the Whole Family

It’s winter in the city.  The mountains are covered with fresh snow and the ski hills on Grouse and Cypress Mountains are open for business.  There’s lots of winter fun awaiting the whole family in Vancouver.  So if you are visiting, plan to stop by and enjoy some of these seasonal events.

• The Polar Express is a magical 4-D experience at the Vancouver Aquarium, in Stanley Park, that combines high definition 3-D film with exciting sensory affects. Open 9:30 am- 5:00 pm; Admissions Adult $21, Senior/Students $13-18, $16, Child 4 – 12 $13, 3 and under free. (map)
• Bright Nights in Stanley Park is open November 26 – January 2 from 3 -10 daily (closed Friday Dec. 25) Millions of twinkling lights transform the forest into a Christmas fairyland.  Ride the little train and visit the Children’s Farmyard.  Lots of animated displays and fun for the family with proceeds going to the BC Firefighters Burn Fund. Admission includes a ride on the train and a visit to the farmyard.  Adults $8.04; Seniors and Children 2-18 $5.36 plus HST. Tickets or at the Train plaza. (map)
• Burnaby Village Museum. 650 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby. Enjoy a Heritage Christmas with lots of entertainment and activities from the early 1900’s including a chat with Father Christmas.  Be sure and ride the antique carousel.  November 26 – January 2 (closed Christmas day)  4:30 pm – 9 pm .  Admissions: Adults $11.70; Senior/disabled/youth 13-18 $8.81; Child 6 – 12 $5.80, under 5 free. Carousel $1.95 ride. (map)
• Festival of Lights at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street @ W. 37^th Ave December 10 – Jan 2,  4:30 pm – 9 pm every day except Christmas Day.  Millions of twinkling lights and the spectacular Dancing Lights show on Candy Cane Lane.  Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by lighting a candle at the Candle Shrine. Admission: Adults $13.00; Ssenior & Youth 13-18 $7.50; Children 6 – 12 $7.25. Under 6 free. Families (2 adults and children) $29.75 (map)
• Christmas in the Country at Krause Berry Farms, 6179-248^th St., Langley.  Fun for the family with workshops and breakfast with Santa. November 18 – December 19 Thursday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.  (map)
• Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge December 3 – January  5  – 9 pm  A Christmas Band entertains as you stroll through the canyon park.  Adults $15; Children 6 – 12: $5. Family (two adults/two children) $35.  (map)
• Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain November 27 – December 24 (various times) Visit Santa’s workshop and meet the reindeer.  Take a sleigh ride through the alpine forest.  Skate on the Skating Pond.  All included in your Grouse Mountain Admission, Annual Membership, Winter Pass or Lift Ticket. Tickets: Adults $39.95; Senors $35.95; Youth 13 – 18 $23.95; Children 5 – 12 $13.95; 4 and under free. (map)
• Rudoloph Sightings atop the Lookout at Harbour Centre, 555 West Hastings Street,  November 1 – December 26.  Catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer from the Observation Deck .  Complimentary guided tours and children’s activities.  Admissions: Adult $15; Senior 60+ $12.00; Student with valid ID $10.00; 13-18 $10.00; Children 6 – 12 $7.00; Under 5 free.  (map)
• Rogers Santa Clause Parade, from Broughton and Georgia Streets to Howe and Davie Streets, December 5 at 1 pm.  Decorated floats, performers and entertainers and of course, dear old Santa Clause.
• The Christmas Carnival at Coal Harbour Community Centre, 489 Broughton Street, December 4, 10 am – noon.  Visit Santa in his magical winter wonderland.  Space if limited so pre-registration recommended.  Parent participation required. Children $6  (appropriate for ages 2 – 6) (map)
• Festival of Trees at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, 791 West Georgia Street, November 24 – January 5.  A display of beautifully decorated tress.  Public is invited to vote for the best tree. A fund-raiser for the Children’s Hospital. Free Admission. Donations accepted (minimum of $2 suggested)  (map)
• Hyack Santa Claus Parade of Lights, New Westminster, December 4 at 4 pm.  Festive music, floats, coloured lights and family fun at this civic celebration.
• Breakfast with Santa at Canada Place, December 18 – 19.  Great fun for all ages.  A buffet-style breakfast, chidren’s entertrainment and a visit with Santa Claus.  Purchase tickets online. (map)
• Twelve Days of Christmas at the Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave., December 18 – January 2, 10 am – 5 pm, Sundays noon – 5 pm.  Bring a non-perishable food bank donation and celebrate the season by sharing.  Children under 10 receive free admission when accompanied by a paid adult. Admissions: Adult $11.00; 6 – 18 years $8.50  + HST  (map)
• A Dylan Thomas Christmas: A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Ryerson United Church,  2145 W. 45th Avenue, December 17, 8 pm and December 19, 3 pm.  This Dylan Thomas Christmas features Bard-on-the Beach actor Russell Roberts reading, illustrated with Christmas carols and songs by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. (map)
• Winter Solstice, West End and Coal Harbour Community Centres. December 21, 6 pm – 10 pm.  A cultural event interpreting the solstice.  Celebrate with lanterns, music, dance and ice skating at this free event.

Photos by W. Ruth Kozak