These winter and Christmas themed activities are listed in order of the event’s opening date. For November activities, please see Family Friendly Christmas & Seasonal Activities in and Around Vancouver, BC :: November
Burnaby Village Heritage Christmas
November 24 - January 1
A Christmas to Remember - A Storybook Christmas is Brought to Life
Experience Christmas traditions from the past: sparkling decorations, the smell of pine and cedar, and sounds of carollers strolling through the traditional village remind visitors of their own Christmas memories. The traditional village features traditional entertainment, a restored carousel, demonstrations, hands-on activities and exhibits from the early 1900s. The heritage crafts and a chat with Father Christmas are highlights with children.
Cost: Regular admission rates apply.
For hours and schedule of entertainment,
please city the City of Burnaby website.
Wheelchair accessible
Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience
Starting November 30th, 2007
The 3D IMAX is the best way to see this film, based on the classic Caldecott award-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg. This Christmas story follows a doubting young boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The cinenatography is a blend of live photography and CG creates a unique blend of realism and fantasy.
No passes. Special Engagement.
Christmas Train & Bright Lights in Stanley Park
Nov. 30, 2007 - Jan. 3, 2008
More than a million twinkling lights transform the forest, train and Children’s Farmyard into a magical wonderland. Aroma of roasting chestnuts and hot cocoa add to the festive atmosphere. The train ride is full of wonders for young and old alike, taking you on a journey through seasonal settings.
A Vancouver tradition for more than 20 years, this is a busy event. Pre-purchase your tickets well in advance, and come early so you have time to find parking. Strollers are not permitted on the train, but stroller parking is provided. Your train ride includes admission to the Children’s Farmyard – a great place to warm up!
Please refer to the event’s website for details.
Train ride tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Cost: Admission to the grounds by donation to the
Vancouver Firefighters Burn fund.
Train ride costs $7.50 for adults, and $4.50 for kids 2-18 and seniors; Includes a ride on the Train and a visit to the Children’s Farmyard.
Hansel Gretel & the Gingerbread House
Surrey Arts Centre, Studio Theatre
Dec. 1, 2007
Be dazzled by this Brothers Grimm classic tale staged with live actors and back light puppets, and presented with a culinary twist. Enjoy the adventures of mischievious Hansel and Gretel, the enchanted Gingerbread House and its world full of magic.
This 45 minute show is intended for ages 3-9. See the website for more info.
Cost: All seats $8.
Grouse Mountain’s
“Peak of Christmas”
Dec. 1 - 24, 2007
During the month of December, the spirit of Christmas comes alive with a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities on top of Grouse Mountain. So visit Santa’s Workshop on top of the mountain, and meet Santa’s reindeer. For inquisitive minds, you can learn more about Santa’s reindeer at the daily ranger interpretive talks.
While there, why not enjoy an evening skate on their mountaintop Ice Skating Pond? It gets busy, so if you have your own skates, bring them!
During this event, there is lots of free entertainment, including carols sung by Vancouver Choirs, the Theatre in the Sky shows classic Christmas movies, and the Spirit Gallery has a display of SOS Children’s Village Parade of Trees.
Refer to the website for more details.
Cost: Complimentary with paid Grouse Mountain
general admission or membership.
General Admission prices: $33/adults, $12/children; $19/youth
Carol Ships “Parade of Lights”
Dec. 1 - 23, 2007
This Vancouver holiday tradition has grown to more than 80 decorated boats, with in excess of 150,000 lights. The Carol Ships Parade of Lights provides spectacular scenery as the lit up vessels sail past the different marine communities of Greater Vancouver.
Check out the many community-based shore side celebrations on the website that provide additional activities (caroling, bonfires, roving performers, etc.) as you watching the stream of decorated boats sail by.
Please consult the website for details.
Cost: Free, but many community events request donations of non-perishable foods or toys in support of various non-profit organizations of the Lower Mainland.
Cloverdale’s 2nd Annual Santa’s Parade of Lights
Sunday, December 2, 2007
An exciting evening celebration to welcome Santa Claus to Surrey! Entertainment, Food, Face-painting & Children’s activities. This year’s evening parade at the Cloverdale Town Centre will include over 20 semi rigs decorated plus a variety of other floats all lit up!
Pre-parade activities (5pm-6pm), Parade (6pm-7:30pm). For more info, refer to the website.
Bring the entire family to Wellbrook Winery for a magical scene of light and music. 35,000 Christmas lights adorn the heritage winery and surrounding buildings. Enter the century old barn and see the animated Christmas music and light show. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate during evening visits. For more info, visit the Wellbrook Winery website.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens “Festival of Lights”
Dec. 7, 2007 - Jan. 1, 2008
A magical experience for the whole family! Be dazzled when millions of twinkling lights turn the Garden into a realm of sheer wonder. Delight in the effects created along Lake Walk with the Dancing Lights set to seasonal music, the Magic Marsh with its colourful inhabitants and the Gingerbread Wood.
Evenings prior to Christmas also feature community choirs on the Deck, and Santa makes an appearance is Santa’s Living Room. One of the most magical places is the Candle Shrine where you can light a candle and make a wish in support of the Make a Wish Foundation. Check Festival of Lights website for hours and pricing information.
Cost: Family rate $22. Children under 6 admitted free.
Individual rates on website.
A Pioneer Christmas at the Surrey Museum in Cloverdale
Saturday, December 15
Explore Christmas customs from pioneer days, including crafts for the whole family, sip some traditional Christmas punch, nibble on treats, and sing carols.
For information call 604-592-6956 or see the website.
Admission by donation.
Christmas Open House at the Historic Stewart Farm in South Surrey
Saturday, December 15
Celebrate a traditional holiday by touring the Victorian farmhouse decorated for the season, sampling woodstove-baked treats and hot spiced apple cider, and making heritage crafts to take home.
For information call 604-592-6956 or see the website.
Suggested admission (by donation):
Adults: $5, Seniors & Students: $3.75
Child & Youth: $2.50, 5 and Under: Free
Evening Carol Sing at the Historic Stewart Farm in South Surrey
Saturday, December 15
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Experience how Surrey families made Christmas music together 100 years ago. We’ll bring you some figgy pudding in the farmhouse kitchen as you hear and sing traditional carols.
For information call 604-592-6956 or see the website.
Suggested admission (by donation):
Adults: $5, Seniors & Students: $3.75
Child & Youth: $2.50, 5 and Under: Free
Scuba Claus at the Vancouver Aquarium
December 15, 16, 22, 23, 24
Most of us have heard of Santa sliding down the chimney, but many don’t know that he scuba dives. Santa will be swimming with the fishes at the Vancouver Aquarium’s “Strait of Georgia exhibit” at 12 p.m. on December 15, 16, 22, 23, 24. Scuba Claus is a preview to the Aquarium’s holiday activities, which run from December 26 to January 6 and include a scavenger hunt, crafts and music from children’s entertainers Bobs and Lolo.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 28 - 31, 2007
The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition for the whole family. This year we Vancouverites are in for a special treat, as Ballet British Columbia presents the world-renowned Moscow Classical Ballet in this year’s production of the Nutcracker Ballet.
Yes, this is classical ballet, but the exquisite sets, beautiful choreography and moving music create a magical atmosphere that draws everyone in, from the young to the old. This year, it’s the larger-than-life puppets – measuring some 12-feet high – that will keep even the youngest audience members riveted. Depending on your child’s temperament, this is appropriate for kids from age 4 and up. TIP: Matinees are Family-friendly!
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. See the Ballet BC website for details.
Cost: $27-75/adult; $21-56 for kids under 14.
Winter Playland at Centennial Arena in White Rock
December 28-30
Skating is held from 1 to 7 pm.
Refer to the website for more information.
For November activities, please see Family Friendly Christmas & Seasonal Activities in and Around Vancouver BC :: November
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