1. Bright Lights - Stanley Park
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
At Stanley Park's Bright Nights over a million twinkly lights transform the forest, train and Children's Farmyard into a winter wonderland. Access to the beautifully-lit plaza is free, though you do need to pay to ride the Bright Lights Train or enter the Children's Farmyard.
Runs November 27 - January 2
2. Rogers Santa Claus Parade - Downtown Vancouver
Photo by Greg Descantes
The Rogers Santa Claus Parade features over 60 marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and community groups, attracting over 300,000 spectators along its route through downtown Vancouver. Volunteers will also be collecting non-perishable goods for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. In the past four years, over $22,000 and 26,500 pounds of food have been collected!
Sunday, December 6
3. Festival of Lights - VanDusen Botanical Garden
Image Courtesy of VanDusen Botanical Garden
The gorgeous VanDusen Gardens turn festive with elaborate light decorations, a Candy Cane Tree and a Gingerbread Walk. There are also nightly appearances from Santa, a Dancing Lights show, community choirs, and much more.
Runs December 11 - January 3 (closed December 25)
4. Christmas at Canada Place - Downtown Vancouver
Image Courtesy of Canada Place Corporation
The iconic sails of downtown Vancouver's Canada Place are the site of another Vancouver holiday spectacle: the On the Sails light shows, happening daily from 6pm to 10pm. Viewable from Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, the North Shore, Gastown and Carol Ships on the water, the sails' transformation into a dazzling display of light and colour is a fantastic, free way to get in the holiday spirit.
Runs December 1 - December 30
5. The Nutcracker - Downtown Vancouver
Can it be December without The Nutcracker, arguably the most famous and beloved ballet of all time? A close friend of mine makes it an annual tradition to see The Nutcracker with her goddaughter. It's a beautiful way to make memories, dress up in your holiday best and support Ballet BC all at the same time.
2009 Dates TBA
