Things to Do in Vancouver on Christmas

Enjoy a Vancouver Christmas.

Vancouver, British Columbia, is a wonderful place to spend the Christmas holidays. Families can enjoy light shows, train rides, parades and even a scuba-diving Santa. Get your gift shopping done on Granville Island, then check out these Vancouver events to make your Christmas season even more special.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Stanley Park, one of the world's largest urban parks, hosts Bright Nights at Stanley Park each year from Thanksgiving until Jan. 1. Over a million Christmas lights turn the park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Take a ride on the Bright Nights Train and marvel at the animated, lighted figures spread throughout the park. The train takes you through the Children's Farmyard, the international village, Santa's Workshop and past a giant moose. Enjoy some hot chocolate and popcorn with Santa at the train station. Best of all, part of the proceeds from Bright Nights benefit charity, so be on the lookout for the donation box at the front gate.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park
2099 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
604-873-7193
vancouver.ca/parks/events/brightnights/index.htm

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

For half a century, the Carol Ships Parade of Lights Society has coordinated a lighted boat parade in Coal Harbor. Over 50 boats, decorated with over 100,000 lights, participate in this Christmas tradition. The boats also carry carolers who sing to observers on the shore. The Parade usually lasts for 20 nights in the month of December.

Carol Ships Parade of Lights
P.O. Box 4122 VMPO
Vancouver BC V6B 3Z6
604-878-8999
carolships.org/s/Home.asp

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Your family will love the Rogers Santa Claus Parade through downtown Vancouver. The parade starts at the corner of Broughton and Georgia. Before the parade, kids can get their faces painted, play a game of balloon twister, write a letter to Santa, help work on the giant gingerbread tent, and enjoy live entertainment. After the parade is over, strap on your ice skates and join Santa for a free public skating session at Robson Square.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Suite 200, 55 Water Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1
604-646-3581
rogerssantaclausparade.com/

Vancouver Aquarium North Pole Adventure

Don't miss the Vancouver Aquarium's North Pole Adventure, complete with a scuba-diving Santa. Santa will be taking a dive in the Strait of Georgia exhibit, swimming with local sea life found off of Vancouver's coast. Kids will also enjoy live musical performances throughout the holiday season.

Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
604-659-3474
vanaqua.org

References

• Bright Nights at Stanley Park
• Carol Ships Parade of Lights
• Rogers Santa Claus Parade
• Vancouver Aquarium

Resources

• Tourism Vancouver: Christmas