Christmas Activities in the Fraser Valley & Metro Vancouver: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Enchanting Light Displays ✨
While big attractions like VanDusen Festival of Lights and Capilano Canyon Lights are must-sees, don’t miss hidden gems like the Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum, where vintage lights, carolers, and a free carousel ride transport you to Christmas past. In Maple Ridge, the Christmas in the Park event features a charming community light-up and cozy bonfires.
Quaint Holiday Markets 🛍️
Beyond the bustling Vancouver Christmas Market, explore the Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market for artisanal gifts or the Mission Twilight Christmas Market—a cozy, lantern-lit affair with local crafts and live music. The Steveston Village Winter Market is a seaside treat with a unique, small-town feel.
Festive Farm Experiences 🌾
Try a winter wagon ride and marshmallow roast at Fantasy Farms’ Reindeer Lane in Chilliwack, or visit Maan Farmsfor their Christmas Market and barnyard animals. Laity Tree Farm in Maple Ridge offers not just tree cutting, but festive photo ops and a magical forest walk.
Secret Santa Sightings 🎅
Skip the mall crowds and find Santa at hidden spots like the Coquitlam Heritage Society’s Santa’s Workshop or the Chilliwack Museum’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, where the big man in red makes special appearances in a historic setting.
Unique Outdoor Fun ❄️
Try the Glow Maple Ridge illuminated walk, or snowshoe under the stars at Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk. For something different, check out the Lights at Lafargescavenger hunt or the Burnaby Mountain Park’s quiet, twinkling trails.
Charming Train Rides 🚂
Beyond Stanley Park’s famous train, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park’s Polar Express in Squamish and the Bear Creek Park Christmas Train in Surrey are magical—and less crowded alternatives.
Intimate Holiday Performances 🎶
Catch a cozy Christmas concert at St. Andrew’s Wesley Church in Vancouver or a local theatre’s holiday play in places like Chilliwack Cultural Centre or Langley’s Chief Sepass Theatre. These smaller venues offer a warm, community feel.
Gingerbread & Holiday Treats 🍪
Don’t miss the Gingerbread Village at River Rock Casinoin Richmond, or the creative displays at Frosting Cupcakeryin Langley. For a sweet twist, take a hot chocolate crawl through independent cafes in Port Moody or Fort Langley.
Historic & Cultural Celebrations 🕯️
Explore Hanukkah celebrations at the Jewish Community Centre in Vancouver, or the Christmas at Kilby Historic Site in Harrison Mills, where you can step back in time with pioneer crafts and storytelling.
From twinkling hidden trails to cozy village markets and one-of-a-kind farm festivities, the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver are brimming with Christmas magic—if you know where to look!
