The holiday season on Vancouver’s North Shore sparkles with festive lights, markets, and magical moments. Here are some of the must-see events and experiences to celebrate the season:
Santa in his workshop, and real live reindeer make this annual family-friendly event around Blue Grouse Lake the closest you can get to the North Pole without a refrigerator car ride with Frosty. From November 21st to December 24th, stroll through a breathtaking tunnel of lights and skate on a magnificent mountain-top skating pond to really bring the holidays home.
Get dazzled by one of the world’s most spectacular holiday light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where the famous suspension bridge, the Capilano River below, and the surrounding rainforest, including the Treetops Adventure, sparkle with colour and twinkling lights from November 21 to January 18, 2026.
The fabulous Shipyards are transformed into a winter wonderland once again this year. It’s a full, family-friendly evening of ice skating, a visit from the Clauses, live entertainment on stage and a whole lotta festive cheer to get you feeling good and merry for the holiday season. Look for this magical night to come to life on November 29.
A sure fire family-favourite North Shore holiday tradition continues at the admission-free, fun-filled Shipyards Christmas Market brings a taste (plus the smells, sounds, and delightful sights!) of a European outdoor market to Lower Lonsdale from November 28 to December 24. Browse wooden stalls full of artisanal gifts, spin your way around the skating rink, and indulge in delectable seasonal treats!
Grab some festive cheer and some truly unique gifts for everyone on your nice list at The Quay Market & Food Hall. Festive décor, local performances, and special vendors are popping up all throughout the season. Stay for a bite at one of the many restaurants and food stalls around and marvel at the waterside all lit up for the holidays.
Pop into the Polygon Gallery for its annual Holiday Shop to really wow that art lover in your life. Explore the charm of the gallery’s main floor, adorned and thoughtfully filled with distinctive gifts from independent makers and artists. You can also take part in weekly interactive activities, all the while embracing the festive spirit while supporting local businesses at The Polygon Gallery during this holiday season.
Finding that most unique gift for that most unique friend just got a little easier, thanks to numerous Holiday Markets happening around The North Shore this month. Look out for the North Van Arts Christmas Market for local artists’ treasures. The Holly Jolly Holiday Market opens at the West Vancouver Community Centre on Saturday, November 29, and the Deep Cove Winter Market continues to support local artists, craftspeople and small businesses on Saturday, November 22.
A safe and easy one-kilometre snowshoe trek through Old Growth Forest, all magically lit, leads you to the historic Hollyburn Lodge, where a classic “apres-ski” menu is available to warm your tummies and toes. Keep an eye out on the Cypress Mountain website for opening dates.
Experience the “Ultimate Canadian Christmas,” starting November 29th! This beloved West Vancouver holiday tradition is a seaside Christmas Fair highlighted by the “Forest of Miracles,” a collection of live, planted Christmas trees all trimmed up next to Dundarave Beach. As always, all events are festive and free!
From November 28 to December 31, over 50,000 lights will bring North Vancouver’s 3-acre garden paradise to spectacular life with captivating new displays, hot chocolate, cookies and treats, plus the perfect photo op in a Christmas sleigh!
Whisk away to a little mountain resort town that sits at the bottom of Grouse Mountain, where in nearly 100 family-owned shops, you’ll find plenty of BC artisans at work, unique toys for the kids and other fascinating local specialties. And a good selection of coffee shops and restaurants serve up all the sustenance to keep you going for another round.
Gather round with friends and family at the Presentation House Theatre for a rousing singalong of all your favourite holiday tunes at Bright: A Holiday Singalong Concert. Local musicians Andy Toth and Patrick Ray provide the accompaniment; you provide the angelic voices! Song sheets are provided, so no rehearsal is needed. Come raise your voices, December 19 to 21!
With all the festive fun happening, you’ll want to make it a holiday-weekend getaway! Check out the amazing hotel package deals available on Vancouver’s North Shore. Save on popular winter attractions like Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, or explore breweries, The Quay Market or even the Shipyards Christmas Market at a discount.
And while you’re making your holiday plans, don’t forget to gift Mother Nature with a pledge to North Shore Like a Local where you can help to protect and preserve the North Shore’s natural wonders for years to come.
