The holiday season is upon us, and for some that means spending time with your loved ones checking out local holiday events. When we get together as families and friends, we celebrate the spirit of the season, and that act of celebration helps bring us and bond us together.
At 123Dentist we regularly post community events, so in celebration of the holiday season, we have compiled a list of fun, family friendly events across the Lower Mainland for you to enjoy!
Holiday Light Displays
Christmas GLOW
Abbotsford
Event dates: December 5, 2019- January 4, 2020
More Information: Event Info
Laugh, stroll and play under the twinkle of a million lights as you explore the light gardens and illuminated structures. Let their playgrounds entertain the kids for hours, while you kick back at the licensed bar and enjoy some seasonal beverages, delicious food, and live music.
At Glow, there’s something for everyone!
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
Vancouver
Event Dates: November 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020
More Information: Event Info
During the holiday season, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. The festival is on from November 28th-January 1st and will be closed on Christmas Day. Your donations at the front gate and a portion of ticket sales go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. $1.4 million has been raised to help burn survivors and their families since 1998.
Lights at Lafarge
Coquitlam
Event Dates: November 30, 2019 – January, 2020
More Information: Event Info
Lights at Lafarge is a free attraction that usually runs from late November until around the third week in January.
During the event the 1.2 km pathway around Lafarge Lake is decorated with sparkling holiday lights. There are illuminated archways to walk under, Christmas light reindeer to admire and various themed areas throughout the park.
The winter holiday displays at Lights at Lafarge are beautiful and highly recommended.
CP Holiday Train
Event Dates: December 16, 2019 – December 17, 2019
More Information: Event Info
The CP Holiday Train is back for its 21st year! The train travels across Canada and the U.S., making many stops along the way. There are featured performers at each stop and while the event is free, it is encouraged to bring a non perishable food donation as the event supports local food banks. The route this year includes 4 Lower Mainland stops, so be sure to find the closest one to you and support your community!
Haney-Maple Ridge –December 16 at approximately 7:50pm across from the Billy Miner Pub
Pitt Meadows – December 16 at approximately 8:55pm at the corner of Harris Road and Advent Road, at the railway crossing
Port Moody – December 17 at approximately 5:20pm at 300 Ioco Rd. behind the Arena and Rec Centre
Port Coquitlam – December 17 at approximately 7pm at the Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station
Santa Claus Parades
Vancouver
Event Date: December 1, 2019 (Parade starts at 12:00pm)
More Information: Event Info
Maple Ridge
Event Date: December 7, 2019 (Parade starts at 6pm)
More Information: Event Info
New Westminster
Event Date: December 15, 2019 (Parade starts at 11am)
More Information: Event Info
Chilliwack
Event Date: December 7, 2019 (Parade starts at 5:30pm)
More Information: Event Info
Other Holiday Events
Steveston’s Winter in the Village
Richmond
Event Date: November 21, 2019 – December 31, 2019
More Information: Event Info
Richmond’s charming waterfront village is a Christmas destination for locals and visitors who love the magic of the festive holiday season. From decorated historic sites to special events and toe-tapping performances—plus appearances from Santa himself! There’s a full menu of free or low-cost family-friendly activities here from the third week of November onwards.
Heritage Holidays at the Fort
Langley
Event Date: December 21-23, 2019
More Information: Event Info
Hear stories by the fire, taste a roasted chestnut, and join costumed interpreters for a guided, holiday-themed tour. Admire the charming holiday ambiance and take family snapshots at various scenic spots on site.
Christmas at the Museum
Surrey
Event Date: December 14, 2019
More Information: Event Info
Get your photo with Santa, sing carols with the Hot Teas and catch a show by the Very Versatile Entertainers. Catch the Christmas spirit at the museum!
Shipyards Christmas Market
North Vancouver
Event Dates: December 14-15, 2019
More Information: Event Info
The Shipyards Christmas Festival is the City of North Vancouver’s official Christmas event and it’s free! In addition to the Artisan Market and various child-friendly activities, at North Vancouver’s Shipyards Christmas Festival there is also live entertainment on the outdoor stage.
Family Aprés
Whistler
Event Dates: December 9, 2019 – March 25, 2020
More Information: Event Info
Surrounded by snow and sparkling lights, Family Après is all about experiencing winter outdoor fun with your kids, the Canadian way. Visit Whistler Olympic Plaza on select evenings throughout winter for Family Après, with free kid-friendly activities and entertainment brought to you by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Province of British Columbia. Parents can share stories about their day with a warm beverage while their kids participate in a variety of outdoor, winter activities and entertainment each week.
Okanagan Christmas Fest
Kelowna
Event Dates: December 12-14, 2019
More Information: Event Info
Jump-start the Holiday Spirit! Browse the Christmas market, enjoy tunes of the season, sip and savour hot beverages and holiday treats, visit our indoor Christmas tree walk and celebrate by giving to those who need it most.