Christmas in Vancouver is a special time of year. With its stunning mountain backdrop, bustling downtown streets and world-class shopping, this city is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. From ice skating to taking a Christmas lights tour, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver has a population of over two million people and is known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse culture, and excellent quality of life. It’s home to Stanley Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, as well as a thriving art scene, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Vancouver is also famous for its winter activities. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and tobogganing, the city has something for everyone, no matter what your seasonal preference might be. But with Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore this beautiful city and all it has to offer. Here are some of the best Christmas things to do in Vancouver.

Enjoy Some Festive Shopping

Vancouver is home to some of the best shopping in Canada. From high-end boutiques to discount stores, there’s something for everyone in this city. During the Christmas season, there are plenty of places to find unique gifts and decorations. The city’s downtown area is home to numerous malls and shops, while West Vancouver’s Park Royal Shopping Centre is one of the largest shopping centres in the country.

If you’re looking for some unique gifts, head to Kitsilano’s Fourth Avenue or Granville Island’s Public Market. Both areas are filled with small shops that sell handmade items, vintage clothing, and locally produced wares. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Robson Street where you’ll find high-end retail outlets as well as small independent stores.

Ice Skating

One of the most popular winter activities in Vancouver is ice skating at one of the city’s many outdoor rinks. There are several outdoor ice rinks located throughout the city, including Robson Square, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Trout Lake. All of these rinks are open to the public and offer a great way to get into the festive spirit.

If you’d rather skate indoors, head to one of the city’s indoor rinks such as Burnaby 8 Rinks or Hillcrest Centre. Both offer a variety of public skating sessions as well as figure skating and hockey programs. There are also several ice rinks located around Vancouver that offer curling and broomball sessions.

Christmas Lights Tour

Vancouver is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas lights displays in Canada. The best way to take in these spectacular displays is with a Christmas Lights Tour. This tour takes you through some of the city’s most festive neighbourhoods where you’ll see stunning light displays that have been put up by local residents. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and you’ll be sure to be dazzled by the incredible sights that await you.

Visit Santa

Every year, Santa visits Vancouver and sets up shop at one of the city’s many malls and shopping centers. Most malls have a dedicated area where children can visit Santa and tell him what they would like for Christmas. This is a great way to get the kids into the festive spirit and they will be sure to have a magical experience when they meet Santa himself.

Holiday Events

Vancouver hosts a variety of holiday events throughout December that are perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. From holiday markets and craft fairs to concerts and performances, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the most popular events in the city and features over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts as well as live entertainment and Santa Claus himself.

Popular Tours

For those looking for an even more immersive experience, there are a number of tours available that provide an in-depth look at all that Vancouver has to offer during this special time of year. Here are two popular tours that you can book on Viator:

Vancouver Christmas Lights Tour

Explore Vancouver’s beautiful festive lights displays on this two-hour tour! Your experienced guide will take you through some of the most festive neighbourhoods in Vancouver where you’ll see incredible light displays that have been put up by local residents. You’ll also have the chance to stop at some of Vancouver’s top attractions such as Robson Square and Queen Elizabeth Park. This tour is perfect for those looking for a magical experience this holiday season!

Book a Vancouver Christmas Lights Tour here.

Vancouver Christmas Market Tour

Experience the magic of Christmas at the popular Vancouver Christmas Market! This two-hour tour takes you through one of Vancouver’s top festive attractions where you’ll get to explore over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts as well as delicious food and drink stalls. You’ll also have the chance to hear live entertainment from local performers, meet Santa Claus himself and take part in fun activities such as carousel rides and tree decorating!

Book a Vancouver Christmas Market Tour here.

Grouse Mountain Ski Experience

Explore Grouse Mountain’s stunning alpine terrain with this two-hour ski experience! Your experienced guide will take you through some of Grouse Mountain’s most beautiful runs while teaching you all about skiing techniques, safety tips and mountain etiquette. You’ll also have access to Grouse Mountain’s ski lifts which will take you even higher up the mountain for unbeatable views of Vancouver. This tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive skiing experience this winter season!

Book a Grouse Mountain Ski Experience here.

Christmas in Vancouver is an unforgettable experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. From shopping for unique gifts and decorations to taking in stunning light displays and attending festive events, there are plenty of things to do in this vibrant city during the holiday season. So why not come visit Vancouver this Christmas and create some unforgettable memories?