Another trip around the sun has brought us back to the 2022 holiday season.  Things are starting to feel back to “normal” and there is always an abundance of activities that you can partake in for the holidays.

This year may be a struggle for many families as we deal with many cost increases and higher interest rates. There are many holiday events that are FREE to take part in.

Check out my list of local holiday events including FREE and paid experiences.

Abbotsford

Glendas Christmas Cottage

The place of everything Christmas.  At Glenda’s you will know Christmas has begun from the moment you set foot in the door. You will be greeted by the scent of hot spiced apple juice drifting through the air as the sights and sounds of Christmas usher you inside. It is FREE to walk around the store.

Winter Jubilee

Saturday December 3,2022 4-8pm

Downtown Abbotsford will turn into a winter jubilee with a tree lighting at 6pm. There will be Santa photos, ice carving, live music, cookie decorating, face painting and a beverage lounge.  You can bring our gently used clothing to the clothing drive and your letter to Santa to mail.  This is a FREE event.

Coquitlam

Lights at Lafarge

November 26, 2022 to late January (date TBA) , 2023 – Town Centre Park

Immerse yourself in festive lights as you walk along two walking loops within Town Centre Park.  This is a FREE event.  Less congested times are weekdays before 6pm and after 8pm.

Harrison Hot Springs/Agassiz

Christmas Tree Trail

Nov 19 to Dec 31

Walk along a self-guided tour through the village admiring the decorated and lit Christmas trees.  This is a FREE event. No tickets or reservations are needed.

Lights By The Lake 

November 19 to January 8, 2023

The Harrison Lake lagoon will be lit up this holiday season. Enjoy the beautiful lights by the lake and soak up the holiday feeling. This is a FREE event. No tickets or reservations are needed.

Winter Night Lights

December 1-28, 2022 Pioneer Park, Agassiz

This is the 125th year of Agassiz’s winter night lights.  Check out the various businesses for pop up promotions on Fridays and Saturdays between Dec 4-19th.  This is a FREE event.

Langley

Glow Gardens  – Langley

November 23, 2022 to December 31 2022

Glow is back again this year. This year the theme is “The Jolly Jumble” with over a million lights. There is a scavenger hunt for the missing elves, appearances by Disney princesses, Santa Clause will be on site the glow-comotive is back as well as food trucks and festive beverages. The event is no longer a drive-thru but it is an outdoor walk-thru experience. There will be a warming tent . Tickets are available online.

Christmas in Williams Park 

Nov 25 to Dec 18 5-9pm NIGHTLY

This year it will be a drive-thru event again but you will not need to purchase tickets.  This is a FREE event, but donations are appreciated to help the event return year-to-year. It is open rain or shine.  This is one of the best Christmas displays and it is FREE/By donation.  They have amazing volunteers and staff that put this together every year.  It is a hidden gem!

North Vancouver

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Nov 19, 2022 to January 22, 2023

Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and gaze at the illuminated Capilano River below. Journey into a glowing rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on Treetops Adventure’s seven suspended bridges, twinkling from treetop to forest floor. Wind your way through the mesmerizing “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel, which wraps along a portion of Cliffwalk.  Tickets can be purchased online. Children under 6 are FREE. You can turn your admission into a yearly membership if you are a BC resident also. Parking can be hard to find so they are offering a free shuttle from Canada Place and some of the downtown hotels.

Squamish/Britannia Beach

North Pole Express – SOLD OUT

November 23/27, Dec 3/4, 11/12 and Dec 10-11, 17-18

Take a train ride to the “North Pole”. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie on your journey. Get treated to Christmas carols and stories too.  When the train pulls into the station after your journey you will enter the “North Pole Workshop and Gingerbread Village” where you will get a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Clause! Tickets are available online.

Britannia Mine Museum

December 3+4, 10+11 and 17+18    10am – 3pm

Pre-book your visit with Santa at the Britannia Mine Museum

Wander through the festive winter forest, and visit Santa in his prospectors tent for a family photo.  Cost $35 (for up to 5 family members).

Every family receives a digital image, a visit with Santa, plus hot chocolate, s’mores, and access to the lower site exhibits and gold panning!

Santa’s mailbox will also be on-site to mail those all-important letters to the North Pole, so don’t forget to bring your kiddos’ letters with a return address for a personalized reply!

If you wish to enjoy the full experience and have your photo taken please select book the full experience.

Tickets on sale now & pre-booking is recommended!

NOTE: This booking is for photos with Santa only – there is no underground experience or BOOM! included.  Click here to reserve your spot for a tour.

Surrey

Potters Christmas Store

Early September to Christmas

Potters Christmas store is the largest Christmas store in Western Canada. They literally have everything Christmas. It is FREE to walk around and take in the festive holiday magic in the store.  They have hundreds of Christmas trees decorated in a variety of ways, lots of gift ideas including gourmet treats from local businesses.

Lumagica

November 25th to December 30th 4-10pm (closed Dec 25)

An enchanting festival light extravaganza.  Lumagica is back for a second year as an outdoor/indoor global holiday Cloverdale fairgrounds.

A magical light walk to escape on a fantastical journey through diverse lands to capture and believe in the spirit of the Holidays. You stroll through snow fun land, ice queendome and gingerbread land. There is live music, an artisian market, food and drink options and Santa is on site.  Purchase tickets online.  Children under 4 are free. Parking is $5 onsite.

Cloverdale Christmas Trees 

Nov 25 to Dec 18

Drop in to the museum of Surry, anytime during business hours to admire the tree festival. Cast your vote for your favorite one and have a chance at winning at $100 shopping spree.  This is a FREE event.

Vancouver

Bright Lights – Stanley Park – Train Cancelled, Light Display On

December 1, 2022 to Jan 1, 2023

The Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park is a minature train ride among millions of Christmas lights with Christmas carols playing.  Unfortunately, the train ride is cancelled for 2022, but the Christmas Lights displays will still be on.

Each year, except this year, the Stanley Park Minature train has operated with a Christmas theme.  Millions of Christmas lights were put on the train route.  Christmas music played during the train ride.

The Stanley Park Junction area is decorated with millions of Christmas lights and Christmas displays to raise funds for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

Walking around Stanley Park Junction is FREE.  Donations are being accepted for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.

Peak of Christmas – Grouse Mountain

PNE Winter Fair

December 14-23, 2022

The PNE is transforming into an immersive magical holiday experience for the entire family!

The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas-themed concert series, skating on the Tim Hortons Ice Rink (indoor), magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru WinterLights display presented by BC Hydro.

YULE want to plan your social calendar around this exciting new event! Purchase your tickets online. 

Access to the event is through Gate 9 (east of Playland, off Bridgeway Street).

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St. Andrew’s – Wesley United – Christmas with Chor Leoni

Vancouver Christmas Market

Nov 12 to December 24 – Jack Poole Plaza

Its back for 2022! With reduced capacity and pre-sale tickets online the Vancouver Christmas Market is another awesome festive option for the holidays. From amazing holiday gift ideas at the artisan shops, to special eats and treats to entertainment and a holiday life carousel and so much more! The Market has something for everyone – from family Carousel rides to treasured moments amongst friends; our holiday festivities are yours to enjoy. Opening hours start from November 12 to December 24 2022 at Jack Poole Plaza.   Get your tickets here.

Nov 12 – 25: open 4 pm to 9:30 pm (Fri-Sa open until 10:00 pm)
Nov 26 – Dec 23: open 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Fri-Sa open until 10:00 pm)
Dec 24: open 11:30 am to 6:00 pm

Vandusen Festival of Lights

Nov 25, 2022 to January 2, 2023

Experience a magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Stroll along the lakeside, shimmering in the glow of northern lights, or wander into our lush Rose Garden – reawakened and illuminated for a spectacular winter replica through the artistry of our garden stewards.  Stroll along the lakeside and get in the holiday spirit with the return of the beloved Dancing Lights, wander through the romantic Rose Garden, and be sure to stop by the Scottish Shelter to light a candle and donate to Make-A-Wish. Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance.  Children 4 and under are FREE.

Whistler

Vallea Lumina

Nov 26,2021 to April 18,2022

Enjoy a multimedia night walk to find hidden wonders.  Join an evening excursion and follow cryptic radio transmissions and the lingering traces of two long-ago hikers to find the scenic trailhead where the real journey begins… This pathway leads toward a place filled with beauty, and proof that the legends of Whistler are true. A light show set within the forest that is perfect for all ages.  Children 5 and under are free. Purchase tickets online.