The Best Holiday Events and Activities in Vancouver

With Christmas break right around the corner, you're probably looking for some great family-friendly holiday activities to do in and around the Vancouver area. Here are five of our favourite not-to-be-missed Christmas events.

This is the Vancouver Christmas Market's 8th year and it is bigger and better than ever. If you've dreamed of going to a German Christmas market, this is your chance, go visit the German-inspired Christmas market in Vancouver. Purchase your tickets ahead of time online, or you can buy tickets at the gate—but note that it's cash only. Let your kids go for a ride or two on the carousel inside the market while you enjoy a cup of mulled wine or apple cider. The food is not to be missed, so go hungry and tuck in to Belgian waffles topped with strawberries, hurricane potatoes, and rum Stollen. Wrap up your visit by picking out a special ornament as a family from the market, to place on your Christmas tree at home. $10 for adults, kids 6 and under free. More info at vancouverchristmasmarket.com.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is decked out for the Christmas season with Canyon Lights. For many this is a family favourite, and worth facing your fear of heights (if you have one). The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are also all covered in lights or illuminated in some way. $42.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids. Under 6 go free. More info at capbridge.com.

There is just something incredibly magical about miniature trains and millions of sparkling Christmas lights. Going to the train in Stanley Park is a holiday tradition for many. If you and your family have never been, add this to your to-do list, dress warmly when you go, and be sure to bring a camera. You will want to get your tickets to Bright Nights soon because prime time slots for riding the train are booking up fast. Donations to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund are accepted at the entrance to Bright Nights; $1.4 million has been raised to help burn survivors and their families since 1998. This is a great way to teach your kids about giving during the holiday season. $12 for adults, $9 for 13-18 years, $8 for 3-12 years, 2 and under go free. More info at burnfund.org.

Go back in time as a family when you visit Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. You will experience what Christmas would have been like back in the day as you wander through this open-air museum. Heritage Christmas is spectacular to see both during the day and at night when all the lights are twinkling. Make your way through the whole of the museum by taking part in their 12 days of Christmas challenge, working together as a family to complete the scavenger hunt that is based on the classic Christmas song. Be sure to visit Father Christmas and get a photo as a family with him—he's all dressed up in his period costume outfit. Don't forget to write your name down on his nice list too. A great way to wrap up your visit at Heritage Christmas is by going for a ride on the carousel. This event is a great reminder that the holidays do not need to be complicated, simple is just as beautiful and memorable. Free gate admission. Carousel rides are $2.65 each. More info at burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.

Grouse Mountain has been transformed for The Peak of Christmas thanks to some magical elves. The North Pole is now in North Vancouver and you can even meet Santa there and have your photo taken with him. There's plenty to see and do... you could have breakfast with Santa, visit his workshop and vote for your favourite gingerbread creation. Head on over to the sliding zone, visit Santa's reindeer and learn all about them in the reindeer habitat. Best of all just might be getting to skate outdoors on the 8000 square foot skating pond. (Bring your own skates or take advantage of their on-site rentals). There is so much to see and do as a family at The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain that you just might want to consider spending the whole day there. Plus you won't want to miss the Light Walk once the sun goes down. The lights are beautiful against the snowy backdrop on the mountain. Good to know: Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local's Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets. $44 for adults, $15.95 for kids. Family rates available. More info at grousemountain.com.