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Get Into the Holiday Mood With These Vancouver Events This December!
It is the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season has begun and Vancouver is now in full swing with festivals, attractions, and winter activities to get locals and guests into the holiday mood. Here are our top picks for you to explore this December.
Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
If you are looking for a holiday experience that is a little more exciting than a regular food and craft festival, check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for their Canyon Lights attraction this holiday season. Head there just before dusk to catch the glittering holiday lights in full glory for the best Instagram-worthy photos. There are decorated paths to explore on both sides of the suspension bridge. When you are across the bridge, do not forget to look up to see and explore the Treetops Adventure, which is a series of skinny bridges going from tree to tree high above the forest floor. The gift shop and eateries in the park are also worth a visit. Getting to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park from UBC is easy. Simply take bus #44, #4, or #84 from UBC to downtown, and then take a free Capilano Bridge shuttle from Canada Place to the attraction. Be sure to check out their website for opening hours and more information.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Step into the winter wonderland of the Vancouver Christmas Market at Canada Place. This German-inspired holiday market is the perfect place to find unique gifts and enjoy festive cheers with friends and family. Browse artisan crafts, indulge in delicious treats, keep warm with a cup of Glühwein (hot-spiced mulled wine), and take in the festive magic and music by the tree or the large Christmas pyramid in the centre of the market. With so many food vendors at this market, it can be difficult to choose, so here are my personal recommendations: Try the Spätzle Haus, then be sure to get a Schnitzel or Bratwurst at the corresponding vendor. For dessert, enjoy an Apple Strudel, and then go drink a Glühwein. You must have a Glühwein!
PNE Winter Fair
For a single place that offers a large variety of holiday fun, look no further than the PNE Winter Fair. This event gives you the chance to meet Santa Claus, test toys, ride a holiday express train, and eat yummy holiday treats. Some of the more magical activities at this event are the Winter Lights display, which is a park filled with glowing lights including displays of giant moose, the “Nutcracker On Ice” figure skating show, and a holiday musical. And since a winter fair isn’t complete without an ice rink, they are also offering skating and ice bumper cars for maximum winter fun. Visiting the PNE from UBC is easy: Take bus #14 there and back again.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Step into the enchanting wonderland of the VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights. From November 29 to January 2, the garden will be decorated with millions of twinkling lights and exciting holiday displays. While there, enjoy some tasty treats from a variety of vendors, and attend the Dancing Lights show.
Wesbrook Village Holiday Market
Get into a festive mood at a charming local holiday event and visit the first annual Wesbrook Village Holiday Market, which is only a 5min drive or a 25min walk from our hotel. Discover handcrafted goods from local artisan vendors and enjoy delicious treats and beverages from the surrounding eateries and cafes. The market will be open on Saturdays and Sundays until December 22nd. Do not forget to take a photo of the holiday tree at the centre of the market!
Swift-couver Weekend!
It is also worth mentioning that Taylor Swift will be in Vancouver from Dec 6-8 to mark the end of her Eras tour. The city will welcome Swift fans from around the world with numerous Taylor Swift themed events and additional attractions to enjoy in the city. Join the fun and head downtown to take some selfies with unique Taylor Swift displays such as the “Swift-couver” sign near Canada Place at Coal Harbour.
We hope you are able to enjoy some of the many holiday festivities in Vancouver this December. The team at West Coast Suites, Gage Suites, and Pacific Spirit Hostel would like to thank all our guests for choosing to stay with us this year. We wish you happy holidays and a wonderful start into the New Year, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025!
Author:
Alex Drost is the Marketing Coordinator for UBC Conferences & Accommodation at the University of British Columbia.
