Our Vancouver Christmas – Local Holiday Events!
Explore local Vancouver Christmas events this week and make the most of the holiday magic before it’s gone! I’ve been wrapping up the season with some festive adventures, and if you’re looking for last-minute ideas, these spots are perfect. From the twinkling charm of Burnaby Christmas Village to hunting for unique ornaments at GardenWorks, last-minute boutique shopping in Fort Langley, and soaking up festive vibes at the Vancouver Christmas Market, there’s still time to end the holidays on a high note!
Christmas Village at Burnaby Village Museum
Every year, I make it a point to visit the Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum—a tradition that holds a special place in my heart. Typically, the Burnaby Village Museum is a historic replica village preserving the local history and historic architecture of Burnaby in the 1920s. But, during the holiday season, Burnaby Village Museum literally transform into a Winter Wonderland!
My dad and I used to come here together every year, and he had a way of turning even the simplest outings into grand adventures. Now, walking those same paths, the same memories that make my heart ache so much are also the same ones that help me keep going.
Admission is free to the Heritage Christmas event at Burnaby Village Museum. If you love carousels, you can also get a ride on their for $2.62 There’s limited free parking nearby. If you’re traveling via public transportation, the nearest station is Metrotown. From there, you can take buses #110 or #144 to get to the museum.
Last Minute Holiday Decorations at Gardenworks
I know it’s just a garden center, but Gardenworks is a must-visit whenever it’s the holiday season for our family. It’s crazy to think that something as simple as walking through GardenWorks with my dad on a random week night would one day become one of those things that I trade the world to experience again.
This Christmas season, Dom and I took our yearly stroll to reminisce and pick a new ornament for ourselves. In the end, Dom and I left GardenWorks each with our own adorable ornaments. If you’re in need of last-minute holiday decorations, I highly recommend paying them a visit. Their selection is so big, and the festive atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
Fort Langley Last Minute Gifts and Decor Shopping
My friend and I met up in Fort Langley for some last minute gift and decor shopping. With everything decorated for the holidays, Fort Langley feels like a movie. Fort Langley features so many quaint shops and boutiques, offering everything from handmade goods to unique antiques, all nestled in a picturesque, small-town setting. It’s a great spot to catch up, while exploring little boutiques around town.
Saba Bistro
Before our last minute shopping started, we stopped by Saba Bistro in Fort Langley for a cozy brunch. There’s something special about taking a moment to catch up with my friend over some delicious brunch foods. The laid-back atmosphere of this bistro makes it just the right setting for my girl date brunch.
As I sat down with my friend, we found ourselves chatting away, enjoying the warm ambiance, and savoring every bite of our meal. The Smoked Salmon Board ($26) was a light but flavorful choice—fresh, perfectly smoked salmon complemented by tangy pickled onions, capers, and rich cream cheese. We also ordered the Wild Mushrooms ($9), sautéed just right and pairing so wonderfully with the bread and butter. The Smashed Potatoes ($5) were exactly what you’d want on a chilly day: crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, with just enough seasoning to bring out their natural flavor.
Of course, for some energy during our shopping, I grabbed a creamy Matcha Latte. Whether you’re stopping by before or after your holiday shopping, Saba Bistro is a great spot to enjoy good food, good company, and take a well-deserved break.
Niche Boutique
We popped into Niche Boutique, a charming boutique in Fort Langley that stole my heart. The flower and decor store was filled to the brim with beautiful floral arrangements that just felt like the holidays. There’s rustic wreaths, centerpieces, and festive garlands…I wanted to bring the whole store home.
I’ve always been someone who loves decorating for the holidays, and being surrounded by all these lush, vibrant options was like a dream come true. This boutique was a treasure trove for anyone looking for unique home decor for the holidays. If you’re in Fort Langley and need a little holiday spirit to brighten up your decor, this boutique is absolutely worth a visit!
Wendel’s Bookstore and Coffee
Wendel’s Bookstore and Café in Fort Langley was the perfect spot to squeeze in some last-minute holiday gift shopping while enjoying a warm drink. I visited this warm little bookshop and cafe with my friend during our friend date, and nothing has been more tempting for the book lover in me. As someone who loves audiobooks, there’s still something about flipping through the pages of a physical book that feels completely different
Whether you’re picking up a classic novel or a beautifully illustrated coffee table book, Wendel’s has a fantastic selection. The bookstore itself adds to the experience, making it easy to get lost in the pages of a book and the charm of the location.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful and personal gift, try exploring Wendel’s. It’s not just a bookstore; it’s an experience. The cozy atmosphere of the café gives you the perfect excuse to take your time, and enjoy the process of picking out that one gift that will make your favorite book worm’s holiday season extra special.
Vancouver Christmas Market
For our date night, Dom and I decided to visit the Vancouver Christmas Market—a tradition we’ve cherished for nearly a decade. December is Dom’s absolute favorite time of the year, and nothing feels more festive than wandering through the market, soaking in all the holiday vibes, and, of course, indulging in the delicious food.
Honestly, everywhere you turn, there’s something new to try. Some of the items here are definitely a little bit overpriced. But the twinkling lights, cozy atmosphere, and the food—like freshly fried churros coated in chocolate sauce—make it all worth it. Dom and I even split up at one point just so we could sample more food, like the buttery soft pretzel from Mr. Pretzel. Yes, I know it’s a chain, but it melted in my mouth.
This year, one stand-out treat was the apple strudel. Spoiler alert: it’s probably one of the best things you can get at the Christmas Market. It was so yummy that Dom and I were shook and devoured it in minutes.
Meeting so many of you at the market honestly made the night even more special. Thank you so, so much for saying hi—it seriously made our day. If you’re planning to visit, the Vancouver Christmas Market is open until December 24 at Jack Poole Plaza. It’s an outdoor event, open rain or shine, with over 90 huts offering a variety of sweets, treats, and treasures.
Other Weekend Christmas Activities in Vancouver
Here are a few other holiday events in Vancouver open until Christmas and New Years that I definitely recommend as well!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
This bridge is actually where Dom and I had our first date 10 years ago! The Suspension Bridge is already one of the Lower Mainland’s best attractions but it transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The holiday Canyon Lights event is open until January 19, 2025.
VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights
Vancouver’s best botanical garden has one of my favorite Christmas lights festivals, perfect for families or date night. The Festival of Lights is open until January 5, 2025.
Lights at Lafarge
Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam has Vancouver’s largest free outdoor Christmas lights display every year and the best part – it’s FREE!
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Martini Town is a functioning film set located in Langley and transforms each year into a magical and immersive holiday experience. Dom and I went for the first time this year and it’s one of our new favorite Christmas activities! Reasonably priced, family friendly and not too crowded, amazing live music and photos with Santa! Highly recommended, open until January 5, 2025.
Shipyards Christmas Market
Unlike the Vancouver Christmas Market, the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver has FREE admission! Has less vendors than the one downtown, but it’s free and great for the family. It’s open until December 24, 2025.
Chilliwack Country Christmas Village
I haven’t been to this one yet, but I’ve seen so many people going to Chilliwack for Christmas Festivities this year. There’s a European town vibe with lots of beautiful Christmas lights, photos with Santa, visits from the Grinch, live music and more!
