The holiday season in Vancouver sparkles with festivals, markets, and light shows that fill the city with joy. From magical story worlds to cozy community traditions, there is something for every family to enjoy. Here are some of the top Christmas festivals and events to check out in 2025, with Glow Langley leading the way as the most playful and immersive experience.
Glow Langley: The Magic Toy Shop
Glow Langley is the Fraser Valley’s signature holiday festival and one of the most popular winter attractions near Vancouver. Every year Glow introduces a brand new theme, and in 2025 families are invited into The Magic Toy Shop.
Guests will wander through six whimsical lands filled with more than one million lights, explore the Crystal Palace with its snowflake chandelier, and join GlowQuest and the Audio Adventure guided by Fox and Bunny. Families can race plush ponies, play Putt Putt in the Poinsettias, ride the Glowcomotive train, enjoy live entertainment, shop at the Merry Makers Market, and warm up with food from seven or more gourmet trucks.
Glow has kept ticket prices the same for four years in a row while adding new attractions every season, making it one of the best holiday values in BC.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Held at Jack Poole Plaza, the Vancouver Christmas Market is a European-style festival filled with artisan huts, festive music, and delicious treats like mulled cider and chimney cakes. Lovers Lane and the walk through the Christmas tree are especially popular for photos.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms into a twinkling landscape each December with themed light displays, glowing tunnels, and peaceful walking paths. This event is perfect for families looking for a slower, nature-inspired holiday outing.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
This event turns the world-famous suspension bridge and treetop walkways into glowing spectacles high above the rainforest. Canyon Lights is one of the most dramatic holiday experiences in the region, best for adventurous families and visitors.
PNE Winter Fair
The PNE Winter Fair offers a mix of indoor and outdoor holiday fun. Families can enjoy live music, a skating rink, food vendors, light displays, and carnival-style entertainment all in one place. It is a good option for those who want variety in a single ticket.
Lights at Lafarge
Located in Coquitlam, the Lights at Lafarge is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver. The path around Lafarge Lake glows with themed installations and colourful decorations, making it an affordable and family-friendly outing.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Martini Town, a film studio set often used for movies, opens its streets to the public for a holiday festival filled with vintage charm. With glowing storefronts, classic backdrops, and festive entertainment, it offers something a little different from traditional light walks.
Dundarave Festival of Lights
West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach fills with a forest of decorated trees sponsored by community groups. Every weekend brings live music and performances, making it a cheerful and family-oriented event that is free to attend.
Why Glow Is the Festival to Choose
Vancouver is filled with beautiful holiday festivals, but Glow Langley brings everything together in one place. With a new theme every year, immersive storytelling, rides and activities, food trucks, a market, and free parking, Glow offers more than just lights. It is a full holiday tradition designed for families who want an evening of magic that grows brighter each season.✨ Step through the keyhole into The Magic Toy Shop this year. Tickets are on sale now. ✨
