holiday trains, lights, and other ongoing events
By jewel on November 21, 2011 | Filed Under events
Our annual listing of trains, lights and other ongoing events is brought to you by The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain.
I love ongoing holiday events that you can fit into your schedule among all the other hubbub of the season. Picking an event, or two, (or three) you attend every year with your tots will create memories that will last far longer than any presents they receive. We like to mix it up and pick one annual events we go to with our extended family, one that’s just our immediate family and perhaps something to enjoy each year with friends. And we’ve been to many of the events below in years past and think you can’t go wrong with any of these annual things to do with families around Vancouver.
Check out our other holiday events lists for breakfast with Santa, santas at a mall near you, crafts, storytimes, and activities, craft fairs and markets, celebrations, parades, festivals and parties, and skates, swims, walks and other physical activities.
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Holiday Train Winter Carousel
Saturday, November 12th – Monday, January 2nd, Lansdowne Centre, 5300 Number 3 Road, Richmond
Lansdwone Centre has their holiday train and winter carousel running every day from 10 am. Bring the kids for some holiday fun while you get your shopping done.
Santa Express Mini Train
Friday, November 18th – Thursday, December 29th, Lougheed Town Centre, Austin Avenue & North Road, Burnaby
Lougheed Mall has set up a mini train, where kids can have a ride around Santa’s Wonderland. Rides are by donation to the B.C. Society of Model Engineers.
Annual Christmas Tree Walk for Charity
Monday, November 21st – Sunday, January 1st, Mavis Avenue (between 23433 & 23331) and on Glover (between 9110 & 9234), Fort Langley
For Langley merchants have decorated trees to support their favourite charities. You can buy a decoration from the tree to help, or donate directly to the charities.
Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
Tuesday, November 22nd – Tuesday, December 27th, all day, The Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Come stroll through Gingerbread Lane, where you’ll see the Hyatt Regency Vancouver’s giant gingerbread house and over forty other gingerbread houses. Vote for your favourite and you could win a free night stay at the hotel.
2011 Festival of Trees in Four Seasons Hotel
Wednesday, November 23rd – Tuesday, January 3rd, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
This yearly fundraiser is a holiday must see. Corporations, organizations, and individuals decorate trees in a friendly competition for your votes. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted and will be given to BC Children’s Hospital.
Festival Of Lights
Wednesday, November 23rd – Thursday, December 29th, Brentwood Town Centre, 4567 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby
Businesses and community organizations have sponsored and decorated trees to adorn Brentwood Town Centre this season, with all proceeds supporting The Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake. Come enjoy the trees and vote for your favourite for a chance to with a $200 gift card to the mall.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Thursday, November 24th – Saturday, December 24th, 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
The Vancouver Christmas Market is modelled after the mover than 2500 Christmas Markets in Germany. It is a festival of light and laughter in the middle of the cold, dark season. Vancouver’s market has shopping, live entertainment, food and drink, and a kids market. New this year is a Christmas carousel, photos with Santa on weekdays from 2 pm – 4 pm, and an advent calendar every day at noon.
Luminescence
Thursday, November 24th – Monday, January 2nd, 9:30 am – 5 pm daily, Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver
Head to the Vancouver Aquarium where you can learn how animals creat and reflect light. There is a tree partially powered by eels, a light installation inspired byb jellyfish, and daily demonstrations to learn about bioluminescence, an organism’s ability to produce its own light. You can also catch The Polar Express in 4D, and see Scuba Clause swim among the fish.
2011 Lights of Hope
Thursday, November 24th – Monday, January 9th, Saint Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Each Year, Saint Paul’s Hospital gets adorned with hundreds of lights in a charitable drive to support the hospital where the need is greatest. You can enjoy the lights every night, and if you are inclined to donate, there is information online.
Christmas by the Sea – Parade of Trees
November 24, 2011 – Saturday, January 7th, Shipbuilders’ Square at the Foot of Lonsdale, North Vancouver
This is the first year of a new annual event, a collection of decorated trees on display along Wallace Way. Each tree is purchased by a local business, with proceeds benefiting the Harvest Project and Hollyburn Family Services; Youth Safe House.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Saturday, November 26th – Wednesday, December 14th, Noon – 4:30 pm & Thursday, December 15th – Sunday, January 1st, Noon – 8 pm (closed December 24 & 25), Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
The museum will be decked out like an old fashioned farmhouse at Christmas. There will be carolling, hands on activities, and visits with Father Christmas.
Dundarave Festival of Lights
Saturday, November 26th – Saturday, January 7th, Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Dundarave Beach will be adorned with Christmas trees all decorated and lit up, courtesy of generous donors who have sponsored the trees. There will be free Saturday festivals, including live music, dancers and a bonfire.
Woodwards Windows
Thursday, December 1st to Wednesday, January 4th, see site for list of locations and times, Downtown Vancouver
If you grew up in Vancouver, chances are you remember the Woodward’s Windows, with the animated, lighted, vintage charm. When Woodwards closed, Canada Place purchased the windows and they have been displaying them every year since. This year you can see nin different displays, and in the process enter to win a $2000 London Drugs Shopping Spree. You can find a list of site locations for the 9 windows as well as hours online.
Park & Tilford’s Christmas Festival of Lights
Thursday, December 1st – Saturday, December 31, 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Park & Tilford Gardens, 440-333 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver
The Park & Tilford’s Gardnes are beautifully decorated again this year. Lights come on at 4:30 pm, and entrance to the garden is by donation.
Aberdeen Centre’s Sparkly Holiday Dreamland starring Chocolate Rain
Thursday, December 1st – Tuesday, January 3rd, Aberdeen Cntre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Aberdeen Centre has partnered with Chocolate Rain from Hong Kong to make a holiday display unlike any other. They also have a month full of music and other live performances on the fountain stage.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Friday, December 2nd – January 1st, 5 pm – 9 pm daily (Closed Christmas Day), Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Come and enjoy the over 250,000 lights decorating Capilano bridge, treetop adventures, and the new Cliffwalk. You can enjoy them while listening to live music and watching glass blowing demonstrations. Special family rates are available.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
Friday, December 2nd – Monday, January 2nd, 3pm – 10pm (Closed Christmas Day), Stanley Park, 2099 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Ride the mini train through a forest decorated with more than two million lights, while listening to holiday music and enjoying treats like popcorn or hot chocolate. New this year is Santa’s workshop and a parade of tree.
Very Victorian Christmas at the Irving House
Saturday, December 3rd – Saturday, December 31st, Irving House Historical Centre, 302 Royal Avenue, New Westminster
Come see an what a Victorian Christmas looks like at the Irving House.
Bear Creek Train
Saturday, December 3rd – Sunday, January 1st, 10 am – 4 pm, The Bear Creek Park Train, 13750 88th Avenue at King George Highway, Surrey
The Bear Creek Train will be decked out in it’s annual Christmas splendour, including Santa’s Golden Reindeer tunnel exhibit.
Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival
Tuesday, December 6th – Tuesday, January 3rd, 2400 – 2900 Trinity Street, Vancouver
The residents of Trinity Street have a friendly compeition each year, lighting up their homes to win your votes for best house on the block. each vote costs $2, and ballot stuffing is encouraged, with all proceeds going to Harbourview Daycare and St James Cottage Hospice. The lights are best enjoyed by strolling down the street, so you are encouraged to use your feet instead of your car to tour the festival. On December 18th from 5 pm – 9 pm there will be a street fair, so invite your friends and family and hit up the street corner concession stand.
Lights Go Wild
Thursday, December 8th – Sunday, January 1st, 5 pm – 9 pm, Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 264th Street, Aldergrove
The zoo will be all decked out in holiday lights this month, and Santa will visit on select days. Partial proceeds will go to BC Children’s Hospital.
Bloedel Conservatory Jewel Box of Lights
Friday, December 9th – Monday, January 2nd, Friday – Saturday, 10 am -9 pm, Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm, Bloedel Conservatory, Queen Elizabeth Park, 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
The dome will be lit with thousands of lights this holiday season, creating a unique jewelled look from the outside. There will also be a remarkable display if poinsettias.
VanDusen Botanical Garden presents The Festival of Lights
Friday, December 9th, – Monday, January 2nd, 4:30 pm – 9 pm (Closed Christmas Day), VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
The gardens will be lit with thousands of lights this year, but that’s not all. There will be Scandinavian Christmas Elves, regular Santa appearances, two different live shows, choir performances, Candy Can Lane and much more.
Surviving in a “Winter Wonderland”
Saturday, December 10th – Sunday, January 8th, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver
We sing about ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ and we dream about a ‘White Christmas’ but have you ever thought about what winter weather is like for the animals who live outdoors? Visit the Beaty Biodiversity Museum this holiday season to learn about the amazing ways animals adapt to survive the cold and snow. There is a scavenger hunt, a documentary film, crafts, a puppet show, storytime and much more.
Heritage Holiday at the Fort
Saturday, December 17th – Saturday, December 31st (Closed December 25th and 26th), 10 am – 5pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Get away from the craziness that Christmas can become and enjoy some quiet time with friends and family. You’ll love the traditional holiday atmosphere, and you can enjoy crafts, stories, kids activities and workshops. Daily events include a tour at 11 am, ‘fur trade wedding’ at 1 pm, hot chocolate and cookie decorating at 2 pm, and storytelling at 3 pm.
Potters Christmas Light Show
Nightly until Christmas Eve, 4:30 pm – 9:3- pm, Potters Farm & Nursery Incorporated, 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
The staff at Potter’s have decked the top of the store with trees built of lights, and programmed them to dance to holiday music. Sit in the warmth of your car and and tune into 105.5 FM to hear the songs as you watch the lights dance.
North Pole BC
Saturday, November 26, 2011 – Saturday, December 24, 2011 224th Street, Maple Ridge
You’ll need to book ahead for this trip to BC’s very own North Pole, but it will be well worth it. Plan about two hours for the visit, and look forward to decorating a gingerbread man, stories, elf school, a private family visit with Santa Clause, all in the company of an elf-guide.
Carol Ships Parade Of Lights Festival
Friday, December 2nd – Friday, December 23rd, 7 pm, Participating boats meet at Canada Place, Vancouver
After 47 years running, the Carol Ships are a Vancouver holiday tradition. Over fifty boats participate in the parade, some of which are privately owned and others are commercial and offer paid dinner cruises your family can join. You can participate in organized shoreline activities or simply pull up a piece of shore and enjoy the show.
Alouette Tree Farm
Weekends, starting December 2nd, 9 am – 5:30 m, Alouette Tree Farm, 23083 132 Avenue, Maple Ridge
You can pick up the perfect Christmas tree and have some family fun at the farm. You can ride the Alouette Express, visit the critters in the stable, enjoy some hot dogs and cider and take photos with Santa. There will be a Children’s craft area, too!
Yuletide on Granville Island
Saturday and Sunday, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 24, 2011, Noon – 5 pm, Triangle Square, Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
There will be musicians both inside and outside of the Public Market and Net Loft on weekends this December. And of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the Gingerbread Boy running as fast as he can around the market – catch him if you can!
Christmas at the Cannery: Festival of Trees 2011
Saturday, December 3rd, – Friday, December 23rd, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave Richmond
Local businesses and community groups are decorating trees that will be on display at the Cannery. You can your through and vote for your favourite in this friendly competition.
Christmas in Williams Park
Monday, December 5th – Saturday, December 17th, 6 pm – 9 pm, Williams Park, 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
Williams Park is decorated with a beautiful lights display this season. From December 5th – 15th, the lights will be up and the community is invited to drive or walk through the park. On the weekend of December 16th and 17th, there will be music, face painting, horse and carriage rides, and a visit from the Big Guy.
Karaoke Christmas Lights
Friday, December 9th – Saturday, December 24th, times vary, reservations required, departs from Vancouver Christmas Market, 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
The Vancouver Trolley Company will take you on a tour of some of Vancouver’s best lights displays, while you and your friends and family sing karaoke on the bus. These three hour tours are booked in advance, so your times will vary.
Spot Santa on Seymour
Saturday & Sunday December 10th – 11th & December 17th-18th, Enquist Lodge, Snowplay Park, Seymour Mountain, North Vancouver
Santa brings holiday cheery to Seymour for the third year running, so bring the kids – and a donation to the Food Bank – and get a photo with the big guy. All kids having their photo taken can also enjoy cookies, cider, and a small gift.
Saint Mark’s Journey of Christmas
Thursday, December 15th – Friday, December 23rd, 6 pm – 9 pm, Saturday, December 24th, 3:30 pm – 9 pm, Monday, December 26th – Tuesday, 27th, 6 pm – 9pm, Saint Mark’s Anglican Church, 2953 20th Avenue,South Surrey
The woods behind the church have been transformed into scenes that tell the story of the first Christmas, including scenes like the three kings, shepherds, angels, and the baby Jesus. After your story, come into the church for cookies, hot chocolate and carols.
