Christmas is a magical time for most kids. But as every parent knows, finding the right activities for children during the festive season isn’t always easy. Need a little help? Read on for our holly jolly rundown of sparkling family-friendly attractions, events and shows in and around Vancouver this year.

 

All Aboard

 

Book ahead for one of the region’s most popular kid-friendly activities: the North Pole Express. Hosted at the Railway Museum of British Columbia, children of all ages will love riding a full-sized vintage train to Santa’s Workshop, where they’ll find live music, hot chocolate, miniature train displays and Santa himself.

 

There’s another vintage transport mode to visit in Stevetson, where the stationary, century-old Winter Tram will be fully decorated for the season. This admission-free charmer offers a tram conductor dress-up corner, expertly constructed LEGO models of local landmarks and (on specific days) readings of “The Polar Express.”

 

You’ll find a much faster way to “travel” in downtown Vancouver where this year’s Soar with Santa transforms the Fly Over Canada experience into a seasonal treat. The ride takes you across the country’s scenic sights before whisking you up for a cheer-worthy visit to the North Pole and Santa’s glittering home.

 

Sparkling Lights

 

The region is brimming like a bauble-covered Christmas tree with outdoor attractions you and your family will enjoy this year. Make sure everyone is wrapped up warmly with lots of layers, and ensure you’ve mastered the correct camera settings for night shots and fairy lights before heading out—it will make all the difference.

 

The PNE Winter Fair is back for 2024 and it’s jam-packed with holiday-hugging things to see and do––all included in your admission price. That includes their walk-through WinterLights display, a Holiday Express train, a Nutcracker on Ice show and lots more. 

 

Glow Langley is also back with its ever-twinkling Christmastime event. This year’s special theme is the Enchanted Forest––complete with one million lights and magical installations including talking trees and singing streams. You can also hop on their Glo-Comotive Train and climb the staircase of a three-storey Crystal Palace.

 

Over in Surrey, the brand new Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market will offer indoor and outdoor illuminations as well as live music, dance performances, a Ferris wheel and free photos with Santa. Kids activities are also on the menu here, ranging from face painting to balloon-twisting and more.

 

Family-friendly Fairs

 

Lots of local holiday craft fairs and Yuletide markets are aimed more at adults than kids. But some go out of their way to encourage families to drop by and enjoy themselves together. The New West Farmers Market’s Holiday Market serves up 80 vendors, live music, a friendly vibe and special activities for kids.

 

Alternatively, the one-day-only Maple Ridge Christmas Craft Fair promises kids’ crafts, face painting and a special free stage show for families entitled “The North Pole Express.”

 

More Ideas

 

We love checking out all the creative constructions at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where Vancouver’s much-loved Gingerbread Lane is back for its 32nd year in 2024. Give you and your kids plenty of time to peruse the colourful and super sweet-looking displays––and don’t forget to vote for your favourite. We're also looking forward to this year's brand new Christmas in the Country, hosted by B.C.'s premier equestrian show park. Almost everything is cozily located undercover, and that includes shimmering light displays, a beer garden, kids activities and the chance to meet farm animals such as goats and piglets.

 

Keen to burn off some energy? Robson Square Ice Rink is also returning this year, which means you and your family can hit the ice (hopefully not literally) for free with your own skates (rentals are also available). An even bigger calorie-burner is the annual Big Elf Run, a fun-tastic weave around Stanley Park which includes a 1km Wee Elf Run version for junior joggers.

 

Raising the Curtain

 

Local theatres are filled with holiday shows at this time of year. But some productions are particularly perfect for younger audiences. If your kids haven’t experienced a pantomime before––where booing the baddies and cheering the heroes is fully encouraged––there are three great options to consider.

 

Vancouver’s Metro Theatre is staging Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime. While the Royal Canadian Theatre Company is offering Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story. The East Van Panto is also back for 2024, with a clever version of Robin Hood that promises lots of fun and local satirical references.

 

Kids will also enjoy the magic of Carousel Theatre’s The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe on Granville Island, while Richmond’s Gateway Theatre is offering the toe-tapping musical Oliver!, complete with famous songs such as “Consider Yourself” and “Food Glorious Food.”

 

Your children will also see lots of inspiring kids and students on stage at several local dance shows this year. We’re especially looking forward to Lamondance’s A Winter’s Twist; the Richmond Dance Academy’s Dance into Christmas; and Mixed Nuts, presented by Vancouver’s Arts Umbrella.

 

The Nutcracker, of course, is a huge favourite during the holidays—and it’s always a popular choice for families looking for a show to see together. This season, there are two sugarplum-tastic Vancouver productions to consider: Goh Ballet’s beloved version is at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. And, presented by Ballet BC, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s sumptuous version is on stage on Vancouver as well as Surrey. Not sure which one to take the family to? Why not book ahead for both!

 

For more information on festive events, attractions and shows in the city and beyond, visit the Vancouver Christmas Guide. Written by Lonely Planet travel writer John Lee, it’s the best online guide to the area’s 2024 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its @VancouverChristmasGuide Instagram feed.