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. And keep an eye on this page over the next few weeks since we'll be updating it throughout the season.

 

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 Stevestson, where the stationary, century-old Winter Tram will be fully decorated for the season. This admission-free charmer offers kid-friendly activities as well the chance to climb aboard an old-fashioned tramcar that looks like it just trundled right out of a storybook. 

 

You’ll find a much faster way to “travel” in downtown Vancouver where this year’s Soar with Santa transforms the ever-popular Flyover attraction into a magical 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. It will feel like you're really at the North Pole at the Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain, though. The popular skiing and snowboarding spot becomes a real-life winter wonderland at this time of year––complete with illuminations, outdoor skating, Santa's workshop, a real reindeer and lots of other kid-friendly activities.

 

Sparkling Lights

 

Once again, Metro Vancouver will be brimming like a bauble-covered Christmas tree with outdoor illuminations for you and your family to enjoy. 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.

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The bucket list Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must-see, of course. Alongside its amazing light installations and fully fairy-lit bridge, there are lots of activities for kids to dive into here. Alternatively, Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights is back for its second year. You can expect live music, roaming characters, shimmering displays and also the incredible Bright Nights lights, newly-relocated from Vancouver's Stanley Park.

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Glow Langley is also back in 2025 with its ever-twinkling Christmastime extravaganza. This year’s special theme is the Magic Toy Shop––complete with more than one million lights and magical illuminated creations including an expanded Crystal Palace, the Glo-Comotive Train and the chance to snap selfies with some friendly princesses. And if your kids love Santa parades, don't miss the biggest one in B.C. The Mission Candlelight Parade on December 6 promises a delightful cavalcade of illuminated floats, seasonal music and a finale appearance by the big man himself.

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Santa and More

 

Need more chances to meet the Jolly Old Elf? Book ahead for the Santa Experience at Metropolis at Metrotown and your kids will marvel at the festive decor while also having the chance to meet a specially themed Santa––or maybe more than one. There's also a fun-tastic Santa Dance Party here on December 6, where your children can hangout and practice their moves with jiving penguins and snowmen!

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Need more opportunities to help your kids 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 holly jolly weave around Stanley Park that includes a 1km Wee Elf Run for junior joggers.

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Sweet Alternatives

 

We also love checking out the creative constructions at Vancouver's Hyatt Regency Hotel, where the much-loved Gingerbread Lane is back for its 33rd year in 2025. Give your kids plenty of time to peruse the colourful and super sweet-looking gingerbread house displays––and don’t forget to vote for your favourite.

 

And if you're looking for the kind of traditional, family-friendly activity that's an antidote to the clamour of the holidays, we recommend Timberline Country Christmas. On select days from December 5 onwards, this rustic Maple Ridge ranch will be transformed into a charming celebration of the season, complete with farm animals, kid-friendly games, a nativity scene and more.

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Raising the Curtain

 

Local theatres will also be filled with great festive shows this year. And 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––consider the East Van Panto's much-anticipated West Van Story, a rollicking fiesta of music and fun for all. And the Metro Theatre is also back with it's traditional British panto this season––book ahead for their rip-roaring Jack and the Beanstalk. 

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Musicals are the perfect Christmastime show for many families, of course. And for 2025, Richmond's Gateway Theatre is pulling out all the stops with a toe-tappingly delightful production of Annie. We're really looking forward to this one––and we hear there's a special appearance by a real-life dog who might just steal the show!

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If your kids love dance, there are also some great local options to consider. Snag your tickets early for Lamondance’s A Winter’s Twist; the Richmond Dance Academy’s Dance into Christmas; Coastal City Ballet's The Fairy Doll; and Mixed Nuts, presented by Vancouver’s Arts Umbrella. They'll each have you and your children dancing through the holidays like a gaggle of fleet-footed elves!

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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 2025 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its Instagram and Bluesky feeds.