The Vancouver Christmas Guide's
2026 FAQs
ABOUT
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What is the Vancouver Christmas Guide?
Every year, the Vancouver Christmas Guide profiles more than 100 of the best holiday attractions, events and shows in and around Vancouver, giving readers all the information they need to plan their local festive activities.
How old is the Vancouver Christmas Guide?
The Vancouver Christmas Guide started in 2016––and we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2026.
Who runs the Vancouver Christmas Guide?
Award-winning travel writer, John Lee, is the creator and publisher of the Vancouver Christmas Guide. A huge Christmas fan, he has written more than 30 Lonely Planet guidebooks, was a Globe and Mail travel columnist and is the co-author of the bestselling new book Freecouver: 101 Free Things to do in & Around Vancouver.
How can I advertise on the 2026 Vancouver Christmas Guide?
Every year, dozens of attractions, events and shows advertise on the Vancouver Christmas Guide––and almost all of the come back every year. If you have an attraction, event or show to promote in 2026, request a Partnership Package by emailing john@vancouverchristmasguide.com.
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Who is Christmas Cat Max?
Twelve-year-old Christmas Cat Max is the holiday-loving cat at the Vancouver Christmas Guide. He frequently appears in its social media feeds, while also occasionally reviewing gift items and interviewing local celebrities for the site.
Is the Vancouver Christmas Guide on social media?
Yes! You can find us on Instagram (@vancouverchristmasguide) and on Bluesky (@vanchristmasguide.bsky.social). We also have a YouTube channel (@VancouverChristmasGuide)
2026 Christmas Activities in and around Vancouver
Where are the best Christmas lights in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas light displays in and around Vancouver are VanDusen Festival of Lights, Capilano Canyon Lights, Merry & Bright at Martini Town, Glow Langley, St. Paul’s Lights of Hope, Dundarave Festival of Lights and Lights at Lafarge.
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What are the best Christmas markets in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas Markets in and around Vancouver in 2026 include the Shipyards Christmas Market, Vancouver Christmas Market, Circle Craft Holiday Market, Toque Craft Fair, Wesbrook Village Holiday Market, Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, Weirdos Holiday Market, Langley Christmas Village, First Pick Handmade, Deer Lake Winter Craft Festival, Holiday Hive Market, Indigenous Christmas Market, Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair, Cloverdale Christmas Craft Fair, Portobello West Holiday Market, Christmas Gifts Expo, Port Moody Craft Fair, New West Holiday Farmers Market, Good Stuff Market, Aberthau Potters Winter Sale, Steveston Christmas Craft Fair, Blackberry Winter Arts Market, Maple Ridge Craft Fair and Ladies Night Sip & Shop.
What are the best Christmas events in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas events in Vancouver in 2026 include Hycroft for the Holidays, Vancouver Christmas Market, Circle Craft Holiday Market, Christmas Wish Breakfast, Gingerbread Lane, Big Elf Run, Vancouver Tree Lighting and more.
What are the best Christmas shows in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas shows in and around Vancouver in 2026 include the East Van Panto, 42nd Street, A Small Miracle, Winter Harp, Holly Jolly Jamboree, A Christmas Story: the Musical, Christmas with Chor Leoni, Alice in Winterland, Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, Holiday Singalongs, Dance into Christmas, Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker and more.
Are there any Christmas pantos in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas pantos in and around Vancouver in 2026 include the East Van Panto at the Cultch and Sleeping Beauty at the Metro Theatre.
What are the best hidden gem Christmas activities in Vancouver in 2026?
The best holiday season hidden gems in and around Vancouver are Glenda’s Christmas Cottage, Timberline Country Christmas, Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour, Winter Tram, Victorian Christmas Evening, Big Elf Run, Songs in the Snow, Jingle Bell Teas, North Pole Express, Christmas Lights Bus Tour and more.
What are the best Christmas concerts in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas concerts in and around Vancouver in 2026 are Christmas with Chor Leoni, Winter Harp, Christmas with Elektra, Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir holiday shows, Music for the Winter Solstice and more.
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Where can I see The Nutcracker in Vancouver in 2026?
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Among this year's productions are the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
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What are the best Christmas events for families in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas activities for families in 2026 are Soar with Santa, Canyon Lights, Timberline Country Christmas, Peak of Christmas, Glow Langley, WinterFest, Mission Candlelight Parade, East Van Panto, North Pole Express, Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone and more.
Are there any Christmas tours in Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas tours in Vancouver in 2026 are the Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour and the Christmas Lights Bus Tour.
Where are the best places to buy Christmas gifts in Vancouver in 2026?
Aside from the multiple holiday markets––including the Shipyards Christmas Market, Circle Craft Holiday Market and the Vancouver Christmas Market––the best places to buy Christmas gifts in and around Vancouver in 2026 include Glenda’s Christmas Cottage, Polygon Holiday Shop, Hycroft for the Holidays and the Christmas Store at Potter’s.
Are there any free Christmas events or activities in Vancouver in 2026?
The best free Christmas activities in and around Vancouver in 2026 include the Shipyards Christmas Market, Gingerbread Lane, Winter Tram, Winterfest, St. Paul’s Light of Hope, Mission Candlelight Parade, Victorian Christmas Evening, Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and more.
Is there a Christmas parade in Vancouver in 2026?
No, there has not been a Christmas parade in Vancouver for several years. The best local holiday parades in 2026 include the Mission Candlelight Parade and the Steveston Santa Claus Parade.
What are the best Christmas activities in downtown Vancouver in 2026?
The best Christmas activities in downtown Vancouver include the Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour, St. Pauls Lights of Hope, Soar with Santa, Gingerbread Lane, Robson Square Ice Skating, Vancouver Christmas Market, Circle Craft Holiday Market, Christmas Wish Breakfast, Christmas with Chor Leoni, Winter Harp, Goh Ballet Nutcracker and more.