Have you ever considered spending Christmas with your family and friends at a mountain lodge? Or have you imagined yourself donning your winter clothing while going across town to celebrate Christmas in British Columbia?
If you said yes to both, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Get everything you’ll need for your trip and get ready to spend the holidays on the road this year. Indulge in the picturesque winter scenery and refreshing breeze that this vacation spot has to offer.
Remember that wherever you go in this city, you’ll find something fun and exciting to do during the holidays. The outdoor markets, seasonal events, and magnificent tourist locations are well worth planning a trip around. So, whether you celebrate Christmas by yourself or with loved ones, an exciting journey awaits you in this destination getaway. During the Christmas season, British Columbia has a lot of fun activities to offer, when you are with your family or even if you come solo. So read the article and discover a variety of venues, events, and things to try when you visit this province, in the most beautiful time of the year.
9 Fun Christmas Activities To Try in British Columbia
1. Goh Ballet Nutcracker
The Goh Ballet is a renowned dance company that annually performs “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season. The performances are usually held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, with live music performed by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
2. VanDusen Festival of Lights
There are over a million lights spread across 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden, making it look like a winter wonderland. You can stroll along the lake’s coast, which is illuminated by the northern lights, or you can check out the landscapers’ revival and lighting of the Rose Garden, which looks lovely in the winter.
3. Twelve Days of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
When visiting Butchart Gardens, you can count on seeing only the best flowers and the brightest bulbs. From December 1st to January 6th, the gardens and buildings are decorated with thousands of multicolored Christmas lights for the Twelve Days of Christmas spectacle. Think of this as one of the most memorable things to do with your loved ones throughout the holidays.
4. Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is a first-of-its-kind outdoor German-style holiday market in Vancouver. It is located in Jack Poole Plaza, close to the Convention Centre, and it features a carousel and regular live performances. There are dozens of shops selling handmade goods and food stands selling seasonal fare. So, if you’re looking for a place to go shopping for unusual gifts while enjoying mulled wine or cider with friends, you’ve found the right place. This is the place where most of the women spend most of their time, because choices to buy different things are various.
5. Electric Truck Parade
The Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive in Victoria is a delightfully unusual twist on the traditional Christmas parade. Around eighty trucks, including cement trucks, buses, and monster trucks, participate in the event on the first Saturday of December. Convoy members flash their lights and wave to one another as they drive through the city.
6. Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas
If you would rather relax with a cup of cocoa than ski down a mountain, this is the activity for you. From November 24 to December 24, Grouse Mountain hosts its Peak of Christmas event, packed with holiday cheer. Treat yourself to a sleigh trip up a picturesque mountain, a visit to Santa and his elves, a chance to pet one of his reindeer, and a showing of a holiday classic. You could also don skates and get in some holiday-themed cardio on the rink’s 8,000 square feet.
7. Salt Spring Island: Craft Fairs
On the first weekend of December, Salt Spring Island hosts its annual craft fair, where visitors can explore the works of the island’s talented artists. Knives, ceramics, soaps and potions, scarves, hand-blown glass, candles, and jewelry are just a few of the unique items for sale, along with the opportunity to recharge on home-cooked treats and soak up the upbeat atmosphere at these community hubs.
8. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
According to an article from newdenverlodge.com, Canyon Lights converts Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a stunning realm of seasonal grandeur From November through January. On the Treetops Adventure, you can wander through a glistening jungle and cross seven suspended bridges that lead from tree to ground. After crossing the world-famous bridge, you can see the lit-up Capilano River below, illuminated in a changing multi-color display.
9. Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam
During the holiday season, visit Town Centre Park in Coquitlam for Lights at Lafarge, an event that features festive lighting displays all around the lake. The decorations are gorgeous, the lake walk is soothing, the setting is breathtaking, and the attraction costs nothing.
Key Takeaway
British Columbia is the ideal holiday destination for you and your family this winter. Thanks to the large selection of fun activities, you will never have a dull moment throughout your trip. Consider all the attractions and events mentioned above to experience what makes British Columbia famous, especially during the holiday season. Remember to maintain an open mind to try these new experiences and explore everything to the fullest extent of your vacation.