Twinkling Lights and Festive Markets: Where to Find Holiday Cheer in BC

Victoria

The Butchart Gardens is decked out in seasonal cheer with wreaths, garlands, scenes from the 12 Days of Christmas, an outdoor ice rink, and hundreds of thousands of lights from December 1 – January 6. A carousel, hot chocolate and gingerbread, holiday dining options, carollers, and brass performances add to the lively atmosphere.

In the city, explore Christmas at the Victoria Public Market, wander through a Gingerbread Showcase, enjoy Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle, sip festive afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, or stroll along the Harbour for views of the BC Parliament Buildings in seasonal finery.

—Michelle Pentz Glave

At the Aurora Winter Festival, Vancouver’s Concord Pacific along False Creek is transformed into a snowy, hidden village by the North Pole from November 23 – December 30. Captivating light displays, magical characters, and Santa’s Workshop anchor the all-ages draw that will see visitors lacing up skates for spins on a “Frozen River.” Market huts, amusement rides, and live entertainment round out the fun.

Have a sweet tooth? All ages will love the city’s annual CandyTown festivities on November 24, where visits from Saint Nick are punctuated by roaming holiday characters (think dancing gingerbread men and an Ice Queen), holiday crafts, carolling, and the signature candy kebob-making workshop in the Candy Hut. This free event, presented by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association, raises funds for the B.C. Children’s Hospital, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Rotary Club.

—Carla Mont

If you need snow to get into the holiday spirit, Grouse Mountain is the place. Ride the Skyride to The Peak of Christmas where the North Pole-ish scene includes ice skating on the 8,000-square-foot frozen pond, a magical Light Walk through the woods, Santa’s Workshop and two of his reindeer, sleigh rides on the mountaintop, and a Gingerbread Village. Also, be sure to check out Grouse Mountain’s Sliding Zone and Mountain Zipline Tours.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park is the city’s traditional go-to, ideal for tots (and a charitable fundraiser for burn victims). A miniature train chugs through three million twinkle-lights sparkling on evergreens and illuminating old-style Christmas scenes. There’s also live entertainment and visits with Santa.

—Michelle Pentz Glave

Want to see holiday lights without having to bundle up? Look no further than @glowlangley, Greater Vancouver’s largest indoor Christmas festival. GLOW under the canopy of a million twinkling lights as you explore six different countries (Paris, anyone?) and stroll along festive city streets that feature iconic historical landmarks. There’s also a Christmas market, local vendors, food trucks, LED swings, Glen the Glow-comotive, a bouncy reindeer, a licensed bar for adults, and, of course, Santa.

—Carla Mont

Harrison Hot Springs

The local Sts’ailes people have long shared stories of Sasquatch (or Saqets), a hulking creature covered in thick hair that can vanish into the spirit realm at will. Its elusive nature has captivated residents in Harrison Hot Springs—so much so that the town has a dedicated Sasquatch Trail (sightings have been recorded over the years) and a Sasquatch Days summer fest. The first annual Lights on the Lake, November 23 – January 28, will add a seasonal nod to Saqets, with colourful displays throughout town. (More holiday-themed displays are on hand, too.) When night falls, bundle up, grab a peppermint mocha, and stroll at leisure.

—Carla Mont