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

Whistler

Whistler gets plenty of love as a premier North American ski resort, but its charming, pedestrian-only Village Stroll is just as press-worthy—especially when the winding walkways are dusted in snow and the whole place is lit up like a Christmas tree. Join a free holiday event, peruse an artisan market, or take a seat at an outdoor heated patio to people-watch. Tubing, snowshoeing, skating, and ziplining are all nearby, too.

—Michelle Pentz Glave

Barkerville Historic Town & Park

Step back to 1862—before the invention of the iPhone—and experience an authentic Victorian Christmas in Barkerville Historic Town & Park. The national historic site will offer a special Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas from December 8 to 10. Have your photo taken with Father Christmas, glide through the town’s snowy streets on a sleigh, taste baked goods in the Wendle House, and enjoy a special reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

—Jane Zatylny