How to Spend a Magical Christmas in Vancouver

Are you wondering what Christmas in Vancouver is like? Well I’m here to tell you all the tea! 😉

I have spent a few Christmas’s in Vancouver with Dave since we moved here from Australia in 2021 and now I want to give you all of the tips for having the most magical Christmas in Vancouver and recommendations on whether I think visiting Vancouver for Christmas is worth it.

“But Kerry, doesn’t it rain like crazy in Vancouver in December?” Well… yes.. BUT don’t let that stop you! While the city may not be the snowy wonderland some would expect of a Canadian city, Vancouver offers its own kind of festive charm.

From magical light displays and holiday cheer to skiing in the local mountains and exploring lush florescent green forests covered in fairy lights, there’s plenty to make the holiday season special. Of course, the frequent rain is something to consider, but with the right mindset (and a good rain jacket 😋), it can add to the cozy atmosphere.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about spending Christmas in Vancouver including, the good parts and bad parts of Vancouver in December, a list of my favourite Vancouver Christmas activities and tips on driving in Vancouver and the local mountains in the snow and rain.

Oh and I’ll even let you in on a bonus secret snowy hike at the end. ⛄

Everything You Need to Know about Spending Christmas in Vancouver BC

Why Vancouver is great at Christmas

Vancouver is a great place to visit in December because the weather is much more mild than the rest of Canada and you don’t need to deal with driving in the snow (most of the time), unless you head up to the mountains.

Even though there’s no snow, Vancouver still puts on the Christmas cheer and there is plenty of Christmassy activities to partake in.

Just because there’s no snow in Downtown Vancouver, doesn’t mean that you will be without snow during your visit. There are lots of snowy mountain experiences just a short drive or a gondola ride away.

The not-so-magical parts of Vancouver at Christmas (the rain)

It’s no secret that December in Vancouver is very wet. We have learnt that you just have to embrace it and not let it stop you from getting outside. In fact, we have realised that there are some hikes in Vancouver that are even more beautiful in the rain. If you are wondering which ones, here is a list!

The rain also makes Vancouver feel extra cozy and perfect for snuggling up inside with a hot chocolate or cheeky red wine.

Where is Vancouver

Vancouver is located on the West Coast of Canada. It is a very special place because it has both the ocean and beautiful snowy mountains within very close proximity of the city.

How to get to Vancouver

The easiest way to get to Vancouver is by flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From the airport to Downtown Vancouver, it is about a 30 minute drive or you can catch the Sky Train using a Compass Card or your credit card to tap on and off. Catching the Sky Train will most likely save you a bit of time when compared with driving due to the city traffic.

Best Places to Stay in Vancouver during Christmas

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Vancouver at Christmas time, you are spoilt for choice with lots of cozy and festive options.

If you are after a truly magical experience, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, also known as the “Castle in the City,” transforms into a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, elegant decorations and festive experiences like their Holiday Chalet Afternoon Tea and Kringle’s Pop Up Bar.

If you want to be closer to the Vancouver Christmas Market, the Sea Bus and other Downtown festivities, the Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Exchange Hotel Vancouver are great choices and both within walking distance of the main Downtown festivities.

Weather in Vancouver in December

So you already know that it can be quite rainy in Vancouver in December, but what about the temperatures? On average in the month of December, Vancouver sees a high of 7 degrees C (44.6 degrees F) and a low of 3 degrees C (37.4 degrees F).

This can vary throughout December and from year to year. Sometimes it even gets cold enough to snow in December which we have a experienced a couple of times now.

December is also very cloudy and as someone who works a corporate job during the week, I constantly feel like all of the sunny days in December are during the week. When it is sunny though, the Winter sunset are spectacular!

Does it snow in Vancouver in December?

Snow is typically fairly unusual in Downtown Vancouver, however it does happen usually at least once every Winter. If it decides to snow in the city, it will usually only snow for 1, 2 or 3 days and then stop and start warming up again.

If it doesn’t snow in the city while you are visiting, this doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on snow completely. You can easily head up to one of the local mountains – Seymour, Grouse or Cypress for some snowy fun like skiing, snowshoeing or tubing.

Is it Safe to Drive in Vancouver in December?

The thing about Vancouver during Winter, is that not many locals use Winter tires.

This means that if it DOES snow in the city, absolute chaos erupts on the roads, so you want to try to avoid them if you can, especially on the first day of snow because that’s usually when people are caught by surprise. I don’t know why because the same exact thing happens every year.

One Winter, there were such bad traffic jams on the highway from people sliding all over the place, that people had to give up at 1am and abandon their cars and walk home. It was absolute insanity. Anyway, it’s very unlikely that this will happen to you on your trip to Vancouver (at least I have my fingers and toes crossed that it doesn’t)! Just something to be aware of. 😉

You will need Winter tires if you plan to head up to the mountains or you can look into getting public transport as many of the mountains have private shuttles that will take you up there.

Things to do in Vancouver at Christmas

Vancouver’s Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Canyon Lights is my ALL TIME FAVOURITE thing to do in Vancouver at Christmas and we go at least once every year. This year we actually went twice during Winter because it snowed later on in January and the park was ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL in the snow!

👉 Make sure you book ahead super early because during Canyon Lights ticket sell out fast: Book here

Visit The Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain

The Peak of Christmas is so much fun! We have been a couple of times now and enjoyed skating on the skating pond and wandering through the winter wonderland surrounding by festive lights while the snow was falling. There is also a lodge with a restaurant and quick service café for food and hot drinks.

🌟 Enjoy VanDusen Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights is located in VanDusen Botanical Gardens and is one of the best Christmas Light displays in Vancouver. This is the perfect way to get yourself into the festive spirit because there will be Christmas music playing whilst you spend 1 to 2 hours strolling through the gardens admiring all of the lights, on a crisp Vancouver evening, hot chocolate in hand. I especially enjoyed the snowmen. 😆

Pick something up at the Vancouver Christmas Market

You will need a ticket to visit the Vancouver Christmas Markets which are located in Jack Poole Plaza at Canada Place. The Christmas Markets have a European feel to them and absolutely delicious food!

Personally, the Vancouver Christmas Markets aren’t my favourite because you need to pay a fee to visit them before you even purchase any gifts or food from the stalls. Then once you’re in they are so packed full of people that you can barely move! I much prefer the Lower Lonsdale Christmas Markets which are located in North Vancouver by the water not too far from the Sea Bus terminal. You don’t need to pay or book a ticket to enter. You can just stroll through at your own pace.

Snowshoe the Lights to the Lodge Trail on Cypress Mountain

We did the Lights to the Lodge for the first time with my parents and we all LOVED IT! In a nutshell, the Lights to the Lodge is a snow shoe trail that you purchase tickets to with or without snowshoe rental.

You then turn up and snow shoe through a magical, snowy, fairy light covered forest to the Hollyburn Lodge on Cypress Mountain. You can then hike back to the starting point or get some food and a hot chocolate or mulled wine at the lodge. Highly recommend this one!

Have fun at Bright Nights in Stanley Park

2025 Update: Bright Nights has now moved to Surrey.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park is the one light show that has been on our list for years and we STILL haven’t been to! I’m definitely going to make 2025 the year we go. Someone please remind me! 😋

Bright Nights in Stanley Park is one of the most popular Christmas light festivals in Vancouver. It is also very close to Downtown Vancouver so super convenient if you don’t have a car. At the festival, you can enjoy a dazzling display of lights and festive decorations whilst sipping on a apple cider or hot chocolate.

Attend a Candlelight Concert

A Candlelight Concert is on my Vancouver bucket list (hopefully for this Christmas). You can attend one of these concerts at any time throughout the year but I think Christmas is the perfect time for it.

Bonus – The Magical Cypress Mountain Cabins Hike

The Cypress Mountain Cabins Hike is the least touristy thing on this list but it is worth it all the same. You can start it from the same place as the Lights to the Lodge or further down the mountain at an alternative parking lot. Make sure you bring a pair of micro spikes to avoid slipping in the snow. The trail takes you around the Hollyburn Lodge area where you will pass lots of cute cabins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver worth visiting during Christmas?

Vancouver is definitely not what first comes to mind when I think of where to spend Christmas but with all of the things to do and places to explore, yes, I think it’s worth visiting at Christmas, especially if you enjoy getting outside like we do.

What is open on Christmas Day in Vancouver?

If you do find yourself spending Christmas in Vancouver, don’t worry about not having enough to do on Christmas Day because there are plenty of things open.

Activities that are open on Christmas Day

• Vancouver Aquarium – located in Stanley Park – check availability and book tickets here
• Robson Square Ice Rink – check here for opening hours
• Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain – check availability and book tickets here
• Christmas at Canada Place – check opening times and details here

Restaurants that are open on Christmas Day

• Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar: Known for its refined four-course Christmas dinner.
• ARC Restaurant: Offers a variety of options including turkey, beef, fish, or vegetarian dishes in a festive ambiance. ​
• Diva at the Met: Features an exquisite four-course holiday menu.

If you want to eat out on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve in Vancouver, I recommend booking well in advance as the above spots fill up quickly.

Does it rain in Vancouver in December?

December is probably one of the rainiest months in Vancouver, along with November. Every December we cross our fingers for the temperatures to drop enough for it to snow in Vancouver but if it does, it’s usually only for a few short days and then it’s back to rain. In other words, make sure you bring your umbrella and some good wet weather gear!

Our Thoughts

Christmas in Vancouver can be really fun if you embrace the Christmas events and ignore the rain. Personally, both Dave and I like having more of a snowy Christmas and if you have time and are able to pop over to the US, you should totally visit Leavenworth in December because it is truly magical!

In recent years, we have learnt to embrace Christmas in Vancouver and are enjoying being able to head up to the local mountains to enjoy the snow. My parents recently visited and were shocked at the amount of rain there was down in the city. It has snowed in Vancouver at Christmas twice since we have been here since 2021 but it is super hard to predict so you definitely cannot count on it snowing down in the city.

You might also enjoy:

• Amazing Whistler Tours in Winter
• Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Worth It
• Incredible Waterfalls Near Vancouver That You Need to Visit
• Amazing Things to do in Vancouver BC in Winter
• Best Vancouver Snowshoeing Trails
• Stunning Winter Hikes in Vancouver
• Best Views in Vancouver
• Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Vancouver
• How to Spend 4 Unforgettable Days in Vancouver in Winter (Mountains, Forests, Breweries)
• How to Find the Magical Cypress Mountain Cabins
• Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Vancouver
• Things to do in North Vancouver