Why Vancouver Is One of the Best Christmas Destinations in 2025
Vancouver turns into a bright, cosy city during Christmas week. The air feels cool but still mild for winter. The mountains look sharp with fresh snow. The downtown core fills with markets, warm dining rooms, and lights that seem to show up on every corner. It feels lively without feeling chaotic.
Visitors come for different reasons. Some want a quiet holiday with good food. Some want kid friendly activities. Some want holiday lights and a few days away from the cold storms in other parts of Canada. No matter which type of trip you want, this Vancouver Christmas itinerary 2025 gives you the main events, the places worth booking early, and the restaurants that stay strong during the season.
We built this guide using real questions visitors ask every year, plus our own experiences helping travellers plan winter trips. It covers attractions, markets, restaurants, and luxury hotels so you can build a Christmas week that feels smooth instead of stressful.
Must Visit Festive Attractions
Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza
This market sits on the downtown waterfront and stays popular because it brings a mix of German inspired food, live music, and small shops that feel handmade instead of commercial. It usually runs until December 24 and closes earlier on Christmas Eve.
You can try bratwurst, warm pretzels, and glühwein served in collectible mugs. There are over eighty vendors, and the little alpine style huts make the whole area feel fun for families and couples. If you want things to do in Vancouver at Christmas without long walks, this market is easy since it sits beside Canada Place.
A simple tip is to visit on a weekday evening. The crowds feel lighter and the waterfront looks cleaner with the lights on the water.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Garden is one of the most popular holiday lights Vancouver events every year. It opens around 4:30 PM and stays bright until later in the evening. You walk through paths filled with more than a million lights. There are themed zones like the Mistletoe Maze and the Dancing Lights area that syncs to music.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Adult prices usually fall around twenty six to thirty six Canadian dollars. Children under two are free. This is one of those experiences that becomes a highlight for visitors, especially people travelling with kids.
If you want to avoid the busiest hour, arrive right when the gates open. The garden fills up quickly after six.
Bright Nights and the Stanley Park Christmas Train
The Stanley Park train feels like the centre of Christmas week for many families. The lights run along a 1.5 kilometre route, and the train moves through tunnels filled with decorations and music. The narration changes each year.
Tickets sell out very early. You can only buy them through Ticketleader, and the best days near December 20 to 24 go quickly. Prices usually sit around nine to twelve Canadian dollars. The drive through portion is by donation.
Once your train ride ends, the seawall sits only a short walk away, and you can see the downtown lights reflect on the water. It feels simple but memorable.
I once went with a friend and her two kids, and they spent most of the walk pointing out which lights looked like animals. The small things can turn into the best part of the night.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights
Canyon Lights turns the forest into a winter scene that feels different from the city. The trees glow with white and blue lights. The suspension bridge lights up with a soft shine. Kids love the treetop walkways because they feel like small treehouses along the path.
Book ahead on their website so you do not need to wait in line.
Gastown Lights and the Steam Clock
Gastown adds decorations that sit nicely on the cobblestone streets. The Steam Clock draws small crowds at night. This area works well for photos when the lights reflect off the wet stone.
Robson Square Ice Rink
Skating here feels relaxed and fun. It sits right in the centre of downtown near shopping and restaurants. Skating is free. Rentals cost a small fee.
Where to Eat During Christmas Week in Vancouver
Hawksworth Restaurant
Hawksworth offers a polished space with winter menus that lean into Canadian dishes. Expect game, seafood, and sauces that feel right for cold evenings. This is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver for Christmas dinner, especially for couples or people who want a refined night.
Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar
Boulevard stays known for seafood and seasonal dishes. December often brings Dungeness crab, roasted duck, and warm sides. They offer wine pairings and a richer holiday menu. Their Champagne and caviar service also appears around New Year’s.
Miku Vancouver
Miku sits near the harbour with a clean view of the water. The aburi sushi and seasonal omakase make it ideal for a relaxed luxury dinner. Many travellers add this to their list when looking for festive fine dining Vancouver options.
St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence blends Québécois and French Canadian cooking. Think warm pies, duck confit, and maple desserts. The restaurant is smaller, which makes it feel more personal. It often closes on December 25 and 26, so check the 2025 schedule before booking.
Where to Stay During Christmas Week
Fairmont Pacific Rim
This hotel offers modern luxury, a decorated lobby, and a short walk to the Christmas Market. It also has a spa for people who want to relax after long days in the cold.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
This hotel balances history and luxury. The lobby adds holiday decor, and you can hear live piano music on some nights in December.
Loden Hotel
The Loden sits near Coal Harbour. Rooms feel clean and quiet. Some suites even have fireplaces, which helps after walking in the rain. It works well for couples or families who want a calm stay.
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
This hotel sits close to the entertainment district and stadium area. It has strong views, several restaurants, and easy access to transit. The rooms feel modern and comfortable.
A small tip is to book your room by October. Christmas week fills quickly due to travellers, local guests, and cruise ship visitors.
Transportation and Local Tips for December 2025
Transit works well during the holidays. The Canada Line goes straight from the airport to downtown. The Compass Card makes it easy to move around the city.
Walking is simple in places like Yaletown, Gastown, and downtown. The seawall leads straight into Stanley Park if you want a winter stroll.
For a smoother holiday trip, many travellers choose luxury car rentals in Vancouver so they can drive to the North Shore lights, Whistler, or coastal roads without relying on transit or taxis. It helps when winter rain picks up.
Bring layers and waterproof clothing. December feels cold in a damp way, even without snow.
Sample 4 Day Vancouver Christmas Itinerary
Day 1, December 22
Check into your hotel.
Head to Miku for dinner.
Walk through the Vancouver Christmas Market afterward.
Day 2, December 23
Walk the seawall in the morning.
Ride the Stanley Park Christmas Train.
Skate at Robson Square.
Have dinner at St. Lawrence.
Day 3, December 24
Have a slow breakfast near your hotel.
Visit VanDusen Festival of Lights by four in the afternoon.
Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner at Hawksworth.
Day 4, December 25
Start with a hotel brunch.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge in the afternoon.
Walk or shop around Robson Street in the evening.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Vancouver at Christmas for visitors
The Christmas Market, VanDusen Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights, and the Stanley Park train stay at the top of most lists.
Where can I buy Stanley Park Christmas train 2025 tickets
Tickets are sold through Ticketleader and often sell out weeks in advance.
What are the best Christmas markets Vancouver offers in 2025
The Vancouver Christmas Market is the largest and most popular, especially for visitors staying downtown.
Where should I stay in Vancouver for Christmas week
Fairmont Pacific Rim, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Loden, and JW Marriott Parq Vancouver all offer strong holiday experiences.
What’s the best restaurant for Christmas dinner in Vancouver
Hawksworth and Boulevard are popular for holiday menus and winter dishes.
How do I get VanDusen Festival of Lights tickets
Tickets are sold online only through the VanDusen Garden website.
What’s the easiest way to get around Vancouver during the holidays
Some travellers choose luxury car rentals in Vancouver while others rely on transit and walking. Renting a car in Vancouver is usually the best way to get around, especially in wet and cold winter months.
What family friendly Christmas activities Vancouver offers in 2025
The Stanley Park train, Canyon Lights, and the Vancouver Christmas Market all work well for families.
How do I plan a Christmas week in Vancouver without stress
Book hotels early, reserve dinners ahead of time, and buy your light display tickets before December.
What are the best downtown Vancouver Christmas events
Robson Square skating, the Christmas Market, and holiday displays at Canada Place draw the biggest crowds.
