B.C. Adventures: Things to do in December

From holiday picks to themed activities and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month

1. Canyon Lights – Friday, November 22 to Sunday, January 19, 2025
North Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This limited-time light display at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is back to light up the forest. The Capilano “Christmas Tree Lot Photo Spot” is new for this season, giving guests a great photo op with lush trees, a vintage barn door backdrop and a jolly lumberjack bear. Children of all ages can also visit “The Treehouse at Treetops Adventure” to pick up a festive card. After picking up the memento, get into the holiday spirit by enjoying seasonal treats like peppermint hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies at the park’s cafes. For the Swifties: there will be a special Taylor Swift feature from December 5 to 9, where the park’s 450-feet-long suspension bridge will be turned into a giant friendship bracelet! Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle with other fans and enjoy Taylor’s music in nature.
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver; Tickets from $71.90; Details online.

2. Christmas in the Country – Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 29
Langley

Tourism Langley

This festive event is hosted at an equestrian show park, and takes place Thursdays through Sundays. Visit with your family and enjoy a themed artisan market filled with unique holiday activities, photos with Santa and local food trucks. This event takes place indoors, so fret not during the snowy winter time.
Thunderbird Show Park – 24550 72 Avenue, Langley Township; Tickets for $23; Details online

3. Holidays at The Met – Tuesday, November 12 to Monday, December 30
Burnaby

Enjoy indoor fun at Metropolis at Metrotown, where there is an assortment of family-friendly activities. In addition to old favourites like photos with Santa, guests can explore new offerings like the “Holiday Lounge” and “Date Night with Santa.” Metrotown is hosting three different Santas for an inclusive experience (classic Father Christmas, Global Santa and Tropical Santa). The Holiday Lounge is a decorated space tucked away from the mall’s hustle and bustle during this busy season. This space is free to enter, with classic movies playing throughout the day and multiple kids’ areas. There is also a VIP Lounge for guests who spend $300 or more on the same day. You can enjoy complimentary wine, a hot chocolate bar, light snacks and a coat check at the VIP Lounge. The Date Night with Santa event is available on December 6 and 13 only for guests ages 19+, and costs $50 for two guests. The Holiday Lounge is transformed into a party space with live music, a complimentary drink and light holiday-style snacks and sweets.
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby; Free entry; Details online.

4. Flyover Canada: Soar with Santa – Thursday, November 21 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Vancouver

Pursuit

This holiday flight takes visitors across Canada and into the North Pole to visit Santa and his elves. Before heading into the flight, experience a winter wonderland at the venue with an abundance of sparkling Christmas trees and elves prancing on Christmas reefs. Soak in the festive spirit with your family and little ones as you experience this journey like no other. Visitors can enjoy a holiday snack or cozy drink at the Flying Whale Cafe, where there is also a “Letter to Santa” station.
201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver; Tickets from $31; Details online

5. Weirdos Holiday Market – Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 and Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15
Vancouver

Weirdos Holiday Market

Visit Vancouver’s funkiest festive market this season and find your next Christmas gift. For its 8th annual run, Weirdos Holiday Market will feature selections by 60 local artists over two December weekends. The Friday night market dates are exclusively for shoppers aged 19+, since there will be an onsite bar and R-rated trinkets for curious adults. Saturday and Sunday market dates are open to visitors of all ages. Stop by for some of the most unique pottery pieces, plants and art pieces you’ll come across in the city.
600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets from $5; Details online

6. Holly Jolly Chilliwack – Various Dates
Chilliwack

Tourism Chilliwack

Tourism Chilliwack is rolling out a variety of festive offerings throughout the Fraser Valley community this season. From a Christmas train at Greendale Acres to light displays at Cultus Lake, locals and visitors alike have many events to choose from. Pick out your next Christmas tree at the Pine Meadows Tree Farm or shop for gifts at the Chilliwack Christmas Gifts Expo – the options are endless!
Various locations; Prices vary; Details online.  

7. Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts: Bake it Off! – Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Vancouver

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Calling all Swifties! The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) is offering two events to celebrate Taylor Swift’s return to Vancouver. On Saturday, fans can attend a Taylor Swift Baking Class at PICA and get the inside scoop on how to create Taylor’ favourite treats. The event on Sunday is a buffet dinner by PICA chefs, featuring menu items inspired by Taylor’s hit singles, including the Shake it Off Mini Corn Dogs and Fearless Mini Cheeseburgers. Enjoy one or both of these events for a belly of good food and a weekend of Taylor Swift goodness!
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts – 101-1505 W 2nd Avenue, Vancouver; Prices vary; Details online