For a magical Christmas in Vancouver in 2026, top attractions include the German-themed Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, the dazzling Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights. Experience snow and festive activities at the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, or enjoy the Bright Nights in Stanley Park train.
Vancouver, BC is the perfect place for holiday-loving families to take in all the excitement of the season. There are so many really wonderful Christmas things to do for families that are so unique and magical. My family loves visiting in December and book it every year we can!
Stuff to do: Science World, Aquarium & Bright Nights at Stanley Park, Granville Island, Van Dusen lights, Christmas Market at the waterfront, Seabus to North Vancouver for lonsdale quay market, capilano suspension bridge & grouse mountain, and lots more!
What should I not miss on my first trip to Vancouver? Don't miss biking the Stanley Park Seawall, walking through Gastown, visiting Granville Island, and crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge. These places offer the best views of the city and give you a real feel for Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver's weather in December is milder and better than most other Canadian cities. December tends to be one of the rainiest months in Vancouver, so you can expect the same. The temperature stays around 3-4 degrees Celsius.
Vancouver, British Columbia is ranked 1st for most walkable cities in Canada by many sources. They have a great place for walking where you can go anywhere you need at any time.
The best place for a December trip depends on your goal: for winter sun, consider the Canary Islands, Caribbean (Antigua), or Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka); for festive Christmas markets & city vibes, head to Vienna, Prague, or New York City; and for a snowy adventure, Swedish Lapland (Northern Lights) or the French Alps (skiing) are perfect.
The Vancouver Christmas Market has you covered with unique gifts, warm drinks, and a whole lot of festive spirit. One stop, everyone crossed off the list, zero shipping delays.
Some of the best destinations to visit at Christmas include the twinkling Rockefeller Center in New York, the festive fun of Santa's Village in Chicago, and the historic charm of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. For a warm holiday, you can soak up the winter sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Key West, Florida.
December and January are generally Vancouver's coldest months, with December often cited as the coldest by average temperature (around 39°F/4°C), though January can also see significant cold snaps and historically holds records for extreme lows, with temperatures dipping well below freezing, especially during rare Arctic air intrusions. While November is typically the wettest, the chill sets in during late fall and winter, with February sometimes bringing the chilliest conditions as well.
The best time to visit Vancouver to get the lowest prices is between September and May. By September, hotel prices start to drop from the summer months, but the least expensive time is between December and February.
For a good overview of Vancouver, 3-4 days are ideal for city sights, but 5-7 days (or even longer in summer/winter) allows for deeper exploration of city neighborhoods, beaches, dining, and day trips to nearby mountains (Grouse, Cypress) or Whistler, balancing urban and outdoor experiences effectively.
Is it safe to walk around downtown Vancouver at night?
Exploring downtown Vancouver should feel safe and welcoming—day or night. That's why our Safe Walk Program, available through the Downtown Van App, is here to help you get where you're going with peace of mind.
Stay near Gastown if you crave heritage charm and boutique shops. Like Chinatown, it's better explored in daylight, as the surrounding area can be less polished after dark. Stay in North Vancouver if you're here for hiking, outdoor adventure, and less expensive hotels.
When it comes to mild weather and scenic escapes, British Columbia easily tops the list of warmest places in Canada in winter. The Okanagan Valley, with its rolling vineyards and desert hills, offers some of the country's gentlest winters and at its heart lies Osoyoos, Canada's warmest town.
What To Eat in Vancouver? If you're visiting this food-loving city, make sure to try Pacific salmon, sushi and poutine for a taste of its seafood and Canadian roots. Dungeness crab and spot prawns showcase Vancouver's fresh coastal flavors, while JapaDog and dim sum highlight its diverse culinary scene.
Vancouver is very casual bordering on slovenly. You will find all kinds. I usually dress "smart casual" to most restaurants, and when going out, jeans, shoes, dress shirt is common.
With Stanley Park located right in the heart of the city, you'll find that it encompasses much of the natural beauty – as well as the history – of Vancouver in a 1000 acre stretch of land. Whether you're visiting Vancouver for the day or the week, no trip would be complete without a stop off in this historic park.
