Being a busy single mama to an even busier and active child, finding quality and cost effective moments to share together can be challenging. We take advantage of the seasonal slow down in Winter when school’s out, to explore all the opportunities to sip hot cocoa in beautiful magical places together.
The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year. If you live in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Pitt Meadows or Maple Ridge (or anywhere in between), there are so many local family-friendly activities to bring out your festive spirit.
Below is a curated list of the best free and paid holiday experiences in our region, and pro tips for planning, parking, and making it feel special.
Free Holiday Events + Light Displays
Lights at Lafarge | Coquitlam Town Centre Park
This is our lil family’s favourite annual wintertime experience!
Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter light display, circling Lafarge Lake along a 1.2 km loop in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
The lights turn on daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, typically from late November through mid-February.
The kick-off event usually features live performances, food trucks, and community gatherings. This year, the kick off event will be November 28th, 5-8pm
Parking is free but can be limited, so using public transit (e.g. SkyTrain to Lafarge-Lake–Douglas) is highly recommended.
Festive Village | Burnaby Village Museum
An annual tradition right in Burnaby: beautifully lit historic buildings, carollers, and old-fashioned holiday charm.
The Festive Village museum grounds are transformed into a holiday wonderland with sparkling lights and classic old-fashioned decorations across its charming 10-acre open-air site.
This is a perfect outing if you’re in Burnaby or New Westminster, especially for families with younger kids, or history nerds like me.
The event runs until January 2, 2026 (closed December 24 & 25), with free admission. Weekday hours are 1–5:30 pm and weekends and holidays from 1–9 pm, and carousel rides are available for a small fee.
High attendance days may have entry limits, so arriving early or checking transit options is recommended.
Shipyards Christmas Market | North Vancouver
The Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver, located at Lonsdale Quay, is a festive destination where the waterfront transforms into a sparkling holiday hub.
Stroll among artisan vendors, sip hot drinks, and enjoy live music and family-friendly fun with the iconic city skyline as your backdrop.
The market bursts to life around late November through December, with special nights featuring food trucks, visits from Santa, and twinkling light installations.
Entry is usually free, but parking at the Shipyards can fill up quickly, so using the nearby SeaBus or bus is highly recommended for a stress-free visit.
It’s a great and accessible option for city dwellers who want a local holiday outing without driving into the suburbs.
Destination Downtown — Vancouver
Destination Downtown returns for Winter 2025–2026, bringing months of festive fun to the heart of Vancouver.
From December through February, families can enjoy a bright lineup of seasonal activities across the downtown core, including Ferris wheel rides throughout December, dazzling performances from local entertainers, illuminated word installations, and sparkling light displays that guide your walk along the Coal Harbour seawall.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the city at its most magical, with plenty of free, family-friendly moments tucked around every corner.
More details will be released closer to opening, but this annual favourite is already shaping up to be one of the must-see holiday experiences in Vancouver.
Paid / Ticketed Holiday Experiences
If you’re open to a little spending for larger-scale decorations, immersive walks, or festival-style holiday cheer, these paid events are perfect for families in our area:
Noel Festival / Bright Nights Surrey | Cloverdale Fairgrounds
The Noel Festival is returning to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds from November 28 to December 28, 2025, and it’s one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in Surrey. Families can wander through the stunning Bright Nights light display, meet Santa and festive characters, browse the Christmas market, and warm up by cozy fire pits with food huts and live entertainment nearby. It’s a full holiday village experience, perfect for little ones and equally charming for adults who want to feel that childhood magic again.
Children aged 6 and under enter free, making it an affordable outing for families. Even better, part of every ticket sold supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, so your holiday night out also gives back to the community.
Glow Langley – Christmas Light Festival
Glow Langley is back for the 2025 season, running from November 20 to December 31, and it continues to be one of the most magical holiday traditions in the Fraser Valley. This year’s theme, The Magic Toy Shop, transforms the outdoor walk-through experience into a series of whimsical worlds: from Gingerbread Lane to DinoLand to Teddy Town. Each is filled with glowing sculptures, interactive displays, and photo-perfect moments. Families can enjoy the Merry Maker’s Market, grab treats from local food trucks, and let kids explore the festival’s playful activity zones.
Parking is free on-site, and toddlers 3 and under enter at no cost, making it easy for families with little ones. Glow Langley is one of those outings that feels festive from the moment you arrive, joyful, bright, and perfect for creating those Hallmark-style December memories.
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VanDusen Festival of Lights | Vancouver
VanDusen Festival of Lights returns for the 2025 holiday season, running from November 28 to January 5, transforming the 15-acre botanical garden into a glittering winter wonderland. This year’s celebration brings back the beloved dancing light shows set to seasonal music, along with themed areas like Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Wood, and the radiant Lakeside Lanterns.
Stroll the illuminated pathways, warm up with hot cocoa and sweet treats, and stop for photos under sparkling archways and towering light sculptures. Families can also visit Santa’s Lodge and enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening.
Parking is available nearby, and children 3 and under receive free admission, making it a festive tradition for all ages. The VanDusen Festival of Lights captures the magic of the holidays with every twinkle, inviting visitors to experience joy, wonder, and a true Vancouver Christmas classic.
Planning Tips for the Festive Season
Make the most of this year’s holiday light displays with a bit of preparation and a few smart tips:
• Time your visits wisely. For free events like Lights at Lafarge, try weekdays or early evenings to skip the biggest crowds.
• Use transit when possible. Especially for busy spots like Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake or North Vancouver’s Shipyards Market, public transit can save time and parking stress.
• Bundle your outings. If you’re visiting Langley or Surrey, pair a walk through Glow or Noel with dinner or dessert nearby for a cozy evening out.
• Dress for the weather. Layers, warm shoes, and rain gear make outdoor events more comfortable, even if the drizzle starts.
• Capture the magic. Bring a camera or phone for photos. Simple walks like Lafarge Lake become picture-perfect under the lights.
• Plan ahead for tickets. Popular events such as Glow Langley and Noel Surrey often sell out, so booking online early can guarantee entry and sometimes save money.
Why This Matters (from Your Local Realtor)
As someone who lives and works across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge (and everywhere in between), I truly believe part of what makes living here so special is the sense of community. These holiday lights and events are more than “things to do”, they’re moments you share with your family, neighbours, and friends.
I hope you and your family get to slow down, bundle up, and experience some of the winter magic our Metro Vancouver communities offer.
Whether that’s a cozy walk around Lafarge Lake, a sparkling night at Glow Langley, or simply driving through your neighbourhood to see the lights. These local traditions are part of what makes living here so special, and I’m grateful to help you feel rooted, resourced, and at home in this beautiful region we share.
If you ever need recommendations, neighbourhood insights, or support with your next chapter, we’re here for you.
Zahra Damjanovic, Real Estate Advisor
📲 604-377-1299 📧 zahra@hellowestcoast.ca
WestCoast Living Real Estate Group