Magical Christmas Events Around Vancouver in 2023

Christmas events are a festive tapestry woven with joy, warmth, and tradition, bringing communities together in celebration. From dazzling light displays that transform neighbourhoods into enchanting wonderlands to the heartwarming melodies of carolers resonating through the air, the holiday season is a time of shared merriment.

Families gather around beautifully adorned Christmas trees, exchanging gifts and creating cherished memories. Churches host special services, capturing the spiritual essence of the season. In town squares, festive markets beckon with the aroma of spiced cider and the twinkle of handmade ornaments. The excitement of children is palpable as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, who often makes appearances at various events. Whether attending a lively holiday parade, participating in a charitable toy drive, or simply enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace, Christmas events radiate a sense of unity and goodwill, reminding us of the magic that surrounds this special time of year.

Here are some Christmas Events not to be missed this season.

Carousel Theatre For Young People
November 29 – December 31

www.carouseltheatre.ca

Just in time for the holidays, Carousel Theatre for Young People presents playwright Greg Banks’ acclaimed retelling of the cherished fairytale classic Snow White, at Granville Island’s Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St). The wickedly funny reinterpretation sees two actors, accompanied by an on-stage musician, embody a cast of beloved characters: the handsome prince, the malicious queen, a helpful dwarf, and the pure-hearted Snow White herself. This charming tale is given a fresh, ingenious twist that will delight audiences of all ages during the festive season. Snow White will feature several special events, including a mandatory masked performance on Dec. 2 (1pm), an ASL Interpreted performance on Dec. 9 (1pm), and a Vocal Eye described performance on Dec. 16 (4pm). Audiences are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairytale characters on Saturday showings at 4pm (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30). Tickets and information at www.carouseltheatre.ca

EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE

1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC. V3B 7Y3 604-927-6545

www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Visit Evergreen to enjoy a festive professional show, close to home! Choose from events like Search for the Christmas Penguin, The Nutcracker ballet, or a Hot Chocolate Night at the art gallery. It’s a perfect addition to a winter walk around the Lights at Lafarge, located right outside our lobby and just steps from the Evergreen SkyTrain Line! Tickets and information at https://linktr.ee/evergreenarts

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Gateway Theatre, Richmond
December 14th – 31st

www.gatewaytheatre.com/cinderella

This holiday season, Gateway Theatre presents the enchanting Tony Award-Winning Musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella from December 14 to 31. This magical production is brought to life with extravagant ball-worthy costumes, an incredible pumpkin carriage and a live band to play this captivating score. Not only does it have a sweeping score, but this beloved fairy tale has also been beautifully contemporized for the stage, with a new focus on female empowerment and resiliency. Gateway Theatre aims to make theatre accessible to all and is proud to offer special performances, including a Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Dec. 14, an Open Experience & Talkback on Dec. 20, and a VocalEye Live Audio Description performance on Dec. 29. Other special events include a dress-up day on Dec. 17 and a ballroom dancing workshop (Dec. 21 & 28). Tickets and information at www.gatewaytheatre.com/cinderella

PNE WINTER FAIR
2901 E Hastings St.
December 8th and 9th, December 14th – 23rd, 4pm to 10pm nightly

www.pne.ca

The PNE Winter Fair is back and more festive than ever! Come and celebrate winter with us, PNE-style. Join us at Discover Santa where you can embark on the ultimate journey to meet Santa Claus by solving puzzles and cracking riddles, ride the PNE Holiday Express, wander through Winter Lights presented by BC Hydro – a great place to snap a photo! –  and go skating – or try the Ice Bumper Cars – at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, and then warm up with the culinary extravaganza at the Holiday Eats & Treats. When you’re ready for a break, you can enjoy live programming like Nutcracker on Ice and the Magic of Santa.The PNE Winter Fair is sure to become your new holiday tradition! Tickets and information at www.pne.ca

Other not-to-be-missed Holiday Events for 2023

Canyon Lights
Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Now until January 21st

Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack-Poole Plaza, Vancouver
November 16th – December 24th

Glow Langley
Glow Gardens Langley
November 23- December 30th

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees
Presented by Scotiabank
November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Located in the Lobby, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Portobello West Market
Roundhouse Community Centre
November 25th and 26th

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum
November 25th – January 5th

Holidays at Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium
Nov 12 – Jan 7

VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Garden
November 28th – January 7th