Now that we’ve entered November, you know what that means! Christmas is just around the corner, with stores adorned in trees and ornaments, and parks aglow with festive lights. It’s the season for coats and cozy events, so here are some happening in Metro Vancouver this November.
Must-See November Events in Metro Vancouver
Bear Creek Lights
Experience the magic of nature after dark with breathtaking light displays winding along the scenic trails of Bear Creek Park each fall season.
When: November 6-20, 2026
Where: Bear Creek Park.
Tiime: 430pm-9pm (Friday & Saturday), 430-830pm (Thursday to Sunday)
Address: 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
**Must book tickets to attend** Book ONLINE or cal 604.501.5100
Astra Lumina
Stanley Park is transforming into an enchanted night walk amongst the stars. You will journey across mysterious grounds and discover a celestial pathway of light, sounds, and imagination. Explore 9 unique thematic areas featuring light installations, immersive 360 degree creations, and pathways lined with hundreds of dancing lights – all synchronized to an original cosmic soundtrack.
When: Open now – December 31, 2026
Where: Stanley Park, 690 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Time: Times Vary throughout the evening
Cost: Get your TIckets
The Lumiere Festival
Lumière Festival is celebrating it’s 13th year, it is more than just an event; it’s a jubilant celebration of our vibrant community’s creativity and a breathtaking showcase of art and light. As you wander through the illuminated streets of Vancouver, you’ll be captivated by the mesmerizing art installations that light up our beloved city.
When: November 12-14, 2026
Where: Various locations throughout Downtown Vancouver
Here is the map: Map of the Lumiere Festival
Outdoor Holiday Tree Lighting at CF Richmond Centre
Bundle the kids up, grab a hot chocolate, and get ready to tip your head way back. On Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m., CF Richmond Centre is lighting Metro Vancouver’s tallest Christmas tree, and at 78 feet, it’s a showstopper. Following the ceremony, visitors can experience daily light and music shows at the programmable LED tree at the top of the hour, every two hours, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Sunday, January 3.
When: November 14, 2026
Where: CF Richmond Centre
The Christmas Store at Potters
Kick off the holiday season at The Christmas Store at Potters in Surrey! This 28,000-square-foot wonderland has been a beloved family tradition for over 20 years. Open daily through December 24, it’s filled with dazzling designer trees, unique ornaments, stocking stuffers, gifts, and more. From toys and puzzles to specialty decor, Potters has something for everyone on your list.
WHen: November 1 -December 24, 2026
Where: Potters, Monday/Tuesday: 9 am – 6 pm, Wednesday to Friday: 9 am – 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
Address: 19158 48th Ave, Surrey, BC
Holiday Splash @ Vancouver Aquarium
Get ready for magical memories at Vancouver Aquarium’s Holiday Splash! Say hi to Scuba Claus, enjoy THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4D Experience, snap a selfie at the Jellyfish Snow Globe, and dive into the all-new Mighty Snow Monkeys 4D. Savour seasonal treats, and immerse in festive decor with their 65,000 amazing animals. Create holiday memories. Visit now!
When: November 12 2025 – January 3, 2026
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver BC,
Visit their Website for Admission and dates
Holidays at the Met at Metropolis at Metrotown
Meet a Santa (or three)
From November 12 to December 30, Santa is back, and this year you get to pick your style. There’s Classic Santa (straight out of a storybook), Global Santa (holidays around the world), and West Coast Santa (cozy Pacific Northwest vibes). Tropical Santa also swings by December 27 to 30. Book a Santa visit in November and you’ll get a free 40th anniversary tote with a heat patch personalization at Artbox, while supplies last. Book online here.
Holiday Magic Photo Walk
Also starting November 12 and running to December 30, five new installations pop up around the centre. Pose with a giant bedazzled purse and heel, or step into a 40th anniversary display. Each one gives you a chance to win a $100 reward, so find all five to boost your odds.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza! Gather your friends. Located right beside the Vancouver Convention Centre downtown, this magical market is the perfect spot to make holiday memories together!
When: November 16 -December 24, 2026
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
Visit their website for tickets and dates
Glow Langley: Magic Toyshop
Glow Christmas is back for its 10th season, and it’s our biggest, brightest event yet. Think local artisan markets, live entertainment, festive eats, and over a million twinkling lights.
This year’s story, Christmas Treasures, takes your family on an underwater adventure with Santa’s crew. You’ll dive beneath the North Pole ice into a glowing deep-sea dreamland to help five kids find their lost family heirlooms. New this year is The Crystal Palace, a three-storey walk-through with bird’s-eye views and a dancing light show.
When: November 19-January, 2, 2026
Where: Glow Gardens Langley
Address: 6690 216 St, Langley, BC
Visit their Website for tickets and dates
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Explore the world-famous bridge with a colorful display, wander through the lit rainforest, and enjoy the Cliffwalk. Snap photos, enjoy hot chocolate with festive music, and join in the park’s holiday activities. Canyon Lights admission is included.
When: November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC
Time: 11am-10pm
Visit their Website for Admission and dates
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
Merry & Bright is back at Martini Town in Langley, turning the famous outdoor film set into a twinkling holiday wonderland. You’ll wander through festive streets with carolers, visit Santa, shop from local artisans in a heated market tent, and maybe even run into The Green Christmas Grouch or The Ice Princess. It’s like stepping onto an actual holiday movie set, which makes sense since real movies have been filmed there. Plus, the kids get that magical movie snow experience without you having to shovel it later.
When: November 20 – December 31, 2026
Where: 1123 272 Street, Langley, BC
Time: 3pm to 8pm
Cost: $24 adults, $18 Youth, $12 Children, $20 Senior
Visit their Website for tickets and dates
Westbrook Village Holiday Market
The Wesbrook Village Holiday Market is back for its third year, and it’s free. Head to Norman MacKenzie Square at UBC for more than 45 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive food and drinks from the surrounding restaurants and cafés. Think handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats from shops like Ollie & Co, Standout Boutique, Convivial, and Tress Love.
Kids can visit Santa on Sundays, and the grown-ups can grab a seasonal cocktail from Sports Illustrated Clubhouse. New this year: more seating and cozy fire pits, which
When: November 20 – December 20, 2026
Where: Wesbrook Village: 3378 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver
Time: Fridays: 3–9 pm with live music 4–7 pm
Saturdays + Sundays: 12–7 pm with live music 2-5pm
Santa on Sundays: 1–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Visit their Website for more information
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
Surrey’s annual Tree Lighting Festival is celebrating 16 years of kicking off the holiday season with everything you love about Christmas, and it’s completely free. There are five stages of live performances, a holiday market for gift shopping, free carnival rides, food trucks, and complimentary photos with Santa (book online starting early November). This year they’ve added a 4,000-square-foot ice rink that’s free if you bring your own skates and helmet, or you can rent them there. The whole celebration centers around Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, which lights up for the first time at 6:30pm on November 21.
When: November 21-22, 2026
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza
Address: 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
Visit their Website for more information
Festive Village at Burnaby Village
Burnaby Village Museum transforms into Festive Village with twinkling lights across its 10-acre heritage site, where you can wander through a sports and games-themed holiday experience complete with carol singers, a scavenger hunt, and visits with Father Christmas. There’s food at Mai’s Cafe and kettle corn for snacking while you explore the beautifully decorated historic village. Parking is tight, so plan to carpool or take transit, and aim for weekday visits or arrive early on weekends since they limit entry when it gets crowded. It’s that perfect blend of history and holiday magic that makes for the kind of evening your family will actually remember.
*Mark your calendars for November 28 at 630pm for the Bright in Burnaby Tree lighting Ceremony.
When: November 25-December 31, 2026
Where: Burnaby Village Museum
Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Cost: Free
Visit Website for Information
Lights By The Lake – Harrison Hot Springs
Every winter, the holiday displays transform Harrison lakefront into a magical world of lights, showcasing local wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch. Enjoy weeping Christmas trees and vintage lamp standards in the Plaza. Stroll along the promenade and discover custom light displays, including Sasquatch fishing, geese under a weeping willow, and fun selfie stands with delightful creatures. The promenade is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
When: November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Where: Waterfront of Harrison Hot Springs along the promenade
Time: Dusk to 11pm
Whistler Winterlight
Welcome winter at Whistler Winterlight, a festive evening of lights, music and hands‑on fun at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Wander the Village Stroll, savour warm treats, try interactive activities and take a spin on the Ferris wheel for a sparkling view of the Plaza. Bring your crew – locals and visitors alike – and feel the season light up together. Expect a welcoming, down‑to‑earth vibe that’s pure Whistler.
When: November 27-29, 2026
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Time: Friday and Saturday (12-8pm), Sunday (12-5pm)
Visit their website for more info
Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights
Noel Surrey brings back the Lower Mainland’s biggest holiday festival with the famous Bright Nights light display, plus a massive indoor Noel Village where you can meet Santa, the Grinch, and the Snow Sisters. There’s live music, a Christmas market, a Ferris wheel, and all the cozy fire pits and holiday treats you need for a full evening out with the family. It’s basically everything festive in one spot, so you can knock out your holiday magic quota in a single trip.
When: November 27 – December 29, 2026
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Avenue, Surrey, BC
Time: 3pm-930pm (Daily)
Visit their Website for tickets and dates
Vandusen Festival of Lights
Step into a holiday wonderland at the VanDusen Festival of Lights! Wander 15 acres illuminated by over a million lights.
Enjoy the return of the Dancing Lights shows every 20 minutes, explore themed areas, and grab festive treats from food vendors.
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Address:5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Adults $29, Youth $19, Children $12, Seniors $19, Kids aged 4 and under are FREE
Visit their Website for tickets and dates
Portobello West Market
Portobello West Market, Vancouver’s original and longest-running independent market, turns 20 this year, and they’re celebrating with a Holiday Market featuring 70 local and BC makers. It’s a great spot to find unique gifts, meet the people who made them, and support small businesses while you’re at it.
When: November 28 -29, 2026
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
Cost: $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under
Visit their website for more info
The North Pole Express
This popular event fills up fast! Ride the Polar Express starts at the end of November and continues to December 21. An event that will fill hearts and create magical holiday memories.
When: (Weekends only)November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-21
Where: Railway Museum of British Columbia
Address: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Time: Daily Departures: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Heart Felt Holiday at the Improv Centre
The Improv Centre is debuting Heart Felt Holiday, a fully improvised holiday rom-com about a puppet looking for love while juggling work, family drama, and all the mess of the season. Inspired by The Muppet Christmas Carol, Avenue Q, and Sesame Street, it’s a warm, fuzzy love story that takes a new turn every night, so no two shows are the same.
When: November 20 – December 30, 2026
Time: Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm or 7:00pm
Where: The Improv Centre
Address: 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC
Visit Website for Ticket info and dates
Share the events happening around Metro Vancouver in November that you are loving by using the hashtag #vancouvermom !
