With the arrival of December everyone is getting prepared for the Christmas season. The malls are crowded, the Christmas shopping is getting into high gear, kids are clamouring for pictures with Santa, and families are preparing to get together during the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s. This year I have selected what I think are really memorable sites to see with your family this month. There are some really spectacular light shows and fun events all around the Greater Vancouver area. Here is a selection in different areas of the Lower Mainland.
Langley
For families living east of Surrey, there is Glow Christmas in Langley, which is the only major Christmas attraction in the Fraser Valley apart from some smaller attractions in Chilliwack. This indoor event started last year and is certain to inspire some Christmas joy. Located in the Milner Centre Greenhouse at 6690 216th Street I Langley. Glow Christmas features a giant light tunnel and light maze, live music and market along with all sorts of displays. It will be operating throughout December and beyond to January 19, 2019 Hours of operation are from 4 pm to 10 pm (on Saturdays opening one hour earlier). Note that it closes at 9 pm on the final six days of the season and will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and every Sundays.
Coquitlam
For residents in Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, the Lights at Lafarge is a beautiful event, and it’s free so families will certainly enjoy the evening event at Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park at the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easy to reach from the Lafarge-Douglas Skytrain Station. The spectacular array of lights all around the Lake should be on between 4:30 pm and 11 pm every day except New Year’s Eve, and is expected to run until mid-January.
Surrey
Starting with Surrey, I recommend the miniature train ride through the Christmas Forest at Bear Creek Park, 13750 – 88th Avenue. The Santa Express runs each day this month (except Christmas and Boxing Day) from 10 am to 4 pm. Younger children will be able to visit with Santa while waiting on the platform for the train ride, and for those who are old enough to stay up later, the Christmas Night Train will run from 6 pm to 10 pm Wednesdays to Sundays.
Burnaby
Deer Park Lake in Burnaby is a lovely place to go for walk with your family during December during the day time when it’s sunny; and an afternoon or evening stop at Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village will be a delightful occasion for everyone. It’s free at this time of year and will be open to guests until January You will certainly enjoy its festive feeling if you go in the evening when it’s brightly lit with seasonal lights.
Richmond
A bit farther south in Richmond, you can find Steveston Village’s Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This National Historic Site has decorated trees at Christmas which are truly festive. There are also artistic showcases for local community and business and craft activity for the kids is regular activity each year. Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond’s Steveston Village in December. The event runs from December 1st to 31st every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10 am to 5 pm (although until just 2 pm on December 24th and 31st). Admission (subject to change) is: Adults $11.70; Seniors (65+) $10.05; Youth under 17 free. Admission on (Sundays) December 2nd, 9th, and 16th between 10 am and 3 pm is free and there is also the Cannery Farmers Market.
Vancouver
Heading into Vancouver, you should not miss VanDusen Botanical Garden’s festival of lights at 5151 Oak Street. This Christmas display is awe-inspiring with over 1 million lights across 15 acres of gardens. It is a wonderful attraction for the whole family, young and old, running throughout December to January 6. I the New Year. Tickets are priced differently depending on when you go and for different ages: Around $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth, and $12 for children ages 3-12, all plus or minus when and how you purchase your tickets.
Also in Vancouver’s Stanley Park the magical Bright Nights in Stanley Park returns every day throughout December until January 6, 2019 (except Christmas Day). This is one of the most popular places in the whole lower mainland to take children so your family is sure to love this annual event. It is open from 3 pm to 10 pm. It is located in Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. Admission is by donation, ($5.00 suggested).
Open most days during the holiday season from around 3 until 10 pm, Bright Nights probably features the most lights of any attraction in Metro Vancouver, as well as wonderful Christmas character displays and festive cheer. Of course, the miniature train is the most eagerly desired attraction for the little kids. The 12 minute ride requires a purchased ticked but is fun for all ages. If you have a very young toddler you may want to catch a matinee train during the day. The evening train is a bit more expensive but includes live performers, and the lights are spectacular.
North Vancouver
Everyone knows about the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. But do you know that throughout December to January 27th 2019. It is fantastically decorated for its Canyon Lights festivities, with lights from the canyon ground and way up above the river among the trees. This is a incredibly beautiful attraction that is well worth the trip to the North Shore if you don’t already live there. For BC residents you can get an annual pass for the price of regular admission which will let you return to this spectacular place throughout the whole year, including next years Canyon Lights event.
Thanks for reading!
Sibo Zhang, REALTOR®