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Holiday Markets in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Vancouver Christmas Market

When: November 16–December 24, 2026
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed; children six and under enter free
Where to park: Fairmont Pac Rim: 1038 Canada Place

If your ideal holiday outing involves browsing wooden market huts with something warm in your hands, start here. The Vancouver Christmas Market brings a European-inspired Christmas village to the downtown waterfront, with festive food, gifts, and seasonal entertainment. Come hungry, leave time to explore, and make room in your plans for a waterfront stroll.

When: November 19–December 22, 2026; opening reception November 19, 6–8 p.m.
Where: PoMoArts, 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
Admission: Check PoMoArts for current visitor information
Where to park: 2718 Saint Johns Street

For gifts that feel a little more personal, visit the Blackberry Winter Arts Market at PoMoArts. The galleries become a seasonal shopping space filled with original art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, ornaments and locally made homewares.

It’s a relaxed way to browse work by local artists while picking up something you’re unlikely to find in a big-box store. The opening reception includes light refreshments, or you can stop by during gallery hours later in the season.

When: December 5, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: City Hall Galleria, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Admission: Listed at $2; confirm current admission with the organizer
Where to park: 290 Newport Drive

Make a dent in your gift list while supporting a local community event at the Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair. The annual charity fair brings makers together at the City Hall Galleria for a day of holiday browsing, with handmade gifts and creative finds.

Book Your Parking Near These Events

Planning to attend one of these holiday markets in Vancouver? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.

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Holiday Lights, Tree Lightings and Festivals In Vancouver

When: November 27, 2026; ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Where: In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, downtown Vancouver
Admission: Free
Where to park: Robson Square: 800 Hornby Street

There’s something about a giant Christmas tree lighting up downtown that makes the season feel official. Vancouver’s free tree lighting celebration returns to the Art Gallery with a 76-foot tree, hot chocolate, and a family-friendly evening built around the big switch-on.

Arrive before the ceremony if you want time to settle into the crowd. Once lit, the tree remains illuminated through the holiday season, so you can still stop by on another evening if opening night doesn’t fit your plans.

Lights At Lafarge

When: Opening celebration November 27, 2026, 5–8 p.m.; check the City for the full seasonal schedule
Where: Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Where to park: 3030 Lincoln Avenue

Bundle up for a walk through one of Metro Vancouver’s favourite winter light displays. Lights at Lafarge turns the area around the lake into an illuminated evening outing, and the opening celebration adds food trucks and live entertainment.

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market

When: November 21–22, 2026, noon–8 p.m.; tree lighting November 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
Where to park: 10777 University Drive

This is a full afternoon-and-evening outing, with a holiday market, live entertainment, amusement rides, and free outdoor skating. You can also take photos with Santa, with online reservations opening November 4, plus festive activities for families throughout the weekend.

If you’re coming for the tree lighting, choose Saturday: the ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. on November 21.

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Planning to attend one of these holiday festivals in Vancouver? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.

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Christmas Concerts and Holiday Shows in Vancouver

The Snowman with the VSO

When: December 5, 2026, 2 p.m.
Where: Orpheum, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: Robson Square: 800 Hornby Street

Introduce the little ones to an afternoon at the orchestra with The Snowman. The VSO’s approximately hour-long programme features the much-loved animated short alongside more winter music, making it a manageable outing for families who want something festive without a late night.

Traditional Christmas with the VSO

When: December 9–13, 2026; Vancouver performances December 13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Multiple Lower Mainland venues; Vancouver performances at the Orpheum
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: Nelson Square: 808 Nelson Street

If Christmas carols are your favourite part of the season, this concert belongs on your calendar. The VSO brings together seasonal music, guest soloists, and host Christopher Gaze for approximately 90 minutes of holiday favourites and storytelling.

The series visits South Delta Baptist Church on December 9, Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver on December 11, Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey on December 12, and the Orpheum on December 13. Choose your venue carefully when buying tickets and planning parking.

The Holiday in Concert

When: December 16, 2026, 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: Sheraton Wall Centre: 1088 Burrard Street

Your annual rewatch of The Holiday is getting an upgrade. Watch the film on the Orpheum’s big screen while the VSO performs Hans Zimmer’s score live, bringing an extra layer to a familiar seasonal favourite.

Make it a December date night with dinner before the screening. The listed running time is approximately two hours and 40 minutes, including an intermission, so allow enough parking time for the whole evening.

Home Alone in Concert

When: December 17–18, 2026, 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: TV Towers: 235 Robson Street

Kevin’s Christmas plans may have gone sideways, but yours can be a little more organized. Home Alone returns to the big screen with John Williams’ score performed live by the VSO, turning a favourite holiday film into a night at the orchestra.

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film

When: December 19, 2026, at 7 p.m., and December 20 at 2 p.m.
Where: Orpheum, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 1080 Mainland Street

Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the Muppets are bringing their version of Dickens’ Christmas story to the Orpheum. Watch the film as the VSO performs the score live, with Michael Caine’s Scrooge at the centre of the familiar tale.

Choose between a Saturday evening performance and a Sunday matinee. The programme lasts approximately 110 minutes, including an intermission.

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker

When: December 17–20, 2026
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 401 West Georgia Street 

For a classic Christmas outing, join Clara on her journey through the Land of Snow and into the Kingdom of Sweets. Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker brings the story to life with elaborate costumes, colourful sets and Tchaikovsky’s familiar music.

There are evening performances December 17–19 and matinees December 19–20.

Christmas with Chor Leoni

When: December 17–19, 2026; multiple performances
Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed; pricing for patrons 35 and under is available
Where to park: 1030 West Georgia Street 

Slow things down for an evening of carols, candlelight and choral music at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United. Chor Leoni’s holiday programme combines traditional favourites with new arrangements and guest musicians, including handbells, piano, harp and other instruments.

There’s a Thursday evening performance, two Friday performances and three on Saturday, giving you a few ways to fit this Vancouver Christmas tradition into a busy December.

Elf: The Musical

When: November 12–December 27, 2026
Where: Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: 2888 Granville Street

Buddy the Elf is heading to New York, and he’s bringing enough Christmas enthusiasm for everyone. The musical follows his search for his human family, with plenty of songs, humour and holiday chaos along the way.

The Elvis Christmas Comeback Special

When: November 26–December 27, 2026
Where: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, 162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park:  MEC: 111 East 2nd Avenue

For a different kind of holiday show, the Arts Club is revisiting a turning point in Elvis Presley’s career. Inspired by his 1968 comeback special, this world-premiere production explores the performer’s return to the spotlight and the drive to find his musical voice again.

Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA

When: November 4, 2026–January 10, 2027
Where: Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Admission: Ticketed
Where to park: Concord Pacific Place: 88 Pacific Boulevard

If you’re looking for an outing that goes beyond the usual Christmas programme, LUZIA runs through the holiday season into January. Inspired by an imagined Mexico, the show combines acrobatics, striking visual scenes and water effects beneath the Big Top.

Book Your Parking Near These Events

Planning to attend one of these holiday shows in Vancouver? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.

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Holiday Activities and Community Events In Vancouver

Robson Square Ice Rink

When: Expected to reopen in December 2026; exact opening date and schedule to be announced
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Check the upcoming season’s skating and rental information
Where to park: Robson Square: 800 Hornby Street

Keep a little space in your December plans for skating in the middle of downtown. Robson Square’s rink is planning to reopen for the winter season, making it an easy activity to pair with shopping, dinner, or a visit to the Christmas tree near the Art Gallery.

Concord Christmas

When: December 6, 2026, 1–5 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: By donation; registration not required
Where to park: Yaletown Building: 1310 Richards Street

Bring the family to the Roundhouse for an afternoon of Santa photos, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, and live entertainment. Festive lights and hot chocolate round out a community celebration with plenty to keep younger visitors busy.

Gingerbread House Decorating

When: December 7, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Hall, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: $23 per kit; registration available through the Roundhouse
Where to park: 1080 Mainland Street

Gather your decorating team and see how much icing actually makes it onto the house. The Roundhouse supplies gingerbread kits and decorating materials, along with hot chocolate and marshmallows for a festive afternoon together.

Christmas Wish Breakfast

When: December 15, 2026, 6–9 a.m.
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver, Canada Place
Admission: Bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation to receive a complimentary breakfast
Where to park: Canada Place: 999 Canada Place

Start your day with a holiday tradition that gives back. The Christmas Wish Breakfast supports the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, collecting toys and donations for families while welcoming donors for breakfast at the Pan Pacific.

The Big Elf Run

When: December 12, 2026; 1 km at 1 p.m., 5 km and 10 km at 2 p.m.
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park, 3301 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Admission: Paid registration
Where to park: Bayshore Gardens: 1675 Bayshore Drive

Trade your usual workout gear for an elf toque and join a festive run or walk through Stanley Park. The Big Elf Run offers a 1 km route alongside 5 km and 10 km options, with entertainment, photo opportunities and a seasonal atmosphere at the start and finish.

Book Your Parking Near These Events

Planning to attend one of these holiday activities in Vancouver? Book parking with Indigo Neo and avoid searching for parking on event night.

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Holiday Events in Vancouver FAQs

What are some free Christmas events in Vancouver in 2026?

The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting on November 27 is free. Across the Lower Mainland, the Shipyards Christmas Market, Lights at Lafarge, and Surrey Tree Lighting Festival also offer free admission. Food, shopping, and parking may cost extra.

When is the Vancouver Christmas Market open in 2026?

The Vancouver Christmas Market runs November 16–December 24, 2026, at Jack Poole Plaza. Opening hours vary by date, so check the official schedule before visiting.

Where can I park near the Vancouver Christmas Market?

Indigo operates the Fairmont Pac Rim parkade at 1038 Canada Place, near Jack Poole Plaza. Check current parking details and entry instructions for your visit.

What Christmas shows are happening in Vancouver in December 2026?

Options include the VSO’s holiday concerts at the Orpheum, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Christmas with Chor Leoni, and Elf: The Musical. LUZIA also runs through the holiday season into January 2027.

Can I book holiday event parking in advance?

Indigo Neo lets you search near your destination and compare available parking. Advance booking is offered at participating locations; other locations may offer payment when you arrive. Check the options shown for your chosen facility and date.

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Plan Your Vancouver Holiday Parking with Indigo Neo

Vancouver feels extra magical during the holidays. Whether you’re exploring a festive market, catching a seasonal show, or warming up with a holiday drink, the city is packed with events that make winter feel special.

And to keep every outing stress-free, book your parking ahead with the Indigo Neo app so you can focus on enjoying the season, not circling for a spot.

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