Finals are over, and it’s time to unwind and relax after a stressful Fall semester! As someone who enjoys the convenience and ease of public transit (except when it snows, of course!), I like to really squeeze up the use of the U-Pass that I had paid for during the fall semester. And what better way to do that is by enjoying the winter festivities happening right now around Metro Vancouver. With the holiday cheer in full swing, here are some popular holiday activities that are accessible by public transit across Metro Vancouver.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Located right next to the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Vancouver Christmas Market is one of Vancouver's most notable and famous holiday events! This German-styled Christmas market has impressive crafts from local artisans. It’s a great way to get all your holiday shopping done and try out some fantastic food staples worldwide. Try the traditional German holiday beverage, Glühwein, at the Christmas Pyramid—the mixture of cinnamon and wine will warm you up as you peruse the stalls of food staples and crafts.

Where: Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre

When: From now till December 24

Get tickets here: 

https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

Christmas at Canada Place 2022

While you’re already near Canada Place, swing by the scenic Canadian Trail (West promenade) and experience the nostalgic tradition of the old Woodward’s Windows Christmas displays. Not only so, but it also features a beautiful North light display, including a 15-foot moose light sculpture.

Where: Canada Place’s West promenade (The Canadian Trail)

When: From now till January 2, 2023

Learn more here: https://www.canadaplace.ca/events/christmas/

PNE Winter Fair

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is offering its annual Winter Fair, with its first year back from the pandemic being in-person and out of cars! This year, the PNE Winter Fair expands outside its stunning WinterLights display to include amazing Christmas-themed concerts, theatre shows, and ice skating! Once again, there’s an opportunity to shop for local crafts, hot cocoa, and other delicious food!

Where: The Pacific National Exhibition (Enter at Pacific Coliseum)

When: From now till December 23

Get tickets here:

https://www.pne.ca/winter/

Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum

The Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas is a FREE event just a 30-minute bus ride down the SFU Burnaby campus! See Burnaby Village Museum decked out in festive lighting with some amazing eco-sculptures and lots of fun activities for all to enjoy. Wander the museum’s 10-acre venue and take in all the seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities.

When: From now till January 2, 2023

Where: Burnaby Village Museum (accessible by bus route 144 from SFU or SkyTrain)

Learn more here: https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/what-s-on/heritage-christmas.html

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2022

Experience a magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights decorating 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Stroll along the lakeside, get in the holiday spirit with the Dancing Lights and wander through the romantic Rose Garden. It will surely be a photo-worthy experience!

When: From now till January 2, 2023

Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden

Get tickets here: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

Lights at Lafarge

Come by Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam to see one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver! This outdoor display comprises over 100,000 lights and wraps around the lake on a 1.2-km loop through themed zones. You can enter a magical wonderland of lights just steps away from Lafarge Lake Douglas SkyTrain Station.

When: From now till January 31, 2023

Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam (minutes away from Lafarge Lake – Douglas SkyTrain Station)

Learn more here: https://www.coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge

Ice Skating at Robson Square

Christmas markets and light displays aren’t your thing? Bring your skates to the heart of Downtown Vancouver to skate for free, or rent skates and have a blast with loved ones under the beautiful glass domes under Robson Square!

When: From now till February 28, 2023

Where: Robson Square

Learn more here: https://www.robsonsquare.com/

Ice Skating at The Shipyards Skate Plaza

Being one of the region’s largest outdoor skating rinks, The Shipyards Skate Plaza is truly a sight to behold! Set right against the backdrop of Downtown Vancouver, this skating rink is located right at the North Shore’s waterfront. New this year, the City of Vancouver has opened a new warming hut that serves mulled wine, hot apple cider and non-alcoholic apple cider in a cozy cabin just west of the Skate Plaza, along with outdoor seating and fire pits. Similar to the Robson Square Ice Rink, you can skate for free if you bring your own skates, or you can rent skates at the rink.

When: From now till February 28, 2023 (The Warming Hut is open only on weekends till January 29, 2023)

Where: Skate Plaza at The Shipyards (minutes away from Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal)

Learn more here: https://www.cnv.org/Parks-Recreation/the-shipyards/skate-plaza