We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Vancouver for 2026. The season starts on November 16 with Vancouver Christmas Market and runs until January 10 (Canyon Lights). 10 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver and Surrey
- First: Vancouver Christmas Market, Vancouver, November 16
- Free events: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026, Lights at Lafarge Opening Night Celebration, Holiday Craftaganza, Family Film Fridays: The Polar Express, Holiday Sticker Design (Ages 8-15) and Frog and Toad Puppet Show and Let's Sing for the Holidays
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Vancouver Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver and Surrey
- Season
- November 16 to January 10
- Free events
- 10
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Vancouver
7 confirmed events in Vancouver, soonest first.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Visit with SantaVancouver Christmas Market · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Christmas Market (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver V6C 0C3
- When
- Daily, Nov 16 to Dec 24
- Cost
- Kids 6 and under free; family pass from $84.99 (2 adults, 2 youth)
- Ages
- All ages; kids 6 and under free
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Vancouver Christmas Market turns Jack Poole Plaza beside the Olympic Cauldron into a European winter village of wooden huts, now in its sixteenth year. For families, the highlights are Santa's Workshop, photos with Santa and a letter to Santa at the Alpen Haus next door, a market-wide village passport adventure, the Christmas Carousel and snow showers. Every visit starts with a candy cane handed to kids at the entrance.
Kids 6 and under get in free with no ticket or time slot needed. The market lists family passes starting at $84.99 for two adults aged 15 and up and two youth aged 7 to 14, with unlimited visits and a priority entrance lane. Carousel riders must be at least two years old and 36 inches tall. Free unattended stroller parking is available, and there are pretzels and hot chocolate for kids.
Parent tip: No ticket needed for kids 6 and under; check the market hours online and use the free stroller parking.
See dates and details from Vancouver Christmas Market (opens in a new tab)Holiday Craftaganza
Christmas craftsFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Point Grey Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 4566 West 10th Ave., Vancouver V6R 2J1
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
West Point Grey Branch invites families to meet up at the library to share books, crafts and activities, and this session is all about making holiday crafts. All supplies are provided, and the program is open to all ages, from preschoolers to teens, so siblings can work side by side for as long as they like within the two-hour window.
It is free and drop-in. Adults accompanying children under 9 must stay in the library for the whole program. The branch notes that sensory kits with fidget toys and ear defenders are available, some accessible crafting materials will be provided, and there may be noticeable scents from crafts or snacks. Participants are welcome to move, stim or take breaks. It is an easy, low-cost way to make handmade decorations or gifts early in December.
Parent tip: Caregivers of children under 9 must stay in the library; ask staff for a sensory kit if your child likes ear defenders or fidgets.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Frog and Toad Puppet Show and Let's Sing for the Holidays
Christmas showFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fraserview Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 1950 Argyle Drive, Vancouver V5P 2A8
- When
- Wed, Dec 16 and Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Fraserview Branch is running a festive puppet show featuring the friends Frog and Toad, followed by a rousing sing-along of holiday favourites. The library says kids of all ages will enjoy the antics, and the hour-long program is offered on two afternoons, which suits families picking up children after school.
It is free and drop-in. The library's accessibility notes are reassuring for younger children and those who need breaks: participants are welcome to move, stim or step out as needed, caregivers may feed babies anywhere, and children can sit on the floor, sit in chairs or stand. The expected noise level is loud. Fraserview is a smaller neighbourhood branch, so arriving a little before 4 pm should help you find a good spot near the puppets.
Parent tip: Come a few minutes before 4 pm for a good view; families can sit on the floor or in chairs and take breaks as needed.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Let's Sing for the Holidays
Christmas showFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Joe Fortes Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 870 Denman St., Vancouver V6G 2L8
- When
- Thu, Dec 17, 10:15 am or 11:15 am (30 minutes)
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Toddlers and preschool age children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Vancouver Public Library's Joe Fortes Branch hosts Let's Sing for the Holidays, a half-hour of seasonal songs and fun aimed at toddlers and preschool age children and their grown-ups. The library describes it as songs and fun for the whole family, and the same program runs twice that morning, so you can pick the time that fits nap schedules.
The session takes place in a programming room and includes movement-based activities that can be adapted to different abilities. The library notes that the expected noise level is loud, which is worth knowing if your child is sensitive to sound. It is free and there is no registration listed, so just arrive a few minutes early to settle in. If you have an access need, VPL asks families to email childrens.teens@vpl.ca ahead of time.
Parent tip: Expect a loud, active room with movement songs; email childrens.teens@vpl.ca in advance if your child needs accessibility support.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Winter Whimsy
Christmas story timeFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Terry Salman Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver V5Y 2M4
- When
- Thu, Dec 17, 3:45 to 4:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Grades K to 3
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Whimsy is an after-school program at Terry Salman Branch where children enjoy stories, songs and activities that celebrate the season of winter. It is aimed at kids in kindergarten through Grade 3, a nice fit for early readers who have outgrown toddler story time but still love being read to.
The program is free and drop-in, held in a programming room. VPL notes that the lighting is bright and the expected noise level is loud, and participants are welcome to move, stim or take breaks as needed. The branch is beside Hillcrest Community Centre and Riley Park, so it is easy to combine with a skate or a walk before dinner. Families who need accommodations can contact childrens.teens@vpl.ca so the facilitators can help.
Parent tip: Best for kids in kindergarten to Grade 3; the room is bright and can be loud.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Family Movie: The Grinch
Christmas showFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Renfrew Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 2969 East 22nd Ave., Vancouver V5M 2Y3
- When
- Fri, Dec 18, 3:30 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in, limited seating
- Ages
- Children and their caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Renfrew Branch's regular family movie slot goes festive on the last Friday before the winter break with The Grinch (2018), the animated story of a grump who plots to wreck Whoville's Christmas party. The film is rated G and runs about 90 minutes, and the screening is meant for children together with their accompanying caregivers.
The movie is free and drop-in, but seating is limited and works on a first come, first served basis, so arriving early is wise. It is shown in a programming room where the lighting is dim and the noise level is expected to be loud, and sensory kits with fidget toys and ear defenders are available. It is a simple, cozy way to start the holidays after school without spending anything.
Parent tip: Seating is limited and first come, first served; arrive early and ask for a sensory kit if needed.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Let's Sing for the Holidays
Christmas showFreeVancouver Public Library · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Terry Salman Branch, Vancouver Public Library, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver V5Y 2M4
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 10:15 am or 11:15 am (30 minutes)
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Toddlers and preschool age children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Terry Salman Branch of Vancouver Public Library offers Let's Sing for the Holidays on the last Saturday before Christmas week. The half-hour program is built around seasonal songs and fun for young children and their families, and it is listed for toddlers and preschool age children. Two identical sessions run back to back, which makes it easier for working parents to fit in.
The program is drop-in and free. It takes place in a programming room, uses movement-based activities that can be adapted to different abilities, and the library says the noise level is expected to be loud. The branch sits beside Hillcrest Community Centre, so it pairs well with a morning at the park or rink nearby. Families with access needs can email childrens.teens@vpl.ca before the day.
Parent tip: Drop-in only, so arrive a little early on a busy December Saturday; the room is expected to be loud.
See dates and details from Vancouver Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Richmond
2 confirmed events in Richmond, soonest first.
Family Film Fridays: The Polar Express (Richmond)
Christmas showFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond
- Host
- Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brighouse Branch, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond V6Y 1R8 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- All ages; children 8 and under must be with a caregiver
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Richmond Public Library's Family Film Fridays series presents The Polar Express at the Brighouse Branch in mid-December. The library describes the G-rated film as based on the classic picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, following a group of children on a magical train journey to the North Pole to visit Santa, with a main character who is unsure whether Santa is real.
This is a drop-in program and all ages are welcome, though children 8 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver. It is free. Brighouse is the main branch in Richmond's city centre, next to Minoru Park and a short walk from the Canada Line, which makes it an easy family outing on a Friday evening. The library asks families to reach out if they need accessibility support.
Parent tip: Children 8 and under need a caregiver with them; Brighouse is close to the Canada Line if you prefer not to drive.
See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Sticker Design (Ages 8-15) (Richmond)
Christmas craftsFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond
- Host
- Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Brighouse Branch, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond V6Y 1R8 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 8 to 15
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This hands-on workshop at Richmond Public Library's Brighouse Branch lets kids aged 8 to 15 celebrate the season by designing their very own holiday stickers. Participants draw their designs digitally in Procreate, and after the program library staff cut the stickers out using the library's Cricut Maker, so kids end up with a set of personalized stickers for cards, gifts or notebooks.
The program is free but registration is required and spaces are limited, with online registration opening on November 27, 2026 at 8 pm and a waitlist available. It is strictly for ages 8 to 15, and children outside that range will not be able to take part. Adults must stay with their child during check-in. If plans change, the library asks families to unregister so someone on the waitlist can attend.
Parent tip: Register as soon as sign-up opens on Nov 27; an adult must stay through check-in.
See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Coquitlam
1 confirmed event in Coquitlam, soonest first.
Lights at Lafarge Opening Night Celebration (Coquitlam)
Christmas lightsFreeCity of Coquitlam · Coquitlam
- Host
- City of Coquitlam (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Town Centre Park (Lafarge Lake), 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam V3B 7S4 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Fri, Nov 27, 5 to 8 pm, then lights through the season
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Produced by the City of Coquitlam, Lights at Lafarge is billed as Metro Vancouver's largest free outdoor winter lights display, wrapping the paths around Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park in colour for the season. The Opening Night Celebration on Friday, November 27 kicks things off with a stroll through the light displays, local food trucks and live entertainment as the park comes alive with colour and music.
The lights are free to visit, which makes this one of the easiest holiday outings in the Tri-Cities for families with young children. The loop around the lake is flat and stroller friendly. The city recommends following its website and social media channels for updates through the season, including any changes for weather. Dress warmly, since the event is entirely outdoors.
Parent tip: It is all outdoors, so bring warm layers; the city posts season updates on coquitlam.ca/lights.
See dates and details from City of Coquitlam (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in North Vancouver
1 confirmed event in North Vancouver, soonest first.
Canyon Lights (North Vancouver)
Visit with SantaCapilano Suspension Bridge Park · North Vancouver
- Host
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver V7R 4J1 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Daily, Nov 20 to Jan 10, 11 am to 10 pm (closed Dec 25)
- Cost
- Included with park admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Canyon Lights transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver into a holiday wonderland, with the famous bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk lit up above the canyon. New this season is Wildlight, a 3D projection of West Coast animals such as black bears, coyotes and great horned owls set deep in the rainforest. At The Trading Post, a North Pole scene with Santa's sleigh and reindeer makes a family photo stop, with live entertainment under glowing northern lights.
For kids, Winter Rainforest Explorers invites children to pick up a festive ornament at the Treehouse and collect character stickers around the park to complete a keepsake. Canyon Lights is included with park admission. Visits are scheduled in one-hour arrival windows at peak times, so book timed entry online, arrive early and consider the free shuttle from downtown Vancouver, since parking is limited.
Parent tip: Book a timed entry online in advance and use the free downtown shuttle on busy nights; parking is limited.
See dates and details from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Surrey
1 confirmed event in Surrey, soonest first.
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026 (Surrey)
Visit with SantaFreeCity of Surrey · Surrey
- Host
- City of Surrey (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey V3T 1V8 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 and Sun, Nov 22, 12 to 8 pm; tree lighting Sat 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 16th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market fills Surrey Civic Plaza for a full weekend. The official tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 pm on Saturday, November 21, and both days include free photos with Santa, letters to Santa, holiday crafts, light displays, live entertainment on four stages, a Ferris wheel and amusement rides, plus a fire show on Sunday evening.
Everything is free, including outdoor ice skating with complimentary skate and helmet rentals. A holiday market with more than 30 local vendors runs inside the City Hall Atrium, which is handy for warming up. The city says online reservations for Santa photos open in early November, so check surreytreelighting.ca before you go. Plan to arrive early on Saturday if you want a good spot for the lighting.
Parent tip: Book a free Santa photo time online once reservations open in early November; skates and helmets are free to borrow.
See dates and details from City of Surrey (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Vancouver Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Vancouver in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Vancouver for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Vancouver Christmas Market, Canyon Lights (North Vancouver), Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026 (Surrey), Lights at Lafarge Opening Night Celebration (Coquitlam), Holiday Craftaganza, Family Film Fridays: The Polar Express (Richmond), Holiday Sticker Design (Ages 8-15) (Richmond), Frog and Toad Puppet Show and Let's Sing for the Holidays, Let's Sing for the Holidays, Winter Whimsy, Family Movie: The Grinch and Let's Sing for the Holidays. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Vancouver?
Yes. 10 of the 12 events here are free, including Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026 (Surrey), Lights at Lafarge Opening Night Celebration (Coquitlam), Holiday Craftaganza, Family Film Fridays: The Polar Express (Richmond), Holiday Sticker Design (Ages 8-15) (Richmond), Frog and Toad Puppet Show and Let's Sing for the Holidays, Let's Sing for the Holidays, Winter Whimsy, Family Movie: The Grinch and Let's Sing for the Holidays. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Vancouver this year?
Santa appears at Vancouver Christmas Market, Canyon Lights (North Vancouver) and Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026 (Surrey). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Vancouver?
Christmas story times on this page: Winter Whimsy. Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
