The holiday season has officially arrived, and the Lower Mainland is sparkling with festive cheer! Our community is coming together to celebrate joy and tradition in vibrant ways – think dazzling light displays, cozy markets, festive bites, and family-friendly experiences that make this time of year unforgettable. Plus, we’ve included accessibility information to help everyone enjoy the season to the fullest.
Gather your loved ones, create lasting memories, and experience the true spirit of the season. We’ve put together a list with some of our favourites, check it out!
Vancouver | VanDusen Festival of Lights
Explore 15 acres adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights, including exciting displays like the interactive mycelium installation, Wood Wide Web, and Salmon Run.
Dates: Until Jan 4
Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Accessibility: The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and most paved garden paths are fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. Individuals requiring assistance are provided with complimentary access for their attendants. Attendants do not need to pre-purchase tickets.
Burnaby | Festive Christmas – Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum transforms into a nostalgic winter wonderland with vintage storefronts, carolers, lights, and festive displays. Stroll through the open-air village, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the old-timey holiday charm. A wonderful option for families and holiday photos.
Dates: Until Jan 2
Location: Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Accessibility: Gate admission is free (carousel rides are $2.71 each). Nearly every facility at the Museum is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. A paved pathway connects buildings on the historic ground.
Coquitlam | Lights at Lafarge
Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, featuring a 1.6-km pathway filled with dazzling lights and re-imagined displays
Dates: Until Feb 16
Location: Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam
Accessibility: Pathways are lit and user-friendly for visitors of all abilities. The 1.6-km trail is flat and mostly paved, accessible by strollers and mobility devices, although there is one section of finely packed gravel.
North Vancouver | Shipyards Christmas Market
Free admission market with artisanal gifts, holiday treats, ice-skating rink.
Dates: Until Dec 24
Location: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Accessibility: FREE admission! Come and go as you please. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. However, it can get very crowded during peak times on the weekends. Consider weekdays, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
Cloverdale | Noel & Bright Nights
The magic of Bright Nights joins Noel Surrey for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Explore incredible light displays, family fun, rides, meet & greets with holiday characters, music, and more.
Dates: Until Dec 28
Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Cloverdale
Accessibility: Accessible for all – the outdoor pathway is fully paved, and the indoor venue is located on flat concrete. This event accepts Access2 Cards. A ticket must be purchased for the cardholder, and the accompanying guest will receive free admission. Please present your card upon entry to the event. Access2 cardholders may proceed to the box office for faster entry.
For more ideas, check out this holiday events list from KidsOutandAbout.
May the season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter. Happy Holidays from all of us at posAbilities.
