With the holiday season upon us, Vancouverites are looking forward to visiting many wonderful holiday events and attractions around the city. However, that often means driving long distances, contributing to traffic jams and parking nightmares at the venue – not to mention harmful emissions and wasting fuel. With that said, Green Coast Rubbish would like to recommend the following picks for fun and transit-friendly holiday events in Metro Vancouver for 2021:
Vancouver Christmas Market (now open until December 24)
The Vancouver Christmas market has returned to Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver. Delight in German-style food and drinks, hop on the Christmas carousel, and stroll through a wonderland of holiday shopping, music and lights.
Plan your visit:
- Transit friendly: located at Jack Poole Plaza very close to Skytrain’s Waterfront Station
- Covid protocols: bring your vaccination passport and ID.
- To pre-purchase tickets and for more info: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/
Flyover Canada (opens Dec 9 to January 3, 2022)
Bring your holiday plans to new heights this year with a visit to FlyOver Canada. Soar with Santa on the Christmas flight ride over Canada and the North Pole. This is one festive trip you won’t forget!
Plan your visit:
- Transit Friendly: located close to Skytrain’s Waterfront Station
- Covid protocols: bring your vaccination passport, ID and a mask.
- To pre-purchase tickets and for more info: FlyOverCanada.com
The Shipyards Skate Plaza (open until Feb 2022)
There’s nothing better than outdoor skating during the holidays. The Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver is the region’s largest outdoor skating rink. Free to skate if you have your own skates; rentals for a fee and helmets offered for free.
Plan your visit:
- Transit Friendly: located nearby the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus Terminal in North Vancouver.
- Covid Protocols: vaccine card not required but bring a mask to access the washrooms.
- Bring your skates
- For schedules and rental costs, visit the City of North Vancouver website.
Lights at Lafarge (now open until January 31, 2022)
The brilliant holiday Lights at Lafarge Lake event has returned to Coquitlam. This year’s winter lights display has been expanded to provide TWO walking loops within Town Centre Park. Plan your visit for off peak hours to avoid the crowds (before 6 pm and after 8 pm). Free event.
Plan your visit:
- Transit friendly: Take the SkyTrain to Lafarge Lake-Douglas and walk to Town Centre Park.
- Watch for the food trucks on site
- More information: https://www.coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge
Surrey Holiday Lights Festival (now open until January 2, 2022)
The Surrey Civic Plaza is hosting a new holiday event this year called Surrey Holiday Lights. This is a fun immersive holiday event featuring light displays and live entertainment plus photos with Santa, food trucks and more.
Plan your visit:
- Transit friendly: Right beside the Surrey Central Skytrain and bus loop.
- Covid protocols: Bring your vaccination passport, ID and a mask for the indoor tent.
- To pre-purchase tickets and for more info: SurreyHolidayLights.com
