There’s something special about December in Vancouver. With the weather getting a bit chillier, you’ll definitely want to pack layers and a rain jacket, but you’ll not be too cold to want to get out and experience some of the fun events this city offers this time of year. We’ve gathered up a guide to December in Vancouver if you’re planning a trip to this wonderful city this holiday season!
December Weather in Vancouver
If you are visiting Vancouver in December, you can expect the average temperatures to hover right above freezing (37 degrees Fahrenheit, 3 degrees Celsuis). Plan for plenty of rain, as it is Vancouver’s rainy season. However, Vancouver experiences much milder Decembers and winters than some of the other major cities in Canada.
December Holidays in Vancouver
Christmas Day occurs on December 25, so be prepared for most businesses to be closed. However, the day after Christmas is also a holiday here. Known as Boxing Day, December 26 is the day that shoppers live for. It’s a day to return any unwanted holiday gifts from the day before. Many stores are also known to have major sales!
Be prepared that if you are traveling to Vancouver, the last 10 days of the month will be much busier, and you’ll probably pay more for travel (airfare, accommodations) than you would earlier in the month. Thankfully, you can plan ahead and save if you stay at Sunset Inn & Suites, which offers great deals all year long. It’s centrally located in Vancouver and near all the action – whether that’s Christmas festivals, markets, or light shows! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a guide to Christmas events in Vancouver.
Concerts in December in Vancouver
In addition to many different Christmas concerts, there are plenty of other big-name artists heading to Vancouver this December.
Home Alone
On December 14, come experience Home Alone in Concert at the Orpheum in Vancouver. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, also referred to as the VSO, will perform this favorite. It’s back by popular demand so don’t miss out this year!
Kane Brown
Kane Brown will perform at the Rogers Arena on December 15 for his Drunk or Dreaming Tour.
The Four Seasons and the Nutcracker Suite
On December 18, head to the Kay Meek Arts Centre to experience the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra (VAMSO) for their winter concert. A great excuse to dress up and experience a classic Christmastime performance!
Must-See December Events in Vancouver
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
If you are in town this Friday, December 2, make sure you head to the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza for the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting. Kicking off at 6 pm, this is a celebration for lighting the city’s 75 foot Christmas tree – all 100,000 lights on it! In addition to seeing the tree sparkle, you’ll experience live music and of course, Santa!
For more information, check out this website.
Bright Nights
Occurring December 1 – January 1, the Bright Nights at Stanley Park is a family-friendly favorite that has been running for 25 years. Each day from 4 – 10 pm, come to the park to experience sparkling lights, food vendors, and live entertainment. There will also be Santa’s Workshop and an antique fire truck.
Note: Bright Nights will be closed on December 5, December 6, and December 25. For more information about the event, check out their website.
Christmas Glow
Located in Langley in the Glow Gardens, Christmas Glow is an outdoor festival where you can walk around the park and see over one million lights. This year’s theme is “The Jolly Jumble” and runs from November 23 through December 31. In addition to walking around the park, your family will enjoy searching for elves as part of the scavenger hunt, meet characters such as the Glow Princesses and Santa Claus, eating some yummy food from one of the many food trucks, and sipping on some hot cocoa. Check out more information on their website!
And make sure you head back to our blog in a few weeks for more family-friendly Christmas activities in Vancouver!
