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!
If you are traveling to Vancouver, the last 10 days of the month will be much busier, and you’ll likely pay more for travel (airfare, accommodations) than earlier in the month. Thankfully, you can plan and save by staying at our hotel in downtown Vancouver, which offers great value year-round. 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
From December 17 through December 19, 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!
Elf in Concert
Also at the Orpheum, Elf in Concert. As a baby, Buddy is mistakenly taken to the North Pole, where he grows up believing he’s one of Santa’s elves. This holiday season, his journey continues in New York—accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Enjoy John Debney’s joyful score performed live by the VSO as the beloved film unfolds on the big screen.
The Four Seasons and the Nutcracker Suite
On December 19, 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, 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!
Bright Nights
Occurring December 1 – January 1, the Bright Nights at Noel (and formerly at Stanley Park is a family-friendly favorite that has been running for 25 years. Each day, 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.
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 Magic Toyshop and runs through December 31. In addition to walking around the park, your family can explore DinoLand, Gingerbread Lane, Motor City, Rainbow Forest, Teddy Town, and Vintage Avenue, each filled with oversized toys, glowing surprises, and moments of discovery. Eat some yummy food from one of the many food trucks, and sip on some hot cocoa. Check out more information on the Glow Langley website!
And make sure you head back to our blog in a few weeks for more family-friendly winter activities in Vancouver!
