Sponsored by Wesbrook Village Holiday Market
Hold onto your hats because this weekend is jam-packed with fun (and FREE) holiday fun for the whole family. Bundle up the crew for a stroll to see some gorgeous holiday lights, visit an outdoor family-friendly holiday festival, go ice skating at one of the city’s outdoor rinks, or check off one of Vancouver’s most popular events from your Christmas list. Still shopping? There are plenty of incredible holiday markets happening for you to purchase unique gifts from local vendors and artisans.
Here are our top picks for family-friendly events for the weekend of December 12-14, 2025
 Winter Festival at UBC | Vancouver
The second annual Wesbrook Village Holiday Market at UBC features a variety of local artisan vendors and festive fun! This free market runs Fridays and Saturdays in the heart of Wesbrook Village at UBC. This weekend is extra special because they are hosting a FREE Winter Festival for families! Get creative and make special crafts, have a meet and greet with Santa and get your photo taken, enjoy live performances, and sing your heart out to Christmas classics and fill up on free hot chocolate (bring your own mug!)
𩰠Arts Umbrella’s “Mixed Nuts” | Vancouver
Twirl your way into the festive holiday season with the exceptionally engaging Mixed Nuts. Most people have heard of Tchaikovskyâs The Nutcracker and view it as the quintessential holiday show, but Arts Umbrella Dance Company brings a modern retelling with Mixed Nuts. Featuring a flavoursome combination of dance styles from hip-hop to ballroom, Mixed Nuts brings The Nutcracker into the 21st century to connect with modern audiences in a new way. This annual show at The Vancouver Playhouse frequently sells out as families make this their holiday tradition.
đ Gateway Theatre presents “Annie” | Richmond
If youâre looking for a meaningful and heartfelt all-ages show to see with your family this holiday season, donât miss Gateway Theatreâs production of Annie. This iconic, toe-tapping, uplifting show is perfect for audience members of all ages, from those who remember the original film starring Shirley Temple to those who are meeting Annie, Sandy, and Mr. Warbucks for the very first time.
 Christmas Light Up Parade | Aldergrove
Donât miss Aldergroveâs Christmas Light Up Parade! The parade begins at 6pm, but there will also be a free pre-parade gathering at the Aldergrove Plaza, including food, hot beverages, and live entertainment!
đ¨ Staples Free Kids Workshop | Chilliwack, Coquitlam & Langley
Throughout the year, Staples Canada hosts FREE workshops and events for kids to try out new products, make crafts, and build new creations. This Saturday, register for a fun Sticker WOW Make & Take from 10am-12pm.
đ Christmas in Williams Park | Langley
Come celebrate the holidays with your family & friends at this spectacular drive-thru show of holiday lights. This is a free event, but advanced registration is required!
âď¸ Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan | Tsawwassen, Coquitlam, Langley & Surrey
The holidays are upon us, and Coca-Cola is celebrating with its Iconic Coca-Cola Caravan Tour. With hundreds of Canadian stops, the Caravan Tour will spread holiday joy to communities over shared experiences and moments of magic. On Friday, catch the caravan at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and then over to Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam in the evening. Saturday, catch up with the Caravan in Langley at Glow, and Sunday find them at the Noel Festival in Surrey!
đ Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus | Surrey
Bring your kids and pets for a memorable holiday photo at Arts Nursery! With proceeds going to the Lower Mainland Humane Society, pets and kids alike can get their holiday photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus (by donation).
 đś Jingle Jam | Vancouver
Don’t miss the family fun Jingle Jam this year! Experience a Christmas musical, hot chocolate, baked goods, seasonal activities, and more.
đšFleurs de Villes: NOEL | Vancouver
It’s the last weekend for the stunning holiday edition of Fleurs de Villes art installations in Vancouver. Fleurs de Villes combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays for experiential events.
But waitâŚThereâs more!
Love our list of awesome kid-friendly activities to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend? Then youâll love our monthly guides too! Take a look at Whatâs Happening in December.  Donât forget to bookmark our events calendar to stay updated on awesome events happening in your neighbourhood!
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Get in the holiday spirit at Wesbrook Village this season! Don’t miss the Winter Festival for three days of festive fun from December 12-14!  Festival highlights include live music, Santa’s Grotto, winter games for all ages, roaming character interactions, cozy lounge spaces, and proximity to the popular Wesbrook Village Holiday Market. Visit the Holiday Market on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 21 to discover local vendors selling cozy treats, handcrafted gifts, and unique wares. Support local as you find the perfect item for someone and feel good knowing it’s a one-of-a-kind item! While you’re there, pick up some goodies from nearby cafes and eateries to enjoy as you listen to live music. For more information, click here.
