Due to the short winter break this year, many UBC students will be spending the holidays in Vancouver instead of returning home. For some, this will be the first holiday period spent away from family. Fortunately, for those who may be feeling a little homesick, Vancouver offers a ton of ways to keep you busy and having fun! To help give you some ideas for how to spend your winter break, I’ve found ten holiday festivities in Vancouver that you should check out. Whether you’ve lived in Vancouver your whole life or it’s your first winter spent in the city, consider going to these events this holiday season:
1. Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden
I attended the Festival of Lights for the first time this year and loved it. I would definitely recommend checking it out! The lights run from December 1st – December 31st.
2. Vancouver Christmas Market
If you’re looking for some pretty handcrafted goods and tasty treats, this is a perfect event to attend! The market runs from November 21st to December 24th.
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights
If you’re not afraid of heights, the suspension bridge, all lit up, is beautiful.
4. Stanley Park Bright Nights
If you’re looking to see pretty lights but don’t have too much to spend, entrance is by donation!
5. Robson Square Ice Skating
Another inexpensive holiday activity option is going ice skating downtown.
6. Christmas at Canada Place
Admission is free to see the Christmas booths and displays at Canada Place.
7. Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain
Whether you want to hit the slopes or hop on a sleigh, Grouse Mountain has many holiday options and it is super easy to access with Vancouver transit (your Compass Card!).
8. Go see A Christmas Story on stage
Since the movie, A Christmas Story, is a personal favourite, I highly recommend going to see this musical. Also, watching the movie is a must.
9. New Years Eve Parties
Pretty much every bar and club in Vancouver is hosting a New Years Eve party, so there are plenty of options. Check them out here.
10. New Years Eve Waterfront Fireworks
Make your way down to Canada Place this New Years to enjoy some fireworks!
No matter what you chose to do, have a safe and fun holiday season. We will only be away from UBC for a short couple weeks – so we have to make the most of it!