The year is coming to a close. One of the coldest seasons to wrap up the year of 2025. But it is also one of the most popular holidays of everyone….. and that’s Christmas! Time to gather the family, hang out with friends, buying different presents and enjoy the last moments of the year of 2025. A season of lights, laughter and the familiar holiday cheer brings the city to its magical spotlight.

When it’s Christmas season, most places such as the Robson Square, the Vancouver Christmas Market, Canada Place. They will be packed with people taking pictures of the lights, ornaments and the unique Christmas decorations every year. But there are other unique spots that are worth going into if you’re down with the holiday spirit.

The popular Van Dusen festival of lights and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are among my top favourites to sightsee and feel the festivities especially when the Christmas lights are only available during the holiday season and it tells a winter story from our childhood into reality. From Santa Claus (Yes, he’s fictional), the gingerbread man, the Grinch and even Olaf the snowman. The decorations and the lights will come together to bring a unique visual experience along with a story when you see all the lights come together.

Speaking of unique decorations, there are a few notable attractions in metro Vancouver is also worth taking a visit too. In Martini Town near Langley, there is a large Christmas town that has basically come from a classic holiday filmset.  Another attraction is the Festive Village in Burnaby where the museum transforms into a winter Christmas town filled with lights, laughter and the spirit of giving.

From shining neighbourhoods to holiday surprises, Vancouver will be turning every corner in the city into a story. With each decoration, lights and views all over the city to be shared with loved ones from each family and add another memory to our hearts. As the year comes to an end, we welcome a new beginning for the next year, Christmas brings us all together to reflect and remember the things we have gone through the past year. And that’s the magical moment where Christmas unites people all over the world, to warm us up even in the coldest of winters of Christmas.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca