Christmas markets for families in Metro Vancouver, 2026

Christmas markets are an easy family outing in Metro Vancouver from mid November to Christmas Eve. Here are the big 2026 markets and holiday craft fairs with what each one has for kids, the free ones, and tips. Every detail was checked on each official website on October 29, 2026.

The 2026 Christmas markets at a glance

Free Christmas markets

• Shipyards Christmas Market, North Vancouver: November 27 to December 24, 2026. Free entry every day.
• Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, Surrey: Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026. Free, including skating with free skate and helmet rentals.

Details for each market

Vancouver Christmas Market

A European style outdoor village of wooden huts on the downtown waterfront, with Gourmetstrasse food stalls, pretzels and hot chocolate for kids.

Where

Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Dates

November 16 to December 24, 2026

Hours

Until December 3: weekdays 4pm to 9:30pm, weekends 11:30am to 9:30pm. December 4 to 18: 11:30am to 9:30pm (10pm Fridays and Saturdays). December 19 to 23: 10am to 10pm. December 24: 11:30am to 6pm

Price

Single entry tickets from $7.99, and prices go up on the day. Kids 6 and under are free and need no ticket. Family Season Pass (2 adults and 2 youth 7 to 14) from $74.99 until November 15, then from $84.99

For kids

Santa's Workshop and photos at the Alpen Haus, a letter to Santa, the Christmas Carousel (riders at least 2 years old and 36 inches tall), a Village Passport keepsake, a candy cane at the gate and snow showers every 30 minutes

Booking

Pick a date and a 30 minute arrival window online, then stay as long as you like. Tickets are non refundable but can be exchanged up to 24 hours ahead

Strollers

Free stroller parking, not attended

Official Vancouver Christmas Market page

Shipyards Christmas Market

90 plus wooden chalets and 120 plus vendors on the North Vancouver waterfront, about two minutes from the SeaBus terminal.

Where

The Shipyards, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Dates

November 27 to December 24, 2026

Hours

November 27 to December 17: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm. December 18 to 23: 11am to 10pm. December 24: 11am to 8pm

Price

Free entry every day. Skating on the City of North Vancouver rink is free with your own skates, and rentals are at the Supply Shop

For kids

Free photos with Santa and Mrs Claus (weekdays 4:30pm to 8pm, weekends 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm), carollers, live music, a 30 foot Christmas tree and free skating from 12pm to 8pm

Booking

No tickets and no time slots

Strollers

Stroller parking at the Santa photos. The market lists sensory friendly kits and accessible entry

Official Shipyards Christmas Market page

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

A holiday market with over 30 local vendors in the City Hall Atrium, plus live entertainment on four stages.

Where

Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey

Dates

Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026

Hours

12pm to 8pm both days. The tree lighting is at 6:30pm on November 21

Price

Free, including skating with free skate and helmet rentals

For kids

Photos with Santa (online reservations open in early November), letters to Santa, holiday crafts, a Ferris wheel and amusement rides, and a fire show on Sunday evening

Booking

No tickets

Official Surrey Tree Lighting Festival page

Portobello West Holiday Market

Vancouver's original makers market turns 20 this year: 69 plus BC makers of family fashion, jewelry, art, home decor, skincare and gourmet treats in Yaletown's historic railway station.

Where

Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

Dates

Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29, 2026

Hours

10am to 5pm both days, indoors, rain or shine

Price

$5 adults. Kids 12 and under free

For kids

Free live music and entertainment for the whole family

Booking

Advance tickets online. The first 100 advance buyers are entered in a $50 shopping spree draw

Official Portobello West Holiday Market page

Nikkei Craft Fair

Local makers with Japanese inspired handmade crafts, from home decor and jewelry to textiles and stationery, plus sweet and savoury Japanese food vendors. Each admission is entered in the door prize draw.

Where

Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Dates

Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2026

Hours

Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm. Members and seniors 65 plus can enter from 9:30am

Price

$5 per day, cash or card at the door. Free for youth under 18, seniors 65 plus and members

For kids

A free drop in Kids Corner in the 2F Kaede Room with Christmas colouring, origami and a letter to Santa

Booking

Pay at the entrance

Official Nikkei Craft Fair page

Tips for families

• Go early or on a weekday: Free markets have no time slots, so weekday afternoons are the quietest. At the Vancouver Christmas Market you book a 30 minute arrival window, and prices go up on the day.
• Check the kids age cut off: Kids are free at every market here, but the age differs: 6 and under at the Vancouver Christmas Market, 12 and under at Portobello West, and under 18 at the Nikkei Craft Fair.
• Bring skates: The Shipyards and Surrey Tree Lighting Festival rinks are free. Surrey lends skates and helmets, and the Shipyards rink has rentals at the Supply Shop.
• Take transit downtown: The Vancouver Christmas Market is at Jack Poole Plaza on the waterfront, and the Shipyards Christmas Market is about two minutes from the SeaBus terminal in North Vancouver. Surrey Civic Plaza is beside Surrey Central Station.
• Dress for the weather: The Vancouver Christmas Market, Shipyards and Surrey are outdoors. Portobello West and the Nikkei Craft Fair are indoors.

Checked on each official website on October 29, 2026. Confirm with the organizer before you go. For light shows, see Christmas lights for families.