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While there are a number of Instagrammable places in Vancouver to snap holiday photos, there are a few that truly stand out.
From the jaw-dropping light displays at VanDusen Botanical Garden, to the soaring, brightly coloured ferris wheel at the Aurora Winter Festival, there are some spectacular spots to capture a holiday image.
Take a look at our roundup of some of the best places to score a festive photo in Vancouver this holiday season.
Instagrammable Places in Vancouver
VanDusen Festival of Lights
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Enter a magical world for the 34th year of sparkling lights and holiday cheer at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights. The expansive attraction features over 1 million lights spread out over 15 acres of the garden and endless photo opportunities in this massive winter wonderland.
Lights at Lafarge
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The holiday season sparkles this year at the largest free outdoor lights display in Metro Vancouver during Lights at Lafarge from November to January. The popular attraction offers tens of thousands of lights installed in various configurations, including a beautifully lit 1.2 km walkway around Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam.
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
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The Peak of Christmas returns to Grouse Mountain with its annual display of festive enchantment and fun activities. Described as “Vancouver’s north pole,” the area sparkles with breathtaking light installations, including a majestic light tunnel and illuminated reindeer. There's no shortage of places to snap the perfect photo under a veil of twinkling lights or beside a jolly snowman.
Canyon Lights, A Winter Festival
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The annual Canyon Lights event has positively transformed the Capilano Suspension Bridge into a winter wonderland for another year of festive cheer. Thousands of twinkling lights decorate the park, which includes the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon. While the bridge is a breathtaking place to snap a photo, there are myriad other spots to snap the perfect festive picture.
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
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The Bright Nights Christmas Train is live in Stanley park for another year of festive choo-cho-cheer! The dazzling locomotive and the Stanley Park Train Plaza will sparkle with over 3 million twinkling lights, as well as breathtaking displays and live performers. Whether you want to snap a cute picture next to some penguins, or capture an image from the train, there are endless opportunities to take the perfect holiday photo.
Aurora Winter Festival
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While there are a number of holiday festivals in the city, none offer the sheer number of activities that the Aurora Winter Festival does. From a frozen river to dazzling light displays, a soaring 60 foot ferris wheel to a 200 foot long slide, Canada’s largest winter festival has some impressive offerings.
Langley’s Glow Christmas
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Glow Christmas returns to Langley for another season of festive enchantment. Over a million lights will twinkle in the event’s four displays, and one of them is an impressive, 63-metre-long illuminated tunnel. What’s more, the market showcases work from over 40 vendors, and there are a plethora of mouthwatering food-trucks on hand for when you get hungry.
Heritage Christmas
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While there are a number of places to celebrate the holidays, Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum offers a unique, old-fashioned experience. With thousands of sparkling lights, wreaths, vintage-themed displays and more, the area is transformed into a festive wonderland.
Vancouver Christmas Tree in Robson Square
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The 12th annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Friday, Nov. 30 in Robson Square; however, you may still join in the merriment and soak in the beauty of four magnificent holiday trees, including the stunning 76-foot tall tree, filled with hope and light.
The Robson Square Ice Rink and Plaza
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There are a number of places to enjoy ice skating in Vancouver, but there is something decidedly magical about the Robson Square Ice Rink. The festive oasis is the perfect place to enjoy the holidays with your friends, family and loved ones. What’s more, the attraction is completely free if you bring your own skates, and only $5 to rent a pair.
