Holiday activities for the Christmas season

Breadcrumb

By Brendan Clugston, December 20, 2024

The holiday season is a perfect time to create lasting memories. Whether it’s cooking with friends and family or enjoying festive activities, these shared moments bring everyone closer and strengthen relationships.

They’re a chance to focus on togetherness over the Christmas holidays, building a foundation of love and support that can carry you through life’s challenges. In the hustle of everyday life, the holidays remind us to slow down and truly appreciate the people who matter most.

Traditions and holiday experiences also have a way of bringing communities together. Investing time in these moments helps foster connections and ensures that the warmth of the season resonates far beyond its end.

Outdoor Christmas activities

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a quintessential holiday activity that brings joy to people of all ages. Vancouver offers several fantastic rinks, including the iconic Robson Square Ice Rink in the heart of downtown and the Skate Plaza at the Shipyards in North Vancouver, both of which are perfect for family outings or a romantic evening. The crisp winter air and the sound of skates gliding on ice create a magical atmosphere filled with festive cheer, especially under twinkling holiday lights. Many rinks offer skate rentals, making it easy for everyone to join in on the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just learning, gliding hand-in-hand with loved ones is a memorable way to celebrate the season.

Sledding

For those craving a bit of adrenaline, sledding is an unbeatable holiday season activity for kids and adults alike. Vancouverites are spoiled for choice with nearby mountains and if it snows in town, hilly spots such as Queen Elizabeth Park are perfect for a toboggan ride. To make the most of your sledding experience, dress warmly, bring a sturdy sled and don’t forget the thermos of hot cocoa for breaks. With laughter echoing down the slopes, sledding is a guaranteed way to create winter memories full of excitement and joy.

Christmas Light Tours

Exploring Vancouver’s festive neighbourhoods through Christmas light tours is a magical way to embrace the holiday spirit. Areas like VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights dazzle with intricate displays, while various residential streets charm with their community-driven decorations. Gather loved ones, map out your route and enjoy an evening stroll or drive to soak in the sparkling lights and creative designs. You can even snap the perfect family photo fo for Christmas cards. For an extra touch of cheer, bring along holiday snacks or music to set the festive mood. These light tours offer a perfect way to celebrate the season and feel connected to the community.

Indoor Christmas activities

Baking Christmas Cookies

Baking Christmas cookies is a delightful way to get kids involved and fill your home with warmth, delicious aromas and holiday cheer. Get creative with festive cookie designs like gingerbread people, snowflakes or candy cane shapes, using colourful icing and sprinkles for decoration. Vancouver’s local markets and shops offer unique cookie cutters and high-quality baking ingredients to make your treats extra special. Whether you’re working with kids or friends, the process of mixing, shaping and decorating is as enjoyable as the end result. Plus, these homemade goodies make perfect gifts or tasty additions to holiday gatherings.

Making Christmas Ornaments

Crafting DIY Christmas ornaments is a fun and meaningful indoor activity for families looking to spend quality time together. Try simple yet charming projects like salt dough ornaments, glittery pinecones or photo keepsakes to add a personal touch to your tree. Many local craft stores in Vancouver stock everything you need for your creations. This hands-on activity not only sparks creativity but also results in cherished decorations you’ll look forward to displaying year after year. It’s a wonderful way to bond with loved ones while adding heartwarming memories to your holiday traditions. Bonus, your Christmas tree will never have looked better!

Christmas Movie Marathon

A Christmas movie marathon is the perfect way to stay cozy indoors while embracing the holiday spirit. Gather your loved ones, pile on the blankets and settle in for a lineup of classics like Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life or Die Hard, alongside newer favourites such as Klaus or a Hallmark film. For an immersive experience, pair the movies with themed snacks like popcorn, hot chocolate or holiday cookies and pop on your matching pajamas. Streaming platforms and local libraries in Vancouver make it easy to find the perfect films for your festive binge. A movie marathon offers a relaxing way to enjoy the season and create shared moments of joy.

Christmas Karaoke Night

A Christmas karaoke night filled with songs is a lively way to bring everyone together and spread holiday cheer. Set the stage with a karaoke machine or a simple app connected to your TV, and compile a playlist of some Christmas tunes like Jingle Bell Rock, All I Want for Christmas Is You or Silent Night. Dim the lights, add some festive decorations and perhaps throw in a few Santa hats or reindeer antlers for extra fun. Vancouver’s local music stores and online resources make it easy to find karaoke tracks and gear. Whether you’re belting out carols solo or harmonizing with loved ones, this activity guarantees laughter, cheer and unforgettable memories.

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