‘Tis the Season for Holiday Activities in Richmond

The holidays have suddenly arrived! But don’t worry if you’re way behind with your preparations. We’ve taken the hard work out of planning your 2022 Christmas activities by rounding-up a sparkling array of options around the city. Take a few minutes to peruse our bauble-covered suggestions––then fill up your calendar with a full serving of festive fun.

Skip to Steveston

The jewel in the crown of Richmond’s seasonal activities, Steveston’s Winter in the Village delivers a month-long program of holiday happenings––and almost everything is free. Start by downloading the digital Winter in the Village Passport, which points you to decorated storefronts and attractions––and gives you local discounts and chances to win great prizes. This year’s Winter in the Village line-up also includes live music performances, decorated shoreline boats and much more––peruse the online calendar for detailed information.

Ring the bell for family fun

A star attraction at 2022’s Winter in the Village is Winter Tram––and it’s the perfect place to take your kids. The gabled Steveston pavilion housing historic tramcar 1220––a restored interurban tram that once trundled between Vancouver and Richmond––has been transformed into a sparkling, cost-free holiday hotspot this month. You’ll find free craft activities, a new conductor dress-up corner, drop-in story reading and cool Lego models of local heritage sites. Save time for the selfie-ready illuminations outside as well!

Vote for a top tree

Also under the Winter in the Village banner, beeline to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Aside from its brilliant museum displays, the celebrated heritage attraction is also hosting the Steveston Festival of Trees. It’s an indoor mini-forest of shimmering foliage, with each tree creatively decorated by a local group or business. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite! And if you still have Christmas shopping to do, the onsite gift shop here is filled with great books, apparel and educational toys.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gulf of Georgia Cannery (@gogcannery)

Sit with Santa

Christmas in Richmond isn’t just about Steveston. If you’re keen to commune with the Jolly Old Elf himself, take the kids to one of the city centre spots where he usually hangs out. Book now for digital snaps with Santa at CF Richmond Centre––and also check out the mall’s roster of live festive music in its Dining Terrace food court. A few blocks away, Santa is also known to frequent Lansdowne Centre––reserve your spot for photo packages with the red-suited wonder here. And don’t forget the mall’s popular indoor holiday train, which trundles through a sparkling winter wonderland. 

Enjoy magical music and more

Over at Aberdeen Centre, the mall’s central atrium is adorned with a huge tree plus a twinkling diorama that includes a decorated train, Santa’s grotto (look out for him during your visit) and––our favourite feature––a model hot air balloon piloted by an adventurous teddy bear. Under its Magic of the Season banner, the mall is also hosting an almost-daily array of free holiday music by local performers, ranging from the Hudson Street Jazz Orchestra to the Vancouver Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Check Aberdeen’s events page for details.

Hop to Avonlea

This season, Richmond is also presenting what may be Metro Vancouver’s best family holiday show. Anne of Green Gables––The Musical, running at Gateway Theatre from December 15 to 31, is a rare West Coast appearance for one of Canada’s most beloved stage shows. Based on the iconic L.M. Montgomery book, you can expect lots of charming, high-spirited fun plus a full playlist of utterly delightful songs. Starring locally based TV star Kyra Leroux in the eponymous role, don’t forget to book ahead for this heartwarming production.

Savour movies and more

This month, Lulu Island Winery is hosting a sparkling Holiday Edition of its popular Pinot & Popcorn movie nights. Just $15 gets you a glass of wine (or soft drink), a bag of popcorn and a screening of a great festive film in the tasting room. Running on select Fridays and Saturdays until December 31, upcoming movies include The Santa Clause, Home Alone and Frozen. On December 17, the winery is also staging a Grinchmas Christmas Market, complete with local vendors, a gingerbread house contest and an appearance by the Grinch himself!

Sip a lovely festive tea

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport should also be on your Christmastime calendar. Returning this year, its enchanting December 17 Afternoon Tea with Santa is a perfect family treat (and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice fundraiser), complete with a sumptuous menu of delicacies and a personal visit from Santa. Can’t make that date? The hotel’s regular Festive Afternoon Tea (sans Santa) is equally delicious and runs daily until December 31. Book ahead, though: it’s always very popular.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fairmont Vancouver Airport (@fairmontvancouverairport)

Feast on Christmas dinner

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is also hosting several holiday dining options, including a Christmas Day Dinner. Alternatively, Cavu Kitchen Bar is serving-up festive meals (including a Christmas Day buffet brunch) plus special Yuletide drinks such as a lip-smacking Frosty the Snowman cocktail. And over at Steveston Seafood House, the restaurant is open for a treat-tastic dinner on Christmas Day evening––but you can also order their highly popular three-course turkey dinner service if you fancy dining at home in your PJs. Be sure to order by December 18 for pick-up on the 24or 25.

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Tourism Richmond