young couple wearing christmas hats holding drinks

Celebrate the Holidays in the Fraser Valley: Family-Friendly Festivities & Events

29/10/2024

The holiday season is a magical time in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, with plenty of festive activities for families, friends and leisure travelers. From vibrant light displays to fantastic events, these family-friendly celebrations across Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley are perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Here's a preview of some fantastic festivities coming up in November and December.

Holiday Magic in Chilliwack, BC 

The Chilliwack Christmas Craft Fair happens in mid-November and features countless booths from some of the best local makers from the area. What’s unique about this event is that each vendor is meticulously chosen and all the products must be handmade to ensure the highest quality possible. You will find everything from pottery and woodwork to food and wine/spirits. Held at Heritage Park, this is one of the largest holiday season markets in the Vancouver region.

senior couple at a christmas market

The Hofstede's Annual Holiday Market also happens in November and is quickly becoming a loved event in the Chilliwack area. This market features local vendors, food sampling, giveaways and one-night discounts. Browse a variety of vendors selling greeting cards, succulents, gourmet foods and art. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards Safe Families Lower Mainland, helping children and families across the region. 

If you want to attend one of the most popular holiday events around, don’t miss out on Christmas at Cultus Lake Park. This annual event offers the chance to take photos with Santa Claus, browse local artisan vendors and sip warm hot cocoa. There is a beautiful Christmas light display at the Main Beach and this year, there will be a fireworks display off the Main Beach docks as well. Listen to some Christmas music and enjoy a roasted marshmallow to conclude the perfect evening! 

Throughout the month of December, grab tickets to enjoy amazing performances at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Enjoy classic shows like Nutcracker or musical masterpieces such as Winter Harp. The Chilliwack Cultural Centre is a three-minute drive from Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA, where you’ll enjoy a daily breakfast buffet, pet-friendly rooms, comfortable rooms and an indoor pool. 

Festive Fun in Langley, BC 

If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly event, look no further than Glow Gardens in Langley! Running from November until late December, this outdoor lights festival features one of the most magnificent light displays in the region. This year's theme is Enchanted Forest and as you walk around, you’ll discover whispering trees, giant creatures, mushroom homes and more light displays inspired by all the beauty of nature. Hop aboard the Glow-Comotive, a kid-friendly train outfitted with thousands of lights, to explore the festival! There is also delicious food, refreshments and free entertainment to enjoy some nights after 4pm. You can purchase tickets online, and if you visit between Monday - Thursday, tickets are 20% off!

couple taking selfies under christmas lights 

Langley also hosts several exciting Christmas fairs where you can get all your holiday shopping done. Head to Fort Langley and enjoy their Christmas in the Village event, where you can shop until you drop under twinkling lights. Visiting Fort Langley is a magical experience, and not just during the holiday season. Located along the Fraser River, this historic site has museums, shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks and trails. The iconic yellow Community Hall has been featured in TV shows and films! 

If you’re a wine lover, visit Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery for their Christmas Doormat Paint n’ Sip Event. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, cheese board, and a hand-painted holiday-themed door mat which is lettered on by your host and then painted by you! 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to lay your head after a day of festivities, Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre is located moments away from the heart of Downtown Langley and offers free parking, on-site Casino, multiple on-site dining and bar options, and modern rooms to ensure a comfortable stay. 

Abbotsford’s Winter Wonders 

Winter Jubilee is the only tree-lighting event in the city, a must-do for those visiting Abbotsford during the holidays. Happening in November, this annual event features pictures with Santa, a large vendor market, food trucks, face painting, cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt, live music and of course, the tree lighting ceremony. It all happens right in the heart of downtown Abbotsford! 

Experience the magic of the North Pole at H & A Ross Farm from mid-November to early December. The Enchanted North Pole event is an affordable, family-friendly outing that offers the chance to see Santa’s workshop and witness the elves in action. Here you can also send a letter to Santa and grab a photo to capture the moment. This event happens nightly from 5pm to 10pm and has jingle bell hayrides, an outdoor movie night, bunny petting zoo, a starlight lane walk and a cozy fire pit.

people jogging together on a leaf covered road 

If you and your family want to join in and celebrate the season of giving, enter yourselves into the Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk in December! This five-kilometre race is pet-friendly and stroller-friendly, and participants can walk or run at their own pace. All proceeds go to The Salvation Army to help vulnerable people in the community. Each entry includes a hot lunch and a chance to say hi to Santa! 

Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites is just a short walk from some of the city's best attractions and is conveniently located near Highway 1. This hotel also has a free continental breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, a large indoor pool and comfortable rooms where you can unwind after a busy day of exploring! 

These are just some of the events happening in the Fraser Valley this November and December, and there are so many more to explore! If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home, Coast Hotels offers convenient locations in each of these cities. No matter where you stay, we can’t wait to welcome you to Coast Hotels. Book now and explore some of our current hotel deals and packages