Canada, North America

Vancouver in December

Rainy, but festive: the Vancouver Christmas Market and holiday lights help, and Whistler's season is usually running by mid month.

TradeoffsWet and chilly, highs near 42F (6C)

Vancouver skyline, Canada — VancouverPhoto: Xicotencatl, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Vancouver. Rainy, but festive: the Vancouver Christmas Market and holiday lights help, and Whistler's season is usually running by mid month.

Weather: Wet and chilly, highs near 42F (6C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Vancouver

December is wet and chilly, with highs near 42F (6C) and the shortest days of the year. It still feels festive: the Vancouver Christmas Market fills the waterfront, holiday lights brighten the rain, and Capilano's Canyon Lights season makes for a good evening. Whistler's ski season is usually running by mid month, and prices rise over the holidays.

It suits families chasing holiday atmosphere and skiers who want an early-season trip with a city stop. Travelers looking for dry weather or long days should come in summer instead. For the most reliable snow, January through March beats December.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Vancouver this month.

Vancouver Christmas Market

The German-style market runs until Christmas Eve, with mulled wine and a big tree. Busy nights need timed tickets.

Canyon Lights at Capilano

The winter lights turn the suspension bridge and treetop walkways into a glowing evening outing.

Early ski season

Whistler Blackcomb is usually open by mid December, and the local hills often follow.

What to pack for December

A waterproof, insulated jacket
Waterproof boots with good grip
Gloves, a hat and a scarf
Ski layers if you plan to hit the slopes

Our timing tip

Buy Christmas Market timed tickets ahead for weekend evenings, or go on a weekday afternoon when it is much calmer.

Book Vancouver for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Vancouver
Opens a hotel search for Vancouver in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Vancouver
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Vancouver
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Vancouver for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Vancouver Christmas Market

Mid November to Christmas Eve

A German-style market on the waterfront with mulled wine and a big tree. Timed tickets on busy nights.

Whistler ski season

Late November to April or May

Whistler Blackcomb often runs well into spring. January through March is the most reliable snow.

Things to do in Vancouver

Full guide

Stanley Park seawall

Rent a bike and ride the loop counterclockwise, as the one-way path requires. Allow two hours with stops at Prospect Point and Third Beach.

Tickets and tours →

Granville Island Public Market

Food stalls, produce, and local makers. Go by the little False Creek ferries and arrive before 11am on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grouse Mountain

Skyride gondola to city views in summer, ski slopes in winter. The Grouse Grind trail is a steep, famous climb that opens in the warm season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Pricey but well run, with the treetop walkways and cliff walk. The winter Canyon Lights season is a good rainy-month outing.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Whistler day trip or overnight

The Sea to Sky Highway is a highlight on its own. Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America's largest ski resorts, and the summer mountain-bike park is world class.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Vancouver Aquarium

The best rainy-day plan in Stanley Park, strong on Pacific coast marine life.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the seawall and visit Granville Island before 10am in summer; cruise ship days bring waves of day visitors to downtown sights.
Book summer hotels well ahead: July and August downtown rates are among the highest in Canada, and Alaska cruise departures fill hotels on turnaround days.
Pick September over July. Weather is nearly as good and the crowds and prices drop right after Labour Day.
Swap Capilano for Lynn Canyon Park, a free suspension bridge and forest walk on the North Shore that many locals prefer.

Know before you go

Some mountain hiking trails, including the Grouse Grind, close in winter and typically open in late spring once snow clears. North Shore trails at elevation can hold snow into June.
Whistler's summer season (mountain biking, Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing) and ski season have short gaps in between, usually in spring and fall shoulder weeks. Check the resort calendar.
Canada Day on July 1 and BC Day, the first Monday in August, close some offices and shops and fill parks and beaches.
Almost nothing shuts down in the rainy season: museums, restaurants, and markets run year-round, which is why winter is a viable budget trip.

Vancouver in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Vancouver?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Vancouver. Rainy, but festive: the Vancouver Christmas Market and holiday lights help, and Whistler's season is usually running by mid month.

What is the weather like in Vancouver in December?

Wet and chilly, highs near 42F (6C).

Is Vancouver crowded in December?

Crowds in Vancouver are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Vancouver in December?

Vancouver Christmas Market (mid november to christmas eve); Whistler ski season (late november to april or may).