The Magic of Gastown 2025 – A Month-Long Holiday Celebration

This December, Gastown transforms into one of Vancouver’s most enchanting holiday destinations. The Magic of Gastown returns for 2025 with glowing lights, live entertainment, festive experiences, and nostalgic traditions that bring the historic neighbourhood to life. From free horse-drawn carriage rides to lively mariachi parades, roaming carolers, and creative holiday installations, Gastown offers something magical around every cobblestone corner.

Celebrate the season all month long as local businesses, artists, and performers come together to create a holiday atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city.

✨ Event Overview

📍 Location: Gastown, Vancouver, BC
📅 Dates: December 1–31, 2025
🎄 Admission: Free (individual activities may vary)

Throughout December, visitors can explore illuminated streets, enjoy pop-up performances, participate in festive challenges, support local shops, and experience Gastown in its most magical form.

🎁 What’s Happening This December

🎄 Elf Off the Shelf: City Edition (Dec 10–14)

Gastown’s elves have escaped their shelves and are hiding inside local boutiques, cafés, and shops. Follow clues on @mygastown, find them, and enter to win daily prizes.

🐴 Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (Dec 14 & 21, 12–4 PM)

A nostalgic holiday tradition returns, offering free carriage rides through Gastown’s beautifully decorated streets.
Pick-up Location: 1 Alexander Street.

🎶 Carolers & Holiday Performers (First 3 Sundays in December, 12–4 PM)

Roaming carolers and festive performers fill the neighbourhood with classic holiday tunes and surprise pop-up shows.

🎺 Marching Mariachi Parade (Dec 11, 6–8 PM)

Mariachi Los Dorados and traditional dancers parade through Canada’s first Mexico Barrio, bringing festive music, dancing, and neighbourhood specials.

🎄 Gastown Tree Walk (All December)

Wander through Gastown and discover creatively decorated holiday trees displayed by local shops and businesses.

✨ Holiday Lighting (All December)

Twinkling lights illuminate plazas, laneways, and heritage buildings—creating Gastown’s signature winter glow.

🅿️ Free Parking (Every Sunday in December)

Free Sunday parking at EasyPark Lot 126 for holiday shoppers and visitors.

🌟 Plan Your Visit

The Magic of Gastown runs from December 1–31, 2025.
Check back often, as new festive moments and surprises are added throughout the month.

🔗 Discover more upcoming events in Metro Vancouver at Vancouver Christmas.