Holiday Traditions, Reimagined—All December Long
Welcome to The Magic of Gastown, a neighbourhood-wide holiday takeover filled with lights, music, roaming performers, festive surprises, and the return of beloved traditions. From glowing cobblestones to carriage rides, the neighbourhood transforms with nostalgia, sparkle, and a touch of Gastown mischief. A festive season shaped by heritage, artistry, and the people who bring this place to life, this is December at its most enchanting.
What’s Happening This December
Elf Off the Shelf: City Edition
Dec 10-14
A rotating cast of Gastown elves have departed their shelves and slipped into boutiques, cafés, and gathering spots throughout the neighbourhood. Follow clues on @mygastown, track them down, and enter to win daily prizes.
Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Dec 14 + 21, 12-4pm
Reviving a beloved tradition that began in Gastown in the 1980s. Glide through the neighbourhood on a festive, nostalgic carriage ride—free and open to all. Pick up zone: 1 Alexander St.
Carolers & Holiday Performers
First 3 Sundays in Dec, 12-4pm
Roaming carolers and festive performers fill the streets with classic holiday sounds and surprise pop-up moments.
Marching Mariachi Parade
Dec 11, 6-8pm
A Gastown holiday tradition returns as Mariachi Los Dorados and traditional dancers parade through Canada’s first Mexico Barrio, accompanied by margarita specials and festive surprises along the way.
Gastown Tree Walk
Throughout the month, local businesses will display uniquely decorated holiday trees in their windows or outside their storefronts—creating a walkable forest of creativity and charm.
Holiday Lighting
Twinkling lights illuminate the streets, plazas, and tucked-away laneways—transforming Gastown into a luminous backdrop for winter evenings.
Free Parking
Every Sunday
Enjoy complimentary parking every Sunday in December at EasyPark Lot 126 when visiting Gastown’s shops, restaurants, and cafés. Register for your free parking at gastown.org/freeparking
Plan Your Visit
The Magic of Gastown runs from December 1–31.
New festive moments dropping throughout the month—check back for updates as the season unfolds.
Follow along at @mygastown.
