Five recommended family events

1 Enchant: Christmas Light Maze & Market

The world’s largest Christmas light maze, made up of more than 55,000 square feet of illuminated sculptures. Includes a Christmas Market with more than 40 local vendors, 12 food trucks and a licensed eating area.

1st and Crowe Street, Between Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village. Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, 4-10 p.m.; $19.95/$14.95, market only/$5, enchantchristmas.com

2 Fifth annual CandyTown

Vancouver’s sweetest winter festival features visits with Santa and the Ice Queen, Christmas arts and crafts, lots of sweet treats, the All I Want for Christmas gift market, horsedrawn carriage rides, food vendors and more.

Mainland Street, Yaletown, Nov. 26, noon-7 p.m. Free, accepting donations for B.C. Children’s Hospital and Starlight Children’s Foundation; yaletowninfo.com

3 The Polar Express

This train ride includes cookies and hot chocolate (just like the movie!) a visit by the hobo, entertainment, singing and a magical-40 minute ride to the North Pole.

West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 39645 Government Rd., Squamish Nov. 27 Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 10; Various departure times; Coach Class/$30, First Class/$45, 604-898-9339, wcra.org

4 13th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade

This annual parade features marching bands, choirs, festive floats, community groups and, of course, the big man himself — Santa! Please bring a cash or food donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Downtown Vancouver, Dec. 4, parade starts at noon. Free, rogerssantaclausparade.com

5 Big Rigs for Kids Lighted Truck Parade

Truckers spend hours decorating their vehicles, turning them into beautiful representations of the holiday season. The trucks parade along University Drive, stopping in front of the library from 7-8 p.m. for all to enjoy.

At Surrey City Hall Plaza, 13450 104th Ave., Dec. 4, 6:30-8 p.m. Free, 604-5802321, downtownsurreybia.com