Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Vancouver, CN

In a city as big as Vancouver there is always lots to do around the holidays especially for Christmas. I will be exploring the other holidays later in the month, but for today's list I am exploring some of the Christmas Traditions that my husband and sons enjoy each year.

Number one is something that you could well do for any season, but we go every Christmas Eve. Maplewood Farm is a small farm in North Vancouver just off the Dollarton highway that is run by the the parks board. On Christmas Eve the farm isn't busy and there is lots of opportunity to see the animals and pet the goats and feed the birds. Since we will be in Nova Scotia this year we may need to go next weekend.

We also like to see the light displays around town and the two best places to see them are Bright Nights in Stanley ParkFestival of Light at VanDusen Gardens. Bright Nights is already open and during the week is the best time to go if you want to ride the miniature train with your preschooler, though tickets can be bought beforehand. Bright Nights runs until 3 January. The Festival of Lights begins on Friday the 5^th  December until 4 January.

Another tradition in our family is going to watch the Santa Claus Parade. We bundle up in our fleece and rain gear, bring something to sit on and wait for the fun to begin. This year I plan to bring a thermos of hot chocolate so we don't need the other tradition of the long wait for the Starbucks. The parade is also a food drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank so bring some food or money for your donation. This year's parade starts at 1 pm on Sunday 7 December.

Lastly, every year we go on a Carol Ride around Stanley Park with my church. You can set up your own Carol ride by hiring the horse drawn carriages or call to find out if they do it for the general public as well. It is a blast going around the park singing and being cheery.

What are your Vancouver traditions?