8 Free Holiday Events in Vancouver
Can you believe we’re already halfway through December? Many festive events are happening around the city, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to attend most of them. We’ve rounded up a couple of these upcoming events (with free or almost-free admission), so you can choose your favourites to add to the calendar!
Please note that all of the events listed below are for the 2018 holiday season.
Free Events
December 16
‘Gliding on Ice’ Skating Event
Kerrisdale Arena – 5670 East Blvd.
5:30-7:00 pm | FREE
Get a free skate rental, free refreshments, and free skating time at the Gliding on Ice event in Kerrisdale Village. It’s perfect for the whole family and one of the few places you’ll find ice in this temperate city!
December 21
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
Granville Island and Yaletown
Click here to see schedules | FREE
Taking place on the shortest day of the year, you can find this ceremony in two neighbourhoods. Learn to make your own lantern at a pre-festival workshop, then follow or join the spectacular procession through the streets. This event is free, but they welcome a suggested donation of $5.
November 30 to December 28
The Hyatt Regency Hotel – 655 Burrard St.
All day | FREE
If you’re a fan of gingerbread houses, look no further. This annual display features dozens of incredible competitors, and you can vote for your favourite when you’ve finished gazing upon these works of art. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
December 7 to January 3
The Waterfront at Canada Place
8:00 am-11:00 pm (closing at 6:00 pm on New Year’s Eve) | FREE
With festive displays and events throughout December, this event will get even the grumpiest Grinch in the holiday spirit. The avenue of trees makes a great Instagram backdrop, and you can watch as the Sails of Light bring seasonal colours and animations to Canada Place.
November 24 to January 20
Lafarge Lake – Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Dusk-11:00 pm (open until midnight on New Year’s Eve) | FREE
For a free holiday display, head to Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake. With interactive lights, a 90-foot caterpillar, vibrant colours and weekly activities, there’s something for everyone.
November 29 to January 5
Stanley Park
3:00-10:00 pm (closed Christmas Day) | BY DONATION (up to $12 for the train ride)
Millions of lights adorn trees and holiday installations at Stanley Park, and Santa’s Workshop is a popular destination for kids. But the most anticipated attraction is the family-friendly Miniature Train that features a live performer at night. Prices for the train (up to $12 for adults) are separate from festival admission, which is by donation ($5+ recommended) and benefits the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Almost-Free Events
November 21 to December 24
Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place
11:00 am-9:00 pm (closes at 6:00 pm Christmas Eve) | $5-12 (VIP packages also available)
Feeling festive? This German-style Christmas market is the best place to find mulled wine; local crafts, trinkets and treats; live entertainment; a 30-foot walk-in Christmas tree; carousel and more. Dozens of vendors set up in traditional stalls, and you could swear you were somewhere in Europe.
December 1 to January 6
Van Dusen Gardens – 5151 Oak St.
4:30-9:00 pm (times may vary; check out the schedule here) | FREE to $23 depending on age and date/method of purchase
With over 1 million lights illuminating 15 acres of gardens, this is one of Vancouver’s most popular and longest-standing seasonal festivals. Light shows, live performances, a carousel and photos with Santa make this a top destination for friends and families.
At Maple Leaf Self Storage, we wish you and your family a safe, happy and fun-filled holiday!
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