No need to blow your budget this holiday season when you’ve got our list of 25 FREE and cheap things to do in and around Vancouver this December,
Get festive without breaking your wallet with Swiftie Parties, CP Holiday Train, and more!
And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
Fleurs de Villes Noël
What: The sixth annual Fleurs de Villes Noël is happening in Vancouver from December 6 to 15. The stunning activation creates a “floral art trail” that decorates Vancouver’s downtown core with some of the city’s top florists and local businesses being inspired by favourite holiday songs.
When: December 6 to 15, 2024
Where: Various locations in Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
The Elf Bar brings festive cheer to Commercial Drive with its festive pop-up. Each 90-minute experience includes plenty of photo ops, elf-themed cocktails and games, unique Christmas decor, and hundreds of elf figurines of all shapes and sizes.
When: Wednesday to Sunday from December 4 to 22, December 23 and 24, 2024
Times: Various times
Where: 920 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $14.50 per person plus fees, book online
What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays, live entertainment, and more.
BCAA presents the most unique winter fair in BC, which will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again with the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, Nutcracker on Ice, Ice Bumper Cars, and more.
When: December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23, 2024
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: PNE Winter Fair tickets are $7.50-$20 in advance, purchase online. Group rates and BCAA discounted tickets are also available.
What: It’s only a few weeks until Taylor Swift takes the stage at BC Place with her Eras Tour — and Bentall Centre is hosting the ultimate pre-show party to get you pumped.
On Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, from 3 to 6 pm, fans can connect with fellow Swifties and get concert-ready with exciting Taylor-themed activities. The event is free to attend and fun for all ages!
When: December 6 and December 7, 2024
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free with RSVP
What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice.
Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.
The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February.
When: Open daily from November 29, 2024 until February 28, 2025
Time: 9 am to 9 pm (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee
What: Calling all Swifties! Destination Downtown is offering a chance to win tickets to Taylor’s final Eras performances at BC Place.
From November 29 to December 6, visit one of 13 Taylor-themed lighting installations throughout Vancouver’s downtown core for your chance to enter. The more Taylor-inspired lyrics you visit, the greater the chances of seeing the American pop icon.
For a list of all 13 locations and details on how to enter, visit them online.
When: November 29 until December 6, 2024
Time: Midnight on November 29 until noon on December 6
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Gingerbread Lane
What: Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 32nd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.
As per tradition over the past three decades, the free event features delightful gingerbread creations designed by secondary school students, amateur culinary artists, and professional bakers.
In addition to providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon, which is celebrating its 41st year of granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses.
When: November 28 to December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
What: The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights will take place on Sunday, December 1, throughout Cloverdale Town Centre. It will feature seasonal floats, stunning lights, and more.
Cloverdale BIA is putting on the event with the help of local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations. Many volunteers who believe in Santa’s magic support them.
When: December 1, 2024
Time: 5 pm start
Where: Throughout Cloverdale Town Centre. See the full route online.
Admission: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item or gift item for donation.
What: Pulitzer-nominated cartoonist, illustrator, and writer Zoe Si is hosting a new art show at Lucky’s Books and Comics titled OKAY. The Vancouver-born creator will bring a mix of existing and new comics and paintings, both original art and prints, to the East Vancouver comic shop for the public to view throughout the holidays.
When: Remaining up throughout the holidays
Time: Store Hours 11 am to 6 pm (Monday to Thursday, Saturday), 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: 3128 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Image via Yaletown BIA
What: TaylorTown will take place at Bill Curtis Square and Helmcken Plaza on December 7. This free, family-friendly community event will celebrate the holiday season with a Taylor-made twist to welcome the Swfities to town as they get ready for the Eras concert (and appease those of us who didn’t win the Ticketmaster Great War).
The one-day event will feature a gift market, a giant friendship bracelet as a photo station, a digital birthday card to Taylor Swift (the 13th is just around the corner), and free visits with Santa.
When: December 7, 2024
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Bill Curtis Square and Helmcken Plaza — 338 Helmcken Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: Your favourite canine companions don’t have to feel left out of the festive fun this holiday season, thanks to the Steveston Christmas Dog Parade.
Dozens of paw-dorable dogs and puppies will dress up in holiday attire and parade along Imperial Landing on Saturday, December 14.
The event starts at 11 am at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where there is more seasonal fun for the community to enjoy from 11:15 am to 1 pm.
When: December 14, 2024
Time: 11 am start
Where: Starts at Phoenix Pond bridge arch and ends at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Cost: Free
What: The festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright.
The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until January 5. Throughout the season, visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists. There will also be weekly interactive activities for guests to enjoy.
When: Now until January 5, 2025 (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.
At Heritage Christmas, there will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food. Look for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.
When: Now until January 3, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Admission: Free; Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $31.45 plus tax
Wallace & Gromit
What: Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for the latest Wallace & Gromit classic, Vengeance Most Fowl.
Aardman’s four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a new adventure all ages will love. When Wallace unveils his latest invention, a robot that can do almost anything, Gromit can’t help feeling redundant. But when old nemesis Feathers McGraw reprogrammes the robot, it’s up to Gromit to save the day and rescue Wallace from the chaos.
When: Various dates from December 18, 2024 to January 2, 2025
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, including $10 for youth under 18, $11 for students and accessible patrons, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online
What: The CP Holiday Train rolls into BC this December, bringing lights, music, and holiday cheer to tons of communities across the province. It will be in Metro Vancouver on December 19 and 20.
The 26th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the US this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CP Holiday Train stop will also enjoy a free and festive concert by Juno winners Magic! and fast-rising star Sofia Camara.
When: December 19 and 20, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged
What: Mastercard has teamed up with local small businesses of Fort Langley to create the original storybook Cranberry & Crumm. Discover the immersive small business shopping experience on Glover Road to receive your free copy of the book at Fort Langley Community Hall or one of the participating shops.
You can also receive an exclusive gift when paying with Mastercard at participating small businesses in Fort Langley. Collect all eight pieces to complete a wooden puzzle of the community’s landmarks. And you can warm up with free hot chocolate in Gasoline Alley from 9:30 am to 6 pm on weekends.
When: November 30 to December 15, 2024
Where: Various locations in Fort Langley
Cost: Free
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: By donation
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is they are free to check out.
Some films being shown in December include The Holdovers, Violent Night, and more. Get there early to get a good seat!
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 am to 1 pm and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month
Time: 11 am to 1 pm (Centre is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm)
Where: 168 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; an adult must accompany guests under 12. Admission is $10-$12; purchase online
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Farmers’ Markets in Metro Vancouver
What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.
When: Every Saturday until March 29, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver
What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.
When: Every Sunday until April 27, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver
Julien Hautcoeur/Shutterstock
What: You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats.
When: Every day
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.
When: Every Sunday until April 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody