Winter has arrived in Vancouver, and it has brought a bunch of great events to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Here’s our rundown of 24 free and inexpensive events you’ll want to check out this season around Metro Vancouver! Family Day, Japanese New Year, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
One-time-only events and activities
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
Push Festival
What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.
Highlights include the return of Dances for a Small Stage, Dune Wars Kiki Ball, and the popular Club Push.
When: January 23 to February 9, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Various prices including several free events. Purchase online
Winter has arrived in Vancouver and it has brought a bunch of great events you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Here is our rundown of 24 free and inexpensive events you’ll want to check out this season around Metro Vancouver! Family Day, Japanese New Year, and more.
And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
Big Bang Festival
What: Music on Main, Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, and Zonzo Compagnie are teaming up for the inaugural Big Bang Festival, a day of musical adventure for children ages five and up.
The immersive festival will be a journey through music and sound art, with mini-concerts, interactive activities, and surprise performances throughout the day. Featuring performances by Belgian singer Naomi Beeldens, Vancouver musicians Dailin Hsieh and Saina Khaledi, and more.
When: February 16, 2025
Time: Doors at 11:30 am, festival starts at 1:30 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events. Purchase online
Robson Square Ice Rink
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 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.
Vancouver International Auto Show
Vancouver International Auto Show/Facebook
What: Car lovers, start your engines! The Vancouver International Auto Show is making its highly anticipated return to the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 19 to 23, 2025
The 2025 Auto Show will feature displays of the latest vehicles, test drive opportunities, and insights into electric and hybrid technologies from top automotive manufacturers as well as local BC dealerships.
When: March 19 to 23, 2025
Time: 12 to 9 pm (Wednesday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Place
Price: $19 to $21 for general admission | $14 to $15 for students and seniors | $6 for kids | $38 to $53 for a family pass. Purchase online
Oshōgatsu – Japanese New Year Celebrations
What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre invites guests to begin 2025 with free Japanese New Year Celebrations. Guests can take part in free calligraphy lessons. You can also learn how to play Shogi, a popular mind sport from Japan, try Japanese tea, and join a free Hawaiian Hula dance class.
When: January 4, 2025
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free
Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
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: Now until December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
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 until 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 patron, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online
Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice
What: New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to welcome 2025 with a bang, Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice is the perfect event for you.
North America’s largest ski resort is bringing back its popular outdoor winter event starting on Tuesday, December 31, at 8:30 pm.
The free signature event features exciting performances, freestyle skiing and riding, and a stunning pyrotechnics display for all ages.
When: December 31, 2024, then every Sunday from January 5 to March 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 pm (New Year’s Eve), 7:30 pm (January 5 to March 9, 2024)
Where: Skiers Plaza at Whistler Village base between Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas
Cost: Free
Family Day at PdA
What: Place des Arts invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in art. Tour the not-for-profit arts education centre, then take part in the drop-in style activities inspired by the content and/or mediums in the current exhibitions.
When: February 4, 2025
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free, register online
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
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.
There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out 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
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2025
Polar Bear Swim
What: The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and you’re going to want to bring your warmest towel.
Start off the new year the right way by plunging into the Pacific Ocean during the frigid 105th event.
The chilly event takes place from noon to 4 pm, with the program starting at 2 pm and the official swim happening at 2:30 pm. Those who register for the event online can also receive a commemorative certificate.
When: January 1, 2025
Time: Noon to 4 pm; official swim at 2:30 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to register online
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
What: There is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout the festive season, even with the cancellation of the remainder of the Christmas Train.
Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit to the Train Plaza, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund.
When: Now until January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25)
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
Admission: Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza
Lights at Lafarge
What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season.
The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones.
When: Now until February 2025
Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 pm
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Nature Work Parties
City of Surrey
What: Help remove invasive plants and clean up litter at various parks in Surrey this winter. Tools and training will be provided, and all ages are welcome.
Nature Work Parties are drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Participants are also asked to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities.
When: Various dates
Time: 10 am and 10:30 am staggered start times
Where: Various parks in Surrey
Cost: Free
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: Now until March 2025
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
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
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the winter, and the best part is they are free to check out.
Upcoming movie screenings include Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Rear Window, and Back to Black.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
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
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
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
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
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
Riley Park Winter Farmers’ Market
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
Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market
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
Granville Island Public Market
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
Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market
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