It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there are so many holly and jolly events to check out around the city.
But there’s no need to blow your budget this holiday season! Get festive with our list of 23 FREE and cheap things to do around Metro Vancouver, including Christmas lights, ice skating, artisan markets, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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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: November 22, 2024 until February 2025
Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 pm
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display.
St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998.
More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.
When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025)
Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
What: The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 20th year of delighting shoppers with its opulent holiday displays and festive fun.
The most magical place in Metro Vancouver to get inspired for the holidays is now open to the public in Surrey. It features a massive array of decor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
When: November 1 until December 24, 2024
Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free
City of Surrey/Submitted
What: Holiday festivities are just around the corner and one of our favourite events is helping to kick things off in a big way in the City of Surrey.
The 14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on November 23 and 24 at Surrey Civic Plaza. The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more.
When: November 23 and 24, 2024
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, 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: November 29, 2024, to 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: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza
What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a new festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver debut this fall.
The Shipyards Christmas Market is launching in North Vancouver starting on November 29 and running through to December 24.
With dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more, it is shaping up to be everything we’ve asked for on our wish list.
When: November 29 to December 24, 2024
Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday), 11 am to 5 pm (December 24)
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
PNE Winter Fair
What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December, with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays and live entertainment, and more.
The most unique winter fair in BC is presented by BCAA and will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again through 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: 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 from November 13 to January 5. Visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor throughout the season 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: November 13, 2024 to 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.
There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic street car on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.
When: November 23, 2024, until January 3, 2025 (Closed December 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Admission: Free, Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is opening on Friday, December 1, and skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 12 to 8 pm. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: November 30, 2024, 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)
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
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink will soon reopen 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.
When: Open daily from December until February
Time: 9 am to 9 pm (11 am to 5 pm on Christmas 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: Vancouver may not have any reindeer, but visitors can enjoy the sight of a giant illuminated moose this holiday season at Christmas at Canada Place.
Free Christmas attractions presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will be taking over the Canadian Trail, along the west promenade of Canada Place.
Visitors will get a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays.
When: November 29, 2024, to January 2, 2024
Time: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Cloverdale BIA
What: The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is happening on Sunday, December 3 throughout Cloverdale Town Centre, with seasonal floats, stunning lights, and more.
Attendees of the free community event are also asked to bring donations to support important local causes, including the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, Surrey Food Bank, and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.
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
CP Holiday Train
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: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season.
Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more.
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024
Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online
What: Make It! returns to the PNE Forum for four days from December 7 to 10. The popular handmade market will showcase over 250 local brands and makers, with unique items perfect for gifting to loved ones or treating yourself.
When: December 12 to 15, 2024
Time: 5 to 9 pm (Thursday), 11 am to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday), and 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $10.50 online, $12 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting (Amacon/amacon.com)
What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance.
When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: The Centre Vancouver is screening Home Alone 2 on its giant 52-foot screen with surround sound. There will even be free concessions during the event.
When: December 15, 2024
Time: 4 pm
Where: The Centre — 777 Homer Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $5, register online
What: Spirit of the Season, North Vancouver’s annual holiday kickoff, will transform Carrie Cates into a festive wonderland filled with live music, ice skating, free hot chocolate, and more.
You can even witness the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus atop a city fire truck, and the lighting of the massive holiday tree.
When: November 30, 2024
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Tourism Harrison
What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival.
The village’s annual Lights by the Lake will happen until Sunday, January 7, 2024. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights celebrating the local wildlife as well as the elusive Sasquatch.
When: November 23, 2024 until January 12, 2025
Time: Dusk to 11 pm
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free
What: Vancouver can’t get enough of holiday markets, and Got Craft is back to help festive shoppers find the perfect gifts this season.
The 17th annual Got Craft Holiday Market takes over the Croatian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive on November 23 and 24. With 100 makers to discover, it’s one of BC’s largest curated markets of creatives, designers, and small shops. It’s the perfect way to shop locally for everyone on your list.
When: November 23 and 24, 2024
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where:: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.
What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night from December 7 until January 12. You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.
When: December 7 to January 12, 2025
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront
Cost: Free