The Greater Vancouver area has so many amazing holiday events and activities to choose from in December. The great news is, you can enjoy many of them for free! To keep you in the know about all the Christmas and holiday fun happening in the Greater Vancouver area this year, we’ve created a helpful list of free (or super cheap) holiday events. These are outings for you and your family to enjoy-without breaking the bank.

Keep coming back for more as we update this list through the month of December.

CandyTown Yaletown

December 7, 2024, 1pm-5pm

Vancouver’s holiday festival gets a Swift twist as Taylor Town 2024 takes over Yaletown! This free, family-friendly event transforms the neighborhood into a winter wonderland with live music, a festive gift market, and plenty of holiday cheer. Be sure to visit the Roundhouse Community Centre to see historic steam engine 374 all lit up with sparkling lights!

Where: Helmcken Plaza and Bill Curtis Square, Yaletown, Vancouver

St. Paul’s Lights of Hope

November 28 to December 27, 2024

We love when the beautiful towering wall of lights at St. Paul’s Hospital are lit. This spectacular eye-catching scene never disappoints. There’s no fee (except for optional donations you can give to support the hospital) and it’s on all season long.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025

The Bright Nights Christmas Train at Stanley park is a well loved Vancouver family tradition. Watch your children’s eyes light up as they take in the sparkle of three million twinkling lights. Kids of all ages will be singing along to their favourite carols as they take in the beautiful displays along their ride. The train is Sold out but you can walk around to see the beautiful lights.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

November 23 to December 15, 2024 / December 17, 2024-January 3, 2025

Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum is one of our all-time favourite holiday experiences. If you’ve never been, it’s one you don’t want to miss this season. Christmas at the village runs all month with lots of sparkling light displays, décor, sing-a-longs, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. There’s also special event performances scheduled throughout the season. Believe us when we say you’ll feel like you’re walking through a Hallmark movie.

Admission is free at the gate, with a $2.62 fee for carousel rides. If you’ve never taken a ride on it this particular carousel-hold on to your hats- it’s one of the fastest in North America.

November 23-December 15, 2024

• Tuesday-Friday, 1-5:30 pm
• Saturday-Sunday, 1-9 pm

December 17, 2024-January 3, 2025

• Daily, 1-9 pm
• Closed December 24 and 25
• Open January 1

Lights at Lafarge Lake

November 22, 2024 to February 28, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun holiday excursion, Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake transforms into a magical outdoor holiday wonderland every December, and it’s all free! With 100,000 twinkling lights, Lights at Lafarge is one of the largest free holiday lights displays in the Lower Mainland. Take the Evergreen extension and get off at the last stop: Lafarge Lake-Douglas.

Gingerbread Lane Hyatt Vancouver

November 28 to December 27, 2024

The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is excited to welcome back the 32nd Annual Gingerbread Lane, a cherished holiday tradition supporting Make-A-Wish Canada to bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses.

Explore 34 incredible gingerbread creations—our biggest display yet—crafted by talented professionals, students, and local enthusiasts. With fun surprises and activities for all ages, this magical event promises to be a holiday highlight. Don’t miss this heartwarming celebration of creativity, community, and holiday cheer!

Ice Skating at Robson Square

November 29, 2024 to February 28, 2025

This is a favourite Vancouver holiday tradition and it’s free(with a $5 fee for skate rentals if you need them)! This is a fantastic and magical place to enjoy with the family. Skating in the square surrounded by lights and in the heart of downtown.

Christmas Boat Parade

November 30 to December 21, 2024

Get ready to feel the holiday magic as Santa’s Christmas Ships: Christmas Boat Parade returns to Metro Vancouver! This heartwarming tradition brings joy to Port Moody, Ioco, Belcarra, Dollarton, Deep Cove, Bedwell Bay, and Woodlands.

From November 30 to December 21, nearly 20 boats will sail through these areas, all decked out with sparkling lights, colorful wreaths, inflatable snowmen, Santas, and more. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Don’t miss this cozy and magical holiday event!

Bright Walk Lights in White Rock

December 7,2024 to January 12, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at White Rock’s Bright Walk by the Sea! From December 7, 2024, to January 12, 2025, Memorial Park and the waterfront will sparkle with over 50,000 lights, including a stunning 20-foot Christmas tree and a festive White Rock Pier glowing in holiday colors.

This free, family-friendly event is perfect for a magical evening stroll by the sea. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the twinkling lights and create unforgettable holiday memories!

>> Holiday Skating Spots in Metro Vancouver<<

Shipyards Christmas Artisans Market

November 29 – December 24, 2024

The North Van Shipyards transforms into a winter wonderland filled with music and twinkling lights. Weave through the sparkling lights and aisles of 75+ wooden stalls selling unique artisanal gifts, enjoy festive music, skate on the ice rink, admire the City’s Christmas tree, and indulge in seasonal treats.

*Admission to the winter holiday artisan markets is fre, it is open everyday.

Christmas in Kerrisdale

December 7, 14, 21 & 23rd, 2024 and December 15 for skating

Enjoy the charm of Kerrisdale this December with strolling bands, Christmas quartets, a holiday horse and carriage rides! Keep an eye out for the Santa himself, wandering along the streets and wishing everyone he spots a very Merry Christmas.

Light Up the Harbour at Vancouver Maritime Museum

December 12, 2024

Gather your loved ones for a magical evening as vintage wooden boats light up the harbor with dazzling colors and holiday cheer. Learn about their Pacific Northwest history while enjoying twinkling lights, festive crafts, a carol choir, and cozy hot chocolate.

Perfect for all ages, this heartwarming event is a wonderful way to start the holiday season and create joyful memories together!

Lights by the Lake Harrison

November 23, 2024 to January 12, 2025

Each winter, Harrison’s lakefront transforms into a magical holiday display of lights celebrating local wildlife and the legendary Sasquatch. Stroll along the paved promenade to see glowing weeping trees, charming lamp posts, and custom displays like the Sasquatch fishing or warming by the fire. Don’t miss the selfie stands for fun photo ops! Lights shine daily from dusk to 11 PM.

Fleurs de Villes Noel Floral Festival

December 6-15, 2024

From December 6–15, explore the 6th annual Fleurs de Villes NOËL, a free self-guided floral trail in downtown Vancouver and Robson Street.

Pick up a map at CF Pacific Centre (Level M1) and discover 30 breathtaking floral displays inspired by classic holiday songs. Don’t miss the famous floral mannequins, crafted by Vancouver’s top floral artists, bringing the magic of the season to life!

Christmas in District 1881 Chilliwack

November 14 to second week of January 2025

District 1881 in Chilliwack is the ultimate holiday destination! With stunning decorations and a cozy, festive atmosphere, every corner feels like it’s straight out of a Christmas story. If you’re looking for inspiration for the season, this charming spot should definitely be on your must-visit list!

Winter in the Steveston Village

November 21 to December 31, 2024, Richmond

Celebrate the holiday season in Steveston Village! Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, including festive light displays, a visit with Santa, and more, from November 21 to December 31, 2024. It’s also the perfect spot for holiday shopping with unique treasures from local shops around the village.

Original post written by Harriet Fancott. Updated December 2024