7 kid-friendly Christmas Day outings in Vancouver
Not everyone celebrates Christmas. And of those who do, some find lounging around all day in PJs, playing board games and eating shortbread makes them antsy especially if they’re under 8. Well thankfully for the get-up-and-goers among us, there are actually things to do on Christmas Day! And of course, a good beach or nature walk is always welcome after a few days of gluttony (or as a pre-dinner boost).
What’s open on Christmas Day
Robson Square Ice Rink
Christmas Day hours: 12 pm – 5 pm.
Lace up and enjoy some old fashioned fun! Skating at Robson Square is free. Rentals skates and helmets are available for a small fee.
Vancouver Aquarium
Christmas Day hours: 11:30 am – 4 pm Vancouver
Yes, the Aquarium is open Christmas Day. What better way to spend the day with your family than by looking at cuddly (or not-so-cuddly) creatures of the sea. Follow it up with a seawall walk if you’re feeling energetic.
Lafarge Lake winter lights display
Walk the 1.2 km lakeside circuit after dusk and take in hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights across multiple displays. The lake is located just steps away from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station and the display is free. Christmas Day hours: The lights switch on at dusk and turn off at 11 pm.
Skiing or tubing on one the local mountains
Get some fresh air, mountain views and winter exercise befitting the season by heading up into the local mountains on Christmas Day. Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Seymour are all open for business.
Movie time
Christmas Day showings: Check your local listings.
Hunker down in your seats, and take in the fantastical world of Jumanji: The Next Level; Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Frozen II or Little Women.
Swimming at Hillcrest Pool
Christmas Day 9 am to 4 pm Vancouver
Blow off some steam before the big meal! Enjoy the spray jets and water cannons, float around the lazy river, or take a flying leap off the high board.
White Spot Christmas Charity Luncheon
Christmas Day hours: 11 am to 3 pm.
White Spot is a Vancouver institution, and their Christmas Day luncheon just seals their top spot in our hearts. Continuing a heartwarming yuletide tradition for the 18th year, staff at the Kingsway (1476 Kingsway) and Richmond Centre locations will donate their time and tips on Christmas Day to support Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Richmond General Hospital Foundation
