Home Christmas Events Free December Events in Vancouver

Free December Events in Vancouver

Free December Activities in Vancouver

There so many free things to do in Vancouver in December 2023 including holiday concerts, Craft Fairs, Christmas lights and seasonal attractions.

 

Free Activities in December 2023

For a list of some of the best things to do in December, including activities that aren’t free, check out Vancouver’s December Events Calendar. For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month, see below.

In addition to what we list below, there are also Parks & Places in Nature to explore, plus attractions with free admission, like the Museum of Surrey, Granville Island, and other places of interest. You’ll find a list of other affordable events and activities in our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Christmas Craft Fairs

 

Friday, December 1st (2023)

  • Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – an artisan market at the Evergreen Cultural Centre beside Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam. Admission is just $2, but children are free. Lights at Lafarge is just outside and also free for everyone.
  • Candlelight Parade – a Christmas parade in Mission starting at 6:00 pm.
  • The Singing Christmas Tree – an impressive concert at Broadway Church in Vancouver.
  • Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting – music and the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree in the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Bill Reid Gallery – free admission to the First Nations art gallery between 2:00 and 5:00 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission from 4:00 to 8:00 pm is free (as it’s the first Friday of the month).
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – first day of the season for the free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.

Free Christmas Attractions 

  • Christmas at Canada Place – first day of the Christmas lights and seasonal displays.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens. Today features a free event from 6:00 until 8:00 pm.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.

 

Dundarave Festival of Lights

StayVancouverHotels.com

 

Saturday, December 2nd (2023)

  • Coquitlam Christmas Night Market – an artisan market at the Evergreen Cultural Centre beside Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam. Admission is just $2, but children are free. Lights at Lafarge is just outside and also free for everyone.
  • Spirit of the Season – a Christmas-themed festival at North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Activities include live entertainment, an appearance by Santa Claus, skating and other family-friendly activities.
  • Made in the 604 Markets – a free indoor artisan market takes place at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • Langley Magic of Christmas – family-friendly Christmas activities at Timms Community Centre at 20399 Douglas Crescent.
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – in addition to decorated trees at the beach in West Vancouver, today there is the Dundarave Christmas Fair with live entertainment.
  • Rotary Christmas Parade – a Santa Claus parade in Chilliwack beginning at 5:30 pm.
  • Squamish Holiday Parade – a parade that celebrates Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah and other events and holidays that happen this time of year.
  • Maple Ridge Christmas Festival – a community festival and Santa Claus parade in downtown Maple Ridge.
  • Candytown in Yaletown – a street party with market vendors and entertainment on Mainland Street in Vancouver.
  • The Singing Christmas Tree – an impressive concert at Broadway Church in Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.

Christmas Attractions

  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park (and today features an artisan market too).

Saturday Markets

 

Made in the 604 Holiday Pop-Up Markets

 

Sunday, December 3rd (2023)

Christmas Events

Winter Holiday Attractions & Activities

Concerts

Sunday Markets

  • Made in the 604 Markets – a free indoor artisan market happens at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver.
  • Hastings Park Farmers Market – at Hastings Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Free parking at the PNE at Pandora and Renfrew for market shoppers.
  • Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – a winter market at the Port Moody Rec Centre.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.

 

Project EveryBODY

 

Monday, December 4th (2023)

 

Best Christmas Activities

 

Tuesday, December 5th (2023)

 

Wednesday, December 6th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair

 

Thursday, December 7th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Vancouver Christmas Market

 

Friday, December 8th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver. In addition to the decorated trees to admire, there is also a free event with live entertainment at Grosvenor Ambleside from 4:00 until 5:00 pm.
  • The Singing Christmas Tree – an impressive concert at Broadway Church in Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Kensington Holiday Craft Fair

New West Holiday Market

Dundarave Festival of Lights

 

Saturday, December 9th (2023)

Vancouver Markets

Other Events

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – in addition to decorated trees at the beach in West Vancouver, today is the Nativity and Paddle Songs event with Indigenous storytelling and live entertainment.
  • The Singing Christmas Tree – a Christmas concert at Broadway Church in Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

VAM Orchestra's Grinch Concert

Photos With Santa at Britannia Mine

 

Sunday, December 10th (2023)

Christmas and Other Sunday Markets

 

Top Vancouver December Things to Do

 

Monday, December 11th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge

Shipyards Christmas Artisan Market

 

Tuesday, December 12th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – free drive-through Christmas lights and displays in Langley.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.

 

Glow Christmas Carnival

2023 PNE Winter Fair

Vancouver Christmas Boat Party Cruise

 

Wednesday, December 13th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.

 

Goh Ballet's Nutcracker in 2023

 

Thursday, December 14th (2023)

 

Top Vancouver December Things to Do

Martini Town Merry and Bright

Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir Christmas Concerts

 

Friday, December 15th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Made in the 604 Holiday Pop-Up Markets

Chor Leoni Christmas Concerts

Dundarave Festival of Lights

 

Saturday, December 16th (2023)

Saturday Markets

 

Vancouver Christmas Market

Top Vancouver December Things to Do

VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights

 

Sunday, December 17th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver. Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • CP Holiday Train – the Christmas train is making its way across Canada with stops and live music this evening in Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Admission is by donation of food or money to the local food bank.
  • Christmas in Williams Park – a drive-through attraction with Christmas lights and festive displays in Langley. Admission is by donation.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

Sunday Markets

 

2023 PNE Winter Fair

Glow Christmas Carnival

 

Monday, December 18th (2023)

  • CP Holiday Train – the Christmas train is making its way across Canada with stops and live music this evening in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam. Admission is by donation of food or money to the local food bank.
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.

 

Soar With Santa at FlyOver Canada

 

Tuesday, December 19th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.

 

Improv Centre

 

Wednesday, December 20th (2023)

  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Martini Town Merry & Bright

 

Thursday, December 21st (2023)

 

New Year's Eve Boat Party

Vancouver Maritime Museum 25% Discount Offer

 

Friday, December 22nd (2023)

  • Last day of school before Christmas holidays for most Lower Mainland schools.
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Liven Up Coal Harbour – Christmas light displays along the Coal Harbour Seawall. This evening also features live entertainment.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees – the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is decorated with Christmas trees. Regular admission rates apply, but children ages 17 and under get in for free.

 

Dundarave Festival of Lights

 

Saturday, December 23rd (2023)

 

Vancouver New Year's Eve Dinner Party Cruise

 

Sunday, December 24th (2023)

  • Christmas Eve
  • Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas-themed parade in Richmond’s Steveston Village.
  • Jazz Vespers – at St. Andrews-Wesley United in downtown Vancouver. Admission by donation. Today features music with We Three Queens from 3:00 until 4:00 pm.
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.

 

StayVancouverHotels.com

 

Monday, December 25th (2023)

  • Christmas Day (Stat Holiday)
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Gingerbread Lane – gingerbread house displays at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Tuesday, December 26th (2023)

 

Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge

 

Wednesday, December 27th (2023)

 

Thursday, December 28th (2023)

 

Friday, December 29th (2023)

 

Saturday, December 30th (2023)

 

Sunday, December 31st (2023)

  • New Year’s Eve – festivities and fireworks normally take place at various venues.
    • Public transit is likely free this evening (although exact details are to be confirmed.)
  • Dundarave Festival of Lights – Christmas trees and holiday lights at the beach in West Vancouver.
  • Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village – free Christmas things to do and see at Burnaby Village Museum.
  • Bright Nights – Christmas lights and decorations at Stanley Park. Admission is by donation benefiting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
  • Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme in the evening at Harrison Hot Springs.
  • Lights at Lafarge – free Christmas light displays around Lafarge Lake at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
  • Holiday Hi-Light Festival – Christmas lights and decorations at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Gardens.
  • Christmas at Canada Place – holiday lights and seasonal displays in downtown Vancouver.
  • Granville Island – the world-famous shopping, restaurant and entertainment district has Christmas lights at night.
  • Robson Square Ice Skating – free skating in the square underground behind the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.
  • Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the giant rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
  • Bright Walk in White Rock – Christmas lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront in White Rock.

 

Other December Events

For a list of other things to do this month (including activities that aren’t free), see the December Events Calendar.

Click Best Christmas Activities for other best seasonal things to do in December.

To see what’s happening next month, see the January Calendar of Events.

For more, check out Vancouver’s Best Places for Winter Activities or Vancouver’s Top Things to do at Christmas Time.

 

 

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