Family New Year’s Eve Vancouver

Vancouver hasn’t had a public “First Night” family New Year’s celebration in quite a while but there is still a few options for the last day of 2011.

Photo credit: BC Gov Photos on Flickr – Submitted to the Miss604 Flickr Pool

Robson Square Ice Rink
On New Year’s Eve the Province of BC will host a family-friendly evening of entertainment, live music, and more. There will be free glow sticks and an early countdown at 8:00pm. The ice rink will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day as well, from 9:00am until 9:00pm. Skating is always free but there is a fee if you need rentals.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park
The festive holiday train and millions of lights will be glowing on New Year’s Eve from 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Admission is by donation and tickets for the train can be purchased in advance or at the ticket booth on-site.

Surrey Winter Ice Palace
The Winter Ice Palace at Cloverdale Arena is open now until January 2, 2012 from 11:00am until 4:00pm (including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day).

New Year’s Eve on the Ice
White Rock’s Centennial Arena is open on New Year’s Eve from 11:30am to 12:15pm for stick & puck, and 12:30pm to 2:30pm for family skate. It will also be open for the same skate times on New Year’s Day.

Whistler Presents
Whistle will be hosting a family-friendly, alcohol-free event in Village Square and at the Conference Centre. The event gets underway at 6:30pm on December 31, 2011 and will include live music, storytelling, and other entertainment. Advance tickets are $15 (adults), $8 (children 12 years and under), and $20 (adults), $10 (children) at the door. There will be an early countdown for the kids at 9:30pm.