Family New Year’s Eve Vancouver
byVancouver has a modest selection of family-friendly options for New Year’s Eve so that you can celebrate the last day of 2012 with the kiddies.
Robson Square Ice Rink
On New Year’s Eve the popular outdoor rink will host a family-friendly evening of entertainment, live music, and more. They will have two early countdowns: one at 7:00pm and one at 9:00pm. Live shows start at 4:00pm (with Magical and Holiday Performers, Rumba Calzada, The Freshest DJs) and activities run until 10:30pm. 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.
Mount Seymour SnowPlay Park
Head up to Mount Seymour from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on New Year’s Eve to enjoy a celebration for the whole family at the SnowPlay Park. WE Vancouver writes: tubing and tobogganing, live big band music, free s’mores and apple cider, and free party hats, sparklers and blowhorns for an early NYE countdown at 9:00pm. Family First Night is one of Vancouver’s only family friendly New Year’s Eve events. The Snowplay area opens for the event at 5pm and will run till 9pm when they’ll have the NYE countdown.
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.
On-going holiday events that are open New Year’s Eve include Burnaby Heritage Christmas (free), the VanDusen Festival of Lights, and the Jewel Box of Light at Bloedel Conservatory.
Outside Vancouver
yoyomama is a great resource for family-friendly events in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley (I reviewed their On The Go Kids app a few months ago). Here are a few more events that they have listed:
The Great Escape New Year’s Eve Family Bash
Monday, December 31st from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
The Great Escape (#105-20645 Langley Bypass, Langley)
Laser tag, mini golf, food specials, door prizes and an early countdown at 9:00pm.
Whistler Presents: New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Monday, December 31st from 6:00pm to Midnight at Whistler Village Square
Live music, workshops, street entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, and a fireworks show visible from histler Olympic Plaza, Village Square and Skiers Plaza. Skate on the ice rink at Whistler Olympic plaza and check out the thrilling Fire and Ice skiing show at 7:30pm. Some events that are ages 13+ require tickets.
Check out the yoyomama On The Go Kids app for iPhone and iPad for more event information each month. If you know of more events throughout the month of January (for all ages, families, and more) please feel free to send them my way for feature in my monthly event post.
