Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Vancouver

While we have to wait another year before the City of Vancouver hosts its own New Year’s Eve celebration, there are still a few options this year for family friendly fun.

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Vancouver

Photo credit: Brandur Coombs on Flickr

Robson Square

Grab your mittens, jacket and skates and bring the whole family down to the Robson Square ice rink this New Year’s Eve for a celebration full of family fun.

The Robson Square ice rink is proud to host its fifth annual free family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Vancouver with live music, sugar cookie decorating, DJs and an early countdown with noise makers and glow sticks and of course skating.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013
4:00pm – 8:00pm Cookie Decorating
5:00pm – 8:00pm Rumba Calzada
7:30pm Countdown to New Years
8:30pm – 10:30pm The Freshest DJ’s

Regular hours return on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 (9:00am to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday; 9:00am to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday). Skating is free with your own skates otherwise rentals are available. Skate rentals are $4, helmets $2, and ice cleats are $2. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks.

The Robson Square Ice Rink is open until the end of February 2014 and you can join Miss604 Night at the rink on January 2, 2014 from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. I’ll have free hot chocolate (use code MISS604 at concession), free rentals for the first 4 people to find me, and a skate giveaway.

Mount Seymour

Head to the North Shore and ring in 2014 with an early countdown at Family First Night at Mount Seymour. The North Shore News Snowplay Area and Enquist Lodge will host festivities from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Throughout the night, enjoy tubing and tobogganing with your family, or cozy up in front of two custom made Seymour fire pits, enjoy hot apple cider and s’mores, music, sparklers, party hats and more.

An event ticket must be purchased for Family First Night, as tickets purchased earlier in the day will not be valid. Season pass holders will also have to purchase an event ticket. Tickets for Family First Night are now available in advance by either visiting Mt Seymour’s Guest Services in person or online here.

Variety Show at Vancouver Playhouse

Variety show entertainment for the whole family including live music and comedy acts with performances at 2:00pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the Vancouver Playhouse (601 Hamilton St, Vancouver). The show features local favourites such as the tight-and-bright Spandy Andy, magician Travis Bernhardt, circus acrobat Leah James, comedic juggler Daniel Zindler, and the swinging music of the Carnival Band. Shows by Vancouver Cabaret aren’t what your great granny would have seen, but give a bright new face to the Vaudevillian spirit of her day. All ages, $20.00 to $39.00.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

If you didn’t have the chance to visit Bright Nights in Stanley Park before Christmas, New Year’s Eve might be a great time to visit with the family. Enjoy a miniature train ride, festivities on the plaza, and the beauty of the park in winter. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site, admission to the plaza is by donation.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

View the world’s largest living Christmas tree at Capilano Suspension Bridge as the Canyon Lights stay lit until January 4, 2014. Treetop adventures await once you cross the iconic bridge and photo opportunities abound on the Cliffwalk.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

The dazzling light display with over a million twinkling bulbs will remain open through the new year and you can visit the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden on New Year’s Eve. Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door.

I have a full list of adults-only attractions, entertainment, and restaurant listings available as well. REMINDER: Translink services are free from 5:00pm on New Year’s Eve until 5:00am on New Year’s Day.