Free Christmas Activities in Metro Vancouver 2016

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

It’s tough to save money during the holidays while going to gatherings of friends and family, hosting dinners, and exchanging gifts. However, I know of several activities that will get you in the holiday spirit without sliding you into debt. Here is my second annual list of Free Christmas Activities in Metro Vancouver*:

Free Christmas Activities in Metro Vancouver 2016

Free Christmas Activities in Metro Vancouver

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  • Ladner Christmas Carol Ships set sail on December 2 & December 3, 2016. The Ladner Gospel Assembly choir will be set up at the government dock at the foot of Elliott street to serenade the crowd with Christmas favourites.
  • Festive Tree Lighting December 7, 2016 at Dunbar Community Centre.
  • Wesbrook Balloon Winter Wonderland December 3 to 18, 2016, launching with a Holiday Craft Fair and festival on December 3, 2016.
  • Surrey’s Santa Parade December 4, 2016 in the historic downtown of Cloverdale.
  • Big Rigs for Kids December 4, 2016 at Surrey City Hall Plaza. Watch a parade of lighted trucks roll through Downtown Surrey followed by a community Christmas carol sing-a-long.
  • Park & Tilford Hi-Light Festival November 25 to December 31, 2016. Entry by donation with 100% proceeds to the North Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.
  • Light Up the Heights December 3, 2016. Free street festival along Burnaby Heights (Hastings between Boundary and Gamma) with tree lighting ceremony in the evening.
  • Christmas in Steveston Village Santa arrives off the boat on Steveston Public Wharf December 4, 2016. Free Santa hats, a classic Christmas car display, mascots, carolers, Cannery Farmers’ Market and more.
  • Steveston Festival of Trees. Free admission on Cannery Market Days December 4, 11, 18.
  • CP Holiday Train. After crossing the country from Montreal and visiting 150 communities, the CP Holiday Train will finish its journey in Pitt Meadows (December 16th), ending in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody (December 17th). View the light displays and enjoy a free concert.
  • Burnaby Lake Park Holiday Open House. December 4, 2016. Guided walks, history, crafts.
  • Robson Square Tree Lighting December 2, 2016 with a holiday concert, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, free hot chocolate and cookies, the lighting of the 50 ft. Christmas tree and more.
  • Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink. Free when you bring your own skates. Open December 1, 2016 to February 14, 2017.
  • Christmas Sail Past December 10. View lighted ships from the White Rock pier as the holiday procession sails past spectators.
  • Christmas at Canada Place December 16 to December 30, 2016 free outdoor displays, lights, the legendary Woodward’s Windows, and more.
  • Christmas Lights Photowalk at English Bay December 17, 2016.
  • Lumiere Festival Vancouver December 3, 2016 lighting up the West End at Jim Deva Plaza and Morton Park.

If you have any other events to add, send them in via my contact form and I’ll include them (free or not) on the December event list. Thank you!

* Please note that there may be costs associated with extra activities at these events and attractions, such as food/snacks, admission to other attractions or sites, etc. This post covers information available at the time of publishing and any posted signage or fees at these activities should be observed.

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2 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. Roanna ZeeWednesday, November 16th, 2016 — 12:24pm PST

    Park and Tilford Gardens should be added to the list. It’s SO lovely during the holidays, all lit up. And there’s a nice JJbean with a fire place next to it. Hot chocolate and holiday lights go hand in hand 😉

  2. Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss604 Rebecca BollwittWednesday, November 16th, 2016 — 1:16pm PST

    @ Roanna – Good one! I blogged about it separately but will add it to this list now.

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