Free Holiday Events in Vancouver & The Valley 2024

We have put together our 9th annual Free Holiday Events in Vancouver & The Valley list, and it’s growing every day! Visit a nostalgic attraction, stroll around a light display, enjoy live music and art installation, and spend time with those you care about (while not breaking the bank).

The Free Holiday Events in Vancouver & The Valley list will be updated often throughout the season so be sure to bookmark it and check back often.

Please note that there may be costs associated with extra activities at these free holiday events in Vancouver and beyond, 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.

Free Holiday Fun in Abbotsford & Chilliwack

• Santa in The Country Saturday, November 23, 2024 come visit Santa in the country at Glenda’s Christmas Cottage. Nibble on popcorn, sip a cup of hot cocoa, and take a photo in the gnome photo booth. Donations will be accepted for Matthew’s House.
• Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade enjoy a holiday parade presented by the Chilliwack Rotary Club on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 5:30pm.
• Winter Jubilee and Historic Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, November 23, 2024 enjoy a holiday festival in downtown Abbotsford with live performances, food trucks, reindeer games, holiday crafts, photos with Santa and tree lighting.
• The Lights at Cultus Lake from November 23 to January 2, 2025 at Main Beach. Bundle up and celebrate the season at one of BC’s most picturesque locations at The Lights at Cultus Lake where sparkling lights illuminate the lakeside in a stunning winter display.
• Christmas at Cultus Lake kicks off the season November 23rd at Main Beach. There will be a kick-off event from 4:00pm to 9:00pm with Santa Claus, a holiday market, food trucks, and fireworks display over the lake at 7:30pm

Free Holiday Fun in Burnaby & New Westminster

• Bright in Burnaby join the Burnaby Village Museum at 5:00pm on November 30, 2024 to watch a special tree lighting to start the season of Heritage Christmas. Proceeds from the carousel rides will go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
• Burnaby Village Museum Heritage Christmas experience a special night of festive lights at the Burnaby Village Museum from November 23, 2023 to January 3, 2025. Free admission includes festive lights and decorations, festive entertainment and delicious treats from food trucks across the museum’s 10 acre open air site. Miss604 is a proud Media Sponsor.
• Edmonds Festival of Lights on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Celebrate a day of family fun with holiday crafts, hot chocolate, popcorn and hotdogs along-side fabulous stilt walkers and a tree lighting with the Mayor.
• The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster is proud to present its 3rd annual Festive Singalong at The Sanctuary on Sixth on December 14th at 1:00pm. Join the chorus and share the joy of the season. Entry is free, donations appreciated but not required. They will be collecting socks for The Purpose Society.

Free Holiday Fun in Langley & Fort Langley

• Aldergrove Christmas Light Up Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Parade will run through downtown Aldergrove starting at 4:00pm. Family fun will include hot beverages, food, entertainment and Santa!
• Fort Langley Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30th. Enjoy family fun from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.
• Holiday Lights in Williams Park is open nightly from 4:00pm to 9:00pm from December 9-29. Free admission but advanced registration is required. A family-friendly outdoor event featuring over 150,000 lights and festive displays. Holiday Lights is a drive-through event. Family and friends can enjoy this holiday experience from the comfort and warmth of their vehicle.

Free Holiday Fun in Delta & Tsawwassen

• Gift of Light join the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen on Sunday, December 1, 2024 for an evening of entertainment on the main stage, face painting, balloon artists, marshmallow roast, horse drawn carriages, visit with Santa while over 25,000 lights light up Diefenbaker Park.
• Festival of Lights at Tsawwassen Springs enjoy beautifully decorated trees at Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course starting November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
• Ladner Tree Lighting Festival on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Ladner Village celebrate the holiday season with gingerbread cookie decorating, colouring contest photo booth, live music and other fun activities. Santa will arrive to help light the Christmas tree.

Free Holiday Fun in Maple Ridge & Mission

• Candlelight Parade in Mission on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 6:00pm. A family-oriented parade where community groups and businesses showcase themselves with parade floats and use the opportunity to inform residents about the varied services in Mission.
• Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024 enjoy the annual Christmas festival in the park from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with light displays, food trucks and Christmas market. As well as the Santa Claus parade at 6:00pm.
• CPKC Holiday Train touring Canada and the US, the holiday train arrives in Maple Ridge on December 19, 2024 at the Billy Minor Pub. Featuring live performances from the train’s stage, decorated boxcars and Santa with his elves. Attendees are encouraged to bring a heart-healthy food donation for the food bank.

Free Holiday Events on the North Shore

• Shipyards Christmas Market from November 29 to December 24, 2024. Enjoy over 75 stalls selling artisanal gifts, holiday treats including mulled wine and hot chocolate, as well as festive music and ice skating.
• Spirit of The Season Festival on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Shipyards. Festivities include free ice skating, hot chocolate, musical performances, tree lighting and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• Dundarave Festival from November 30 to December 21, 2024 enjoy 4 weekends of family fun including Christmas fair, nativity and paddle songs, Christmas wassail and bonfire as well as the largest display of community decorated Christmas trees in coastal B.C.
  • Honourable mention: Ferry Building Gallery – Handmade Gifts & Art November 15 to December 15, 2024 shop a variety of handmade crafts and gifts from local artists. Including ceramics, artwork, jewellery, home decor and more.

Free Holiday Fun in Richmond

• Christmas in Steveston Village Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00pm. Watch Santa arrive by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf! Then enjoy family fun activities including photos with Santa and horse carriage rides (suggested donation of $10).
• Steveston Festival of Trees on Sunday, December 8th will have free admission to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery during Santa at the Cannery. Outside of this event, adult tickets are $13.25, seniors $11.25, and youth 17 years and younger are free.

Free Holiday Fun in Surrey & White Rock

• Bear Creek Lights from November 2 to 16, 2024. Celebrate a stunning display of lights along 1km of show garden and nature trails. As well as various family-friendly activities. Tickets are free, but reserve online in advance to ensure your preferred time slot.
• Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market on November 23 and 24, 2024. Enjoy two-days of festive activities, including shops from local artisans at the holiday market, light displays, rides and live entertainment.
• Christmas on The Peninsula on Saturday, November 30th at the White Rock Community Centre. Enjoy a throwback to times past with indoor and outdoor activities, various vendors, live music and carolers in Victorian dress.
• Bright Walk in White Rock from December 2, 2024 to January 7, 2025. Enjoy a waterfront light display with more than 50,000 lights, LED light tunnel and holiday tree at Memorial Park.
  • Honourable mention: Heart to Home Market at the Surrey Art Gallery November 16 and 17, 2024. Shop one of a kind pieces such as jewellery, prints, sculptures, pottery, art and more at the holiday market. SAGA members receive 15% off.

Free Holiday Fun in the Tri-Cities

• HollyDaze in the Heights is Saturday, November 16th in the Austin Heights neighbourhood. Free admission, with family activities, entertainment, live music, and more! 4:00pm to 9:00pm along the 1000 block of Ridgeway in Coquitlam.
• Lights at Lafarge Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor lights display runs from November 22, 2024 to February 28, 2025 featuring 1.2 km of lights along pathways, live entertainment, a large selection of food trucks serving warm beverages and a variety of food options. Join the Kick-Off event on Friday, November 22, 5:00pm to 8:00pm with fire and light performances.
• Holiday PJ Storytime Thursday, December 12, 2024 allows visitors to visit with Santa, make crafts, listen to carols, and more.
• Winter Wonders Holiday Festival at Mackin House in Coquitlam is December 8th. Free, no registration required. The outdoors area turns into a winter wonders celebration, featuring holiday performances and characters, snacks and drinks, craft activities, and vendors to browse through. Also be sure to get your photo taken with Santa in his workshop, available throughout the entire event by donation.
• CPKC Holiday Train touring Canada and the US, the holiday train arrives in Port Moody & Port Coquitlam on December 20th. The lighted train hosts concerts benefitting local food banks when it rolls into town. Enjoy free live performances from Magic! and Sofia Camara at 300 Ioco Road in Port Moody from 5:45pm to 6:15pm.

Free Holiday Events in Vancouver

• St Paul’s Lights of Hope the 27th annual Lights of Hope returns on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, festive choir performances, photos with Santa, and more. The lights will be up from November 27, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
• West End Tree Lighting ceremony November 28th. The first time there’s been a tree lighting in the neighbourhood! 4:00pm to 6:00pm at at 1800 Davie Plaza. This festive evening will be filled with holiday cheer, featuring live music to rock around the Christmas tree, and craft stations for kids.
• Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration join visitors from far and wide to grab a cup of complimentary hot chocolate and watch the lighting of BC’s tallest Christmas tree on November 29, 2024 at 6:00pm at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
• Destination Downtown November 28 to December 26 will have free performances and light installations around Coal Harbour, from the Convention Centre to Cardero Park (the Westin). There will also be 13 Taylor Swift-themed light installations around town where you can enter to win Eras Tour Tickets. A Ferris Wheel will be setup at the Vancouver Art Gallery as well. It’s normally $7 for rides but will be FREE on Tuesdays thanks to the Downtown Vancouver BIA.

• Bright Nights in Stanley Park Holiday Train has free admission to the site (train tickets are extra/must be booked in advance). Open November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025 enjoy the lights on the plaza, live entertainment, and a lovely stroll through the park during the holiday season.
• Christmas at Canada Place November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025 with free outdoor displays as well as the legendary Woodward’s Windows. Miss604 is a proud Media Sponsor.
• Light up the Harbour watch beautiful vintage vessels light up the harbour on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. An event for everyone including festive crafts, hot chocolate and heart-warming carolers.
• Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Vancouver is Canada’s longest running gingerbread display! Stroll through the lobby from November 28 to December 27, 2024 to view the contest entries from professional pastry chefs, amateur bakers, and students.
• Lighting of the Silber Family Agam Menorah celebrate the first night of Chanukah at 4:00pm Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
• Fleurs de Villes NOEL brightens up Downtown Vancouver once again this year from December 6-15, 2024. Stroll the streets and plazas to spot these festive, colourful, and artful displays.
• Robson Square Ice Rink – stay tuned for updates! It should be open again December 1, 2024.
• TaylorTown is Yaletown’s popular free holiday event, CandyTown, with a twist this year. Happening December 7th, Bill Curtis Square and Helmcken Plaza from 12:00pm to 5:00pm with festive activities for kids and Swifties, holiday-themed and Taylor-made photo opportunities, local shops open late to enjoy the best of Yaletown’s unique holiday shopping scene.

Follow Miss604 on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.

See also:
Holiday Hampers and Adopt-A-Family Programs in Vancouver
Holiday Theatre in Vancouver – Panto, Ballet, Comedy

Never Miss an Event!

Subscribe to get the Top 10 Events in Metro Vancouver delivered to your inbox once a week.