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
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.
Ring in the New Year at Doolin’s Irish Pub with DJ Shakespeare on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 8:00pm until 4:00am. Tickets are available online in advance and they include champagne at midnight, party favours, and pizza. For reservations or inquiries email info [at] doolins.ca or call (604) 605-4328.
Over the years we have become well-acquainted with Doolin’s Irish Pub on the corner of Granville and Nelson as it is the home of the Vancouver Southsiders (and we’re members). Hearty portions, a variety of menu options, local craft beer, and a festive atmosphere can always be found at this downtown pub.
If you would like to attend New Year’s Eve at Doolin’s, I have two tickets available to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 12:00pm. Must be 19+ to enter and attend. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home in advance. Follow Doolin’s on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
Update The winner is @WFLBC on Twitter Kevin!
A decade-long tradition continues as management and staff at two Lower Mainland White Spot restaurant locations donate their time, tips, and net proceeds to a very worthy local causes on Christmas Day. The White Spot Christmas Lunch for Charity will take place on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the following locations:
Richmond Centre: Benefiting Richmond General Hospital Foundation
Unit 1902 – 6551 No. 3 Road, Richmond. 604-278-3911.
Kingsway & Knight: Benefiting Variety – The Children’s Charity
1467 Kingsway, Vancouver. 604-874-2825.
In 2012, the two restaurants raised more than $14,000 and hope to break that record this year. Families, friends, and colleague are invited to take a break from the Christmas rush and head into one of these White Spot locations for lunch. You’ll get that burger, pasta, or milkshake and the Richmond General Hospital and Variety – The Children’s Charity will benefit.
Follow White Spot on Facebook and Twitter for updates and information on special events, menu items, and deals throughout the year.
Christmas Day is almost here and while many are on holidays, there are some who will staying around town this week with family and friends. If you’re looking for something to do, here’s a list of what’s open on Christmas Day.
Open on Christmas Day in Vancouver
- Robson Square Ice Rink
Open 12:00pm to 5:00pm
- Waterfront Winter at Canada Place
Free to the public and open to walk around. Activities inside, like FlyOver Canada, will be closed.
- Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium
Open 11:30am to 4:30pm.
- Vancouver Golf Courses Fraserview, McCleery and Langara
Championship Golf Courses will be open from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
- Hillcrest, Kitsilano and Trout Lake fitness centres; Hillcrest and Trout Lake community centres; Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, Trout Lake and West End rinks; and Vancouver Aquatic Centre will also be open on Christmas Day.
- You can also ski at local mountains Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour.
- A decade-long tradition continues as management and staff at two Lower Mainland White Spot restaurant locations donate their time, tips, and net proceeds to a very worthy local causes on Christmas Day. The White Spot Christmas Lunch for Charity will take place on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Details here »
If you know of any other attractions and activities that are open on Christmas Day in Vancouver please feel free to leave a note in the comments or find me on Twitter @Miss604.
There’s something incredibly charming about a neighbourhood toy store and since 1980, Kaboodles Toy Store has been the local toy experts in Metro Vancouver, carrying anything from “traditional toys to the downright zany!”
Lee Richmond, who owns a chain of four neighborhood toy stores, Kaboodles, has been a Vancouver institution for over 30 years. A toy enthusiast at heart, she visits Toy Fairs from Toronto to New York each year to source the most fun and exciting new toys for the holiday season. This year, Lee says, even Santa will be inspired with some of the amazing new toys to enter the toy scene.
Kaboodles has four locations, Point Grey Village, Granville Island, Cambie Street, and Victoria and they have been busy this season stocking baby toys, arts and craft kits, outdoor activity items, science and nature kits, stickers, building toys, and much more.
Photo courtesy of Kaboodles
Kaboodles has reached out to me to promote their amazing selection this season by offering up a LEGO Coast Guard Petrol set (value $99.99) from the LEGO City collection. Here’s how you can enter to win this gift from Kaboodles:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 28, 2013. Follow Kaboodles on Facebook and Twitter.
Update The winner is Barbara!
This contest is not sponsored or endorsed by LEGO.
