Give yourself (and loved ones) the gift of meaningful and fun experiences together this holiday season! I skipped last year but I’m happy to present my 6th annual list of Free Christmas Activities in Vancouver* with lights, activities, events, and more:
Free Christmas Activities in Vancouver
This list will be updated often throughout the season so be sure to bookmark it and check back regularly.
Christmas at Canada Place 34th annual Christmas at Canada Place from December 3, 2021 to January 2, 2022 with outdoor lights and displays along the waterfront
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* 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.
I love being a tourist in my hometown and when I recently posted about my visit to FlyOver Canada’s The Real Wild West ride flight on Instagram (on until December 8th), several people messaged me to say it’s one of their favourite attractions downtown! I have to say, after almost two years of the same — mostly staying home and watching movies on my iPad — this state of the art flight simulation ride really was a thrill. They have a few experiences on offer right now, so here’s what you can enjoy at FlyOver Canada this season including Soar with Santa and a Breakfast with Santa.
Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada This Season
Where: FlyOver Canada, 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets:Advance bookings are recommended. Tickets for children are $10 off adult price (age 15 or under and at least 102 cm /40 inches tall).
Soar with Santa (December 9, 2021 through January 3, 2022) takes guests on a holiday adventure from coast to coast, and onward to the snow-dusted North Pole. Guests will have a memorable experience of soaring over dazzling landscapes with FlyOver Canada’s state-of-the-art technology – including special effects such as wind, mist and scents – to replicate the feeling of flying across the country. The attraction is ideal for families, couples or groups of friends, and can be gifted as a unique holiday experience. The cinematic flight ride is enhanced by festive refreshments and treats in The Flying Whale Cafe.
Hours for the season are Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00am to 9:00pm. From December 11th to January 3rd, special hours are 10:00am to 9:00pm, and open until 6:00pm on Christmas Eve December 24th.
Breakfast with Santa
When: December 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2021 at 8:00am to 9:00am; 9:30am to 10:30am
Head to FlyOver Canada for a morning of fun-filled flight, delicious food and a visit with Santa himself! Mingle with Kris Kringle at the Flying Whale Cafe while enjoying a breakfast buffet loaded with favourites, then take a trip over Canada and the North Pole aboard the flight ride, Soar with Santa. Cap off the festive morning with a souvenir photo, all included with admission.
There will be extensive health and safety protocols in place in accordance with provincial health regulations. This includes proof of vaccination passports for entry, (two vaccination doses required for guests 12+), in addition to mandatory mask usage.
Nominations are now open for Coast Mental Health’s 24th Courage To Come Back Awards, which recognize those who have not only overcome tremendous illness or adversity, but whose own challenges have inspired them to selflessly give back to others.
Nominations Open for the Courage To Come Back Awards
If you need some ideas about what to say or how to say it, check out the 2021 recipient stories.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, January 7th, 2022
Categories Include: Addiction, Medical, Mental Health, Physical Rehabilitation, and Youth.
The awards will honour five recipients and raise funds for critical community mental health services and programming. Their moving stories will be celebrated on May 5th 2022 in support of Coast Mental Health Foundation.
Each award recipient shares their own courageous story of triumph over adversity, making it clear that it is not the challenge itself but the way one responds to it that defines success.
Since 1999, over 2,500 British Columbians have been honoured by their friends and family through a nomination, 134 of whom received these prestigious awards. They are our loved ones, our neighbours, and our friends, who have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges with courage, strength, and a drive to inspire change and hope in the lives of others.
Coast Mental Health is the largest provider of community-based services for people living with mental illness in British Columbia. We are an established leader in our field, known for high quality, innovative programs and research. As a critical link between hospital services and our communities, Coast Mental Health provides housing, support, and employment programs and services for individuals affected by mental illness making lasting recovery possible. Each year, we provide essential services to over 6,000 clients living with mental illness so they can find their meaningful place in our communities – a place to live, a place to connect, and a place to work. Coast Mental Health Foundation raises funds exclusively for Coast Mental Health.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of the 2022 Courage To Come Back Awards
This season you can visit Santa at Mt Seymour in Enquist Lodge. Stroll through a winter wonderland and light tunnel to experience the magic of the North Pole on the North Shore.
Visit Santa at Mt Seymour This Season. Photo submitted.
Visit Santa at Mt Seymour This Season
When: Friday to Sunday weekly until December 19 then daily December 21-24, 2021
Kids will be able to visit Santa Claus in his traditional nomadic yurt tent, specially decorated for the season, while adults can enjoy a special menu of Christmas treats, desserts, and decadent hot drinks from Harold’s Café (open 12:00pm to 6:00pm) to warm up the insides no matter the weather.
Enquist Lodge will host a magical Christmas store selling tree decorations, cabin decor, Mt Seymour merchandise, and an array of Christmas gifts to help you find unique presents for everyone who has made this year’s “nice” list. Digital photos will be emailed, and a printed photo set is also included along with a redeemable tobogganing ticket to make the most of your visit to the mountain. Christmas at Enquist Lodge includes free access to the Mt Seymour Shuttle Bus when it is in operation, and free parking. Full details and safety protocol info can be found online and you can follow Mt Seymour on Facebook for the latest updates.
Harold’s café will be offering a takeout menu of warm seasonal delights headed by a selection of holiday hot chocolates, Liège Belgian Waffles and Beignets. Snow tubing and tobogganing will be available when the Mt Seymour season officially opens and you can check out the snowshoe network and access updates here.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
It’s a new month with a new lineup of festive events and activities for all ages around the Metro Vancouver region. This weekend Miss604 is proud to be a sponsor of Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum and the Family Services of the North Shore’s Christmas Bureau Toy Drive at the Northshore Auto Mall on Sunday. Find these events and more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
