Free, Fun, and Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Vancouver

Vancouver is gearing up for the holidays, with a ton of events that bring together community and get everyone in a festive mood.

Even better, they're free and perfect as a family outing. So, put on your elf shoes, and get set to make the most of the holidays in Vancouver.

Tree Lighting

There are numerous tree lighting events happening across Vancouver. The most prominent one will be the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by Amacon, which takes place November 29, starting at 6pm at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Come see a 76-foot Christmas tree—the tallest in Western Canada—get lit up. In addition, there will be hot chocolate, Santa, guest speakers, dancers, and singers. All proceeds and donations will go to non-profits like BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, and Honour House ($1.7 million raised over the past five years).

Mount Saint Joseph Hospital is hosting their second annual MSJ Tree of Hope event on December 4 from 4:30pm to 7pm at their Kingsway entrance. Along with the highly anticipated tree lighting, there will be free hot chocolate, food, guest performers, and the chance to sing along to holiday songs with them.

Holiday Events in Mount Pleasant

There are bunch of other lively holiday neighbourhood events, organized by the Mount Pleasant BIA. December 12 (4pm-8pm) is Sip & Shop South Main, with participating stores (e.g., Book Warehouse, National Standards) offering free bevvies, discounts, and mingling. On December 17 at 6:30pm, the Vancouver Bach Choir will be singing carols at Kingsgate Mall. While you’re there, you can take part in the Tree of Giving: take a tag off the tree at the Mall, buy the gift on the tag, and then return the unwrapped gift with the tag to the Mall by December 20. And January 5 from 10am to 4pm, Mount Pleasant is holding their 16th Annual Tree Chipping in the upper east side parking lot of Kingsgate Mall, with proceeds to Mount Pleasant Elementary School.

Christmas at Canada Place

A beautiful Vancouver setting by the water and holiday lights and decorations make Christmas at Canada Place very special. The Port of Vancouver presents this free event (November 29 to January 1), which encompasses a 15-foot moose light sculpture (“Chrismoose”), the Woodward’s Windows (beloved window displays from a former iconic department store), the Sails of Light (the 5 sails of Canada Place lit up), and an Avenue of Trees.

Gingerbread Lane

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver is the longest running Canadian event of its kind. Its 32nd incarnation this year (November 28 to December 27) features a record-breaking 34 gingerbread houses. The display features a range of highly creative gingerbread houses, from elaborate hotels to cozy cottages, with four competing categories: Professional, Corporate, Amateur, and School. The viewing is free, with any donations going to Make-A-Wish.

Fleurs de Villes NOËL

The annual free Fleurs de Villes NOËL returns December 6 to 15 with another gorgeous and inventive festival floral trail. This year’s theme is holiday music, with 30 floral installations that range from a Michael Buble display to a “Blue Christmas” snowflake at the Blue Horizon Hotel. Many of the installations will be on Robson Street, whose Business Association is hosting “Holidays on Robson” (December 7 and 14, 1:30pm-4:30pm), with Caminando Carolers and Letters to Santa. A pop-up flower market on Robson Street will also take place December 7 (11am-7pm). A map of Fleurs de Villes NOËL can be picked up at the Pacific Centre Guest Services Desk on Level M1, or it’s available online.

Big Elf Run

Elves like to get their steps in too, especially through the Big Elf Run (part of the Big Fun Run Series), which brings runners of all ages together to run and dress up as elves! The 10th annual event is happening December 14, and free for those wanting to watch the race and join in the community festivities. You can also choose to participate in the event. There will be 5, 10, and 15km Big Elf Runs/Walks (2pm) and a Wee Elf Run/Walk (1pm) around Stanley Park. In addition to the run/walk, you can look forward to an “elfie station,” a DJ, prizes, and vendors. Registration (cost ranges from $27 to $75 per participant) for those wanting to be in the race includes a bib, an elf toque, chip timing, and a wooden medal (which can be a tree ornament).

TaylorTown

The Yaletown BIA has renamed their free annual CandyTown, TaylorTown (December 7, noon to 5pm, Bill Curtis Square and Helmcken Plaza). In addition to Taylor-themed installations/activities, the event will include holiday elements, such as Visit with Santa, a Letters to Santa Station, a Pine Ridge Christmas Tree Farm (sponsored by OPUS Vancouver), a gift market, roaming character and musicians, and more from local businesses.

Holidays at the Met

Get some shopping done and enjoy some holiday cheer at Holidays at the Met (now until December 30). Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby has planned numerous holiday experiences, including various Santa visits until December 30; and a free Holiday Lounge, and a VIP Lounge for those who spend more than $300 on the same day at the Met (now until December 23). The free Holiday Lounge has lights and evergreens, a snow globe for photos, holiday movies playing, periodic live music, and arts and crafts for the kids. They also have a ticketed Date Night with Santa in the Holiday Lounge December 6 and 13 ($50 for two) with music, drinks, eats, and Santa pics. Finally, roaming musicians will perform December 3 to 19. And in the spirit of the holidays, you can donate at the charity gift wrap station (December 2-24) or participate in their toy drive (December 7).

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

The 27th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park (November 29 to January 4) is bound to be as magical as always. While the tickets for the Bright Nights Train are sold out, there will be lots of free holiday decorations to admire in the plaza. Kids young and old will delight in plenty of lights, a vintage fire truck, charming displays, and a red reindeer. Visitors can also find Santa at the North Pole workshop. All proceeds and donations will go to the BC Professional Firefighters' Burn Fund.

Shipyards Christmas Market

Hop on the SeaBus to North Vancouver, and soak up the view at the waterfront, as well as experience some holiday good times at the Shipyards Christmas Market (November 29 to December 24, free admission). The Shipyards will be decorated with lights and a big Christmas tree, festive music and live entertainment will be playing, and Santa will be in his chalet. Skating at the Skate Plaza (opening November 30) is free (with paid rentals available). Visitors can also browse artisan stalls, feast on food from vendors, and visit the Champagne tent.