From checking out beautiful lights to joining community events with loved ones, you can feel the holiday cheer without spending much. These fun activities remind us that the real magic of the season is about being together and creating special moments, without needing to splurge.

Free Holiday Events in Metro Vancouver 2024

Lights at Lafarge (Nov 22 – Feb 2025)

Coquitlam’s largest holiday light display is back. Stunning the area of Town Centre Park, Lights at Lafarge will wow spectators once again this year as they walk through the beautiful Christmas displays and enjoy some festive fun.

The Lights at Lafarge Kick-off Event will take place on Friday November 22, and there will be live entertainment and food vendors from 5-8 pm.

When & Where: November 22 – February 2025 at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam
Cost: Free

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival (Nov 23-24)

The beloved Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is back, and this year it’s bigger and brighter than ever! Taking place over two days on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, Surrey Civic Plaza will come alive with holiday cheer, live entertainment, and festive experiences for the entire family.

The centrepiece of the festival, a stunning 60-foot Christmas tree, will be lit during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 23, marking the official start of the holiday season.

When & Where: November 23-24 from 12-8pm each day at Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free

The Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravan (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravan is on it’s way to Metro Vancouver and will be stopping at 6 different locations.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a FREE interactive and festive gathering featuring a meet-and-greet session and a complimentary holiday photo opportunity with Santa.

When & Where: November 23, 27, December 14, 19, 20 & 21 at various locations in Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free

St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (Nov 27 – Jan 3)

Celebrate the Lights of Hope display at St Paul’s Hospital. The beloved Lights of Hope tradition returns! The Lights of Hope display will be shining bright over Burrard Street to show donor support for patients, residents, and frontline heroes across BC.

Their Light up event will be taking place on November 27 from 6-8pm with a free celebration with hot chocolate performances, and photos with Santa.

When & Where: November 27 – January 3 at St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Gingerbread Lane (Nov 28 – Dec 27)

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver is a popular annual holiday event that features an impressive display of gingerbread houses crafted by local chefs, bakers, and community groups.

Held in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, guests can view the gingerbread houses for free, and the event includes a donation option for local charities.

When & Where: November 28 – December 27 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard St, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Christmas (Nov 23 – Jan 3)

Experience Burnaby in all its festive beauty. The popular Heritage Christmas event will be coming back for another great year.

The event takes place November 23 to January 3, 2025, and the best part yet—it’s free. The official launch of the Heritage Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony will be on November 30th at 6 p.m.

When & Where: November 23 – January 3, 2025 at the Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Cost: Free

Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov 29)

The lighting of the Christmas tree is a magical moment often symbolizing the beginning of the holiday season, and the lighting of the Vancouver Christmas Tree is a cherished tradition for many.

So, join hands and celebrate as Western Canada’s tallest Christmas tree gets lit up, marking the beginning of a season filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments spent with family and friends.

When & Where: November 29 from 6-9 pm infront of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free

Stanley Park Bright Nights (Nov 29 – Jan 4)

Every holiday season has cherished traditions that bring joy to our hearts. And one of Vancouver’s favourite tradition is taking in the breathtaking light display at Stanley Park’s Bright Nights event.

This FREE family-friendly event returns for another year of beautiful twinkling light displays, live entertainment, and delicious food. The Stanley Park Holiday train will also be running on site. Tickets are $16 but must be purchased online in advance.

When & Where: November 29– January 4, 2025 from 4-10 pm (closed Christmas Day) at Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: by donation

*NEW* Shipyards Christmas Market (Nov 29-Dec 24)

Come celebrate the holiday season with us in a festive setting filled with sparkling lights and 70 charming wooden stalls offering one-of-a-kind artisanal gifts. Enjoy live holiday music, ice skating, the City’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and unwind in our Champagne tent.

Take a trip to Santa’s chalet, enjoy community performances, and savor seasonal treats like bratwursts, mulled wine, and hot cocoa, all while our vendors bring the best of European cuisine to North Vancouver.

When & Where: November 29 – December 24 on select days at The Shipyards 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Santa’s Christmas Boat Parade (Nov 30, Dec 6, 13, 14, 20 & 21)

The popular Santa’s Christmas Ships: Christmas Boat Parade returns to continue it’s long tradition of warming hearts at Port Moody, Ioco, Belcarra, Dollarton, Deep Cove, Bedwell Bay and Woodlands.

Nearly two dozen boats will strut their stuff on select days from November 30 – December 21st, decked out with wreaths, LEDS, inflatable decorations, Santa Clauses, and snowmen.

When & Where: 7 events from November 30 – December 21 at various locations
Cost: Free

Dundarave Festival of Lights (Nov 30- Dec 21)

What better way to celebrate the season than taking in the shimmering lights displays, humming along to the free live music, or warming your heart by the giant bonfire. West Vancouver’s signature holiday celebration, the Dundarave Festival of Lights returns for another great year.

The event will start with the the Dundarave Christmas Fair on November 30th from noon to dusk, and ends on the 21 from 3-8pm with a giant bonfire party to conclude the season. In between, there will be free concerts and activities that are also open to the public.

When & Where: November 30 – December 21, at the Dundarave Beach Park in West Vancouver.
Cost: Free

Fleurs de Villes Noel (Dec 6-15)

The Fleurs de Villes NOËL floral trail returns for the 6th year. Guests can explore a self-guided tour through Downtown Vancouver in celebration of the holiday season.

This year, the festive floral installations will draw inspiration from beloved holiday songs, the timeless tunes that capture the spirit of the season and bring back cherished memories. Talented floral artists from Vancouver will bring these songs to life through breathtaking floral art, including the renowned floral mannequins.

When & Where: December 6-15, all over Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

Candy Town – A Winter Wonderland in Yaletown (Dec 7)

Join in the holiday cheer as Yaletown’s public plazas turn into a magical winter wonderland with the return of CandyTown.

This year, however, the family-friendly Christmas celebration will come with a fun Swiftie twist. Coinciding with Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour in Vancouver, the event will take place on December 7 and renamed Candy Taylor Town.

When & Where: December 7 from noon to 5pm at Bill Curtis Square & Helmcken Plaza, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Bright Walk in White Rock (Dec 7 – Jan 12)

Although already beautiful, the White Rock Pier will become even more magical and festive during the holiday season. This winter, the waterfront promenade decked with magical lights and displays full of holiday cheer. Among the beautiful holiday lights is a beautifully illuminated light tunnel and a 20-foot Christmas tree.

When & Where: December 7- January 12 at the White Rock Pier
Cost: Free

Williams Park Christmas Lights Display Drive Thru (Dec 9 -29)

Langley’s annual Christmas in Williams Park lights display will be returning for the 2024 season! Visitors can once again enjoy Langley’s beautiful park adorned with 150,000 twinkling lights. The annual drive thru experience is FREE to attend and is perfect for those looking to soak in holiday lights and cheer.

When & Where: December 9-29 from 4-9pm (Closed December 25 & 26) at Williams Park, 8 Ave & 238 Street, Langley Twp
Cost: Free admission. Registration required

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (Dec 19-20)

All aboard the express train to the festive season! As the winter chill marks the return of the beloved Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, decorated with dazzling lights and featuring delightful musical performances.

When & Where: December 19-20 at 4 Metro Vancouver spots
Cost: Free

The annual family-friendly Christmas at Canada Place marks its return on November 30. Guests of all ages are invited to soak in the season and experience this popular holiday tradition.

Many of the favourites from past installments are here as well, including Woodward’s Windows, North Point Lights, Sails of Light and the Avenue of Trees.

When & Where: November 29 – Jan 1 from 8am – 10pm daily at Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Steveston’s Winter In The Village (Dec 1-31)

The holiday season brings about many cheerful celebrations, but Steveston’s Winter In The Village is special. Special because it transforms Richmond into a month-long winter wonderland spreading Christmas joy and light. And the best part of this multi-venue, citywide festival – everything is FREE or low-cost. To beautiful lights and visits from Santa, to holiday trams and craft fairs, there are tons of things to do all month long.

They will also be hosting their annual Steveston Santa Claus Parade on Dec 24th from 6-8pm at Steveston Village, Steveston Village Neighbourhood, Richmond, BC

When & Where: Dec 1-31 at Steveston Village, Richmond
Cost: Free or low cost

Robson Square Ice Rink  (Dec 1 – Feb 28)

This winter, strap on some skates and frolic in one of Vancouver’s most beloved ice rinks. Downtown’s Robson Square Ice Rink will return to the public this holiday season. Conveniently located in the centre of downtown, it is an outdoor rink with a glass ceiling that beautifully lights up for the festive season.

When & Where: Dec 1 – Feb 28, 2025 at Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Skate rentals are $5)

Ice Skating at North Vancouver’s Shipyards Rink (Nov 30 – Feb 28)

North Vancouver’s impressive 12,000 square foot skating rink in The Shipyards is set to open again this December and it’s free for all. You can see the skyline of the city in the background and all of these commercial amenities immediately accessible – it’s just absolutely spectacular.

When & Where: November 30 – February 28 at Shipyards District, 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Steveston Santa Claus Parade (Dec 24)

The official Steveston Santa Claus Parade is back on Christmas Eve. Starting at 6 pm on December 24th, Santa and his companions will begin their parade. Similar to last year, the event typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, showcasing around 25 to 30 beloved mascots like Frosty the Snowman, SpongeBob, and Kermit the Frog. The parade route details are still TBA,

When & Where: December 24 from 6pm in Steveston Richmond
Cost: Free

A little drive away…

Seattle Christmas Market (Nov 21 – Dec 24)

The Seattle Christmas Market is back for their 2nd season after a popular launch last year. The event promises to transport you to a winter wonderland filled with German-inspired holiday market charm.

New this year is a Winterdeck, situated on top of Fisher Pavilion, a special edition double-decker Christmas Carousel and the enchanting Fairy Tale Forest, showcasing displays and excerpts inspired by classic German fairy tales.

When & Where: November 21 – December 24 at the Seattle Centre, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Cost: $19.99 USD

 Holly Jolly Chilliwack

Experience the holiday magic at District 1881 in Chilliwack, where the charming downtown will be transformed into a picturesque walkway reminiscent of a European village.

On November 14th at 6pm, they will kick off the season with the lighting of their towering 40-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy live music from Tier 1 and indulge in festive treats, including the famous Oma’s Oliebollen from Greendale Acres

Following that, Chilliwack will also be hosting a series of events this holiday season, including:

• Christmas at Greendale Acres (Nov 22 – Dec 23)
• The Lights at Cultus Lake (Nov 23 – Jan 7)
• Tourism Ch’illiwack Visitor Centre & The CHWK Shop
• Christmas Chimes at the Millenium Clock Tower Downtown
• Meetcha At The 5 Sculpture
• Stó:lō Gift Shop
• Christmas Trees at Pine Meadows Tree Farm or Woodsong Christmas Trees in Columbia Valley
  Lean more at pinemeadowstreefarms.ca or woodsongchristmastrees.com

When & Where: Starting November 14th at  46128 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Cost: Free & Ticketed

Lights by the Lake in Harrison

Lights by the Lake returns to Harrison Lake this November. The annual event transforms the Harrison lakefront into a dazzling wonderland of lights.

These stunning display lights up the esplanade along Harrison Lake, and also features a synthetic ice skating. It covers a 2 km waterfront stretch, creating a breathtaking spectacle that promises to make your holiday season even more magical. There will also be a grand opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd from 4:30 – 7:00 pm.

When & Where: November 23 – January 12, 2025 at Harrison Lake, 100 Esplanade Avenue
Cost: Free

Source: 604NOW