Since 2016, the City of Vancouver has put on an official celebration of the new year in the downtown area of the city every year, completely free of charge.

Back for its third year in 2018, this all-ages event brings live music and entertainment to Canada Place Way between Burrard and Howe streets all night long. The celebration includes live music and entertainment, an early countdown and fireworks at 9 p.m., and the traditional countdown and more fireworks at midnight.

Although this annual event is free, you'll need to request a free R.S.V.P. to attend since space is limited closer to the performance stages. Be sure to check the official event website for a complete list of performers, activities, and special celebrations happening this year.

One of Vancouver's closest snow sports resorts, Mount Seymour, is about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and home to one of the area's best all-ages New Year's Eve events this year. 

Family First Night at Mount Seymour will return to North Vancouver from 6 to 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Festivities include snow tubing and tobogganing, family activities, live music performances, children's entertainment, and an early countdown at 9 p.m. Performers this year include Carlos & Carlitta Clowning, magic by Joel Eddington, Vesta Fire, The Honey Tongues, and Tickles & Yowza the Clowns. 

One of the city's top five holiday attractions, Bright Nights in Stanley Park is one of the best all-ages New Year's Eve events for younger kids.

At Bright Nights, the forest around the famous Stanley Park Miniature Train is transformed into a winter wonderland with incredible light and holiday displays. During the event, kids get to ride the train, watch animated displays, enjoy holiday music, and nosh on hot cocoa and fresh popcorn.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park runs from Thursday, November 29, 2018, to Saturday, January 5, 2019, but will be closed on Christmas Day. 

Grouse Mountain in North Vancouvercelebrates New Year's Eve with its annual Family New Year's Celebration. Festivities include outdoor ice skating, live entertainment, and a special 9:00 pm countdown for kids.

This year's event kicks off at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Attractions also include an 8,000-square foot mountaintop skate pond, a sliding zone for sledding, contemporary fire performances, and a visit from the magical Snow King and Queen.

If you already have a Grouse Mountain Annual Local's Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, then tickets to Family New Year's Eve is included with your pass (no need to purchase additional tickets for this event). If you don't have a pass, you can buy tickets just for this NYE event.

Vancouver Cabaret Theatre's annual Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Variety Show at the Vancouver Playhouse features circus acrobats, magicians, comedians, and one of Vancouver’s biggest balloon drops at 10 p.m.

The Variety Show will begin at 8 p.m. on December 31, 2018, and will feature one 30-minute intermission. Tickets are required to attend and range in price from $25 to $45 for kids under 12 and $29 to $59 for adults. 

If you really want to escape the city to celebrate the new year, you can take an hour and a half drive north from Vancouver to the small mountain town of Whistler, which celebrates winter holidays all season long.

Whistler's family-friendly New Year's celebration takes place at Whistler Village and includes live entertainment, ice skating, games, a special Fire & Ice Show, and fireworks at midnight. The event also features two countdowns: an early one for younger kids and the traditional midnight countdown.

The event is alcohol-free, but adults of legal drinking age can celebrate a boozy New Year's Eve at nightclubs, pubs, and bars in the Village, many of which will be hosting all-night dance parties and events this year.

Source: TripSavvy