13 FREE things to do in Vancouver this weekend

Lights at Lafarge (Ania Jedrzejewska / Instagram)

FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE

Wed, April 17, 7:30pm

Date Night

Thu, April 18, 7:30pm

Turn It Up!

Sun, May 19, 10:00am

VANYOO Market

Sat, May 25, 11:00am

West Of Main Art Walk Studio Tour & Sale

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Christmas is right around the corner, and with it comes the cost of presents, taxis, road trips, and more.

Save yourself some cash heading into the holidays by treating yourself to something free (though no less fun) this weekend!

Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display

Lights at Lafarge (City of Coquitlam/Flickr)

What: More than 100,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam this holiday season, in a magical outdoor display for visitors of all ages. The Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display is one of the largest free outdoor light events in the Lower Mainland, and this year’s spectacle will be even bigger and brighter than ever before. The display will wrap its way entirely around Lafarge Lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. There will also be roving performers, hot chocolate, festive choirs, and even a holiday fair.
When: Now to January 21
Time: Dusk to 11 pm
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Price: Free admission

Dundarave Festival of Lights 2017

What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is back for another Christmas, offering four days of festive, free concerts, a Christmas fair, and a Forest of Miracles. The festival, which supports the Lookout Emergency Aid Society’s North Shore Shelter, begins on Saturday, December 2 on Dundarave Beach. You’ll be able to enjoy concerts in the Longhouse and the Nativity Pavilion for free, decorate the festival Christmas Tree, and shop at the Christmas Fair. Dusk will see the official lighting of the Festival’s Forest of Miracles, the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia.
When: Now to December 23
Time: Every Saturday afternoon
Where: Dundarave Beach – 25th Street at Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
Admission: Free

Christmas in Kerrisdale Festival

What: Each Saturday afternoon in December, residents and visitors can head down to Kerrisdale Village on West 41st Avenue between Larch St. and Maple St. to take part in the free festive activities. Brass bands, Santa, horse and carriage rides, and roving carollers are all part of the cherished family event. In addition to the events taking place on the four Saturdays, free ice skating will also be offered at the neighbourhood arena from 5:30 to 7 pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
When: December 16 and 23
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: Kerrisdale Village – West 41st Avenue between Larch and Maple Street
Price: Free

St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope

St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (Spencer Finlay / Flickr)

What: A longstanding annual tradition at St. Paul’s Hospital is back: More than 100,000 light bulbs, spanning a length of more than 10 kilometres, have been turned on for the Christmas-time Lights of Hope charity campaign supporting the hospital.
When: Every night – from dusk until dawn – until January 8
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Christmas at Canada Place

What: The 30th annual Christmas at Canada Place invites you to experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, a magical holiday lighting display, the Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Christmas Trees. Presented by the Port of Vancouver.
When: Now to December 31
Time: 8 am to 11 pm (closes at 6 pm on December 31)
Where: Canadian Trail (west promenade) and North Point, Canada Place
Admission: Free

Lumière YVR 2017

Lumiere Vancouver/Facebook

What: Lumiere is back to light up Vancouver’s West End with an evening of artistic expression, community engagement, and of course, lights. Led by artistic curator, Wil Aballe of WAAP projects, the annual event will see Vancouver’s Morton Park and Jim Deva Plaza lit up with a series of art installations and performances. And yes, before you ask, Luna the iconic Lumiere Whale, will return for another year, alongside a host of new installations.
When: Now on
Where: West End, English Bay, and Jim Deva Plaza
Price: Free

Heritage Christmas

What: Heritage Christmas with old-fashioned fun. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians.
When: Now to January 5
Time: November 25 to December 15: Monday to Friday 1 to 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 9 pm; December 16 to January 5: daily 1 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

5th Annual Christmas Tree Festival

What: Check out the Christmas Trees at the Port Coquitlam Museum and Archives and partner locations Leigh Square, Terry Fox Library, and City Hall. Take part in the Christmas Tree Festival Scavenger Hunt for more festive fun.
When: Now to December 31
Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave Port Coquitlam
Price: Free

Steveston Festival of Trees 2017

What: The event allows merchants and community groups from the Steveston area to show off their creative talents by decorating their own Christmas trees, which will be on display inside the historic cannery for a friendly competition. Favourite designs are decided by votes, and the winners take a prize. The multi-day festival kicks off on December 1 at the Cannery Farmers’ Market, and runs right through until New Years Eve.
When: Now to December 31
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Cannery Farmers’ Market – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Free

Vancouver Christmas Tree at Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver’s official 2017 Christmas Tree (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

What: Vancouver has a new official Christmas Tree in the heart of the city centre, and it’s brighter and taller than ever.
When: Now to December 31
Where: West Georgia Plaza at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Price: Free

Kitsmas on West 4th

What: Everything is set to be merry and bright over in Kitsilano, too, as the West 4th Business Improvement Association (BIA) is hosting its annual Kitsmas event, on right now through to December 24. The highly-anticipated month-long event is designed to make holiday shopping a little easier, and more merry and decorative. Oh, and it even includes free valet parking on select dates! Seriously.
When: Now to December 24
Where: West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, Vancouver
Price: Free. Parking by donation.

Robson Square Ice Rink 2017

the ice rink at Robson Square (@bilalsayed19/ Instagram)

What: As per tradition skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site. A concession stand on the side will also serve warm drinks and snacks.
When: Now to February 28
Time: 9 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday; 9 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street & Howe Street)
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are $4, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time.
Note: Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only.

The CP Holiday Train comes to Metro Vancouver

CP Holiday Train

What: The 19th edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is traveling across Canada this holiday season and makes stops in Metro Vancouver this weekend.
When: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17
Where:
- December 16 – Pitt Meadows, Corner of Harris Road and Advent Road, at the railway crossing.
- December 17 – Port Moody, 300 loco Road, behind Arena and Rec Centre
- December 17 – Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station
Times: Various times, check schedule for details
Price: Free! Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank