7 things to do in Vancouver today: Friday, December 29

TGIF! It’s the end of the week and it’s time to party. From Winter Hike Rave to Karaoke Christmas Lights and more, here are seven Friday events to start your December 29 the right way.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Friday, December 29

VanDusen Festival of Lights

• What: VanDusen Gardens’ annual Festival of Lights features more than a million lights to bring in the Christmas season. All tickets include a free ride on the Air France Carousel. Visitors can also stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, sing along to your favourite holiday classics at the Festival Stage, listen to stories and take a selfie with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the new licensed fireside lounge.
• When: Friday, December 1, 2017 to Sunday, January 7, 2018 (Closed December 25)
• Time: 4:30 to 9 pm, until 10 pm between December 15 and December 24
• Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $18.50 for adults, available online.

Robson Square Ice Rink 2017

LeonWang / Shutterstock

• What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2017/2018 season, and 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, 2018
• 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)
• Admission: 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.

Feel Good Fridays at Brentwood Town Centre

• What: Head to Brentwood every Friday from noon to 2 pm for free manicures, massages, shoes shine, live DJ plus extra surprises that vary week to week.
• Where: Brentwood Town Centre – 4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby
• When: Every Friday from noon to 2 pm until Friday, December 29
• Admission: Free

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

• What: The annual Gingerbread Lane features more than 30 gingerbread creations designed by secondary schools, professionals, and amateur culinary artists. As well as providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money local charities with more than $80,000 secured during its 26 year history to date.
• When: Now to Friday, December 29, 2017
• Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver – 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Winter Hike Rave

• What: Whether you like to dance or just need a reason to get out, step outside of your comfort zone and experience a hike to remember with Party4Life.
• When: Friday, December 29, 2017
• Time: 7:30 to 10 pm
• Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, Free

BODYHEAT – NYE Kickoff

• What: BODYHEAT is Vancouver’s longest running techno focused queer dance party. BODYHEAT mixes staging, visual effects, and lighting to create new environments for the experience of dark electronic music and new media forms.
• When: Friday, December 29, 2017
• Time: 11 pm
• Where: Vancouver Art and Leisure – 494 Railway Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $15 + fees

Karaoke Christmas Lights 2017

Vancouver Trolley Company tour at Christmas (Vancouver Trolley Company)

• What: Join in the Christmas carol karaoke on a Vancouver trolleybus, as you marvel at the city’s festive lights. Throughout December, the Vancouver Trolley Company is running its Karaoke Christmas Lights tour, showcasing the city in a unique way.
• When: Now to Friday, December 29, 2017
• Time: Check in at 6 pm, tour runs from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• Where: Check in at the Welcome Centre in Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $45 for anyone over 13 years old, $30 for children aged between three and 12 years old.