More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this November
Keep your wallet in your pocket this November with our list of more than 20 free and inexpensive events happening in Vancouver this month.
From holiday markets to a gigantic tree lighting to much more, you’ll be sure to have fun without breaking the bank.
For more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
Lumière Festival 2026
Lumière Festival
What: Vancouver’s free, family-friendly Lumière Festival returns for its 13th annual celebration, lighting up public spaces in the West End, Downtown Vancouver, and Gastown.
Explore illuminated art installations, music, storytelling, and artistic experiences by predominantly local artists. Wander between neighbourhood plazas after dark, rediscover familiar places, and enjoy three evenings of art and community. The full artist lineup and installation details will be announced closer to the festival.
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Where: Various locations in and around downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
Bear Creek Lights
What: The City of Surrey will host the 13th annual Bear Creek Lights from Nov. 6 to 20 at one of its most popular green spaces. Invite your friends and family to join you at Bear Creek Park’s one-kilometre garden walking loop.
The dazzling lights are crafted to enhance the natural landscape of one of Surrey’s most popular parks. The illuminated path is designed to be safe and accessible and can be walked at your own pace.
When: Friday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 20 (closed on Remembrance Day)
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. (lights turn off at 9:30 p.m.)
Where: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88th Ave, Surrey
Tickets: Free; register online. Walk-up guests may be admitted if space is available after pre-registered tickets are sold out.
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks
What: St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998.
More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Thursday, Nov. 12, and fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.
There will also be a variety of popular food trucks and vendors on-site for attendees to enjoy.
Lights of Hope 2026 is a momentous occasion as St. Paul’s Hospital approaches its transition to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus next year.
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 (lights will be on display until early January)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free; donations can be made online
The Christmas Store at Potters
The Christmas Store at Potters
What: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at a massive holiday-themed paradise that has opened its doors in Metro Vancouver.
The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 22nd year of delighting shoppers with a huge array of décor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Every year, the garden centre transforms its 28,000-square-foot space into a yuletide wonderland. And it’s less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver.
When: Now until Dec. 24, 2026
Where: 19158 48th Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free
Tuff Collection: Grand Opening Weekend
What: Vancouver online women’s activewear and casualwear brand Tuff Collection is opening its physical store in Mount Pleasant at 55 W 8th Ave on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8.
This event gives customers a chance to try the brand’s pieces in person for the first time. The opening weekend includes a free pair of Tuff tights for the first 50 shoppers each day, a free shopping tote and pair of socks with every purchase while supplies last, and a live DJ at opening.
When: Opening weekend on Nov. 7 and 8, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 55 W. 8th, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Bespoke Market
What: Shop for everything at the Bespoke Market, from one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces and slow fashion brands to handmade jewellery and curated vintage goodies from over 100 creative brands. There will also be flash tattoos, workshops, pop-up photo portraits, and more.
When: Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Railway Museum of British Columbia – 39645 Government Rd. Squamish
Tickets: Tickets $7, seniors $4 at the door, with partial proceeds to
Squamish Legion. Children under 15 free. Purchase online
Eastside Culture Crawl 2026
Eastside Culture Crawl
What: The 30th annual Eastside Culture Crawl returns this November to dozens of buildings across Vancouver’s eastside.
Hundreds of artists ranging from painters to glassblowers and mixed-media creators are expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to their studios.
When: Nov. 19 to 22, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Thursday and Friday) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Various locations throughout East Vancouver
Got Craft Holiday Market
What: The Got Craft Holiday Market returns for two festive weekends, bringing together 100 Canadian makers and small businesses, food trucks, a Mini Makers area featuring kid entrepreneurs, free hands-on workshops, and limited-edition swag bags with a new tote design each weekend.
With 50 per cent new vendors joining the lineup for Weekend Two, each weekend offers something different and even more reasons to shop local, discover new favourites, and to visit twice.
When: Nov. 21 and 22, Nov. 28 and 29, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 for one weekend of $8 for both weekends. Purchase online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.
23rd Annual DTES Heart of the City Festival
What: Discover over 100 Heart of the City Festival events at over 30 locations in the Downtown Eastside this fall. The 23rd annual event has the theme of “Belonging”, and the events include theatre, dance, storytelling, workshops, exhibits, and more.
When: Now to Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Various prices, including free events. Purchase online
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market
City of Surrey
What: The 16th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, at Surrey Civic Plaza.
The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more.
And returning this year is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink where you can skate for free!
When: Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free
Dancing Queen: ABBA x Queen Dance Party
What: Get ready to take over the dance floor because an ABBA and Queen dance party is coming to the Hollywood Theatre this month. DJ Flipout will spin your faves from the two timeless bands, plus more hits to get you in the partying mood.
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026
Time: Doors 10 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre — 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $10 plus fees, purchase online
Noel Surrey
What: Noel Surrey returns for another year with massive displays, stunning LED forests, photo opportunities, holiday characters, a Bright Nights light walk, artisan vendors, and more.
When: Nov. 27 to Dec. 29, 2026 (closed Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 24 and 25)
Time: 3 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey
Admission: Various prices, free for children six and under. Purchase online
Remembrance Day
Victory Square Cenotaph
Shutterstock
What: Victory Square’s Remembrance Day Service is the oldest continuing annual ceremony in Vancouver, beginning in 1924. This ceremony includes the Last Post, the Lament, the change of the guard, wreath-laying, the parade of veterans, and more to honour our veterans.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
What: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Victory Square — 200 West Hastings St., Vancouver
Coquitlam Remembrance Day Ceremony
What: Coquitlam’s Remembrance Day ceremony and parade is hosted by the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263 and is open to the public to pay respects.
The parade will start from the Como Lake Middle School at approximately 10:25 a.m. and wind its way along Winslow Street to the Cenotaph on Veterans Way at Blue Mountain Park for a ceremony starting roughly at 11 a.m.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:25 a.m. (parade start), 11 a.m. (ceremony start)
Where: Como Lake Middle School — 1121 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam (parade start), Blue Mountain Park- 975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam (ceremony)
Remembrance Day at City Hall Cenotaph
What: New Westminster is honouring the service of veterans past and present with a Remembrance Day parade followed by a ceremony at City Hall Cenotaph. There will also be livestreamed coverage beginning at 10:25 a.m. on YouTube.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m. parade assembly, 10:25 a.m. ceremony
Where: City Hall Cenotaph — 511 Royal Ave., New Westminster
Richmond Remembrance Day Ceremony
What: The City of Richmond invites those wishing to reflect and remember with the community to an in-person Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph.
A parade will start at 10:20 a.m., and official ceremonies begin at 10:40 a.m. There will be two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., followed by the laying of the wreaths and a Richmond Remembrance Day reception.
What: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:20 a.m. parade start, 10:40 a.m. ceremony begins
Where: East side of Richmond City Hall — 6911 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Remembrance Day at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial
What: All are welcome to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park that begins at 10:30 am. There will be light refreshments and a presentation by Taka Lee Chamber Opera at the Pavilion in Stanley Park after the ceremony.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to attend. Expect to see the latest Hollywood Blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Vanier Park: Monthly Pay-What-You-Can Sundays at Vancouver’s Museums
What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver are partnering up for Pay-What-You-Can Sundays.
On the first Sunday of every month, guests of all ages are invited to visit the three Kitsilano waterfront attractions and explore the exhibits without financial barriers.
The three Vancouver attractions are within walking distance of each other in Vanier Park, and guests can discover maritime history, learn about local heritage, and explore science and space.
When: The first Sunday of every month
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver
Cost: Pay what you can
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights presented by BMO
Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada features a variety of exhibitions, along with a Gallery Store for shopping and the 1931 Gallery Bistro for delicious food and drinks.
Admission on the first Friday of every month is free between 4 and 8 p.m., courtesy of BMO. However, advance reservations are recommended to guarantee entry into the Gallery during the popular event.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, though it is recommended that guests reserve a spot in advance to guarantee entry
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver
Downtown Farmers Market
What: Located centrally at West Georgia and Hornby Street in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, this market features over 30 farms and producers, food and coffee trucks.
Do all your shopping conveniently, as Downtown Farmers Market is directly adjacent to a busy bike path and is close to many transit lines, with Skytrain and Canada Line stops nearby.
When: Every Wednesday until Dec. 23, 2026
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: West Georgia Street at Hornby Street
Southlands Tsawwassen Market
What: This Delta farmers market features local produce, sweet treats, blooms, bevies, artisans, live music, food trucks and more. There will also be themed celebrations on select dates throughout the season.
When: Every other Saturday until Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Ave., Delta
Granville Island Public Market
What: Granville Island Public Market is open year-round and boasts stalls of fresh, colourful produce, homemade products, and tasty eats from the ocean, oven, and field. Grab items to go or order some grub from one of the many established food vendors at this indoor market to enjoy by the water. Make sure to also visit the Net Loft for additional shops and vendors.
When: Open Daily year-round
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Market), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Net Loft). Holiday hours may vary.
Where: 1661 and 1650 Duranleau St., Granville Island, Vancouver
UBC Farm Farmers’ Market
What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, providing students, faculty, and staff with the chance to engage with the community and support local farming.
Shop for farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, seeds and more at the Saturday Multi-vendor UBC Farm Farmers’ Market, which also features coffee and food trucks, baked goods, and more.
When: Every Saturday until Nov. 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Dr, Vancouver
Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers’ fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.
When: Every Saturday until Dec. 5, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley
Port Moody Farmers’ Market
What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local B.C. produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.
When: Every Sunday until April 2027
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody
Riley Park Winter Farmers’ Market
What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.
When: Every Saturday from Nov. 7, 2026, until March 27, 2027
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 50 E 30th Ave. and Ontario St., Vancouver
Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market
What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of Kitsilano Secondary School and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on for the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.
When: Every Sunday from Nov. 8, 2026, until April 25, 2027
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Ave. and Trafalgar St., Vancouver