Over 20 free and cheap holiday events to check out around Vancouver

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there are so many holly and jolly Vancouver holiday events to check out around the city.

But there’s no need to blow your budget this holiday season! Get festive with our list of 21 free and cheap things to do around town, including Christmas lights, ice skating, artisan markets, and more.

Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

And to stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters.

Lights at Lafarge

What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season.

The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones.

When: Friday, Nov. 28, until February 2026
Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free

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St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks

What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display.

St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of 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. 27, and fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.

When: Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 (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

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market

What: A returning pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this week is ready to help you treat your loved ones to unique gifts while supporting the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market, sponsored by B.C. Rentals, is happening on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Heritage Hall on Main Street.

The free event features creative gift ideas and giveaways, and offers an opportunity to meet low-income entrepreneurs from around Vancouver.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

What: The 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held at Surrey Civic Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23.

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 new for this year is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink where you can skate for free.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free

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 21st 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, 2025
Where: 19158 48th Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free

Shipyards Christmas Market

What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver return this fall.

The Shipyards Christmas Market is back in North Vancouver starting on Friday, Nov. 28 and running through to Christmas Eve. Check out dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more.

When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (opening day), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday to Sunday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Dec. 22 and 23), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Dec. 24)
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery

What: The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until Sunday, Jan. 4. Visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor throughout the season will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists. There will also be weekly interactive activities for guests to enjoy.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.

There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations, activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, until Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 (closed Dec. 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax

Santa’s Merry Arrival at Capilano Mall

What: Santa is officially coming to Capilano Mall on Saturday, Nov. 22. To celebrate his grand entrance and the first day of photos and visits with Santa, head down for the Holiday event in the Grand Court from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be an enchanting appearance by Goh Ballet dancers, festive entertainment by young performers from Ava Music & Art Centre Ltd, and more holiday fun for the whole family. Children can get their faces painted like a reindeer and get creative at the reindeer-inspired craft station.

Don’t worry if you can’t make the official arrival, because Santa will be sticking around to spread the holiday cheer with photo opportunities until Dec. 24.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Santa sticks around until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Capilano Mall — 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink

What: This is the first-ever activation of the public plaza in Surrey City Centre with an outdoor ice rink, and the City of Surrey is aiming to potentially turn this into a new annual civic tradition.

The ice rink spans an area of 4,000 sq. ft., with 5,000 gallons of water used to create the slick surface. Moreover, it is fully covered under a large tent, protecting it from inclement weather.

When: Open daily from Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, until Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (initial limited debut on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, during the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival)
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free for all ages. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

Fleurs de Villes Noël

What: The seventh annual Fleurs de Villes Noël is happening in Vancouver from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 15. The stunning activation creates a “floral art trail” that decorates Vancouver’s downtown core with some of the city’s top florists and local businesses being inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas.

When: Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 15, 2025
Where: Various locations in Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights

What: The annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is happening throughout Cloverdale Town Centre, with seasonal floats, stunning lights, and more.

Attendees of the free community event are also asked to bring donations to support important local causes, including the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, Surrey Food Bank, and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

When: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Cloverdale Town Centre. See the full route online
Admission: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item or gift item for donation

CP Holiday Train

What: The CPKC Holiday Train rolls back into B.C. this December, bringing lights, holiday cheer, and one of Canada’s favourite music acts to a bunch of communities across the province and Metro Vancouver.

The 27th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the U.S. this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CPKC Holiday Train stop in B.C. will also enjoy a free and festive concert by eight-time Juno winners, the Barenaked Ladies.

When: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: The Robson Square Ice Rink will soon reopen for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice during the holidays and into the new year.=

Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip.

The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will kick off on Monday, Dec. 1 and will operate until the end of February. Over 100,000 skaters are expected to visit each year.

When: Open daily from Monday, Dec. 1, until Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson St., Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

Got Craft Holiday Market

What: Vancouver can’t get enough of holiday markets, and Got Craft is back to help festive shoppers find the perfect gifts this season.

The Got Craft Holiday Market returns to the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver. This year’s markets will feature 100 local makers and small shops, plus food trucks, hands-on workshops, free DIY zine making, a mobile bookshop, an expanded Mini Makers area for kidpreneurs, and limited-edition swag bags for the first 50 people through the doors each day.

When: Nov. 29 and 30, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $5 online and at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 33rd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.

When: Thursday, Nov. 27, until Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

What: One of the most beloved Vancouver holiday events, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, Nov. 28.

Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance.

When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival.

The village’s annual Lights by the Lake will happen until Sunday, Jan. 11. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights celebrating the local wildlife as well as the elusive Sasquatch.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Time: Dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: Free

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is opening on Friday, Nov. 28, and skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 12 to 8 p.m. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, until the end of the season
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

Bright Walk in White Rock

What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night throughout the holidays and into the new year. You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.

When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, until Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront and Memorial Park
Cost: Free