The holiday season is a time to indulge, but with so many light festivals, holiday markets, and attractions to check out – it’s easy to rack up quite a bill. So for holiday fun that won’t break the bank – here are 8 free things to do in Vancouver over the holidays.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
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In addition to the holiday light displays mapped throughout the City of Burnaby, Burnaby Village Museum is offering free admission to their annual Heritage Christmas fest, which includes 10 acres of decorated museum grounds to explore.
Plus, on Saturday, December 2nd, you can celebrate the official launch of Heritage Christmas with a special tree lighting at 6 pm.
When: Until January 5th, 2024
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Park
Holiday Art Social
From 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, December 17th, Josh Byer’s Canadian Festive Exhibition will be on display at Bean Around the World on Main Street, where visitors can enjoy an afternoon of festivities, coffee, and creating art.
When: Sunday, December 17th
Where: 2528 Main Street
Made in the 604 Winter Pop-up Markets – Heritage Hall
As well, Made in the 604 will also pop up at Main Street’s Heritage Hall on select weekends in November and December, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
When: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Winter in the Village
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From November 23rd to December 31st, Steveston Village is transforming into a festive winter celebration adorned with holiday lights. Visitors can visit with Santa, do some holiday shopping, and peruse the charming shops throughout the village.
When: November 23rd to December 31st
Where: Steveston, Richmond
Festival of Lights – Ladysmith
From the last Thursday in November until the second Sunday in January, the town of Ladysmith will be alight with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Visitors can walk or drive down First Avenue to take it all in at no extra charge.
When: November 30th to January 14th
Where: Ladysmith, BC
Santa’s Workshop at Pacific Arts Market
Finally, we come to the one-stop shop for your last-minute Christmas shopping needs. Pacific Arts Market is hosting a final holiday market on December 17th from 1 to 5 p.m., complete with live art demos, craft goods, and a visit from Santa.
When: Sunday, December 17th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: By donation
Winter Light Nights – Agassiz
The small town of Agassiz-Harrison is now hosting its annual Winter Light Nights at Pioneer Park, where visitors can stroll amongst the large, illuminated trees, pass by a decorated gazebo, and head to the quaint downtown shopping core.
According to Tourism Harrison, The District of Kent will be putting on special events and activities throughout the Winter Night Lights, so if you’re looking for a quick trip out of Vancouver, this is a great spot to add to your itinerary.
When: December 1st to 31st
Where: Agassiz, BC
Dundarave Festival of Lights
While details are still a little scarce for this year’s event, the Dundarave Festival of Lights is currently putting together its “Forest of Miracles” and preparing for its festival of lights, which will take place from December 3rd to January 8th.
When: December 3rd to January 8th
Where: Dundarave Beach, Millennium Park, Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria
And that’s a wrap on some free holiday festivities you can enjoy in and around Vancouver this year.
Happy holidays!
