Cheap Things To Do In Vancouver In December - Christmas Edition!

Happy holidays! No matter what your traditions may be, there are plenty of winter activities to participate in throughout December. Here's our special holiday list of fun (and cheap!) events happening in our city this month. Hope you all have a very merry Vancouver Christmas this season.


December 2 - Surrey's Tree Lighting Festival!
Although technically outside of "Vancouver," Surrey's Tree Lighting is a free, fun, family event that's only a skytrain ride away. The event features a fully lit 56 foot tree (the tallest in BC!), curling, street hockey, and free concerts by Ali Milner, Classical Nouveaux, Fefe Dobson and These Kids Wear Crowns. Activities begin at 2pm. For more information and concert set times click here.


December 4 - Rogers Santa Claus Parade!
A fun holiday tradition for the whole family. Bundle up, pick up a warm beverage, and join the 300,000 other spectators along the parade route to see the festive Christmas floats pass by. Pre-parade activities begin at 10:30am at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square on Thurlow Street and include a live stage, face painting, gingerbread men decorating, and more. Parade starts at 1pm. Click here for a routing map and more details.

December 2 through January 2 - Bright Nights In Stanley Park!
The 14th Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park is a Vancouver holiday tradition. Take a festive train ride through the park and admire the two million twinkling lights, check out the animated displays, and enjoy the holiday classic tunes. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for youth with partial proceeds going to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. For more information click here. 


December 2 through December 23 - Carol Ships Parade of Light!
One of Vancouver's most unique holiday traditions is the parade of "Carol Ships" - ships decked out with elaborate Christmas lights - that take to Vancouver's waterways for nightly processions. Enjoy the festivities onboard for a ticketed price or watch along the shoreline for free while keeping warm with hot chocolate by a bonfire at one of the many viewing locations. For more information click here.

December 21 - Winter Solstice Lantern Festival!
Celebrate the winter solstice with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in five Vancouver neighborhoods, including Yaletown's Roundhouse Community Center and David Lam Park. Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music, and dancing. This year December 21 not only marks the winter solstice but a lunar eclipse as well! The event is free to attend and is family orientated. For more information click here.




Do you have an upcoming event you think we should know about? Email us and let us know!