If you're anything like us, you prefer not to max out your credit cards when planning your festive activities in and around the city. In fact, here at the Vancouver Christmas Guide, our natural approach is to search out free, low-cost or by-donation things to do during the holidays­­. Ready to save some money? Close your wallet and check out our thrift-hugging 2025 suggestions below. 

 

We'll be adding to this page as more activities and attractions connect with us in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, don’t forget to peruse the Free Stuff page on our site for lots of chances to win gratis tickets and more!

 

Festive illuminations

 

Vancouver is richly baubled with shimmering holiday displays that won't cost you a penny. Start with Burrard Street’s eye-popping St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope, but keep in mind that donations towards the work of their Foundation are greatly appreciated. There's even a free launch party on November 27 to kick things off (hot chocolate included).

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Next, stroll north on Burrard––nipping in to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to marvel at the festive decor and scritch the ears of lovely lobby dogs Elly and Ella––until you reach the Hyatt Regency Hotel. That's where you'll find the beloved Gingerbread Lane display, complete with dozens of brilliantly crafted gingerbread constructions created by expert chefs and keen amateur teams from around the region. 

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Trees galore

 

Double back to the Vancouver Art Gallery building and you'll find the city’s official Christmas tree––a 76-foot-high cone of twinkling illuminations that invites feverish selfie photo action throughout the holidays. There'll be a free switch-on party here on November 28 (at 6pm). The City of Surrey also has its own admission-free Tree Lighting Festival. This two-day extravaganza on November 22 and 23 comes with live entertainment, food trucks, fairground rides and much more.

 

Need a warmer way to commune with the trees? The Museum of Surrey is once again hosting its sparkling Cloverdale Christmas Tree Festival as part of its WinterFest events, while the city's Historic Stewart Farm heritage site is also offering a lovely Victorian Christmas Evening plus a series of Christmas Weekend Drop-ins for all the family.

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Baubled 'burbs

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If you're keen to make a full day of it, Steveston Village in Richmond's is an ideal holiday season destination. And from November 20 onwards, there are lots of free or low-cost Winter in the Village activities to consider here. Check ahead and you'll find everything from Songs in the Snow alfresco performances to a Holiday Dog Parade to a special December 7 appearance by Santa, who'll be arriving in the shoreline village by boat! Whichever day you arrive, be sure to beeline to Winter Tram on Moncton Street. Located in its own pavilion, the admission-free vintage tramcar will be fully decorated for the season and there will be lots of activities for kids to enjoy as well.

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Looking for more lights? Hope on the Millennium Line. A few steps from Coquitlam's Lafarge-Lake Douglas SkyTrain Station, you'll find the ever-popular Lights at Lafarge illuminations. It's one of the biggest cost-free holiday light displays in the region, and thousands of locals and visitors drop by every year to check it out. Thousands will also be heading to the Mission Candlelight Parade on December 6. This almost-four-decade tradition is B.C.'s biggest holiday parade and you'll find more than 100 floats and vehicles to wave your camera at.

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Ice skating, markets and more

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Back in Vancouver, the ​Robson Square Ice Rink is returning in early December, and you can hit the ice (hopefully not literally) for free with your own skates or rent them for a few dollars. Alternatively, finish off your gift shopping at some great free-entry festive markets. Among our gem-like favourites are the Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, Aberthau Potters Winter Sale and the Maple Ridge Christmas Craft Fair. And don't miss the outdoor, European-style Shipyards Christmas Market. Back for its second year, this admission-free outdoor extravaganza is located on the scenic North Shore waterfront, just a few steps from Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal. 

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For more information on festive events, attractions and shows in the city and beyond, visit the Vancouver Christmas Guide. Written by Lonely Planet travel writer John Lee, it’s the best online guide to the area’s 2025 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its Instagram and Bluesky feeds.