December is right around the corner, and you know what that means? It’s time to bring out the Advent calendars! I love Advent calendars, and it seems that there is no shortage of options these days. I remember the chocolate ones we had as kids; the chocolate was awful, waxy stuff, but eating a tiny piece of chocolate before school was pure bliss.
In the spirit of spending quality time together and making memories, Family Fun Vancouver has put together a 2025 Holiday Adventures Advent Calendar. Every adventure on this calendar is FREE or almost free!
Happy holidays to our Family Fun Vancouver family!
December 1: Glow in the Park Kick-Off | New Westminster
There’s a NEW holiday light display in New Westminster! Head to Tipperary Park this season to explore glowing pathways and beautiful twinkling lights. Be among the first families to see them at the kick-off event on December 1, when the lights will flick on at 5:30 pm. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and glow sticks (while supplies last).
December 2: Dundarave Festival of Lights | West Vancouver
Stroll through the gorgeous lights and community-sponsored Christmas Trees all decked out for the holidays. On weekends, live music and performances are available as well.
December 3: Christmas Stories at Cabela’s| All locations
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get your photo taken with Santa this year! Head to Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s locations to snap a FREE photo with Santa and enjoy some cozy, family-friendly activities.
December 4: Lights at Lafarge | Coquitlam
It’s always a good time to visit this large, outdoor and completely FREE light display! The loop around the lake is 1km and is mostly paved, providing ample room for strollers and those who need a flat space. If you’re hoping for a slow stroll, visit on a weeknight when there are less crowds.
December 5: Christmas in Pitt Meadows! | Pitt Meadows
Spirit Square is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland at this fun, FREE family-friendly event! Visit with Santa, enjoy some live entertainment and activities, and grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks on-site.
December 6: Maple Ridge Santa Parade | Maple Ridge
The Maple Ridge Christmas Festival and Parade is on the first Saturday of December every year. Families will enjoy FREE fun, including complimentary beverages (remember to bring your own mug to save waste), Christmas music at the Bandstand, a visit and photo with Santa, a live nativity scene, many beautiful decorations and of course the beloved Christmas parade. The parade starts at 6:00 pm and will include over 70 entries.
December 7: Light Up Sapperton | New Westminster
Head to Light Up Sapperton for a fun, family-friendly community event brought to you by the Sapperton Business Collective and the Royal Columbia Hospital Foundation. Meet special holiday characters and get your photo taken, enjoy live performances, and watch the beautiful lights turn on along East Columbia Street. Event Programs will be available at Sapperton Plaza, so you don’t miss a moment of fun!
December 8: Fleurs des Villes | Vancouver
The spectacular Fleurs de Villes floral art trail will decorate the streets of Vancouver’s downtown core with 15 stunning, holiday-themed floral art displays. Fleurs de Villes combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays for experiential events like none other.
December 9: Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency | Vancouver
Don’t miss Vancouver’s only gingerbread house festival! For over 30 years, the Hyatt Regency Vancouver lobby has transformed into rows of uniquely decorated gingerbread houses by artists and businesses alike. Vote for your favourite after you stroll through this delicious display.
December 10: Santa Meet & Greet | New Westminster
Meet your favourite Mr. & Mrs. at the New Westminster Santa & Mrs. Claus Meet &. Greet! Listen to holiday songs, enjoy candy canes and warm beverages, and snap a picture in a decorated photo frame before or after telling Santa all about your Christmas wishes!
December 11: Shipyards Christmas Market | North Vancouver
NEW this year is a European-style Christmas Market at the Shipyards. Enjoy free admission, light displays, entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa.
December 12: Coca-Cola Caravan at Tsawwassen Ferries | Tsawwassen
See the iconic Coca-Cola Caravan at one of its limited stops across BC this holiday season. Each stop is different; sometimes there is a Santa, sometimes they have activities and giveaways, but it’s always a fun and festive experience!
December 13: Christmas in Williams Park | Langley
Come celebrate the holidays with your family & friends at this spectacular drive-thru show of holiday lights. This is a free event, but registration is required!
December 14: Britannia Mine Museum | Britannia Beach
Capture your special Santa photos for FREE this year at Britannia Mine Museum! To celebrate their 50th anniversary, visitors are invited to explore all of the lower site exhibits, explore holiday displays, and meet with Santa for FREE! Today is the last day, so zip up the Sea to Sky highway for a fabulous family visit.
December 15: Robson Square Ice Rink | Vancouver
Beat the Monday blues with fresh air and physical activity at the Robson Square Ice Rink! If you’ve got your own skates, then this is a totally free activity. Skate rentals are $5 otherwise!
December 16: White Rock Pier Christmas Lights |White Rock
Stroll along the pier with thousands of twinkling lights guiding the way at this gorgeous outdoor light display. Pop into a local business and grab a warm beverage or some tasty snacks to enjoy throughout the evening!
December 17: Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum | Burnaby
Experience the old-fashioned magic of Christmas at Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum. Stroll through the 1920s village and enjoy spectacular lights, vintage-themed displays, and historical exhibits.
December 18: Lights by the Lake | Harrison Hot Springs
If you’re itching for a little day trip, why not head out to Harrison Hot Springs for their Lights on the Lake festival? Enjoy a 2km light display along the promenade, a Christmas Tree trail, and an outdoor skating rink.
December 19: CP Holiday Train |Agassiz, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is one of the most popular FREE family events every holiday season. Each event features a boxcar stage, a lineup of great musical talent and a contribution to the local food bank. All donations stay in the community in which the gift was given. For 2025, the musical performers are Barenaked Ladies!
December 20: CP Holiday Train |Port Moody, Port Coquitlam
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is one of the most popular FREE family events every holiday season. Each event features a boxcar stage, a lineup of great musical talent and a contribution to the local food bank. All donations stay in the community in which the gift was given. For 2025, the musical performers are Barenaked Ladies!
December 21: Shipyards Skating Rink | North Vancouver
The Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver is the largest outdoor skating rink in the region and is set against the beautiful backdrop of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Until the end of February, they offer daily skating from 12 – 8 pm, as well as free helmets and skate aides. Skate rentals are available for a small fee.
December 22: Vancouver Christmas Market | Vancouver
There are just a few days left to enjoy the market! Kids 6 and under are free, making this an affordable outing for families with young kids! Ride the carousel, sip a warm beverage as you peruse the stalls, and listen to amazing live performances!
December 23: Christmas in Kerrisdale |Vancouver
It’s time for a FREE horse and carriage ride at Christmas in Kerrisdale! Don’t miss this fun event filled with live music and community connection.
December 24: Lights of Hope | Vancouver
There’s no better way to usher in Christmas Eve than by visiting the St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope display. The Lights of Hope display will be shining brightly over Burrard Street to show donor support for patients, residents, and frontline heroes across BC.
But Wait… There’s More!
For a complete listing of all the best events around Vancouver, click on our Calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok pages. Or, get important information and deals delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our e-newsletter.
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
