Budget-Friendly Outings to Do this Holiday Break in Vancouver

Thinking about our January credit card bill makes us feel more like Scrooge than Santa, but the most wonderful time of the year is not the time to stay home. Get out and enjoy the festive lights and holiday cheer without damaging your bank account—there are lots of things to do around Vancouver this season that are free (or almost free).

Bundle up and head to the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver and wander amongst decorated trees on the beach. Don't miss the Christmas Wassail and Bonfire December 19 from noon until dusk, featuring a free Christmas-themed concert and family activities. Image via: northshoremama.ca

Join in and sing along to your favourite carols on Tuesday, December 22 from 7-8 pm at the Burnaby Public Library. The sing-a-long is drop-in, no registration required, and all ages and voices are welcome to join in. Printed lyrics will be passed around.

Be dazzled for a good cause at the Four Seasons Festival of Trees in support of BC Children's Hospital. Get inspired by beautifully adorned trees and vote for your favourite; donations gratefully accepted.

Get Christmas Eve off to a free start with a screening of Shaun the Sheep at the Capilano Branch of the North Vancouver library from 10–11:30 am. No registration is required, be sure to bring your own treats!

Sweet! Gingerbread Lane is now open for its 25th anniversary season in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Make a donation to the Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon Foundation and vote for your favourite creation. Image by elizabethrosalyn.com

Lace up your skates at Robson Square. Skating is free with your own skates (rental skates and helmets also available) and we guarantee it will put you into the holiday spirit. Warm drinks are available at the nearby concession stand.

Nostalgia is plentiful at Christmas at Canada Place. Take in the lights, the Woodward's Window display from year's past, and the giant snow globe, and watch the Carol Ships Parade of Light sail by.