15 of the best free and cheap things to do in & around Vancouver this December

As the year comes to a close and the holidays rapidly approach, it’s time to enjoy all that the season has to offer. From free holiday markets to a wreath-making workshop, to hitting the ice at Vancouver’s outdoor skating rinks, here are 15 of the best free & cheap things to do in and around Vancouver this December.

Shipyards Christmas Market 

The brand-new Shipyards Christmas Market will feature over 75 wooden stalls adorned with twinkling holiday lights, with a variety of unique artisanal gifts for sale. Visitors can also celebrate the start of the season with festive music, ice skating on the outdoor ice rink, mulled wine and cocoa, and North Vancouver’s shining Christmas tree.

When: Friday, November 29th to December 24th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Holiday Shop: Wreath Making Workshop 

Want to craft your own Christmas wreath to really ‘wow’ your guests over the holidays? There’s a free wreath-making workshop at The Polygon that you won’t want to miss this upcoming month, and no previous experience is required!

When: Sunday, December 1st
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights

The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is on this year, bringing a mix of decorated antique cars, trucks, and floats to the historic town centre of Cloverdale.

The parade will start at 5 pm on Sunday, December 1st. Note that there will be several groups along the parade route selling food and novelties as well, with proceeds going to charity!

When: Sunday, December 1st
Where: Cloverdale, BC

Japan Market Christmas Fair 

To complete our triad of affordable/free holiday markets is the return of the Japan Market Christmas Fair at the start of the month. Three Japanese-Canadian vendors have teamed to put on this two-day Japan-inspired market, complete with local art, crafts, and delicious eats. Early bird tickets go for just $4 a pop, or $7 for two adult tickets. Note that each ticket is good for one of the two days that the Christmas Fair runs.

When: Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $4 to $7

The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop 

If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 13th to January 5th.

When: Now until Sunday, January 5th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Make It Show

Vancouver’s premier handmade market is back with its 16th-anniversary celebration and market from December 12th to 15th at the PNE Forum, and there will be a whopping 250 local vendors to check out, including food trucks and licensed beverage vendors.

When: Thursday, December 12th to Sunday, December 15th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $10 to $12 per person

New West Farmers Market Holiday Market

The fifth annual New West Farmers Market Holiday Market is this December, and you won’t want to miss it. Holiday shoppers will have the chance to shop from over 80 local artisans and food vendors, enjoy live music, and soak up the best of the season.

When: Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th
Where: 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster
Cost: Free admission

The Holiday Bazaar in Cedar 

Granted, this one’s a bit further out of Vancouver, but we had to include the free-to-enter Holiday Bazaar in Nanaimo. With an array of locally-crafted art, gifts, and sweet treats, you’re sure to enjoy your time perusing and find some great gifts in the process.

On December 7th, there will be an appearance by Santa from 12 pm to 3 pm.

When: Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th
Where: 2388 Cedar Road, Nanaimo
Cost: Free admission

Squamish At Dusk 

This holiday season marks the return of the Lower Mainland’s newest winter lights tradition: Squamish At Dusk. Equal parts art exhibition and festival of lights, Squamish at Dusk is an enchanting winter experience marked by whimsical light installations and family activities in the Adventure Centre.

When: November 28th to December 14th
Where: 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish
Cost: $7 to $15 per person

VanDusen Festival of Lights

VanDusen’s iconic Festival of Lights will have over one million sparkling holiday lights this year, as well as a new interactive mycelium installation and a display inspired by BC’s gamed Great Bear Rainforest. 

When: Friday, November 29th to January 5th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $28 per adult, $11 per child, $18 per senior/youth

PNE Winter Fair

From 4 to 10 pm on 12 nights in December, the PNE is transforming for its annual Winter Fair, and the cheapest days to check it out are December 6th to 8th, 12th, and 16th and 17th, when admission is priced between $14 and $20 if you purchase your tickets ahead of time!

So take advantage of those times and enjoy this year’s dazzling light displays, indoor skating, and Christmas-themed concerts.

When: December 6th to 8th and December 12th to 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $14 to $20 for online tickets

Robson Square Ice Rink

Who’s ready to kick off ice skating season at Robson Square? For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.

When: Friday, December 2nd to February 28th, 2023
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals

Shipyards Skate Plaza 

Speaking of ice skating, you can soon lace up at the Shipyards’ popular skate plaza starting on November 30th.

When: Opens Saturday, November 30th
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Free night at Vancouver Art Gallery

The next free night at Vancouver Art Gallery is coming up on Friday, December 6th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!

When: Friday, December 6th and the first Friday of every month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Free admission

Visit a Japanese garden

The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden is somehow even more magical in the fall and winter, with vibrant maple leaves to welcome you. Enjoy a quiet stroll or simply sit and immerse yourself in nature.

When: Open throughout the fall
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, UBC
Cost: $7 per person

And that’s a wrap on some amazing holiday activities to check out that won’t hurt your wallet this upcoming month. Cheers!