FREE THINGS TO DO IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER IN DECEMBER
Out and about this holiday season and looking for free things to enjoy with the whole family in downtown Vancouver? Then… look no further.
Here are our top 5 FREE fun, holiday attractions in the heart of Vancouver, perfect for kids and families. Find the best spots for beautiful holiday pictures and to catch up on some quality family time this December, all between West Georgia, Burrard Street, and Canada Place.
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS TREE AT ŠXʷƛ̓ƏNƏQ XWTL'E7ÉNḴ SQUARE — 850 W GEORGIA ST
Let’s start with one of the city’s most beloved holiday spots: the Christmas tree outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. The giant tree is located at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza), where the VMF Winter Arts’ central live site will be in February 2023.
The gigantic, illuminated 80-foot-tall tree was lit up for the first time in 2017, and since then it has become a popular spot for holiday-themed photos.
Local tip: go at night to enjoy the lights!
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square — 850 W Georgia Street
When: December 2, 2022 – January 2, 2023
ROBSON SQUARE ICE RINK — 800 ROBSON SQUARE
Another classic Vancouver tradition to enjoy with kids and relatives visiting town in December is the Robson Square Ice Rink.
Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the outdoor skating rink is the perfect spot to celebrate the holidays in style with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. A magical place to enjoy the winter season with your friends, family and loved ones.
Where: Robson Square, 800 Robson Street
When: Open daily, December 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023
Sunday to Thursday: 9 am - 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 11 pm.
Holiday hours vary.
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals also available.
FESTIVAL OF TREES FAIRMONT - 900 WEST GEORGIA ST
Crossing the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and continuing on West Georgia St, visit the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to vote and donate for your favourite tree during the Festival of Trees Vancouver.
A beloved family-friendly tradition for a great cause, the event transforms the lobby of the hotel into a holiday wonderland with beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year, funds will go towards transforming diabetes care for kids in BC.
Learn more about the Festival of Trees on the BC Children's Hospital Foundation website.
When: November 23, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
BENTALL CENTRE CHRISTMAS TREE — 1055 DUNSMUIR ST
Walking down Burrard St, stop for a photo under the sparkly Christmas Tree Tunnel at Bentall Centre.
One of the most popular holiday displays in downtown Vancouver, you can find a 45-foot-tall tree and twinkling archway at Four Bentall and a 35-foot tree at Two Bentall. Make sure to bring your camera to snap all the photos!
Fun fact: the first holiday tree was installed in the Four Bentall plaza on December 1, 1981, to mark the start of the festive season in downtown Vancouver.
Where: 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Bentall Four
CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE 2022
The annual Christmas at Canada Place, presented by the Port of Vancouver, offers free Christmas attractions on the Canadian Trail (west promenade) and North Point of the popular waterfront destination.
This December, you can experience the nostalgic tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” our 15-foot tall moose light sculpture, the iconic Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Trees at this free, family-friendly event.
Along the Canada Place Promenade Deck, you’ll find the massive mural created by Ocean Hyland/ shḵwen̓/ ts;simtelot for Vancouver Mural Festival 2022, in partnership with CPAWS and IMPAC5. Titled "The winds and the waters will always call us home", the giant artwork will come to life through augmented reality during VMF Winter Arts 2023! Come back in February to experience the AR.
When: December 2, 2022 - January 2, 2023
8 am to 11 pm daily
Where: Canada Place Canadian Trail and North Point – 999 Canada Place
For more information on Christmas at Canada Place, visit their website at www.canadaplace.ca/events/christmas.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: VMF WINTER ARTS 2023 IS BACK IN DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER THIS FEBRUARY!
Our award-winning festival brings together art and live experiences to connect and celebrate our city and its diverse communities. Over the festival’s 11 days, free art and entertainment can be discovered along the VMF Winter Arts route from the Vancouver Art Gallery, along Burrard Street including Bentall Centre, to Canada Place.
