Seasonal and Holiday events

Winter Ice Skating at Robson Square

This winter, renew a classic Vancouver tradition and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Robson Square’s outdoor skating rink is open, so celebrate winter in style with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s a magical place to enjoy the winter season with your friends, family and loved ones. 

Hours:
  • Open to the public from December to February 
  • Daily (Monday-Friday)  9:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Christmas Day - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Fees: Skating is free and you can rent skates for $5.00/pair

Ice Rink Closures, Schedule Changes & Events:
For updates, call the Robson Square Hotline 604-646-3554.

Please be advised that warm weather leads to warm ice! Robson Square Ice Rink may need to close unexpectedly.

Free Skating at Shipyards Skate Plaza

Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome to skate on the large outdoor rink, which is located on the waterfront in North Vancouver. This provides a scenic breakdown of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Rain is of no concern because the plaza has a retractable roof!
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Dates: Yearly, December  - late March 
Times: Daily from 1:00 - 8:00 pm, with ice cleaning at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm
Location: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free! Skate rentals: $5/kids, $7/adults

Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge

Over the holiday season, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is illuminated with over 500,000 lights and decorations. The displays are a tasteful and unique holiday experience. It also features other festive and family-friendly activities. 

Note: There is a cost associated with the Canyon Lights, from $67 for adults to $27 for children. 

Dates: Yearly, November - January.
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver 

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which is celebrated by numerous cultures, primarily Asian cultures, in various different ways. The holiday is a time of feasting while honouring the household and ancestors.  

Champlain Heights Celebration:
  • Celebrate the Lunar New Year with stories, songs, and crafts
  • Drinks and food provided
  • Yearly on February 
  • Champlain Heights VPL Branch, 7110 Kerr St., Vancouver

Chinese New Year Parade:
  • Enjoy a lively parade through Chinatown
  • Parade includes marching bands, Chinese lion dancing, and people in costumes
  • Historically occurs on the second Sunday in February

​Queer Friends and Feathers: Coastal Birds!

Join Birds Canada biologist Remi Torrenta (he/him) for a short and sweet tour of some coastal waterbirds that frequent local shorelines!

​Thousands of waterfowl migrate here in the winter to take refuge in the warm and nutrient-rich waters. They are a lot of fun to watch and great birds to start identifying for beginners. Join us outside with other queer folks that want to spend time in nature.

Details:
  • For queer and trans people that want to learn more about nature together
  • Starts at Nature House in Stanley Park
  • Followed by a boardgame warm drinks, and snacks at Wingspan Tournament
  • Tickets are free for queer and trans individuals
  • Register here

Dahlia Flower Festival

The Dahlia Flower Festival is held annually at Shangrila Farm in Mission. It displays 200 varieties of Dahlia flowers, 400 green sculptures, grapevine and flower tunnels, Lotuses, and green dragons. There are also various gardens, including a fairy garden, an alien garden, a root garden, and more!

Dates: Yearly, August - October
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, with final entry at 6:00 pm
Location: 13842 Spratt Road, Mission 
Cost: Ticket prices vary from $10 - $17

Explore Autumn Around Vancouver

Enjoy the changing colours of the city from mid-October to late November! Many parks and gardens are free to explore and are accessible by transit. 
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Stanley Park
  • Over 400 hectares of natural rainforest, as well as views of the city, water, and mountains
  • You can drive, walk, or cycle along the seawall or walk along the park's trails
  • Free access

VanDusen Botanical Garden
  • Enjoy autumn foliage at its best with a plethora of beautiful plants, trees, etc.
  • Offers fall education classes
  • Admission costs vary

Queen Elizabeth Park
Enjoy mountain views and an array of vibrant fall colours from Vancouver's highest point
  • Free access to the park

Pacific Spirit Park
  • Explore the fall colours and walk some of the 55.5+ kms of trails
  • Cranberry Bog turns bright red in the fall
  • Free to access
  • Many trails are leash-optional for dogs

Tout Lake at John Hendry Park
  • Take a walk around the lake and enjoy the fall foliage of East Van
  • Visit the Saturday farmers' market

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in the Greater Vancouver Area

1. Petey’s Pumpkin Patch
  • Children under 2 have free entry
  • Location: 9423 Gibson Rd., Chilliwack

2. Greendale Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch​
  • Open until mid-October
  • Location: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack

  3. Maan Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
  • Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford

4. Taves Family Farms 
  • Also has family-friendly activities, u-pick farms, and sunflowers
  • Location: 333 Gladwin Rd Abbotsford, BC
     
5. Willow View Farms
  • 288 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
     
6. Southlands Heritage Farms
  • Located in Vancouver!
  • Location: 6767 Balaclava Street Vancouver
  • Other activities include: horse riding lessons, food trucks, live music, and more

7. Rondriso Farms Pumpkin Patch
  • Also have a wide selection of seasonal produce, farm-raised chickens, and local vendors
  • Location:  8390 172nd Street, Surrey

8. Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch
  • Access to farm animals and family-friendly activities
  • Location: 18507 20th Ave South, Surrey

9. Richmond Country Farms
  • Opens late September
  • Location: 12900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Metro Vancouver’s Fort Langley Cranberry Festival is a free event with a market and family-friendly activities that occurs on Thanksgiving Weekend in Fort Langley.

While celebrating the region’s history and tradition, with the Cranberry Festival, we want to create a great day out, support local businesses and vendors, entertain and bring the community and visitors together in the heart of Fort Langley.

Event Features:
  • Cranberry Stomping
  • Scarecrow contests
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Live entertainment
  • 100 market vendors and food trucks 

Date and time: Yearly on October 
Main Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site
*Other events happening around the city*
Cost: Free

Community Picnics

Enjoy the outdoors, receive a free hotdog, and get to know your community during the Community Picnic Series. Each week a picnic will be held at a different park in Surrey.

Details:
  • Locations vary week-to-week
  • First 150 people can receive a free hotdog
  • The event is free, just bring a picnic, a blanket, and outdoor activities
  • Family friendly 
  • Runs on Thursdays, from July - August 

Contact Information:
Phone: 604-501-5050
Email: [email protected]

Spanish Banks Beach Clean Up

Give back to the community by joining others at the annual Spanish Banks clean up. 
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Date: Annual event, check back for 2024 dates!
Location: Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver

Greendale Acres Corn Maze
Enjoy the world-famous corn maze at Greendale Acres. Special events for 2023 include:
  • October 5 - Live music and entertainment!
  • October 6 and 21 - Free entry for Grandparents!
  • Dog friendly! 

Location: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Dates: Yearly, August - October
Cost: Prices vary, please see the website for details. 

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

Please check back for 2024 updates!