There’s plenty of NYE parties around town, if you have a ticket. But if you want to spend the last day of 2023 with your family (and save on babysitters) check out some of these Free family-friendly activities to do around town.
Robson Square Skating: The Ice Rink at Robson Square is open until February 29th. Bring your family and friends for an early celebration, the rink is open 9am to 9pm December 31 with DJ-El-Niño performing from 6-9pm to get the party starting early. And start your year off with skating from 9am to 9pm on January 1. Skate rentals are available for $5
Shipyards Common Skate Plaza: In North Vancouver, BC’s largest outdoor skating rink, the free Shipyards Commons Skating Plaza, opens 1pm to 8pm with DJ Sage & Reverse Rebel with DJ Buddha Sax hosting an 8pm NYE Ball Drop. There’s plenty of great nearby dining options it’s another great way to make an early start to your New Year’s Eve family celebrations.
Burnaby Village Museum: Before we flip the calendar, step back in time at the historic Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas and see what it was like to celebrate the Holidays a century ago. Heritage Christmas is open from 1pm to 9pm daily until January 5th.
Granville Island Festive Lights: Until January 3rd, stroll Granville Island’s almost 40 acres, to find the colourful illuminations, light features amongst the restaurants, bars and taprooms.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park: While the Bright Night Train requires hard-to-come-by advance tickets, it’s free (by donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund) to experience millions of lights twinkling throughout the plaza until 10pm nightly until January 6th (extended from original January 1st closing date)
Christmas at Canada Place: before they get put away for another year, visit Christmas at Canada Place to experience the nostalgia of the classic Woodward’s Windows, Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture, the iconic Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Trees before it closes January 1st.