5 budget-friendly holiday activities around the Lower Mainland
Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of activities and memorable experiences
Art by Claudia Culley/Canva.
‘Tis the season to see holiday displays pop up in shopping malls and visit Santa to let him know your Christmas wishes.
While some holiday offerings can be quite costly, there’s plenty of low-cost experiences where you can make memories to remember. Here are five budget-friendly holiday activities around the Lower Mainland that will help you get into the festive spirit this season.
Relive your childhood and enjoy beautiful light displays that bring the magic of Christmas to life with the Bear Creek Christmas Train. Don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate after the ride to share with your family or a special someone.
Starting in December, the train in Surrey will operate both day and nighttime rides. The daytime train rides are $11.50 per person until the month’s end, running from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets for the daytime train are only available in person. The nighttime train is $12.50 per person and runs until Dec. 29 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available both online and in person.
Attendees will get a chance to meet the menace of Christmas himself — the Grinch — during the nighttime train rides!
Do you love making gingerbread houses during the Christmas season? If yes, then this event is for you!
The Gingerbread Lane event will take place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 27 and is open 24/7 in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver. The event is free to attend with donations open for Make-A-Wish Canada.
Enjoy some beautifully decorated gingerbread houses and feel inspired to make your own at home. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite gingerbread house!
Christmas Light Up Parade gathering in Aldergrove
Enjoy this unique, free pre-parade gathering in Aldergrove Plaza on Dec. 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The event will feature delicious food, hot beverages, and entertainment.
Attendees will also get a chance to meet Santa and see the Grinch at the community gathering. Community members will share their Christmas spirit through song and performance.
Winter in the Village at Steveston
If you love walking through Christmas light displays and shopping for unique Christmas gifts, then this is the perfect event to help spread holiday cheer.
Located in the Steveston Village, the free event, which is on until Dec. 31, includes Christmas light displays, shopping, and a winter tram. Many businesses will also participate in the event to create special alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday drinks for people to enjoy and vote for their favourites. A full calendar of events can be found on Tourism Richmond’s website.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Delta
The North Delta Recreation Centre will be hosting family-friendly activities and a tree lighting on Nov. 30 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.
The event will feature an artisan market for Christmas shopping along with free skating, hot dogs, and hot chocolate to kick off the official lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 pm. Though this event takes place in November, it’s the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
