The holidays are officially over, but that doesn't mean we stop having fun! This weekend is your absolute last chance to see the incredible VanDusen Festival of Lights before they pack up the million bulbs. Also, if you need to get rid of that tree, local Christmas Tree Chipping sites are operating by donation on both days. Let's squeeze every bit of family fun out of the first weekend of 2026!
Quick Picks
Christmas Tree Chipping
Various Locations
Eco-friendly cleanup by donation—a practical way to start the new year!
Family Tour: Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head
Vancouver Art Gallery
Kids under 19 are FREE and the Sunday tour is designed just for them.
Vancouver Farmers Market
Nat Bailey Stadium
Toddlers love the bustle, samples, and finding a fresh start for their lunchboxes.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
The wizarding world magic is still alive for one more weekend! This is a big-ticket item, but totally immersive for HP fans—dress warm because it's entirely outside in the dark.
Why we picked it: It's one of the last chances to see this massive touring attraction before it leaves town.
Kids First
Cool art drop-in on the North Shore where you make something based on what’s showing in the gallery. It’s a great low-pressure creative hit for the older elementary crowd.
Why we picked it: It's a local N. Van gem offering hands-on making tied to contemporary art.
Christmas Tree Chipping
Time to get that tree out of the living room! Several non-profits are running chipping events today by donation, so you can feel good about your recycling efforts.
Why we picked it: It's a post-holiday ritual that supports local organizations.
Disney's FROZEN
If you've got a kid who *needs* to see Frozen live, the Arts Club has it running this weekend. Great way to spend a cold, dark Saturday afternoon indoors.
Why we picked it: A guaranteed hit for younger kids when the weather is likely grim.
Free Skating at Robson Square
Downtown skating is the perfect way to burn off some post-holiday energy. It’s free if you bring your own blades; otherwise, rentals are a small fee.
Why we picked it: It's a classic, accessible Vancouver winter activity that costs nothing if you're prepared.
Vancouver Farmers Market
Head to Nat Bailey for the winter market—it’s smaller, but you can grab local coffee and treats while supporting local growers. Great for a quick Saturday morning outing.
Why we picked it: A real local hub that gets you out of the house without a huge time commitment.
Resolution Run
If your resolution involves moving more, there’s a Resolution Run today promising 'double the course and double the fun.' Great for teens who need a physical challenge.
Why we picked it: A genuine, one-off New Year's themed activity for active families.
Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center
They have Saturdays open for hands-on STEAM education involving aviation—a good deep-dive if you don't mind a bit of a drive out of the core city.
Why we picked it: Offers focused STEAM learning that goes beyond a typical museum visit.
Family Tour: Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head
Hit the VAG on Sunday for their dedicated family tour focusing on the wild 'Monsters in My Head' exhibit. Kids 18 and under get in free, which is a huge win for our wallets!
Why we picked it: It's a structured, age-appropriate way to engage with art, and admission is practically free for the kids.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
This is it—the final night for the million-light botanical wonderland! Get your tickets ASAP if you want one last dose of winter glow before they take everything down.
Why we picked it: It's the very last day for this massive, iconic seasonal display.
Christmas Tree Chipping
Still have your tree? Sunday is another chance to drop it off for chipping at various spots around the city and suburbs.
Why we picked it: The final day to responsibly recycle your holiday tree.
Jack and the Beanstalk: A Traditional British Pantomime
Catch the last day of the very British panto fun—expect silly jokes, audience participation, and maybe a singalong. Perfect for that slightly older kid who thinks they're too cool for a puppet show.
Why we picked it: Pantomime is a quirky local theatre tradition that wraps up this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Vancouver this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are several free/donation-based events: You can chip your Christmas tree by donation, skate for free (if you have skates) at Robson Square or Shipyards, and attend the Pearson Field Education Center Open Saturday.
What's best for a guaranteed rainy day activity with toddlers?
For a guaranteed cozy indoor spot, check out the Arts Club Theatre showing Disney's FROZEN on Saturday, or head downtown for the Vancouver Art Gallery Family Tour on Sunday, where kids are free.
Are there any last-chance holiday events we can still catch?
Absolutely! Sunday, January 4th is the final day for the VanDusen Festival of Lights, and the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is also running both days before wrapping up.