Celebrate the Season in Richmond

The tree is decorated, the festive baking is done and the pressies are all wrapped and ready to go. And that means it’s time to chill out and celebrate. There are lots of great ways to spend quality time with friends and family at this time of year. Why not read on for our round-up of 10 great Richmond events and activities to add to your holiday calendar?

1. WINTER WONDERLAND AT MINORU ARENAS

From December 15 to January 7, lace-up your skates for some sparkling family-friendly fun at this popular city centre annual event. The venue will be fully decorated with twinkling illuminations and holly jolly decorations––including a magical ceiling canopy of shimmering lights––while Christmastime music will be your soundtrack as you practice and perfect all those triple salchows. 

2. PAINT NITE AT LULU ISLAND WINERY 

Sidestep the hectic holiday season at this laid-back winery event on December 22 (from 6:00pm). Your $50 ticket includes art supplies, friendly guidance––no prior experience required––and a glass of wine to unleash your creative flow (additional glasses can be purchased if extra inspiration is needed). The evening’s theme is Snowflake Lake, and you might even create a masterpiece to gift to a lucky loved one!

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3. STEVESTON SANTA CLAUS PARADE

If you haven’t already heard, this beloved Christmas Eve event––an almost five-decade tradition––is back on the streets of B.C.’s most Christmassy community for the first time in several years. Part of Steveston’s annual Winter in the Village season, Santa Claus Parade starts at 6:00pm at Fourth Avenue and Regent Street then weaves towards Garry Point Park. Dress appropriately and watch the shimmering floats, bands and Santa himself trundle past.

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4. NOON YEAR’S PARTY AT KIDTROPOLIS

Celebrate the arrival of 2024 with your family at this 10:00am to 1:00pm, kid-friendly December 31 party at one of Richmond’s most popular children’s attractions. Its make-believe city—with scaled-down hospital, police station, pizza parlour and more—is the perfect place for a play-based blast with your youngsters without keeping them up until midnight. There will be games, dancing and a countdown—complete with balloon drop!

5. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT CAVU KITCHEN BAR

Tucked into the city centre’s Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel, CAVU is hosting several seasonal special events this year, including December 24 and 25 festive dinner buffets and a Christmas Day brunch buffet. But if you’re looking for a great New Year’s Eve dine-and-dance party, book ahead for an evening that includes dinner, live music, a late-night snack bar and a midnight champagne toast––there’s even a handy party and hotel sleepover package available if you fancy a lie-in the next morning.

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6. NEW YEAR DINING AT THE FAIRMONT

A drool-worthy way to celebrate the transition from 2023 to 2024, book ahead for a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Airport’s stylish Globe@YVR restaurant. The grand menu includes steak tartare, Maine lobster and chestnut Mont Blanc tart plus a side dish of live music to add to the toe-tapping vibe. Alternatively, the hotel is also offering a spectacular New Year’s Day brunch if you’re keen to start 2024 with a mouthwatering bang.

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7. SILVESTER AT THE AUSTRIA VANCOUVER CLUB

Book ahead and dress up in your black tie best for the unique New Year’s Eve celebration at this beloved but under-the-radar Westminster Highway cultural venue. Members and guests are welcome and your ticket includes a hearty dinner, live music and a generous serving of old-school European revelry. And by the way: “Silvester” means New Year’s Eve in German.

8. RIVER ROCK’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES

The glittering River Rock Casino Resort is hosting two highly inviting happenings for those looking to celebrate on the big night. From 8:00pm to 1:00am, there’s a cover-free dance party in the lobby, complete with DJ-led tunes guaranteed to get you moving. Alternatively, book ahead for the Show Theatre’s Atari Radio Starz ‘80s Dance Party. With high-energy singers, dancers and musicians, it’s your chance to wear a neon-hued jumpsuit and party like its 1985!

9. HAPPY NEW YEAR AT THE CANADIAN BREWHOUSE

This popular Richmond bar is hosting an evening of New Year’s Eve merriment—complete with a pizza buffet and midnight bubbly (both included in your $19.99 ticket price). If you’re here at midnight, you’ll also have a chance to win free wings for a year, so be sure to make room for them by hitting the dance floor where the DJ will be fanning the flames of fun. There will also be drink specials throughout the evening.

10. NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BUCK & EAR

Steveston’s popular neighbourhood pub is hosting two events on December 31. A decadent Wine Pairing Dinner from 5:00pm, complete with a four-course meal, accompanying wines and live music. And, from 9:30pm, a free-entry Timeless New Year’s Eve dance party where you can boogie away the old year and welcome in the new. Bubbly, party favours and a midnight countdown are included so there’s no excuse for not having a totally great time!