Winter Break in Richmond

Preschoolers (by date)

Holiday Craft Making

Create seasonal home decorations and presents for friends using new and recycled materials. Supplies included.
West Richmond Community Centre 4-5 years
Sat, Dec 20 9:15-10:15am $9.05 00432916
Sat, Dec 20 10:30-11:30am $9.05 00432921

A Yummy Little Christmas

Listen to festive and seasonal stories, sing songs and make a special and delicious holiday treat all in build up to this special holiday.
Cambie Community Centre 3-5 years
Sat, Dec 20 10:00-11:30am $13.60 00440395
Sat, Dec 20 12:00-1:30pm $13.60 00440397

Winter Holiday Freeze Dance Party - Parent and Child

Join this party with dancing, laughter, games, music, hot cocoa and surprises. 
Dance freely to upbeat tunes, then freeze in place when the music stops for a fun twist. Parent participation required.
West Richmond Community Centre 3-8 years
Mon, Dec 22 4:00-5:30pm $8.40 00474985

D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) Ornaments Workshop

Create a personalized and fun holiday ornament in this hands-on program that utilizes a variety of different materials that include paper, felt and paint to bring home!
South Arm Community Centre 3-5 years
Mon, Dec 22 2:45-3:30pm $6.80 00440422
Mon, Dec 29 2:45-3:30pm $6.80 00440406
Tues, Dec 30 2:45-3:30pm $6.80 00440411
Wed, Dec 31 2:45-3:30pm $6.80 00440414
Fri, Jan 2 12:30-1:15pm $6.80 00441021
Sat, Jan 3 12:30-1:15pm $6.80 00441028

Children (by date)

Shrink Art Christmas Ornaments

Design personalized decorations perfect for hanging or gifting. Draw, colour then watch them magically shrink into charming mini versions. Strengthen fine motor skills, spark creativity and enjoy a hands-on artistic experience. A $5 non-refundable supplies fee charged when registering.
City Centre Community Centre 6-12 years
Sat, Dec 20 11:15am-12:45pm $13.60 00437061

Holiday Craft Making

Create seasonal home decorations and presents for friends using new and recycled materials. Supplies included.
West Richmond Community Centre 6-10 years
Sat, Dec 20 12:00-1:00pm $9.05 00432924

Gingerbread House Builders

Design and build a personalized small graham cracker gingerbread house to take home in this hands-on session that includes candies, frosting and crackers.
Cambie Community Centre 6-12 years 11mos
Sun, Dec 21 10:00-11:30am $24.55 00440400
Sun, Dec 21 12:00-1:30pm $24.55 00440405

Holiday Sugar Cookie Decorating

Design, create and take home a personalized sugar cookie with delicious frosting and sprinkles.
Steveston Community Centre 6-10 years
Mon, Dec 22 10:45-11:45am $9.05 00474964
Tue, Dec 23 10:45-11:45am $9.05 00474967

Happy LEGO® Holidays

Ring in the season with Lego®. Get into festive fun building sleighs, elves and other seasonal models that engage curiosity and creativity. Supplies included. Instructed by Reach Education®.
Cambie Community Centre 5-10 years
Mon, Dec 22 10:30am-12:30pm $30.00 00457390
Tue, Dec 23 10:30am-12:30pm $30.00 00457748

Youth (by date)

FREE! Chocolate Bark Making - Drop-in

Create a sweet treats to take home. Supplies included.
Cambie Community Centre 13-18 years 
Fri, Jan 2 6:00-9:00pm Free 

Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt - Drop-in

Explore the community centre and discover surprise winter characters hidden throughout the building! Snap a photo with any digital device and show it at the front desk to receive a take-home treat (while supplies last).
Cambie Community Centre 9-18 years 
Sun, Dec 21-Sat, Jan 3 During operating hours

55+ years (by date)

The Buffet Cascades Casino Christmas Lunch Trip

Indulge in Christmas Comforts spread with hearty holiday favourites at this popular Delta buffet. Transportation and lunch included. Home drop off ($3) available.
Minoru Centre for Active Living 55+ years
Sat, Dec 20 10:30am-2:00pm $43.90 00437716

Shipyards Christmas Market

Enjoy festive music, admire the beautiful Christmas tree, visit Santa's chalet, shop unique artisanal gifts and indulge in seasonal treats at this North Vancouver fair. Transportation included. No refunds within 7 days of trip.
South Arm Community Centre 55+ years
Sat, Dec 20 11:00am-4:00pm $25.00 00458426

Christmas Celebration and Lunch at Cambie

Enjoy a festive afternoon social offering entertainment, lunch and the chance to connect with others in a cheerful setting.
Cambie Community Centre 55+ years
Mon, Dec 22 12:00-2:00pm $17.00 00438121

Christmas Lights Tour of South Delta

Find the holiday spirit with the viewing of beautifully decorated homes and parks in Ladner and Tsawwassen. Transportation and hot beverage included. Home drop off ($3) available. No refunds within 7 days of trip.
Thompson Community Centre 55+ years
Mon, Dec 22 4:30-8:00pm $24.00 00437252

Burnaby Village Christmas and Lafarge Lake Lights Trip

Take in the beautifully decorated village and farmhouse with lights and old-fashioned ornaments along with traditional entertainment, demonstrations and exhibits from the early 1900s followed by a visit Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display in Coquitlam. Transportation only included. Free admission. Home drop-off ($3) available.
Thompson Community Centre 55+ years
Tue, Dec 23 12:00-5:30pm $22.50 00437352
West Richmond Community Centre 55+ years
Tue, Dec 23 11:45am-4:45pm $22.50 00437839

Christmas Lights Tour of Vancouver

Get into the holiday spirit on this tour of beautifully decorated Vancouver attractions that include Coal Harbour, Lost Lagoon, Elm Grove, St. Paul's Hospital and Canucks Place. Transportation and a hot beverage included. Home drop off ($3) available. No refunds within 7 days of trip.
Thompson Community Centre 55+ years
Mon, Dec 29 5:00-8:30pm $24.75/1 sess 00437350

Sign kids up for Winter Break Daycamps

A limited number of winter daycamps are being offered in December at various community centres. All camps are led by fully trained leaders with strict guidelines followed to ensure the safety of both participants and staff.

Info: Winter Daycamps

FREE! Library programs

Babytime - Drop-In
Dates and locations vary
Connect with your baby, meet other parents and learn new songs and rhymes! 
Ideal for babies up to 18 months with a caregiver
Info: Babytime

Family Storytimes - Drop-In
Dates and locations vary
Join us for songs, stories, rhymes and more at Family Storytime! 
Ideal for children up to 5 years with a caregiver
Info: Family Storytimes

Duplo Free Play - Drop-In 
Dates and locations vary
Come and meet new friends as you play at the library! We will have DUPLO available for you to build and create with.
Ideal for children 2-5 years with a caregiver
Info: Duplo Free Play

Film Club Christmas Edition
Tue, Dec 23
Scrooged (Adults) - 6:00-8:00pm – Registered
Info: Scrooged
Wed, Dec 24
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (All ages) - 12:00-2:00pm – Drop-in
Info: The Grinch

Chess For Fun
Sun, Dec 21 and Sun, Dec 28, 2:00-4:30pm – Registered
All ages
Info: Chess For Fun

FREE! City Centre Community Centre activities

Stay active on Christmas Day in the fitness centre or Parent and Tot Playtime!
Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm
Parent and Tot Playtime - Open Gym
10:30am-2:30pm Free
Christmas Crafts and Snacks
11:00am-12:30pm Free

Info: City Centre Community Centre

Minoru Centre for Active Living activities

Stay active on Christmas Day with a refreshing swim or workout in the fitness centre.
12:00-4:00pm

Winter Wonderland skating

Set under a canopy of twinkly lights with festive music, bring your family and friends to skate on Christmas Day. Regular admission rates apply.
12:00-3:00pm.

Info: Winter Wonderland

South Arm Community Centre Activities

Enjoy a variety of fun for the whole family! Visit the front desk for a full list of free activities that include board games in the games room, open gym sessions and more! Looking for a tasty treat? Free hot chocolate is available at the front desk while supplies last.
10:00am-3:00pm
Core and More - Drop-In - Adults
10:30-11:30am $6.95 adults / $5.10 seniors/youth
Pickleball - Drop-In - All ages
10:30-11:45am $3.55 per person
Karaoke - Drop-In - 55+ years
Sing solos, duets in English or Chinese or come simply to enjoy the music in this social environment.
10:30am-1:30pm Free with Facility Pass or Drop-In $5.60
Gingerbread Art Family Fun - Parent and Tot - Preschoolers
Craft festive gingerbread people or animals with colourful felt, pompoms and a dash of sparkles to ignite holiday creativity. Build imaginative keepsakes that brighten any season while enjoying a hands-on activity designed to spark joy and confidence in young makers. Supplies included. Parent participation required.
10:30-11:15am $6.80  00480507
D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) Friendship Bracelet Workshop - Children
Make a personal fashion statement by creating a fun friendship bracelet using wire, beads and mixed media.
11:30am-12:30pm $9.05 00440978
Cycle Fit - Registered Visit - Adults
11:45am-12:30pm $6.95 adults / $5.10 seniors/youth 00480439
Yoga - Drop-In - Adults
12:00-1:00pm $8.75
Open Gym - Drop-In - Youth
Open gym drop-in plus equipment rental free with Youth Facility Pass 1 or 2.
12:00-1:30pm Free with Youth Facility Pass 1 or 2
D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) Ornaments Workshop - Preschoolers
Create a personalized and fun holiday ornament in this hands-on program that utilizes a variety of different materials that include paper, felt and paint to bring home!
1:00-1:45pm $6.80 00440973
Stretch and Strength - Drop-In - Adults
1:15-2:15pm $6.95 adults / $5.10 seniors/youth
Sports - Drop-In - All Ages
1:30-2:45pm Free
FREE! Craft Corner - Parent and Tot - Drop-In - Preschoolers
Explore a variety of arts and crafts using a wide range of fun materials and supplies. Parent participation required. Parent participation is limited to one caregiver per child.
2:00-2:45pm Free

Info: South Arm Community Centre

FREE! Visit the Richmond Art Gallery to view the exhibition, ArtRich 2025

Nov 29-Jan 4, Mon-Fri: 10:00am-6:00pm (closed Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1)
Sat & Sun: 12:00-5:00pm (closed Dec 28)
Dec 24 & 31: 10:00am-3:30pm
Richmond Arts Coalition and Richmond Art Gallery present the sixth edition of ArtRich, a biennial exhibition celebrating local creativity. Explore a vibrant mix of paintings, sculpture, textiles, photography, and video from artists across Richmond and the Lower Mainland.

7700 Minoru Gate
Info: Richmond Art Gallery, Holiday Hours, Exhibition Info or 604-247-8300

FREE! Explore The Maple Road Experience exhibit at the Richmond Museum

Discover how one kid’s love for skateboarding and his legendary backyard half-pipe sparked a community that went on to achieve incredible things in The Maple Road Experience.

7700 Minoru Gate
Info: Richmond Museum, 604-247-8300 or Richmond Cultural Centre hours

FREE! Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site

Dec 1-31, Fri-Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm (Closed Mon-Thu and Dec 25-26)
Enjoy the illuminated grounds of this eight-acre historic site and explore inside the heritage buildings decorated for the holidays during open hours. Free holiday origami crafts inside the Murakami House on Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7, 13-14, 11:00am to 4:00pm.

5180 Westwater Drive
Info: Britannia Shipyards NHS or 604-238-8050

FREE! Winter Tram at the Steveston Tram

Dec 1-31, Tue-Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm (Closed Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 25, 26 and 29)
Explore interactive exhibits and climb aboard the festively decorated Tram Car 1220. Come see detailed Lego recreations of Richmond heritage sites, and take part in a holiday scavenger hunt.

Join a “Polar Express” story time with the Richmond Public Library on December 6 and 14, 2:00pm, 2:40pm and 3:20pm. Drop-in only.

4011 Moncton Street
Info: Winter Tram or 604-238-8081

London Farm historic farmhouse and gift shop

Sat & Sun: Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 10:00am-4:00pm
Visit the London Farm House Gift Shop to pick up stocking stuffers of jam and tea or a special gift of exquisite tea pots and tea cups or handmade nightgowns. Explore the beautiful heritage Farm House and grounds. You may even spy a chicken or two along the way! 

6511 Dyke Road
Info: London Farm or 604-271-5220

Songs in the Snow, holiday parcels, and explore our history, all at the Steveston Museum and Post Office

Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5:00pm; Sun 12:00-4:00pm (Closed Dec 24-26 and 31; Jan 1)
The annual Songs in the Snow concert series returns on December 6 and 13, outdoors at Town Square Park from 3:30 to 6:30pm. Hear your favourite holiday songs played live by local musicians, make some festive crafts and enjoy some refreshments. Free admission.

Any last-minute holiday packages can be mailed at the Steveston Post Office where friendly staff are ready to help you with your postal needs. A portion from each transaction goes to helping the Steveston Historical Society which runs programs like Songs in the Snow. Once you’ve mailed your holiday parcels, take a moment to explore the Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society Building to discover the history of the Japanese Canadian community in Steveston. Admission by donation.

3811 Moncton Street
Info: Steveston Historical Society or 604-238-8026

Drop-in to a fitness class or a sports or racquet sport session

There are lots of ways to stay active and social with a drop-in yoga, Dance Fit or a Cycle Fit class along with badminton, Pickleball and Table Tennis sessions to take advantage of too!

City of Richmond community facilities
Info: Schedules

Lace up your skates and glide through the holidays at the Minoru Arenas’ Winter Wonderland 

Fri, Dec 12-Sun, Jan 4
Oh, what fun it is to skate! The perfect place for a holiday skate is Winter Wonderland at Minoru Arenas! Set under a canopy of twinkly lights with festive music, bring your family and friends to this annual winter time activity.

Open to all ages and abilities – wheelchairs too! Ice skating is the perfect festive activity for first dates, play dates and best mates. Regular admission rates apply.

7551 Minoru Gate
Info: Arenas or 604-238-8465

Make a splash this holiday season and visit the Aquatic and Fitness Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living

Free fall from the drop slide, splash in the spray features, race down the double slide, float through the lazy river. Little ones can play in the tot-friendly leisure pool play area and there's the option to work out in the 8,500 square foot fitness centre with state of the art equipment, swim laps or water jog in one of the two 25m lap pools. Don't miss a visit to the adult or family hot tub, steam room and two saunas. Regular admission rates apply.

The Wibit (inflatable obstacle course) will be open:
Sat, Dec 27, 11:00am-2:00pm
Sun, Jan 4, 11:00am-2:00pm

All ages. Regular admission rates apply.

Note: During the Wibit opening, diving board will be closed from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The drop slide, diving board and rock climbing wall will be closed from 2:00 to 2:30pm for the WIBIT take down.

7191 Granville Avenue
Info: Minoru Centre for Active Living or 604-233-6225

Make waves, be active, have fun this holiday season at Watermania

Get splashed from the giant tipping bucket, take a whirl on the tot slide or giant water slides, play in the waves bobbing along in the wave pool, or take a plunge from one of the three diving board heights. Be sure to include a trip to Watermania if you’re looking to swim laps in the 57m competition pool,  relax in the steam room or sauna or work out in well equipped 3500 square foot fitness centre. Regular admission rates apply.

14300 Entertainment Boulevard
Info: Watermania or 604-448-5353

FREE! Go on a virtual scavenger hunt in Terra Nova Rural Park

Experience a new way to explore Terra Nova Rural Park with the Richmond Geo-Tour Terra Nova Adventure Lab, a virtual scavenger hunt made possible by Geocaching HQ’s Adventure Lab® app. Simply download the app to a smartphone and be guided by GPS to seven locations in the park. Each location features a question that players must solve using clues. Suitable for adults and children alike, this adventure is sure to spark wonder and appreciation for local wildlife. Be sure to come with a charged device as the game features videos and multimedia to share historical, cultural and ecological facts.

Info: Richmond Geo-Tour Terra Nova Adventure Lab

FREE! Take a Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour at Terra Nova, Brighouse District and Sea Island

Need a breath of fresh air? The Richmond Museum has developed a series of free, self-guided historical walking tours including the newest tour, Sea Island: The Aviation Story Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour. Step away from 2023 and stroll through Richmond's hidden past. Download a guide and go!

Info: Richmond Museum

FREE! Bundle up and view the festive lighting around the city

In addition to the almost 6,000 strings of lights in parks and median tree lighting throughout the city, check out the festive displays including:

• Winter Wonderland including illuminated festive trees and a 15’ decorative bauble at City Hall
• A festive light display in Steveston Town Square Park next to the Steveston Museum and Post Office
• Illuminated trees at the Minoru Centre for Active Living
  

For a complete listing of festive lighting installation around the City, including walking tours of Steveston and City Centre visit the Richmond Festive Lighting website.

FREE! Go on a Geocaching Adventure in Richmond

Search for 50 hidden geocaches in parks, trails and at community facilities to discover Richmond's unique natural and cultural heritage. This outdoor treasure hunting game uses a smartphone or GPS device to help search for all the caches.

Info: Geocaching Adventure

FREE! Explore nature at the Richmond Nature Park

Nature House hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (Closed Dec 25)
Park hours: Open daily
Explore the trails to see bog plants and migrating birds up close, and delight in the antics of squirrels. Learn how to co-exist with the “nature in your neighbourhood” urban wildlife exhibit and join a naturalist for interactive fun. There are different themes throughout the holidays – water bugs, fossils, animal talks, bird feeding and more (Dec 21-Jan. 5).

11851 Westminster Highway
Info: Richmond Nature Park or 604-238-6188

FREE! Walk, run or cycle along any of the city’s trails and take in the scenic beauty

Enjoy Richmond’s beautiful parks, scenic recreational trails, cycling paths, community gardens and unique natural areas this holiday season.

Info: Richmond Parks