Winter Break in Richmond

FREE! Winter Solstice 

Invite the light and celebrate the longest night of the year with arts and crafts, a labyrinth of light, food, a live owl, Richmond Nature Park staff and more!
City Centre Community Centre All ages
Fri, Dec 20 5:00-8:00pm

Winter Dance Party - Parent and Tot - Preschoolers

Groove into the holiday season and play games with this "Frozen" themed dance session. Themed costumes are encouraged with no tripping hazards on the ground and moveable costumes are a must. Parent participation required.
South Arm Community Centre 3-5 years
Sat, Dec 21 9:30-10:00am $4.40 00377872
Sat, Dec 21 10:15-10:45am $4.40 00377876
Sat, Dec 21 11:00-11:30am $4.40 00377878

D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) Holiday Cards - Children

South Arm Community Centre 3-5 years
Sat, Dec 21 11:30am-12:15pm $6.60 00377896
6-9 years
Sat, Dec 21 10:15-11:15am $8.80 00377892
Sat, Dec 21 1:00-2:00pm $8.80 00377899

Swiftie Dance Party - Children

Get ready to shake it off and dance to the sounds of Taylor Swift! Wear a Swiftie-themed costume for added fun!
South Arm Community Centre 6-10 years
Sat, Dec 21 1:15-2:00pm $6.60 00377882
Sat, Dec 21 2:15-3:00pm $6.60 00377885
Sat, Dec 21 3:15-4:00pm $6.60 00377886

Baking Treats and Sweets - Preteens & Youth

Measure, mix, bake and eat cookies, cakes, breads and other delicious handmade foods.
Steveston Community Centre 9-12yrs
Mon, Dec 23 1:00-2:00pm $15.75 00346606
13-18yrs
Mon, Dec 23 2:15-3:15pm $15.75 00346605

Christmas Lights Tour of South Delta - 55+

Find the holiday spirit viewing 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 23 4:30-8:00pm $23.75 00335410

D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) Friendship Bracelet - Children

Make a personal fashion statement by creating a fun, holiday-themed friendship bracelet using wire, beads and mixed media.
South Arm Community Centre 6-8 years
Sun, Dec 29 9:00-10:15am $11.00 00383803
9-12 years
Sun, Dec 29 11:00am-12:15pm $11.00 00383804

Christmas Lights Tour of Vancouver - 55+

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 Canuck Place. Transportation and hot beverage included. Home drop off ($3) available. No refunds within 7 days of trip.
Thompson Community Centre 55+ years
Mon, Dec 30 5:30-9:00pm $24.75 00341621

Collect a free winter activity sheets, take home a hibernating bear craft kit (while supplies last) and snap a family photo in front of Cambie’s Winter Wonderland photo booth (no camera or photographer provided). Crafts and activity sheets are suitable for 12 years and younger.
Cambie Community Centre All ages
Fri, Dec 20-Sun, Jan 5 During operational hours

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
Connect with your baby, meet other parents and learn new songs and rhymes! 
Ideal for babies age 0-18 months with a caregiver.
Info: Library

Family Storytimes - Drop-In
Join us for songs, stories, rhymes and more at Family Storytime! 
Ideal for children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.
Info: Library

Duplo Free Play - Drop-In 
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 ages 2-5 with a caregiver.
Info: Library

Pokémon Trainer’s Gym 
Fri, Dec 27 4:00-5:00pm 
Cambie Library
Info: Pokemon Trainers Gym

Film Club Christmas Edition
Tue, Dec 24 
A Christmas Carol – 10:00am-12:00pm
Info: A Christmas Carol
Elf – 12:00pm-2:00pm
Info: Elf

Chess For Fun
Sun, Dec 22 and Sun, Dec 29, 2:00-4:30pm
Info: Chess For Fun

FREE! New Year's Day Skate

Richmond Olympic Oval All ages
Wed, Jan 1, 10:00am-2:00pm
Info: New Year's Day Skate

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

Info: City Centre Community Centre

FREE! 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 as well while supplies last.
Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm
Open Gym - Drop-In - Youth 
11:00am-1:00pm Free
Open Gym – Dodgeball - Drop-In - Youth
1:00-2:00pm Free
Sports - Drop-In - All Ages
2:00-3:00pm $3.50 per person
Ease Into Fitness - Drop-In - Adults
Restart a low-intensity fitness routine of cardiovascular, strength and stretches to tune up the body.
10:30-11:20am $6.90 adults / $5.00 seniors/youth
Tabata - Drop-In - Adults
Combine traditional resistance training, body weight, endurance and calisthenics in this specific work-to-rest ratio style of exercise. Regular drop-in fees apply.
12:00-1:00pm $6.90 adults / $5.00 seniors/youth

Info: South Arm Community Centre

Minoru Centre for Active Living activities
Stay active on Christmas Day with a refreshing swim or workout in the fitness centre or drop-in to the Seniors lounge for a free viewing of “It's a Wonderful Life” from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Light refreshments provided.
Hours: 12:00-4:00pm

FREE! Visit the Richmond Art Gallery to view the exhibition, FOODWAYS

Mon-Fri: 10:00am-6:00pm (closed Dec 25 and 26)
Sat & Sun: 12:00-5:00pm until Dec 31
Dec 24 & 31: 10:00am-3:30pm
Showcasing artworks primarily from the 2010s to the present, FOODWAYS focuses on a dynamic selection of Canadian and international artists who explore food and food cultures.
7700 Minoru Gate

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

FREE! Take in the “Family Treasures” exhibit at the Richmond Museum

Explore Richmond’s Family Treasures with us. Discover the many ways our treasures and heirlooms reveal our unique histories while also showing surprising connections.
7700 Minoru Gate

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

FREE! Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site

Dec 1-31, Tue-Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm (Closed Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 25 and 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, December 7, 14 and 21, 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 2, 9, 16, 23, 25 and 26)
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 7 and 15, 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, Nov 30-Dec 1, Dec 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 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

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 7 and 14, 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 

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

Drop-in to basketball, fitness centre, climbing or ice

Check out available times and discover the Oval's variety of sport offerings.

Richmond Olympic Oval
Info: Drop-in Oval

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

Fri, Dec 13-Sun, Jan 5
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 28, 11:00am-2:00pm
Sat, 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