While Vancouver offers an array of holiday displays, events, and activities to get one in the spirit of giving, not all of them are feasible on a student’s budget. Between Christmas shopping and next semester’s tuition payment, funds are limited when it comes to entertainment. Keeping that in mind, we prepared a list of five budget-friendly things to check out around the city this holiday season.
Skating at Robson Square
courtesy insidevancouver.com
Cost: Free
While skating at Robson Square is free, a skate rental will cost you $4. Even so, the Robson Square ice rink is a cheaper alternative to the rink atop Grouse Mountain. Open seven days a week through the New Year, Robson Square offers an inexpensive way to spend some quality time with loved ones over winter break.
The Vancouver Christmas Market
courtesy miss604.com
Cost: $6
The Vancouver Christmas Market is the perfect substitute for busy malls this time of year. The market runs from November 22 through December 24at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Admission for adults is $6, but be sure to bring some extra cash to indulge in a variety of tasty treats from vendors.
Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
courtesy straight.com
Cost: $11
With partial proceeds for the event going to the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund, you do not want to miss this spectacle of over three million lights. An adult train ride ticket costs $11, while admission to the Bright Nights Train Plaza is by donation. The train runs daily from December 5 through January 5.
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
courtesy insidevancouver.ca
Cost: $14.25
Take in over a million twinkling lights blanketing VanDusen Botanical Garden starting on December 11. Watch a light show on Livingstone Lake, visit with Santa, or check out the Candy Cane Express model train as you get caught up in the seasonal magic. Adult admission costs $14.25 and the display is open nightly.
Christmas Queen: An Improv Comedy Fairytale
courtesy vanvantage.com
Cost: $16 (student ticket price)
Vancouver TheatreSports League presents Christmas Queen: An Improv Comedy Fairytale beginning November 20. The holiday-themed performance takes place at The Improv Center on Granville Island and offers student pricing as low as $16 on tickets. The improv show is sure to deliver laughs along with a healthy dose of Christmas cheer.
— by Melissa Taylor
