Vancouver knows how to celebrate, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Whether you have toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, the city’s mix of outdoor festivities, cultural celebrations, and light shows makes it easy to welcome the new year in style. From waterfront fireworks to cozy indoor attractions, here’s where families can make their last memories of 2025 together.
Canada Place Fireworks and Waterfront Festivities
The city’s biggest family event happens right along the waterfront at Canada Place. Families gather early to watch performers, enjoy food trucks, and take in the atmosphere before the main event. At midnight, the fireworks burst over Coal Harbour, reflecting off the water and lighting up the downtown skyline. It’s free, lively, and close to hotels and transit, so you can get back to your room quickly once the kids start to fade.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
For something magical and a little quieter, visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park during its Canyon Lights event. The forest sparkles with thousands of twinkling bulbs, lighting up the bridge, treetops, and cliff walk. It’s open late through the holiday season, offering a peaceful yet festive way to spend the evening before heading back to your hotel to watch the countdown. The park’s Cliff House Restaurant is a great place to grab dinner with a view before your stroll through the lights.
Robson Square Ice Rink
If you’re looking for an activity that keeps kids moving, head to Robson Square for skating under the city lights. The rink is open through New Year’s Eve, with music, snacks, and an energetic atmosphere that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Bring your own skates or rent a pair on site. It’s central, affordable, and perfect for families staying downtown.
Mount Seymour Family First Night
On the North Shore, Mount Seymour hosts an early New Year’s celebration designed just for families. There are snowshoe trails, tubing runs, live entertainment, and a special early countdown with fireworks at 9 p.m.—ideal for little ones who won’t make it to midnight. The mountain setting adds a classic Canadian touch, with snowflakes, hot cocoa, and mountain views all around.
Family-Friendly Dining and Celebrations
Several Vancouver restaurants and hotels offer family-focused dinners on New Year’s Eve. Look for spots that include early seatings or prix-fixe menus with entertainment for kids. The Vancouver Aquarium and Science World sometimes host special evening programs, where families can enjoy interactive exhibits in a more relaxed setting before heading out to see fireworks.
Exploring the City Together
If your family prefers to avoid crowds, there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Stroll the seawall, watch the harbour lights shimmer, or head up to Queen Elizabeth Park for panoramic views of the city. Many families also visit Stanley Park to see the final nights of Bright Nights, the park’s long-running holiday light display that raises funds for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
New Year’s Day Traditions
Extend your celebration into the first morning of 2026 with a family breakfast at one of Vancouver’s classic diners, like Medina Café or Jam Café. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, join the locals at English Bay for the annual Polar Bear Swim. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a quick, chilly dip in the Pacific Ocean to start the year off fresh.
Vancouver makes it easy to celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family. From dazzling light displays to mountain fireworks and ice-skating under the stars, every neighbourhood has its own way of saying goodbye to the old year. Whether you’re chasing thrills or soaking in the lights, it’s a celebration everyone can enjoy together.
