Most of Vancouver’s best Christmas and holiday events and attractions are ticketed, but not all! The big Santa Parade is over, but there are still plenty of options for free Christmas and holiday events in Vancouver.

Top 5 Free Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Events

1. Christmas in Kerrisdale – Saturdays & Sundays Before Christmas & December 23, 2010
The picturesque south Vancouver shopping village of Kerrisdale celebrates the holiday season with free horse and carriage rides (Saturdays only), free indoor ice skating at Kerrisdale Arena (on December 19), free visits with Santa, and live Christmas music in the streets.

2. Unsilent Night Boom Box Caroling – December 19, 2010
An unusual, interactive musical parade, the singular Unsilent Night is a chance to see (or participate in) a synchronized boom box event staged in cities all around the world. Vancouver’s Unsilent Night happens in the West End.

3. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – December 21, 2010
Celebrate the ancient tradition of welcoming back the sun after the winter solstice—the longest night of the year—at free events at five different Vancouver neighbourhoods, including Yaletown, Granville Island, and Chinatown. The Festival includes lantern displays, the “labyrinth of light,” live music, performances, and processions.

4. Christmas at Canada Place: Woodward’s Windows -  Through December 24, 2010
Take a walking tour of the charming Woodward’s Windows, mechanized Christmas display windows that recreate the historic Woodwards displays of Christmases past. The windows come alive 8am – 10pm daily.

5. Carol Ships Parade of Light – Through December 23, 2010
A unique Vancouver tradition, the Carol Ships are decorated boats that sail the Vancouver coastlines in a “parade of light.” Dining aboard the ships isn’t free, but watching the glorious parade shore-side is!

Did I miss a great free event? Please let me know in the comments!

For more Christmas & holiday fun: Top 10 Vancouver Christmas & Holiday Events 2010.