Winter Wonderland is bigger and better than ever

Free skating sessions, entertainment and more

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed December 12, 2025 3:00 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department is pleased to bring back the popular Winter Wonderland free skating event taking place on December 24 and again from December 26 to 31.

The Frank Crane Arena at Beban Park will be transformed into a "West Coast Winter Wonderland" theme featuring twinkling lights, seasonal music, a forest of real trees and a variety of winter decor to add to the wonderland experience. Activities over the seven days include free skating sessions. A Kinsmen Pancake Breakfast will occur on Sunday, Dec. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre.

New this year will be "Music in the Beban Breezeway" where residents are invited to bundle up, bring a chair and enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the generous support of local businesses and community organizations, all skating sessions are free, including helmet and skate rentals. For a list of sponsors, see the attached poster.

Check the Winter Wonderland page on the City's website for specific skating session times and the corresponding sponsors of the sessions.

Link to Strategic Plan: Cultural Vitality, Community Building Partnerships

Key Points

This yearly event takes place thanks to partnerships between the City of Nanaimo and various local businesses and is a way to say "thank you" to the community and give everyone, regardless of age, skating ability or economic circumstances, an opportunity to enjoy skating.
There is a Kinsmen Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, December 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre.
New this year is "Music in the Beban Breezeway" featuring local music talent performing a variety of music genres. Participants are invited to bundle up and bring their own chair.

Quotes

"Winter Wonderland is a Nanaimo tradition! For seven days each year, the Frank Crane Arena is transformed into a winter theme with an abundance of participation. The City of Nanaimo is grateful for the local businesses and organizations for their support in bringing this event to our community. New this year is "Music in the Breezeway" featuring a variety of local musical talent."

Grace Bell

Manager, Sport and Arenas

City of Nanaimo