Bundle up and get ready for a month packed with cozy eats, entertaining shows, and activities to brighten your winter days!

Things To Do In Vancouver This January

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim (Jan 1) FREE

There are multiple places you can take the icy new year plunge at this January 1st. Here are a few popular spots. Details can be found here.

• Vancouver: Polar Bear Swim at English Bay
• White Rock: Polar Bear Plunge at White Rock Pier
• North Vancouver: Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park –
• Delta: Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park
• Port Moody: Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park

Art Gallery Free Entry (Jan 3) FREE

The Vancouver Art Gallery is free on the first Friday of every month. Attendees can enter between 4 and 8 pm. They will be offering educational tours and other programming free of charge.

It’s also worth mentioning that children and teens aged 18 and under can visit the art gallery for free at any time, thanks to a program launched last summer that runs for five years.

When & Where: January 3 from 4-8pm at 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission (pre-registration is recommended)

Burnaby Village Museum – Heritage Village (Ending Jan 3) FREE

Experience Burnaby in all its festive beauty. The popular Heritage Christmas event will be coming back for another year.

The event takes place November 23 to January 3, 2025, and the best part yet—it’s free. The official launch of the Heritage Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony will be on November 30 at 6 p.m.

When & Where: November 23 to January 3, 2025 at the Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
Cost: Free

Stanley Park Bright Nights (Ending Jan 4) FREE

Every holiday season has cherished traditions that bring joy to our hearts. And one of Vancouver’s favourite tradition is taking in the breathtaking light display at Stanley Park’s Bright Nights event.

This FREE family-friendly event returns for another year of beautiful twinkling light displays, live entertainment, and delicious food.

When & Where: November 29– January 4, 2025 from 4-10 pm (closed Christmas Day) at Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: by donation

Oshōgatsu: Japanese New Year Celebrations (Jan 4) FREE

Celebrate Japanese New Year at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre! Enjoy calligraphy, board games, tea, hula dance, meet program instructors, and enjoy delicious treats.

There will also be paid programs you can register for, along with a variety of food vendors on site with delicious treats.

When: January 4 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free

Merry & Bright – Martini Town Film Studio Tour (Ending Jan 5)

Are you looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience this December? Step into Martini Town, a world of movie magic and indulge in a unique holiday experience. Langley’s very own exterior Film Backlot, is set to reopen to the public. Their beautiful set is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland by a team of skilled industry crew.

When & Where: December 4 – January 5, 2025 on select days at Martini Town, 1123 272 St, Aldergrove
Cost: $22

VanDusen Festival of Lights (Ending Jan 5)

The VanDusen Festival of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition in Vancouver, held at the picturesque VanDusen Botanical Garden. Each year, the garden is transformed into a dazzling wonderland of millions of sparkling lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll through themed light displays, listen to live music, warm up by fire pits, and even enjoy seasonal treats, making it a cherished destination during the holiday season.

When & Where: November 29 – January 5 at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Cost: $28

Cirque du Soleil: Echo (Ending Jan 5)

Cirque du Soleil will be in Vancouvert heir mesmerizing show, “ECHO”, until January 5.

The enchanting performance is the perfect way to spend a night out. Transporting audiences into a world of wonder and awe as only Cirque du Soleil can.

When & Where: October 9 – January 5: With shows throughout the week under the Big Top at the Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver
Cost: Ticket prices range from $70-$200

The Polygon Gallery’s Holiday Shop (Ending Jan 5)

An annual tradition, the gallery’s main floor will be beautifully decorated and carefully curated with unique gifts by independent makers and artists. Come get festive and shop local at The Polygon this holiday season. Every week there are interactive holiday workshops and events.

Where & When: Dec 26 – Jan 5, Wed – Sun: 10am – 5pm, Thu: 10am – 9pm at the Polygon Gallery, 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sum (Jan 11)

Sum 41 is hitting the stage one last time with their highly anticipated “Tour of the Setting Sum.”

Catch the iconic punk rock band in Vancouver on January 11 as they perform fan-favorite hits from their decades-long career. This farewell tour promises an unforgettable night of high-energy music and nostalgia. Don’t miss your chance to see them live before they say goodbye!

When & Where: Jan 11 at 6:50 pm from Rogers Arena, Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Bright Walk in White Rock (Ending January 12) FREE

Although already beautiful, the White Rock Pier will become even more magical and festive during the holiday season. This winter, the waterfront promenade decked with magical lights and displays full of holiday cheer. Among the beautiful holiday lights is a beautifully illuminated light tunnel and a 20-foot Christmas tree.

When & Where: December 7- January 12 at the White Rock Pier
Cost: Free

Cineplex Popcorn Day (Jan 19)

On Friday, January 19th, in honor of National Popcorn Day, Cineplex is excited to declare that they will be treating patrons to complimentary small bags of their buttery popcorn throughout the day. This is eligible for Scene+ Members, simply show your membership card and your movie ticket to receive a free small bag of popcorn at the concession!

When & Where: January 19 at participating Cineplex’s around Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Canyon Lights (Ending Jan 19)

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a mesmerizing holiday event in North Vancouver. During this annual spectacle, the suspension bridge and surrounding rainforest are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical winter wonderland.

Visitors can take a breathtaking walk among the treetops on the suspension bridge while being immersed in the festive glow, making it a truly enchanting experience for all ages.

When & Where: November 22-January 19 at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Explore the World Beneath You at Discovery Day (Jan 19) FREE

Explore the World Beneath You at Discovery Day – A Free, Family-Fun Experience. Curious about the world beneath you? Bring the whole family to Discovery Day, hosted by the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME).

Discover BC’s fascinating world of minerals and mining through interactive, hands-on exhibits:

When & Where: January 19 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
Cost: Free

Beetlejuice on Broadway (Jan 21-26)

The hit Broadway musical Beetlejuice is coming to Vancouver from January 21 to 26! Based on the iconic Tim Burton film, this laugh-out-loud production is packed with spooky fun, incredible performances, and show-stopping musical numbers.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the wild antics of Beetlejuice live on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It’s the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave audiences buzzing!

When & Where: January 21-29 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Dine Out Vancouver (Jan 22 to Feb 9)

Dine Out Vancouver will return for 2025. The event gives locals the opportunity to experience meals at hundreds of restaurants across Metro Vancouver, so people in various neighbourhoods can enjoy and support local eateries.

When & Where: January 22 – February 9 at participating spots all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Chinese New Year (Jan 29) TBA

Chinese New Year in 2025 falls on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. This vibrant celebration usually brings a series of exciting events across Metro Vancouver, including the much-anticipated parade in Chinatown. From cultural performances to delicious traditional foods, there’s always something special to enjoy. Stay tuned for more details and events as the date approaches!

Hot Chocolate Festival (TBA)

Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated annual winter festivals is the Hot Chocolate Festival in Vancouver. This year’s details are still to be announced, however, the event usually takes place in January.

Every year, coffee shops, bakeries and chocolatiers get creative with their cups of cocoa. It is a perfect way to warm up in winter and get into a “sweet” frame of mind before Valentine’s Day.

When & Where: Dates TBA at participating spots all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Catch a Show

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Ending Jan 2)

This December, VIFF is presentingWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a hilarious and heartwarming new feature film adventure featuring the beloved claymation duo.  Their first outing for over 15 years, it’s a treat for families (with $10 youth tickets!) – and anyone who loves endearing animation, dad jokes, slapstick comedy and joyous storytelling.

This time, Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit face off against a new tech-based threat: a “Smart Gnome” under the control of none other than the infamous Feathers McGraw.

When & Where: Shows throughout December-January.
Cost: From $16

Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime

You are cordially invited to Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime! Metro Theatre’s yearly holiday tradition is back for the 39th time, with the same creative team that brought you last year’s big success, SINBAD!

This fairytale family favourite is sure to please young and old, prince and princess alike with exciting musical numbers, games, and laughs galore.

When & Where: December 13 – January 5 at the Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver
Cost: $33-$42

Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

This holiday season Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, the award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel.

Join young Oliver Twist as he navigates the Victorian London underworld, searching for a place to belong, home, and – most importantly – family. Oliver! springs to life on the Gateway Mainstage with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage.

When & Where: December 12 – January 4 at Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road,
Richmond
Cost: From $40

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2024 (Jan 23-Feb 9)

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns for its 21st edition in Vancouver this winter, featuring a diverse lineup of performances catering to every kind of live arts aficionado.

Audiences can delve into themes such as migration, displacement, labor, injustice, and artificial intelligence, adding an extra layer of depth and thought-provoking content to the performances.

When & Where: January 23 – February 9 at various venues
Cost: Varies

Sinners by Norm Foster (Jan 24 – Feb 15)

A riotously funny farce from Canada’s most produced playwright, Norm Foster, comes to Metro Theatre!

Sinners is an under-seen comedic gem that spins a tale of heavenly mismatches—and devilish consequences. Join a rogues gallery of sinners, including a reverend, his wife, her lover, an inquisitive cop and a gaggle of nosy neighbours.

When: January 24 – February 15 at the Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets start at $37

Ongoing Things To Do

Join the 450 Challenge and Donate blood

Join the 450 Challenge and help meet Canada’s growing demand for blood and plasma. Every day, we need 450 new donors to ensure patients get the life-saving treatments they need.

If you’ve never donated before, now’s the time to become part of this vital mission. Book an appointment today or in the coming weeks to contribute to Canada’s Lifeline. Your donation could save three lives—let’s get Canada’s blood pumping!

Lights at Lafarge (Nov 22 – Feb 2025) FREE

Coquitlam’s largest holiday light display is back. Stunning the area of Town Centre Park, Lights at Lafarge will wow spectators once again this year as they walk through the beautiful Christmas displays and enjoy some festive fun.

The Lights at Lafarge Kick-off Event will take place on Friday November 22, and there will be live entertainment and food vendors from 5-8 pm.

When & Where: November 22 – February 2025 at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam
Cost: Free

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Rink (FREE)

North Vancouver’s impressive 12,000 square foot skating rink in The Shipyards returns this holiday season and it’s free for all.

The city skyline serves as a stunning backdrop, and with all these commercial amenities right at your fingertips, it’s truly spectacular. This skating rink is unlike any other in Vancouver.

When & Where: November 30 – February 28 at Shipyards District, 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Robson Square Ice Rink (FREE)

This winter, strap on some skates and frolic in one of Vancouver’s most beloved ice rinks. Downtown’s Robson Square Ice Rink will return to the public this holiday season. Conveniently located in the centre of downtown, it is an outdoor rink with a glass ceiling that beautifully lights up for the festive season.

When & Where: December 1 – February 29 from various times at Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Skate rentals are $5)

Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99

Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup is still TBA.

Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.

Catch a Game

• The Canucks’ NHL season continues at Rogers Arena. It has been an exciting season, this is the perfect winter activity to enjoy with your friends and family.
• The Vancouver Giants is also continuing their season at the Langley Event Centre with affordable tickets to enjoy games every weekend.

Source: 604NOW