Looking for fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver this weekend? It has been a colder-than-usual week, but we don’t mind since the sun is shining, making it the perfect weather to explore our beautiful city.
From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So bundle up, soak up the sunshine, and make the most of all that Metro Vancouver has to offer!
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2025
Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated annual winter festivals is the Hot Chocolate Festival in Vancouver. 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.
This year will be the 15th run of the festival. There are 81 businesses will be participating at 124 locations, with a total of 180 different flavours!
When & Where: January 18 – February 14 at locations all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies
*Last Chance* 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
The Arts Club Theatre Company presents The Three Musketeers
The Arts Club Theatre Company starts the new year with The Three Musketeers, a masterfully adapted swashbuckling comedy, at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, this tale follows the adventures of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and the young D’Artagnan. Newly arrived in Paris, with the skill of a swordsman and the heart of a warrior, D’Artagnan wishes to join the renowned musketeers.
When & Where: January 16 – February 16 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street Vancouver
Cost: From $29.
Explore the World Beneath You at Discovery Day (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
Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown is thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a mix of traditional and modern Lunar New Year activities.
Highlights include the first-ever Chef Series, featuring some of BC’s top chefs, including the latest Top Chef Canada winner, a Lion Dance workshop open to all ages, and an engaging partnership with the Chinese Canadian Museum.
When & Where: From January 13 to February 16 at Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Cost: Free
Taste of Chinatown
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Taste of Chinatown! returns with a month-long celebration for the Year of the Snake. Enjoy exciting food pop-ups, special tastings, mural coloring, and more!
The festivities end on February 2nd with the 51st Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration & Parade, featuring family-friendly fun and live entertainment.
When & Where: January 9 – February 2, 2025 with activities taking place all around the 16-blocks of Vancouver’s Chinatown
Cost: Varies
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival blends an unparalleled mountain adventure with a week packed full of winter sports, culture, and entertainment. There will be guided ski and snowboard groups, a free festival Après Skis at the host hotel, and nightly entertainment events. Along with that, visitors can also enjoy the Whistler Pride EATS program, which showcases the resort’s top culinary offerings and highlights preferred dining partners.
When & Where: January 19- 26 at various venues in Whistler
Cost: Varies
Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Get ready for an exciting showdown as the Vancouver Canucks face off against the Edmonton Oilers this weekend. The game promises thrilling action, with both teams bringing their top talent to the ice. Don’t miss the opportunity to cheer for your favorite team in this highly anticipated matchup!
When & Where: January 18 at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: $200+
Abbotsford Canucks vs. San Jose Barracuda
The Abbotsford Canucks are set to take on the San Jose Barracuda in an electrifying game this weekend. Fans can look forward to intense action as these AHL rivals battle it out on the ice.
When & Where: January 18 & 19 at the Abbotsford Centre, 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
Cost: $27 – $90+fees
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Bloedel Conservatory
The perfect winter escape, Bloedel Conservatory finally reopened this month, and is the perfect place to visit to escape the winter blues. Located at Queen Elizabeth Park’s highest point, it was temporarily closed this Fall for repairs and to improve accessibility.
This domed paradise features over 100 exotic birds, koi fish, and 500 species of plants and flowers in a temperature-controlled setting.
When & Where: January and February: 10am-4pm at 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
Cost: $8.05
Lights at Lafarge (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
Giant Bowl of Noodles Challenge
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If you’re feeling a bit adventurous this weekend, or if your New Year’s goal is to take on as many challenges as you can, these delicious food challenges might catch your interest.
Pho Kitchen, located in the Renfrew neighbourhood, offers a 3KG Pho Challenge. The bowl includes beef broth, rare steak, flank, and rice noodles. It’s available for dine-in only, and you have 45 minutes to finish everything. The pho costs $50, but if you complete the challenge within the time limit, you’ll win a $50 voucher for future use at Pho Kitchen!
Alternatively, if pho isn’t your thing, Ramen Taka in Vancouver hosts the Giga Dragon Ramen Challenge. It’s free if you can finish it within 30 minutes! You can choose from their shoyu, shio, or miso broths. However, if you’re unable to complete the challenge, you’ll need to pay for the equivalent of four bowls of ramen.
Cypress Pop-Up & Trestle Bridge (FREE)
Take a scenic stroll across an elevated trestle bridge adorned with dazzling holiday lights, nestled in a pocket forest on West Vancouver’s mountainside. Back by popular demand for the Christmas season, Cypress Village will light up nightly until the end of February 2025.
The Cypress Pop-Up Village is beautifully decorated for the holidays and features The Shed, a cozy outdoor spot offering festive treats and drinks like hot coffee, beer, and pizza. Visitors can also enjoy a designated lookout with breathtaking panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and Metro Vancouver.
When & Where: On now until February 2025, until 10 pm daily at 3757 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver (location of the pop-up village and main parking)
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 & $5 Movies on Tuesdays
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- Jan 11 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Jan 18 – Red One
- Jan 25 -Despicable Me 4
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.
As an added bonus for move lovers, from January 14 – February 11, Cineplex is offering $5 movie tickets and $5 popcorn every Tuesday.
The $5 popcorn deal is limited-time, while discounted ticket prices will continue every Tuesday year-round. Note: Popcorn toppings are extra, and online ticket purchases include a booking fee of up to $1.50.
