Happy New Year, Vancouver! Who else is excited for what the new year has to bring?
Although the parties are now over, it doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. Start the first weekend of the year strong with some fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver.
RELATED: TransLink Services To Be Free New Year’s Eve, With Later Last Trains
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Bloedel Conservatory Reopens
The perfect winter escape, Bloedel Conservatory finally reopens this Saturday, January 4. 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
Art Gallery Free Entry (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)
Stanley Park Bright Nights (Ending Jan 4)
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.
Although unfortunately, the Stanley Park Holiday Train had to end early for the season, the park is still open for another week.
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
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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
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
St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (Ending Jan 3) FREE
Celebrate the Lights of Hope display at St Paul’s Hospital. The beloved Lights of Hope tradition returns! The Lights of Hope display will be shining bright over Burrard Street to show donor support for patients, residents, and frontline heroes across BC.
Their Light up event will be taking place on November 27 from 6-8pm with a free celebration with hot chocolate performances, and photos with Santa.
When & Where: November 27 – January 3 at St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver
Cost: Free
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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
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
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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
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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!
Cinderella: A Traditional British Pantomime (Ending Jan 5)
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! (Ending Jan 4)
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
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
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Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Check out a beautiful Light Display
Perfect for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends and family, these sparkling displays in and around Vancouver are guaranteed to fill you with holiday cheer.
You can check out our full guide here. Here are some events that has already started:
- Canyon Lights (Nov 22 – Jan 19) Cost varies (Details)
- Lights at Lafarge (Nov 22 – Feb 2025) FREE (Details)
- Bright Walk in White Rock (Dec 7- Jan 12) Free (Details)
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
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- 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.
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