The third Monday in January, often dubbed the “most depressing day of the year,” is said to be marked by cold weather, post-holiday blues, and dwindling motivation in the Northern Hemisphere. But don’t let that get you down! There are so many fun things you can do around Vancouver that will definitely cheer you up.
What always brightens our spirits is delicious food, and this week is perfect for that as Dine Out Vancouver kicks off with over 400 participating restaurants. Plus, there’s a host of other food events, fun indoor activities, and early Lunar New Year celebrations to keep the good vibes going!
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Dine Out Vancouver
Dine Out Vancouver will return for 2025 with more restaurants than ever! 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
Street Food City
Vancouver’s original street food festival is back outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Presented by Destination Vancouver, Street Food Vancouver Society, DowntownVan, and supported by EVO Car Share, this annual winter food truck feast offers a chance to sample a variety of street food, from Indian to Mexican, pizza to grilled cheese.
Enjoy a covered, tented eating area perfect for a cozy winter picnic. Don’t miss this family-friendly event celebrating Vancouver’s vibrant street food scene!
When & Where: January 24–26, from 11 am to 5 pm at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square infront of the Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden
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UBC Botanical Garden’s Lunar New Year Market this weekend features local artisans, food trucks, live entertainment, lion dances, a kung fu show, workshops, and a photo booth.
When & Where: January 25 & 26 from 10 am – 4 pm at the UBC Botanical Garden – 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $8.88
Beetlejuice on Broadway
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
Mindful Morning at the Museum of Surrey
The Meditate Exhibition at the Museum of Surrey offers a unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and find your inner peace. This immersive experience, designed for all ages, combines interactive displays, serene spaces, and special events that explore the profound impact of meditation.
As part of the exhibition, the museum is hosting Mindful Morning at the Museum on January 26, 2025. This one-time event invites participants to start their day with guided meditation, a calming sound bath, and an exclusive tour of the exhibition, followed by a creative art activity.
When & Where: January 26 from 10am-12pm at the Museum of Surrey
Cost: Free
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival in Vancouver 2025 showcases innovative and boundary-pushing performances in theatre, dance, music, and multimedia from around the world. Running for just over 2 weeks, it offers a platform for artists to explore bold ideas and engage diverse audiences.
When & Where: January 23 – February 9 at various locations
Cost: Varies
Sinners by Norm Foster
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 & Where: January 24 – February 15 at the Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver
Cost: $37
The Pacific Agriculture Show
Visit the Annual Pacific Agriculture Show, the largest agricultural exhibition in BC. Learn about the latest in BC farming and enjoy fun family activities, such as: a petting zoo, photo booth (on Saturday only), Rabbitat, a rabbit rescue non-profit, climbing monster tractors and machines and more.
This is a local-run event that’s designed for people to connect and learn more about where our food comes from, as well as highlight how important farmers are for our communities.
When & Where: January 23 – 25, from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Tradex-Fraser Valley Trade Centre, 1190 Cornell St. Abbotsford
Cost: $15. Free for kids under 14.
Support Indigenous Youth at UNYA’s Annual Eat, Shop, Hang Event
Urban Native Youth Association’s (UNYA) Eat, Shop, Hang event is a thrifting extravaganza for Indigenous Youth, and your support is essential to make it a success.
They’re seeking donations of gently used clothing, shoes, purses, bags, belts, hats, wallets, socks, hygiene products, and make-up.
When & Where: January 20 – February 19 from 9am-5pm (excluding lunch hour) at the Urban Native Youth Association, 1618 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: Donations accepted
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
Catch a Game
- Vancouver Canucks vs. Buffalo Sabres (Lunar New Year Game) – January 21
- A variety of special Lunar New Year activities will be available to enjoy in celebration of next week’s event.
- Vancouver Giants vs Swift Current Broncos – January 26
Align Entertainment Presents: Meredith Willson’s The Music Man
By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best.
Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.
When & Where: January 24 – February 8 with multiple show times at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, 5455 Rumble St, Burnaby
Cost: Tickets from $35
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
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
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.
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
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.
