Time to relax and enjoy the weekend!
Events such as themed parties, lantern festivals, and skating are happening throughout the entire weekend.
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Here are 21 awesome events to check out across metro Vancouver.
Events In Metro Vancouver This Weekend
Friday, January 5
Lanterns | Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival
The Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival will light up the skies of Vancouver with dozens of spectacular gossamer lanterns. It takes place at the PNE Grounds this weekend until Sunday, January 21st, 2018.
Being the largest festival of its kind in Canada, guests can expect to see 35 illuminated displays transforming over 14 acres of Hastings Park into an explosion of light and colours.
Skating | Winter Ice Palace
The 20th annual Winter Ice Palace is open at Cloverdale Arena this weekend until Sunday, January 7th, 2018. It’s a family-friendly open skate, with the arena decked out in twinkling holiday lights. Admission is $4.50 per person and you can rent skates rentals for an additional $3.25. Moreover, helmet rentals are $1.75.
Train | Winterfest
Winterfest kicked off on Friday, December 8th and stays open until Sunday, January 7th, 2018. Organizers are excited to bring to you Santa Express and Christmas Night Train. Santa Express runs from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., allowing you to enjoy an enchanting train ride through interactive themed displays. Not to mention, make sure you catch a selfie with Santa himself.
The Christmas Night Train, running from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. will take you through Bear Creek’s enchanted Forest Of Lights, brightening up your holiday season. This train is running Wednesday to Sunday.
Skating | Robson Square Ice Rink
The Robson Square Ice Rink is open this weekend and will host free skates daily until Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. Skating is free for all ages. Those who own their own skates are welcome to use them. Skate rentals are $4, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time. Furthermore, helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under. Robson Square Ice Rink will offer rentals and accept cash only.
Christmas lights | VanDusen Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights will be open at the VanDusen Botanical Garden this weekend until Sunday, January 7th, 2018. You can stroll through the garden and enjoy dancing light shows, photos with Santa and so much more. Dancing Lights occur every 20 minutes at Livingstone Lake. Back by popular demand, the Air France Carousel will take you on a Parisian musical experience around the world. All tickets include a free ride on the carousel.
Outdoor lights | Canyon Lights
Canyon Lights is taking place from Thursday, November 23rd – Sunday, January 28th, 2018. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are being transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. Guests will also get to see the tallest Christmas tree in the world!
Exhibition | The Fabric of Our Land
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC with the Musqueam Indian Band present the remarkable new exhibition The Fabric of Our Land: Salish Weaving. It’s on display from Sunday, November 19th – Sunday, April 15th, 2018. Curated by Susan Rowley in collaboration with Salish weavers, this exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the past 200 years of Salish wool weaving.
Exhibition | City on Edge
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) explores the history of our city’s street protests with City on Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism. It’s a major, new photo-based exhibition on display until Sunday, February 18th, 2018.
Outdoor lights | Lights at Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge, a display of over 100,000 Christmas lights returned to Coquitlam on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. The route will take visitors through a dazzling 1.2 kilometres of festive lights with ten themed zones. This family-friendly event is free to attend throughout the weekend and is located near the Lafarge Lake SkyTrain station.
Play | East Van Panto
The East Van Panto is back with another amazing show planned for Snow White & the Seven Dwarves. It plays from Wednesday, November 29th – Saturday, January 6th, 2018 at York Theatre. In this story, you’ll see your hero flee the Queen of North Vancouver across the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and straight into the madness of the PNE. When she arrives here, she dances with Superdogs, takes a ride on the Coaster, and befriends washed up 80s rock stars “The Seven Dwarves”. Tickets range from $22-$135.
Outdoor lights | Bright Nights at Stanley Park
The Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza will sparkle with over three million twinkling lights from Thursday, November 30th – Saturday, January 6th, 2018. This family-friendly holiday attraction features lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the 14-minute train ride.
Want to come during the day? There is a matinee tree operating during the daytime that’s the perfect option for families, school groups, and groups with children. However, there is no live performers during this ride. Tickets start at $6.
Outdoor lights | Heritage Christmas
Stroll through the streets of the Village to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. This winter wonderland’s last day is this Friday.
History | Women & War
Women and War shares the stories of generations of women impacted by conflict from the Great War to the War in Afghanistan
Saturday, January 6
Party | Passion Portal
Passion Portal – Enchanted Forest Party takes place on Saturday, January 6th, 2018. It’s a a multi-room, enchanted forest theme party, full of sensual & electric dance vibes galore, showcasing 25+ local DJ’s & producers. Not to mention, it will have circus, magic and dance stage performances.
There will be two rooms of DJs and dancing. The main room will have deep bass, trap, electro, dubstep, and G house music. Furthermore, the second room will be playing dark & funky underground house, techno, and EDM.
Celebration | Let’s Dance: 3rd Annual David Bowie Party at The Fox
The Fox Cabaret invites you to dance at their third annual celebration of iconic musician and artist David Bowie in honour of his birthday. Tickets start at $10.
Yoga | Beginners Workshop – Yoga Fundamentals with Sian
In this comprehensive 2.5 hour session, you’ll be introduced to all the basics of Hatha Yoga practice, including safe alignment, simple breathing and use of props. It takes place this weekend on Saturday, January 6th. Admission is $30.
Clubbing | Own Saturdays Grand Finale
An era is coming to an end. Come out for the final Saturday night at Caprice X LED to make some final memories!
Lesson | Introduction to Photography
Broadway Camera’s ‘Introduction to Photography’ will guide you through all you need to know to get started with your new DSLR or mirrorless camera. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dancing | Aerial Dance Workshops
Kira Schaffer of Firebelly Performance Society is offering two adult weekend workshops at the Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver on Saturday, January 6th and Sunday, January 7th, 2018.
Sunday, January 7
Showing | Golden Globe Awards Party
Join the Rio Theatre for their annual free Golden Globe Awards Party this weekend on Sunday, January 7th, 2018. As always, they will roll out the red carpet and encourage everyone to dress up like the #EastVan star that they are. It starts at 5:00 p.m. and goes until 9:00 p.m.
Celebration | Pancakes and Jam – 5 Year Anniversary Party
Pancakes and Jam is hosting their 5 year anniversary party this Sunday at The Woods Studio. There will be lots of special performances, including Coco Jaffro.