If you look past all the torrential rain, flash flooding and powerful wind storms, winter in Vancouver is actually really beautiful.
Numerous holiday events, concerts and much more make it a magical time of year.
Here’s our comprehensive list of 101 Metro Vancouver events to check out this winter.
101 Metro Vancouver Events This Winter
December
Photo: Lights of Hope
About: This spectacular display will be up until Monday, January 7th, 2019, shining every day from dusk till dawn.
Cost: By donation
Time: dawn to dusk
About: The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are being transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment.
Cost: Free – $46.95
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About: Will Ferrell stars as one of Santa’s best helpers, a human named Buddy who heads home to New York City in search of his roots.
Cost: $5 – $10.50
Time: 1:45 p.m.
Photo: Bacio Rosso / Facebook
About: Bacio Rosso is an intimate, fully immersive evening of cirque, comedy and cuisine. It’ll be in Vancouver for a string of shows at Queen Elizabeth Park starting Thursday, November 1st, 2018.
Cost: Starting at $109
Time: 6:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
About: Guest curator Dion Kaszas of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation traces the deep-rooted traditions of Indigenous tattooing, piercing and personal adornment.
Cost: Free – $26
Time: 10:00 a.m.
About: Guest curated by Haida Curator Kwiaahwah Jones in collaboration with Viviane Gosselin, Co-curator and Director of Collections & Exhibitions at MOV, this exhibition features an unparalleled collection of Haida art boasting more than 450 works created as early as 1890.
Cost: $9 – $19
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Photo: @lookswow / Instagram
About: The family-friendly festival offers elements inspired by the North Pole, including mystical characters, captivating light displays, ice-skating on a frozen river, Santa’s workshop and carnival rides among other attractions.
Cost: Free – $19.99
Time: Various
About: This art exhibit will “challenge us to explore the social impacts of emerging bio-technology and our ethical limits”.
Cost: $11 – $35
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
About: The city’s signature yuletide celebration offers its largest festivities to date. It will feature more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats and treasures.
Cost: $5 – $50
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve)
Vancouver Madinah 2018 Clothing Drive
About: The dynamic team at Vancouver Madinah would like to share the opportunity with the Muslim Ummah and responsible citizens to partake in a clothing drive to provide warmth and ease to those who are in need. Donation boxes will be spread across various locations.
Cost: Free
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Photo: Vancouver Aquarium / Facebook
About: This festive season, immerse yourself in a mesmerizing display of lights, bubbles, movements and sounds inside the Vancouver Aquarium’s interactive experience.
Cost: Free – $38
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Princess Bride at the Rio Theatre
About: Based on Goldman‘s 1973 novel of the same name, Rob Reiner‘s The Princess Bride has taken on a life of its own as one of the most beloved (and infinitely quotable) fairy tales to ever hit the big screen
Cost: Various
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
About: Feel the enchantment and radiance of twinkling lights, the calm echo of the snow, the warmth of Santa’s smile as he greets you in his workshop and the joy of witnessing real reindeer.
Cost: Free – $149
About: This family-friendly holiday attraction features lights, breathtaking displays, and live performers along the 14-minute train ride.
Cost: $8 – $12
Time: Various
About: Park & Tilford is set to light up the season with the 30th annual holiday Hi-Light Festival at Park & Tilford Gardens.
Cost: By donation
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour
Photo: Westcoast Sightseeing
About: Guests will find each trolley fully-loaded with TV’s, karaoke machines and only the best Christmas carols!
Cost: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
About: From 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, the Chalet Lights Charity will be illuminated and 100% of both the cash and food donations go in support of the Harvest Project, Shriners Care for Kids and BC Epilepsy Society.
Cost: By donation
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
About: Running from Friday, November 30th – Friday, December 28th, 2018, over 20,000 visitors come out each year to admire the culinary creations and vote for their favourites.
Cost: Free (donations are encouraged)
Ice Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink
About: Skating is free for all ages. Those who own their own skates are welcome to use them. Skate rentals are $5 and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time.
Cost: Free
Time: Various
Photo: Bloedel Conservatory / Facebook
About: Visitors will experience unique holiday themed plant displays, lights, music, photo opps, a scavenger hunt with prizes, 17’ LED fir trees by MK Illumination, the same agency behind Luna the Lumiere Whale at Morton Park in the West End, and gold feather ornaments suspended from the dome.
Cost: Free – $6.50
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About: Catfe, Vancouver’s very own cat cafe, has been taken over by cute bunnies for a special “Meet & Treat”.
Cost: $10
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
About: Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the darkest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music and dancing!
Cost: Free (Donations are encouraged)
Time: Various
About: Galaxion celebrates all facets of fun 80’s dance music from pop to hip hop to post-punk. DJs Pandemonium, Trilliam Gibson, Evilyn13 and Vortex will be playing retro choons all night long.
Cost: $8
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Photo: Dundarave Festival of Lights / Facebook
About: Over 100 Christmas trees are decorated, lit and sponsored by community groups, businesses, schools, churches and families.
Cost: Free
Time: Noon – dusk
About: The improv will be fast, the competition will be furious, and the laughs will be non-stop!
Cost: $12
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
About: With thoughtful, poignant and celebratory music Christmas at Canadian Memorial is special and has something for everyone!
Cost: Free
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Pay-what-you-can nights at MOV
About: Learn something new about the city this holiday season at the Museum of Vancouver! Admission is by donation after 5:00 p.m. on December 27, 28 and 29th, 2018
Cost: Pay what you can
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About: The two day festival will features 20 internationally acclaimed artists, including Grammy Award winning headliners Skrillex – as well as Grammy and American Music Award-winning duo, The Chainsmokers.
Cost: Various
Time: Various
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Photo: Party4Health / Facebook
About: Hosted by Party4Health, the 3rd annual NYE Skytrain Party will see you celebrate on the skytrain, with a good commute to wherever you are going.
Cost: Free
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Family Pizza Party
About: New Year’s Eve festivities include pizza making, balloon twisting, face painting, 3-course dinner and early countdown
Cost: $20 – $25
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About: They will provide you with a mouth-watering gourmet buffet and dance music by the Euroband throughout the night.
Cost: $90
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Glitz & Glamour Gala
About: Melo Productions presents a New Year’s dinner and dance party with music on four dance floors.
Cost: $50 – $110
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Countdown of Curiosities – Dinner & Cabaret Show
About: Travel along with The Crystalline Cabaret’s “Countdown of Curiosities!”. Ten dazzling variety acts will come alive with the help of a strange Doctor and a curious explorer.
Cost: $40 – $75
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Variety Show
About: Celebrate with family and friends at Vancouver Cabaret’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show, featuring circus acrobats, magic, a live orchestra and one of Vancouver’s biggest balloon drops at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre downtown.
Cost: $20-$89
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver
Photo: New Year’s Eve Vancouver / Facebook
About: With over 100,000 attendees, Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver is a family-friendly and fully-inclusive celebration of the biggest night of the year.
Cost: Various
Time: 7:00 p.m.
About: Celebrate in style at the Ivanhoe!
Cost: Various
Time: 8:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: Celebrate 60 years of the Cuban Revolution
About: Come ring in the New Year with friends & supporters of the Cuban Revolution.
Cost: $20 – $25
Time: 8:00 p.m.
About: This event features Dr. Strangelove. There will be music ranging from the 50s to current top 40.
Cost: $75
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
About: his New Years Eve, travel through time to 4 of the most epic moments in music history….and the future at Vancouver’s iconic Waldorf Hotel.
Cost: $50
Time: 8:00 p.m.
About: Come spend New Year’s at Little Mountain Gallery! Nathan Hare and Graeme Achurch host a variety show featuring your favourite comedians.
Cost: $10
Time: 9:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Boat Party Vancouver
About: Vancity Party Cruises brings you New Years Eve Fireworks Boat Party! Join us aboard the Queen of Diamonds, one of the the largest boat in Vancouver.
Cost: $70
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 1:00 a..m
January
Photo: Mark Klotz / 604 Now Flickr Pool
About: As one of the world’s largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club started in 1920 when 10 swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day.
Cost: Free
Time: 2:30 p.m.
About: First Tuesday of every month is $5 admission for seniors (65+).
Cost: $5
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
About: From noon to 3 pm, a live DJ will be spinning tunes while guests tuck into delicious southern-fried breakfast specials and feature cocktails.
Cost: Various
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
About: The Italian Film Festival’s mandate is to raise awareness and promote all aspects of Italian cinema.
Cost: Various
Time: Various
Photo: Gluten Free Expo / Facebook
About: Sample, shop, and save on hundreds of gluten free products while learning from leading experts.
Cost: $12 – $20
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
About: Count down to Perihelion, the “real new year” with the Space Centre to celebrate the moment when the Earth will be closest to the sun for all of 2019.
Cost: General admission
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
About: Come and celebrate the life of Bowie!
Cost: $15 – $20
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Musicircus at The Polygon Gallery
Photo: Robert Stefanowicz
About: The event will feature compositions by legendary composer John Cage.
Cost: By donation
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
About: The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is one of Vancouver’s signature events. Produced over three weeks each January, the PuSh Festival presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts.
Cost: Various
Time: Various
About: Shop for a variety of different items!
Cost: $5
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
About: The observatory will be open so you can check out the Moon up close through the telescope. If it is a rainy night the Space Centre will have a live feed of the eclipse in the Planetarium Star Theatre.
Cost: Regular admission
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
About: Tinder Tales is dedicated to the twisted, awkward and hilarious delights of online dating. Seasoned storytellers and everyday people confessing their most outrageous and just plain STRANGE dating stories live on stage.
Cost: $10 – $15
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
About: L.A. rock band Dorothy performs at Venue.
Cost: $25
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy Marathon
Photo: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy / Facebook
About: Based on the high-fantasy epic novel by English author J.R.R. Tolkien, Jackson’s trilogy represents a monumental achievement in modern filmmaking that has been embraced by fans around the world.
Cost: $12.50 – $30
Time: 12:00 p.m.
About: The event is being hosted by the Circus Sideshow Reptiles—a group that shows off these creatures within the modeling world and entertainment industry.
Cost: $60
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Personal Safety Workshops
About: The tactics taught are designed to be easily learned and remembered by women who have no prior training.
Cost: Free
Time: Various
About: Attendees will experience high-energy music, CO2 shows and laser lights, creating the perfect party atmosphere.
Cost: $10 – $20
Time: 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Photo: Ric Flair, The Nature Boy / Facebook
About: The wrestling legend will be at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with guest moderator Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart to bring pro wrestling’s greatest stories to life with the Off the Top Rope tour.
Cost: $34.50 – $79.50
Time: 8:00 p.m.
About: ayceon Terrell Taylor, better known by his stage name The Game, will be performing at the Harbour Event Centre on Saturday, January 12th, 2019.
Cost: $55 – $130
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
FLEUR Luxury Wedding Show & Forum
About: FLEUR is the city’s first wedding show to bring together elite industry professionals and celebrity influencers, offering guests hands-on workshops, a panel discussion and fashion presentation in a fully immersive setting.
Cost: $35+
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
About: YG is going on tour to support his latest 4HUNNID RECORDS release “Stay dangerous”.
Cost: $49.50
Time: 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
About: This chocolate journey will take you from Tuscany to Sicily, and begin as far back as the 17th Century. Learn how chocolate entered Italy, and the impact the various cultures within shaped the form and flavour of this popular drink.
Cost: $60
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Photo: Travis Scott / Facebook
About: The Houston rapper has announced an extension of his “Astroworld Wish You Were Here” tour. The second leg of the tour will kickoff right here in Vancouver on Friday, January 25.
Cost: TBA
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
About: The evening will feature incredible food creations from Chinese Restaurant Award-winning chefs, a special musical performance by Hong Kong singer and actress Linda Chung, and an exciting live auction with exclusive, luxury items.
Cost: $368
Time: 5:30 p.m.
About: Dierks Bentley will be in Vancouver this January as part of his Burning Man Tour. He’ll be performing at Rogers Arena on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019.
Cost: Various
Time: 7:00 p.m.
About: his is the Point is a joyous and unflinching portrait of four individuals whose lives have been shaped, in part, by cerebral palsy.
Cost: $24 – $51
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Photo: KISS / Facebook
About: After an epic and storied 45 year career that spurred an era of rock n roll legends, KISS announced that they will launch their final tour ever in 2019, appropriately named End Of The World Tour.
Cost: Various
Time: 7:30 p.m.
About: Icelandic composer, musician, and producer Olafur Arnalds performs at the Commodore Ballroom.
Cost: 7:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Time: $40
February
Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival
Photo: Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival
About: The site will be illuminated in celebration of Chinese culture, featuring dozens of massive traditional artisan lanterns, amazing live performances, children’s activities and incredible food.
Cost: TBA
Time: TBA
About: There will be DJs, performances, activities and many surprises!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
About: Arkells performs at Pacific Coliseum.
Cost: $54.95-$100.70
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Photo: Rey Mysterio / Facebook
About: WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania will take over Rogers Arena on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019.
Cost: Starting at $20
Time: 7:30 p.m.
About: No stranger to East Van livin’, Juno Award-winning rapper and songwriter Shad returns to Vancouver
Cost: Various
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
About: Set in a mesmerizing theatrical world, this deadly serious and sublimely ridiculous story – of soldiers in love and women confined by tradition – is a bold and playful romp through the extremes of desire and ambition, loyalty and redemption.
Cost: $24-$51
Time: 8:00 p.m.
About: Catch this popular kids TV show at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Cost: $48-88
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Vancouver International Boat Show
About: The Vancouver Boat Show’s two great locations – an indoor venue at BC Place and Floating Show at Granville Island – offer show-goers of all ages and expertise an unparalleled experience.
Cost: Various
Time: Various
Photo: @ubcrec / Instagram
About: Wear your brightest clothes, bring your yoga mat (or borrow one for free) and enjoy yoga under black lights.
Cost: Free
Time: 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Taboo Naughty but Nice Sex Show
About: The Taboo Naughty but Nice Sex Show provides an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, encouraging romance, personal betterment and all things Taboo.
Cost: $20 at the door
About: Started in 2009 and built to be a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture.
Cost: Free
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
About: All-female indie-pop quartet The Aces perform at Fortune Sound Club.
Cost: $16
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Photo: Justin Timberlake / Facebook
About: American pop–R&B singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake brings his show to Rogers Arena.
Cost: Various
Time: 7:30 p.m.
After Hours at Vancouver Aquarium
About: Explore the galleries with a drink in hand, and enjoy special programming. Only taking place a few times a year, these popular events sell out fast.
Cost: $27 – $35
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Women’s Personal Safety Workshops
About: The tactics taught are designed to be easily learned and remembered by women who have no prior training.
Cost: Free
Time: Various
About: At Science of Cocktails, the city’s most talented bartenders and chefs will showcase the chemistry, biology and physics behind preparing modern cocktails and cuisine.
Cost: $159 – $289
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Photo: JFL Northwest
About: Taking place from Thursday, February 14th – Saturday, December 23rd, 2019, the festival promises to deliver larger-than-life laughs as it unites today’s funniest comedy stars.
Cost: Various
Time: Various
About: Enjoy dinner, drinks and networking with BC’s top business owners, industry leaders and government officials as they announce the winners of the 16th Annual Small Business BC Awards.
Cost: $110 – $140
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
About: The performance is part of his Snoop Dogg & Friends Tour, which is “proudly celebrating 25 years of doggystyle”.
Cost: $39.50, $54.50, $69.50, $89.50, $99.50, $109.50
Time: 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Photo: Mushroom Racing / Facebook
About: This unique experience combines your favourite characters, friends and new friends for a driving experience that you’ll never forget.
Cost: $50
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
About: American indie songwriter and musician Sharon Van Etten performs at the Imperial.
Cost: $28.50
Time: 9:00 p.m.
About: eaturing local, national, and international craft beer and third-wave coffee. Hopwired encourages partnership between craft beer and coffee roasters to make beverages that are fruity, flowery, tangy, spicey, nutty, chocolately, sweet, sour, soft, mild, and strong.
Cost: $65 – $75
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
About: Come out and learn how to make vegan mochi without any sugar! Choose from green tea or black sesame flavour!
Cost: $26
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
March
Photo: Ball Pit Party / Facebook
About: This party will have up to 1,000,000 glow-in-the-dark balls placed into an adult playground, where you hang out with your friends and enjoy a drink (or two).
Cost: $25 – $30
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Vancouver International Dance Festival
About: The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) proudly announces its sweeping 2019 festival season: a diverse and dynamic roster of internationally celebrated artists and local favourites, presenting three weeks of endlessly enriching performances, workshops, and a host of dance activities from March 4 to 30, 2019, at various venues throughout Vancouver.
Cost: Various
Time: 8:00 p.m.
About: Hot Brown Honey returns to turn up the heat, deliver lashings of sass and a hot pinch of empowerment!
Cost: $10 – $51
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
About: Indie-folk quartet Darlingside performs at Biltmore Cabaret.
Cost: $20
Time: 7:45 p.m.
Photo: Justice League Movie / Facebook
About: Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Vancouver is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favourite guest and get the inside scoop about your favorite movies & TV shows at our celebrity panels!
Cost: Various
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About: The Original Bridal Swap will feature gently used wedding decor, wedding dresses, craft artisans & friendly budget maximizing wedding vendors.
Cost: $15
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
About: K-pop singer and actress Tiffany Young performs at Venue.
Cost: $32.50
Time: 8:30 p.m.
About: Australian ska and jazz band The Cat Empire performs at the Commodore Ballroom.
Cost: $42.50
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Photo: Soulcare Canada / Facebook
About: The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is one of the most dynamic global sporting events on the market, featuring the dynamism of sevens rugby, paired with a spectacle of entertainment and fan engagement that is second to none.
Cost: Various
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