Find your weekend vibes with our checklist of 15 fantastic things to do around Vancouver!
There are lots to see and do from January 17 to 19, including epic concerts, festive Lunar New Year events, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
What: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver invites you to its Lunar New Year-themed Afternoon Tea at Notch8. Guests will enjoy a curated lineup of teas paired with sweet and savoury treats. There is also a Children’s Tea available, which includes finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, and other tasty foods.
When: Now until February 23, 2025
Time: Various seatings
Where: Notch8 Restaurant & Bar – 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver (Fairmont Hotel Vancouver)
Cost: $72 per adult, $40 per child (ages 12 and under); make a reservation
What: Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz brings his Très Misérables! Tour to the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver. Jeremy is a multiple Gemini nominee, was a former writer on The Jon Stewart Show, and has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with David Letterman.
When: January 18, 2025
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online
What: The 15th annual Hot Chocolate Fest is returning once again this year. Enjoy tasty and unique hot chocolate creations from numerous spots in and around Vancouver.
This year, 17 new spots are participating, including a brewery, a rabbit rescue sanctuary, and a late-night cafe and bar in Chinatown.
When: January 18 to February 14, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants and cafes in and around Vancouver
Dua Saleh
What: Genre-defying singer and actor Dua Saleh brings the I Should Call Them World Tour to the Biltmore on January 18 in support of her debut EP of the same name.
When: January 18, 2025
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $25 plus fees, purchase online
What: Coquitlam Heritage is hosting Lunar New Year celebrations, with festivities including traditional dance demos led by instructor Jessica Yue and a cooking demonstration of traditional snacks. Guests will even have the opportunity to try the treats.
Yuto Books will present story time sessions throughout the day in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and there will also be crafts and art activities. Make sure to take a Lunar New Year photo at the photoshoot station on site.
When: January 18, 2025
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House – 1116 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk.
Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and get in on all the festive fun of the many kids’ activities around the Park.
Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments.
When: Now until January 19, 2025
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online
@taylorswift/Instagram
What: Swifties and fashion enthusiasts are invited to West Vancouver Memorial Library for an insightful conversation between journalist Aleesha Harris and New York Times bestselling author Sarah Chapelle. Chapelle’s latest book, Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras, will take you inside the world of the superstar’s iconic looks and show you how the evolution of her outfits mirrors Swift’s musical growth.
Taylor-inspired outfits are welcome, and attendees will be entered for a chance to win Chapelle’s book.
When: January 17, 2025
Time: 7 to 8:15 pm
Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library, Welsh Hall — 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, and delicious Ukrainian food at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. There will be performances by the Barvinok Choir, Vancouver Ukrainian Folk Orchestra, Dovbush Dancers, and more.
When: January 18, 2025
Where: The Ukrainian Cultural Centre — 805 E Pender, Vancouver
Time: 5:45 pm
Cost: $105 for general admission
What: Katie-Ellen is a stand-up comedian, writer and sketch performer who currently splits her time between Vancouver and New York. She is a regular on CBC Radio’s The Debaters, is a founding member of The Lady Show and veteran of award-winning comedy cabaret Atomic Vaudeville.
When: January 17 and 18, 2025
Time: 8 pm (Friday), 7 pm and 9:30 pm (Saturday)
Where: Yuk Yuks Surrey at Elements Casino – 17755 60th Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: $19.05 plus tax on Friday, $20.95 plus tax on Saturday, purchase online
What: Head to BCLIQUOR on Friday, January 17 for a unique opportunity to personalize bottles of Rémy XO with a gold neck collar engraved with a name. It’s the perfect gift for
any cognac enthusiast in your life.
When: January 17, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: BCLIQOUR Park Royal – 735 Park Royal North, West Vancouver
AME Discovery Day
What: AME Roundup Conference hosts a family-focused Discovery Day at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The free event invites all ages to learn about mineral exploration and mining through interactive displays, exhibitors and experiences.
When: January 19, 2025
Time: 10 am and 10:30 am staggered start times
Where: Ballroom A/B, Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
What: Ring in the Year of the Snake with an exclusive dining experience honouring Lunar New Year’s rich traditions while supporting a vital local cause. Heritage Restaurant and Bar is hosting two fundraising dinners in partnership with celebrated chefs Will Lew of Pacific Reach and Sharon Chan of MAMAintheKitchen. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
Highlights from the meal include signature dishes such as Salted Egg Yolk Crusted Pork Belly appetizer with crab salad, Heritage’s handmade noodles for longevity, and signature BBQ chicken, which symbolizes unity.
When: January 19 and 20, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Heritage Asian Eatery — 4242 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: $98 per person
What: Rolla Skate Club hosts a weekly Saturday night roller skating party at Rollerland. Dress to impress and get ready to have fun with the different theme nights. Rental rollerskates and protective gear are included with each ticket, and skaters are invited to also roll in their own gear.
Each Saturday has two time slots: an early all-ages skate and an evening 19+ roller party.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 5 to 7 pm (All ages) and 8 to 11 pm (19+)
Where: Rollerland – 21 N Renfrew St, Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online
Daniel Chai / Daily Hive
What: Don’t let the winter blahs get you down! We’re here to help brighten your day with our list of the best places to lift your spirits in Vancouver.
While crying can be cathartic, there are few things better than being in a good mood. To paraphrase the immortal words of Buddy the Elf: we just like to smile. Smiling is our favourite.
When: Various days of operation
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various locations across Vancouver; see the list online
What: No plans for Lunar New Year in Vancouver? Think again! The Met is hosting several fun activities to enjoy.
Take in a traditional Lion Dance, where two teams will parade through the Grand Court and hand out red envelopes for good fortune. In collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Museum, cultural workshops will also be taking place, including Chinese lantern-making, abacus learning, and family-friendly fun.
Lunar New Year celebrations at The Met run until February 16. Check out more of the fun programming online and get ready for the best year yet.
When: Now until February 16, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown — 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Tickets: Free to attend, open to the public