More than 40 fun and fantastic things to do in Vancouver in January

Welcome to 2025, everyone! Start the new year with some great events around Vancouver this January.

From Snowed In Comedy Tour to Dine Out Vancouver, Beetlejuice, and more, here are 42 fantastic things to see and do this month!

For more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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Dine Out Vancouver 2025

What: From Wednesday, January 22, to Sunday, February 9, Dine Out Vancouver is set to spotlight the city’s world-renowned food scene with a whole host of unique culinary experiences.

As always, foodies can enjoy fixed-price three-course menus for under $65 at participating restaurants across the city. Curated by the city’s top chefs, these menus offer an incredible and affordable way to experience some of Vancouver’s higher-end restaurants — from MICHELIN Guide restaurants to some of the hottest new spots.

More than 350 restaurants will participate in Dine Out this year, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!

When: January 22 to February 9, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants and various locations across the city
Price: Fixed menus range from $20 to $65 per person

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

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. 

Remember to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and join 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. Limited tickets are 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 can 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

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice.

Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.

The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February.

When: Open daily until February 28, 2025
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

Bowie Ball 2025

What: The 10th annual celebration of the music, art, theatre, fashion, and philosophy of David Bowie. Featuring performances by Mellow’s Rockpile, Asian Persuasion All Stars, Makeout Bandit (Rebel Valentine), and more. The event is also a fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation.

When: January 11, 2025
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online

PWHL Takeover Tour: Montréal Victoire at Toronto Sceptres

What: Rogers Arena will host a game between the Montréal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres on January 8.

The game is one of the nine neutral-site regular season games in the PWHL’s Takeover Tour, which will showcase the league in Seattle, Denver, Quebec City, Buffalo, Raleigh, Detroit, and St. Louis.

Both Toronto and Montreal have seen promising starts to their tenures in the six-team league, finishing first and second in the standings, respectively, in 2023-24.

When: January 8, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

AME Roundup’s Discovery Day

What: AME Roundup Conference hosts a family-focused Discovery Day at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The free event invites people of all ages to learn about mineral exploration and mining through interactive displays, exhibitors, and experiences.

When: January 19, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Ballroom A/B, Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Echo by Cirque du Soleil

What: Cirque du Soleil is returning to Vancouver this fall with its newest big top show, and it promises to be an experience worth shouting about!

The internationally acclaimed acrobatic circus is back in the city with Echo. Described as a story about connection and intention, the production will take over Concord Pacific Place with an exploration of the “symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom.

When: Now until January 5, 2025
Time: Performance times will vary based on the date
Where: Concord Pacific Place — 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Now until March 2025
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: Winter is officially upon us, and festive fans can get into the spirit with the return of Merry & Bright to Martini Town.

Langley-based Martini Film Studios will transform its massive backlot into the holiday extravaganza from Wednesday, December 4 until Sunday, January 5. Guests can live out their holiday movie fantasies at the unique outdoor film set while enjoying live entertainment, delicious treats, and more.

When: Wednesday to Sunday until January 5, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 pm
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd Street, Langley
Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children and free for children aged 6 and under. Purchase online

Winter Ice Palace

What: The 25th annual Winter Ice Palace transforms the Cloverdale Arena into a wintry wonderland. Invite your friends and family to join you for a festive skate, complete with holiday lights, colourful decorations, and seasonal music.

When: Now until January 5, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Cloverdale Ice Arena – 6090 176th Street, Surrey
Cost: $45 per person, $3.50 for skate rentals, $1.75 for helmet rentals. Free admission for annual Recreation Pass and Family Fun Pass holders.

What: Popular Vancouver attraction Bloedel Conservatory will soon open its doors to visitors again following months of repairs and renovations. Several upgrades were completed throughout the fall, including expanded pathway access, smoother levelled surfaces, and improved accessibility.

When: Reopens on January 4, 2025

Sum 41

What: Canadian rock gods Sum 41 are travelling the globe on their final tour, and Vancouver fans will get to sing along with them one more time in 2025.

The multi-platinum pop-punk outfit is coming to Rogers Arena on The Tour of the Setting Sum on Saturday, January 11, along with special guests.

When: January 11, 2025
Time: 6:50 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Bright Walk in White Rock

What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night from December 7 until January 12.  You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.

When: Now until January 12, 2025
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront
Cost: Free

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.

Highlights include the return of Dances for a Small Stage, Dune Wars Kiki Ball, and the popular Club Push.

When: January 23 to February 9, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Various prices including several free events. Purchase online

Oshōgatsu – Japanese New Year Celebrations

What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre invites guests to begin 2025 with free Japanese New Year Celebrations. Guests can take part in free calligraphy lessons. You can also learn how to play Shogi, a popular mind sport from Japan, try Japanese tea, and join a free Hawaiian Hula dance class.

When: January 4, 2025
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free

Dundarave Festival – Forest of Miracles

What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia. Discover 140 uniquely decorated trees and vote for your favourites in several categories, including Most Sustainable, Glitz & Glam, and Most Creative.

The Forest of Miracles is open to the public 24 hours a day until January 7, 2025.

When: Now until January 7, 2025
Time: 24 hours a day
Where: West Vancouver Waterfront from the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach
Admission: Free

Foffy’s Wonderland

What: Foffy’s Wonderland, a globally touring pop-up, has taken over Lavenderland for an experience full of adventure and fantasy, running now until January 12. Visitors can expect dazzling light displays, family-friendly activities, and live performances, along with Richmond’s first-ever holiday market.

For every ticket sold, $0.50 will be donated to the Social Diversity for Children Foundation. Entry to Floffy’s Wonderland is also free for children twelve and under.

When: Now until January 12, 2025
Where: Lavenderland — 8460 Steveston Hwy, Richmond
Cost: General admission costs $24.99 and comes with a complimentary lavender hydrosol valued at $28. Free entrance for children — Available here

The Taboo Show

What: The Taboo Show is an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, romance, personal betterment, and all things taboo. The 19+ event features entertainment, unique shopping, provocative and educational seminars, fashion shows, and live demonstrations.

When: January 31 to February 2, 2025
Time: 5 pm to midnight (Friday), 1 pm to midnight (Saturday), Noon to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East Building – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $33.50 plus fees for single pass; purchase online

Hit the slopes in a snow tube

What: While skiing and snowboarding typically get all of the attention when it comes to sliding on snow, people often forget about snow tubing, a less expensive and more accessible activity for kids and adults looking for a shot of adrenaline up on the alpine.

Head over to these tube parks for a taste of life in the fast lane.

When: Various days of operation
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various mountains near Vancouver. See the list online

Surrey Libraries Expo

What: You’re invited to celebrate Family Literacy Day at the annual Surrey Libraries Expo at South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre. There will be a variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy, including craft stations, coding sessions, book bowling and more. Plus, check out the mobile library to discover the latest reading releases.

When: January 25, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre – 14601 20 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free

Snowed In Comedy Tour 2025

What: The long-running winter comedy tour returns to Surrey on January 26 and Vancouver on January 27. This year’s lineup includes Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Paul Myrehaug, Sirius-XM Radio Top Comic winner Pete Zedlacher, CBC’s The Debaters regular Erica Sigurdson, and winner of The Canadian comedy competition at Just for Laughs Dan Quinn.

When: January 23, 2025 (Surrey), January 24, 2025 (Vancouver)
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey; York Theatre — 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks continue the NHL season at Rogers Arena this month with home games, including the Edmonton Oilers on January 18, Washington Capitals on January 25, and more.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Giants

What: The Vancouver Giants continue the WHL season at the Langley Events Centre with games against the Kelowna Rockets on January 11, Swift Current Broncos on January 26, and more.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th Street, Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Warriors

What: The Vancouver Warriors continue the National Lacrosse League season at Rogers Arena this month with games against the San Diego Seals on January 10 and the Ottawa Black Bears on January 24.

When: January 10 and 24, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Abbotsford Canucks

What: The Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this month, with home games including visitors Henderson Silver Knights on January 10 and 11, Ontario Reign on January 14 and 15, San Jose Barracuda on January 18 and 19, and Calgary Wranglers from January 31 to February 1.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

Bon appetite

Winterlust at H Tasting Lounge

What: H Tasting Lounge’s enchanting winter patio is officially back in action, with its special heated Alpine-inspired domes decked out with cozy decor for the occasion

Each dome can accommodate up to six guests and is fully equipped with heaters and fresh-air circulation to keep things nice and cozy. Additionally, each dome has an independent sound system so you can enjoy your own tunes while dining.

When it comes to food, diners can expect many gourmet options. Think chili-caramel pork belly with fresh herb and togarashi sesame-cashew crunch, and certified Angus beef tomahawks accompanied with red wine jus, confit fingerling potatoes, sauteed garlic mushrooms, and five-spice roasted root vegetables.

You can also enjoy a choice of four premium caviar services, each complete with sour cream blinis and creme fraiche and a showstopping chilled seafood tower with an assortment of Dungeness crab legs, poached tiger prawns, Manila clams, Salt Spring Island mussels, smoked salmon candy, albacore tuna tartare, and so much more.

When: Now until March 16, 2025
Address: H Tasting Lounge — 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Reservations: Online

Formline: Calligraphy — A Tea Party Celebration

Head over to the Bill Reid Gallery to celebrate Bill Reid’s legacy during his birthday weekend. There will be a tea party and a conversation with Dr. Martine Reid and Chester Gryski, who will discuss Bill Reid’s creative collaboration with print and book designer Bob Reid.

When: January 11, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Bill Reid Gallery — 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Included with gallery admission, tickets $6-$13. Purchase online

Malanka 2025

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
Where: The Ukrainian Cultural Centre — 805 E Pender, Vancouver
Time: 5:45 pm
Cost: $105 for general admission

Dine Out Vancouver at the Vancouver Aquarium Pop-Up

What: Dine Out participants will have the one-of-a-kind chance to dine among the jellyfish at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Guests will be able to enjoy a three-course meal prepared by the aquarium’s culinary team, paired with a glass of wine from a BC-based winery.

When: January 25 to 27, January 31 to February 6, 2025
Time: 7 to 9 pm. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Tickets: $125 per person; $100 for members

Forbidden Vancouver’s Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

What: Get festive and forbidden this season with the  Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour. Acclaimed guided walking tours company Forbidden Vancouver invites you to enter downtown’s iconic buildings and discover stories of intrigue, jealousy, and murder.

Guests will enjoy beautiful holiday displays in some of Vancouver’s finest hotel lobbies, get a private viewing inside the Marine Building, and stay warm with delicious hot chocolate at the award-winning Mink Chocolates.

When: Daily until January 10, 2025
Time: Various start times
Where: Starts at the corner of Robson Street and Granville Street
Cost: $45-$49. Purchase online

Chinatown Cocktail Showdown

What: Join the second annual Chinatown cocktail showdown where eight of Chinatown’s finest bars and restaurants (Bagheera, Bao Bei, Brasserie, The Chickadee Room, Fiorino, The Keefer Bar, Kissa Tanto, Laowai, and Meo) go head-to-head to craft the best Lunar New Year-inspired cocktail.

When: January 31
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre — 168 E Pender Street, Vancouver
Cost: $73.75

Hot Chocolate Festival 2025

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.

Last year saw some outrageous creations like a hot chocolate with marinara sauce and Hot Cheetos, a Dragon Ball Z-themed drink, and even one hot chocolate that is illegal south of the border.

When: January 18 to February 14, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants and cafes in and around Vancouver

Enjoy the arts

Broadway Across Canada – Beetlejuice

What: Beetlejuice is an eight-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical based on the hit Tim Burton film. Follow along as teenager Lydia Deetz meets a recently deceased couple as well as a demon with a penchant for stripes.

Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy

What: Underground Comedy Club presents Vancouver’s Bradley Sakawsky in a radical night of laughs. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakaswsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.

When: January 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Underground Comedy Club — 120 Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $14.95 plus fees; purchase online

East Van Panto: Robin Hood

What: East Van Panto’s latest all-ages theatrical extravaganza follows Robin Hood and the Merry-Thems as they attempt to foil the Sheriff’s plans to privatize Vancouver’s parks. The grand adventure stretches from Trout Lake to Britannia as the festive crew tries to steal back the neighbourhoods from the rich and powerful.

When: Now until January 5, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Heartbeat of a Vessel by Jo Scott-b

What: The Vancouver Maritime Museum hosts the feature exhibit, Heartbeat of a Vessel, by Jo Scott-b. Artworks on display will spotlight how each valve and gauge in an engine has a story to tell.

When: Now until May 2025
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum – 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $14-$18.50, free for children 5 and under with a paying adult (max 2 free children per 1 adult)

Duck Pond by Circa (Australia)

What: Duck Pond is Circa’s irreverent take on the timeless Swan Lake. Leave any preconceived notions of ballet at the door as the highly-anticipated show will embrace the controlled chaos that is Australia’s premiere dance-circus company.

Under the direction of visionary choreographer Yaron Lifschitz, Circa mixes it up, combining burlesque, heart-in-throat acrobatics, romance, and more in Duck Pond coming to the Vancouver Playhouse in January.

When: January 22 to 25, 2025
Time: 8 pm (plus 2 pm matinee on January 25)
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starts at $40.75, purchase online

Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s–1980s

What: The Vancouver Art Gallery presents Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s–1980s, a deep dive into the experimental art made in six Central Eastern European nations over three decades.

The interdisciplinary exhibition features works from nearly 100 artists questioning how, when, and where art could exist and uncovering its various meanings for society.

When: Now until April 21, 2025 (closed Tuesdays)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday and Friday)
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Admission: $29 to $35, free for ages 18 and under, gallery members, Indigenous peoples, and caregivers. Book online

New Year, New Me at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre performers are celebrating new beginnings and the start of the new year by bringing to life the audience real-life regrets and resolutions in this interactive comedy show.

When: Every Friday and Saturday from January 3 to 25, 2025
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Farmers’ Markets in Metro Vancouver

Riley Park Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.

When: Every Saturday until March 29, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver

Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.

When: Every Sunday until April 27, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver

Granville Island Public Market

What: You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats.

When: Every day
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver

Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.

When: Every Sunday until April 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody

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