Over 40 fun and fantastic things to do around Vancouver this winter

Winter has officially arrived on the calendar, and the new season has brought a bunch of fun and fantastic events to Vancouver.

From Polar Bear Swim to Just For Laughs Vancouver, Sum 41, and more, here are 44 events you need to check out around the city.

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

Things to do this winter

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

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

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2025

What: The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and you’re going to want to bring your warmest towel.

Start off the new year the right way by plunging into the Pacific Ocean during the frigid 105th event.

The chilly event takes place from noon to 4 pm, with the program starting at 2 pm and the official swim happening at 2:30 pm. Those who register for the event online can also receive a commemorative certificate.

When: January 1, 2025
Time: Noon to 4 pm; official swim at 2:30 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to register online

Big Bang Festival

What: Music on Main, Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, and Zonzo Compagnie are teaming up for the inaugural Big Bang Festival, a day of musical adventure for children ages 5 and up.

The immersive festival will be a journey through music and sound art, with mini-concerts, interactive activities, and surprise performances throughout the day. Featuring performances by Belgian singer Naomi Beeldens, Vancouver musicians Dailin Hsieh and Saina Khaledi, and more.

When: February 16, 2025
Time: Doors at 11:30 am, festival starts at 1:30 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events. 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 (holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
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.

Echo by Cirque du Soleil

What: The internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil 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

Britannia Mine Museum – Ores & Orcas

What: Britannia Mine Museum hosts Ores & Orcas – Howe Sound /Átl’ḵa7tsem: A Recovering Ecosystem until February 2025. Guests will be able to explore how copper contamination impacted the marine food chain from plankton to predators and discover how remediation efforts protect the important ecosystem.

The temporary exhibit also showcases specimens from the Howe Sound ecosystem, including the skeleton of a real killer whale.

When: Now until February 2025
Time: Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Where: 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach
Cost: Prices vary; see here

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)

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

What: The first-ever Winter Hybrid Invictus Games are coming to BC in 2025, and there’s plenty for fans to look forward to.

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, has released the schedule for all 11 sport competitions happening from February 8 to 16.

For the first time, winter-adaptive sports will be included in the Invictus Games, along with classic Invictus Games sports. The seventh instalment also aims to be the most accessible and innovative one yet.

When: February 8 to 16, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues in Vancouver and Whistler
Tickets: Various prices, pre-register online

Jelly Roll

What: Get ready to jam out because country superstar Jelly Roll is coming to Vancouver this winter with his new tour.

Jelly Roll’s The Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour will come to Rogers Arena on March 8, 2025. His most recent album, Beautifully Broken, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #3 on the Billboard Canadian Album Chart and spent two weeks as the #1 Canadian country album.

When: March 8, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Purchase online

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

What: Head to VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre for the latest Wallace & Gromit classic, Vengeance Most Fowl.

Aardman’s four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a new adventure all ages will love. When Wallace unveils his latest invention, a robot that can do almost anything, Gromit can’t help feeling redundant. But when old nemesis Feathers McGraw reprogrammes the robot, it’s up to Gromit to save the day and rescue Wallace from the chaos.

When: Various dates until January 2, 2025
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, including $10 for youth under 18, $11 for students and accessible patron, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online

What: Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the three-day celebration at the Vancouver Convention Centre, drawing in fans of sci-fi, horror, comic books, and everyone in between.

The epic lineup of celebrity guests includes Hayden Christensen (Star Wars), William Shatner (Star Trek), Jenna Coleman and Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien) and many more.

When: February 21 to 23, 2025
Time: 3 to 8 pm (Friday), 10 am to 7 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, Halls B And C — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Keep spirits bright

VanDusen Festival of Lights

What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season.

VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages.

When: Now until January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day)
Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: The holiday season is 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 until 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 (Closed Christmas Day)
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

Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver

What: Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 32nd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.

When: Now until December 27, 2024
Time: Regular hotel hours
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.

There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.

When: Now until January 3, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Admission: Free; Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $31.45 plus tax

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. 

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 children 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 (closed on December 25)
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

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

What: There is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout the festive season. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit to the Train Plaza, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund.

When: Now until January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25)
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
Admission: Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza

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, 50 cents will be donated to the Social Diversity for Children Foundation. Entry to Floffy’s Wonderland is also free for children ages 12 and under.

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

Happy New Year

New Year’s Eve at Parker Rooftop

What: Parker Rooftop is ready to help you make the most of your New Year’s Eve with acclaimed live entertainment set against the backdrop of English Bay.

Step into the glamorous world of Studio 54 and get ready to party like it’s 1977 as the rooftop is transformed into a disco paradise. Featuring a live DJ, stunning decor, exclusive cocktails, canapes, and sparkling wine as the crowd counts down to 2025.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: Open at 3 pm with music from 7 to 10 pm
Where: Parker Rooftop — 1379 Howe Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

NYE Comedy Classic Live from Olympic Village

What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional stand-ups all over Metro Vancouver. Featuring acclaimed comics that have performed at Just For Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival, on CW and the CBC, and more.

This month, Jokers is bringing the Comedy Classics to the BMO Theatre Centre at Olympic Village for New Year’s Eve.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: 8 pm
Where: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Avenue #203, Vancouver
Cost: From $51.45, purchase online

Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice

What: New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to welcome 2025 with a bang, Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice is the perfect event for you.

North America’s largest ski resort is bringing back its popular outdoor winter event starting on Tuesday, December 31, at 8:30 pm.

The free signature event features exciting performances, freestyle skiing and riding, and a stunning pyrotechnics display for all ages.

When: December 31, 2024, then every Sunday from January 5 to March 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 pm (New Year’s Eve), 7:30 pm (January 5 to March 9, 2024)
Where: Skiers Plaza at Whistler Village base between Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas
Cost: Free

Circus3’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show

What: Comedian Daniel Zindler hosts Circus3’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show. The family-friendly event features circus acrobats and several surprises during the 75-minute show. The event concludes with enough time to head to your next shindig or head home to put the kids (or yourselves) to bed.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

NYE at TIC

What: The holiday hilarity wraps up on December 31 as The Improv Centre rings in 2025 with three special NYE at TIC events.

Invite your pals to shed the dread and spread kindness at the Granville Island comedy destination. NYE at TIC promises to be an evening filled with fun and festivities, as tickets also include full access to a dessert bar, candy station, and photo booth.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: 7 pm, 9 pm, 11:15 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks continue the NHL season at Rogers Arena this winter with home games, including the Edmonton Oilers on January 16, Toronto Maple Leafs on February 8, Montreal Canadians on March 11, 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 Victoria Royals on January 1, Portland Winterhawks on February 7, Prince George Cougars on March 9, 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 winter with games against the San Diego Seals on January 10, Calgary Roughnecks on February 7, Toronto Rock on March 14, and more.

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

Abbotsford Canucks

What: Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this winter, with home games including visitors Ontario Reign on January 14 and 15, San Diego Gulls on February 11 and 12, and San Jose Barracuda on March 7 and 8.

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

Bon appetit

Vancouver Cocktail Week

What: Calling all cocktail connoisseurs! A city-wide celebration of bars, bartenders, and their delicious drinks is returning to Vancouver this winter.

The fourth annual Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW) runs from March 2 to 9. That means you’ll only have seven days to discover some of the city’s top establishments and their unique cocktail creations.

Signature events returning for VCW 2024 include the traditional welcome brunch at ARC Restaurant in the Fairmont Waterfront on March 2 and the Black & White closing gala at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on March 8.

When: March 2 to 9, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Participating venues around Vancouver

The Perfect Bite

What: Time to pick up your magnifying glass, detectives! An official Netflix murder mystery dinner is coming to Vancouver, and you’re invited to take a bite out of crime.

Secret City Adventures is collaborating with Netflix on the event, which will see guests watching a murder case unfold while deciphering clues. Of course, they will also enjoy a delicious dinner that is simply to die for.

When: Now until February 28, 2025
Time 7 pm
Where: Glowbal — 590 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, including individual tickets, tables of four, and VIP. More info online

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

Enjoy the arts

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

Contact Winter Music Festival

What: Contact Winter Music Festival is returning to Vancouver and some massive stars are coming for the party.

Canada’s largest indoor winter music festival is taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre on December 27 and 28. This year’s headliners include multi-platinum and Grammy Award-nominated artist and producer deadmau5 and America’s Best DJ nominee Seven Lions.

When: December 27 and 28, 2024
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, 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

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

Twilight in Concert

What: A Twilight concert experience is coming to Vancouver this winter, and fans won’t want to miss it.

The live symphony performance, presented by GEA Live and GFN Productions in collaboration with Lionsgate, is taking place at The Orpheum on Friday, March 14, 2025. Twilight In Concert will feature a live orchestra playing the film’s score while guests enjoy a screening of the supernatural love story.

When: March 14, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Petunia and the Vipers: Calling Me Back Album Release

What: Vancouver’s own Petunia and The Vipers are throwing a huge album release party at The Rio Theatre and you’re invited. Get ready to party at the “hillbilly-flavoured-swing inflected-ragtime-goodtime-thunderously rolling-one-of-a-kind-you-don’t-want-to-miss-this-sort-of-a-show” while listening to their latest album, Calling Me Back.

When: December 27, 2024
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 7 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 early bird plus fees, $26 general admission plus fees. Purchase online

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.

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