15 things to do in Vancouver today: Saturday, December 31

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It’s officially the last day of 2016, so send it off with a bang.

From fireworks to parties galore, there are plenty of things to do this Saturday, December 31.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Ring in 2017 at Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver

Image: Jenn Chan / New Year’s Eve Vancouver

What: After 2016’s inaugural event that brought over 80,000 attendees, making it the largest NYE celebration in Canada, this year’s event is poised to be even bigger and better than before complete with free live music, two fireworks shows, and more.
Where: Canada Place
When: Saturday, December 31 starting at 6:30 pm
Cost: Free

Party all night at TRUE NORTH Indoor Party by Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver

What: TRUE NORTH is Vancouver’s largest and best indoor NYE party and the only indoor party with a direct, close-up view of the 9 pm and midnight fireworks in Coal Harbour.
Where: West Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Centre– 1055 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 31, 2016, from 8 pm to very late
Tickets: Click here (ages 19 and over)
- Regular Early Bird – $99
- Regular – $129
- VIP Early Bird – $175
- VIP – $225

Check out other parties around town

Check out the full list of Vancouver New Year’s Eve events here

Show off your moves at the NYE Decentralized Dance Party

Decentralized Fountain Party (Davis Chu)

What: Two “party revolutionaries” are bringing their Decentralized Dance Party back to Vancouver for New Year’s Eve this year – and everyone across the Lower Mainland is invited. DJs Tom and Gary will be broadcasting a live, city-wide, dance party set, which will be played out by hundreds of party people carrying boomboxes across Vancouver.
Where: Meeting locations yet to be revealed – or just party wherever you are!
When: Saturday, December 31, from 9 pm till late
Info: decentralizeddanceparty.com

Celebrate NYE with the kids at Family First Night – New Year’s Eve at Mount Seymour

What: Family First Night is the North Shore’s original and longest running family friendly New Year’s Eve event. Enjoy snow tubing, tobogganing, and take in live entertainment on the main stage.
Where: 1700 Mt. Seymour Road, North Vancouver. See parking details here.
When: Saturday, December 31, from 6 pm to 9 pm
Tickets: Available online, $15-$20. Children under 2 are free.

Find your zen at Saturday Morning Qi Gong

What: This is a class that everyone can participate in from youngsters to seniors. You will learn how to move your body for greater flexibility, balance and well-being. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. All levels welcome.
Where: Vital Health Medical Clinic Kitsilano –1855 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 31, from 9 am to 10 am
Cost: Free. Register online

Laugh the night away at 2016 Year in Review improv

What: 2016 has been quite the crazy year, and Vancouver TheatreSports League improvisors will create on-the-spot mashups of all of the events.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Granville Island
When: Saturday, December 31. Various show times, check website for details
Tickets: Available online

Go skating at Robson Square

Image: Robson Square

What: The Robson Square Ice Rink, located in downtown Vancouver, is open all through the Christmas Holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks.
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Square, Vancouver
When: The rink is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays, until February 14.

Check out the final days of these holiday events:

Holiday Heights at Bloedel

What: Celebrate the holiday season at the top of Vancouver with Holiday Heights at Bloedel. You can experience a winter wonderland at Queen Elizabeth Park filled with magical lights, festive music, and a holiday scavenger hunt. You can even take a ride on a Ferris wheel at the highest point in the city. Bloedel Conservatory and the Dancing Waters fountain on the plaza will also be lit up throughout the run of Holiday Heights.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park– 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
When: Holiday Heights at Bloedel runs every evening from 4 to 9 pm between December 9 and January 2.
Tickets: $6.75 for adults, $4.50 for youth (13-18), $3.25 for children (4-12).

Enchant Christmas Light Maze and Market

(Enchant Light Maze)

What: The world’s biggest Christmas light maze is in Vancouver. Enchant 2016 includes a breathtaking maze, but tasty food and drinks, a local vendor market, live entertainment, an outdoor fire pit, and much more. Saturday is the last day you can see this Christmas light extravaganza.
Where: 1st and Crowe Street, between the Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village
When: Saturday, December 31, 4 to 10 pm.
Tickets: Adults $19.95, kids $14.95. Buy online

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

rosettejoyy/ Instagram

What: Grouse Mountain has transformed into a winter wonderland for its annual Peak of Christmas event. This year’s Light Walk features new installations, including a 23-foot reindeer and light walls.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
When: Friday, November 25 to Monday, January 2. For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Admission: Family Rate for Peak of Christmas festivities includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children/youth (under 18) for $89.95. Guests are reminded that all festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual or Snow Pass, a Skyride admission ticket.

Dundarave Festival of Lights

What: A West Vancouver tradition returns with the Dundarave Festival of Lights.
Where: Dundarave Park – 25th Street and Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
When: Every Saturday until December 31, from noon to 6 pm.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Canyon Lights (Capilano Suspension Bridge)

What: The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. See the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (153 feet tall), experience the voice-activated light show, go on a scavenger hunt throughout the park, sing along with the holiday band, take a family photo at the Winter Pavilion, and more.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
When: November 24 – January 8, 2017; 11 am to 9 pm.
Tickets: $39.95 for adults, $36.95 for seniors, $32.95 for students, $26.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $13.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under 6.

Feast like a king or queen at the New Year’s Medieval Feastival at Storm Crow Tavern

What: Get ready to ring in 2017 like a King or Queen. Eat and drink a royal spread at Storm Crow Tavern’s Medieval Feastival. Choose from a meat- or veg-friendly menu with beer or wine pairings, and three levels of packages ($100, $150, and $200) that offer different perks.
Where: The Storm Crow Tavern – 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 31, 6 to 11 pm.
Tickets: $100/$150/$200 available online

Have a beer-filled New Year’s at New Belgium Tap Takeover at Portland Craft

Beers/Shutterstock

What: New Year’s Eve = New Belgium time at Portland Craft. For a beer-y low-key NYE, head to this US-inspired bar to try some great New Belgium brews. They’ll have 16 New Belgium beers on tap. Tickets are $20, which includes 1 beer, 1 appy, door prizes, and 10 raffle tickets.
Where: Portland Craft – 3835 Main Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, December 31, 9 pm to 1 am.
Tickets: online. Available $20