20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Dec. 29 to Jan. 4
This week is the official start to 2026, and we’re ready to get the new year started!
From Cirque NYE to Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, here are 20 fantastic events happening around the city from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. Enjoy!
Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026
Harrison Ha/Shutterstock
What: The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, 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 106th event.
The chilly event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the program starting at 2 p.m. and the official swim happening at 2:30 p.m. Brave swimmers will be able to dip into the freezing waters with thousands of other thrill-seekers or cheer them on from the shore.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; official swim at 2:30 p.m.
Where: English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to register online.
The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show
What: Drag Queens BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars bring their newest holiday show to Vancouver.
Fans can expect a fabulous spectacle in the show co-written and co-created by the duo and directed by BenDeLaCreme, with whip-smart comedy, brand-new songs, and annual favourites.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase here
Hidden Wonders
What: Hidden Wonders is a speakeasy magic experience held in a secret location in downtown New Westminster. Shawn is a World Champion of Magic, has performed on Ellen, fooled Las Vegas headliners Penn & Teller twice on Fool Us, and had his magic featured on shows like Fringe, Shut Eye, and X-Files.
When: Thursdays to Sundays
Time: Various showtimes
Where: Secret location in New Westminster. Guests will be provided with the address and password
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Cirque NYE 2026 at Science World
Cirque NYE @ Science World
What: The countdown is on, and a massive Cirque-themed New Year’s Eve celebration is returning to Vancouver’s iconic Science World.
On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the illuminated False Creek landmark will be transformed into an elegant party sphere with three rooms of high-energy music on two floors.
Cirque NYE is your opportunity to bring your favourite people together to raise a glass to the memories of 2025 while gearing up for a great 2026.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $80, available online
Vancouver Canucks
What: The Canucks are back this week with a trio of games at Rogers Arena, including the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 30, Seattle Kraken on Jan. 2, and Boston Bruins on Jan. 3.
When: Dec. 30, 2025, Jan. 2 and 3, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
New Year’s Eve Countdown Gala – The Champagne Affair
What: Bootleggers Beverages and Bae Side False Creek present The Champagne Affair, a premium New Year’s Eve gala on Vancouver’s waterfront.
Enjoy live jazz, dj’s, crafted cocktails, immersive acts, and a midnight champagne countdown during the black tie event that blends the elegance of the 1920s with the energy of modern nightlife. The ticket includes a welcome drink, canapes, a champagne toast, and entertainment.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Bae Side False Creek — 601 Stamps Landing, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
New Year’s Eve 2026 at Grouse Mountain
What: New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to welcome in 2026 with a bang, New Year’s Eve 2026 at Grouse Mountain is the perfect event for you.
Grouse Mountain Resort kicks off its 100-Year Celebrations with a huge party, extended hours, and discounted rates. Enjoy late-night skiing and riding, activities like the mountaintop skating pond and light walk, crafts in the hÍwus Feasthouse, and special food and beverage offerings. Pick up your 100-year Anniversary merchandise, and sip some complimentary hot chocolate in the CIBC Fire Pit Lounge.
There will be a family-friendly fireworks display at 7 p.m. and a pyro musical display at midnight. And bring your dancing shoes because a live DJ will be spinning from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Activities and events happen at various times
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Discounted mountain admission and lift tickets for skiing/riding are available for $39 for access from 8 p.m. (mountain access from 7:45 p.m.). Purchase online
Stranger Things 5: The Finale fan screenings
What: The first event inside The Park, an 84-year-old cinema under new management, is Stranger Things 5: The Finale fan screenings on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
There will be two fan screenings on Dec. 31, at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and another on Jan. 1 at 4:20 p.m.
Prizes will be given away during the Stranger Things 5: The Finale fan screenings, and the Park Theatre shared that there will also be “surprises” during the events.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (New Year’s Eve) and 4:20 p.m. (New Year’s Day)
Where: The Park Theatre – 3440 Cambie St., Vancouver
Reservations: Online
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 a number of 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: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Kringle’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
What: The pop-up, Kringle’s, is your destination for festive bites and sips set against Instagram-worthy backdrops.
On the menu, you can find tasty cocktails like the Raspberry Ginger Fizz, Starry Night Spagliato, and Home Alone. There are also light bites like crab and lobster rolls and sweet treats like chocolate truffle cake on the menu.
When: Tuesday to Saturday evenings until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Lower Lobby at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — 900 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Reservations: Online
Old Vegas. New Year. Legendary Night. at Parker Rooftop
What: Step back in time and light up the Strip with the glitz, glamour, and grit of Old Vegas to ring in the new year.
Parker Rooftop transforms into a dazzling throwback to Fremont Street’s golden era on New Year’s Eve, where the neon never dims, and the champagne never stops flowing.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8:30 p.m. to late
Where: Parker Rooftop — 1379 Howe St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
NYE at TIC
What: The holiday hilarity wraps up on Dec. 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: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11:15 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Megan Devlin/Daily Hive
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’s activities around the Park.
When: Now until Jan. 18, 2026 (closed on Dec. 25)
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. 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: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: Free
The Rio Theatre New Year’s Eve Party
What: The Rio Theatre is throwing a huge variety show to celebrate the coming of the new year. Enjoy comedy, music, burlesque, circus acts and poetry on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The lineup of all-star performers includes Shirley Gnome, Duncan Shields, Graham Clark, Charlie Demers, Clare Voyeur, April O’Peel, Melody Mangley and more. Hosted by Dandy.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Time: Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m. to late
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Early bird $40, General Admission $50 plus service charges. Purchase online
Rolla Skate Club
What: Have a wheely great New Year’s Eve with Rolla Skate Club and DJ Funkybeak.
The event is 16+ and open to members, their friends, and family. The event is free for members and $25 + gst for their guests. Rentals are not included and will cost $6.50 + gst at the door.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Rollerland at the PNE – 21 N. Renfrew St., Vancouver
Tickets: Free for members, $25 plus GST for guests. Rentals are not included and will cost $6.50 + gst at the door. Book online.
Winter Ice Palace
Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock
What: The 26th 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 Jan. 4, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Cloverdale Ice Arena – 6090 176th St., Surrey
Cost: $5 per person, $3.50 for skate rentals, $1.75 for helmet rentals. Free admission for annual Recreation Pass holders
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: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Ave. #203, Vancouver
Cost: From $51.45, purchase online
Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery
What: The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until Sunday, Jan. 4. Visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor throughout the season will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists. There will also be weekly interactive activities for guests to enjoy.
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Champagne & Secrets – NYE 2026
What: Prophecy is popping champagne and spilling secrets on New Year’s Eve, and you’re invited to join in on the fun.
Marvel as Prophecy transforms into a world of sparkle and intrigue, with music, movement, and midnight magic on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Prophecy — 801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Tickets: $30 table or $50 standing, reserve online