20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: December 30 to January 5

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Cirque NYE 2025 at Science World

Cirque NYE @ Science World

What: The countdown to the new year is on, and a massive Cirque-themed celebration is returning to Vancouver’s iconic Science World.

On Tuesday, December 31, the illuminated False Creek landmark will be transformed into an elegant party sphere with three rooms of high-energy music on two floors.

This year’s Cirque NYE will feature 10 of the city’s top DJs and live performers, mesmerizing lighting, visuals, and sound that will have you dancing as soon as you arrive, and one of the city’s biggest countdowns to bring in the new year. Guests can also visit the five fully licensed bars to stay refreshed all night long.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: 9 pm to 2:30 am
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $80 — available online

Jazz Night Fundraiser

Sopra Sotto will be hosting a live Jazz music fundraiser for Camp Goodtimes, which gives kids with cancer a safe space to experience summer joy. Limited spots are available, so be sure to reserve your seat by emailing bgonsalves@soprasotto.ca

When: December 30
Time: First show is 5 to 7:30 pm, second show is 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: Sopra Sotto — 1510 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $10

New Year’s Double Feature – When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones Diary

What: With winter in full swing, it’s a great time to head inside and watch a great movie.

Hollywood Theatre is here to help with a New Year’s double feature of When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones Diary on Monday, December 30. Get seats to one or both films and laugh your way into 2025!

Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice

Tourism Whistler

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

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

What: There is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout the festive season, even with the cancellation of the remainder of the Christmas Train.

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
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

Kringle’s

Daily Hive

What: The pop-up, Kringle’s, is your stop destination for festive bites and sips set against Instagram-worthy backdrops.

On the menu, you can find tasty cocktails like the Yuletide Rose Fizz (Empress Elderflower gin, apple cider, winter syrup, lemon, egg white), Holiday Smores (Northern Keep vodka, Baileys, crème de cacao, caramel toffee, cream) and Frosted Margarita (Tres Generaciones Blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime, coconut syrup, cream, rosemary).

When: Until December 31, 2024
Time: Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 5 pm to midnight
Where: Lower Lobby at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Reservations: Online

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

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

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

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

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2025

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim

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.

Paul Anthony’s Talent Time: New Year’s Eve Celebration

What: Host Paul Anthony presents a comedy, variety, and chat show at the Rio Theatre that celebrates this past year and looks forward to the next. It features the electronic one-man band, McRORIE, twin violinists Audrey and Ashlynn, kids entertainer party pal, comedian Ryan Beil from The Sunday Service, and more.

The evening continues with a video dance party and midnight celebrations for every time zone across Canada.

When: December 31, 2024
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm to late
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Early bird $30 General Admission, $40 VIP advance. 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

Bloedel Conservatory Reopening

Bloedel Conservatory

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

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

Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium

What: Scuba Claus will be visiting the Vancouver Aquarium daily until December 24 to don his flippers and go for a dive, with festive decor and twinkling lights all around. You can also check out The Polar Express 4D Experience and enjoy the magical Jelly Snow Globe surrounded by over 65,000 incredible animals.

When: Now until January 5, 2025
Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (10 am to 4 pm on December 24, 25 and 31)
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Various prices, purchase online

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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

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

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 try to steal back the neighbourhood’s 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

ECHO by Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil

What: Cirque du Soleil has returned to Vancouver 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

Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery

What: The festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright.

The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until January 5. 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 January 5, 2025 (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Plus, here’s an event happening soon that you need to get on your radar!

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