55 things to do in Vancouver in January

Welcome to 2019, everyone! Start the new year with our checklist of 55 things to do in January around Vancouver. Polar Bear Swim, KISS, and more.

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

Explore the great outdoors

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2019

What: Take an invigorating dip in English Bay for Vancouver’s 99th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim and join thousands of “polar bears” in this free Vancouver tradition. Dress-up in fancy costume, compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race, or come out to watch and delight in the spectacle. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash.

When: Monday, January 1, 2019
Time: 2:30 t0 3:30 pm. Come early for registration.
Where: English Bay Bathhouse – 1700 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free. Participants should register online. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash – please be generous.

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2018 and 2019 season. As per tradition, skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site for a fee. An on-site concession stand will also serve warm drinks and snacks.

When: Now to February 28, 2019
Time: Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm – Holiday hours vary
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street and Howe Street)
Cost: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time)
Note: Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a Sleigh Ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic Reindeer and watch holiday movies.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: For more information and a detailed daily schedule for all Peak of Christmas activities, please check here.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with an Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

How To Winter Run

What: Learn how to Winter Run with Salomon Vancouver. Join their experts on Hollyburn Mountain on January 6 to learn some winter running basics. They will share their tips and tricks for running in snow including uphill and downhill technique, what gear to bring for winter safety, and how to best prepare for the conditions.

When: Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Hollyburn Mountain, West Vancouver
Register: Online, Free

Survive Outside

What: Hikes Near Vancouver is partnering with the Surrey Search and Rescue team for an evening session of the BC AdventureSmart “Survive Outside – A Guide to Outdoor Safety” program. Taught by a highly-experienced SAR team member, this program is targeted at anyone interested in learning introductory outdoor survival practices. Attendees will learn about the “Three Ts” (Trip Planning, Training and Taking the Essentials), other outdoor travel tips, as well as how Search and Rescue operates. The seasoned, knowledgeable instructor helps tie everything together with scenarios and analyses of real-life SAR experiences.

When: Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Surrey Search & Rescue Society – 5752 142 Street, Surrey
Tickets: Online, Free

20th Annual Divers’ Weekend at Vancouver Aquarium

What: Join Vancouver Aquarium for the 20th annual celebration of diving. From riveting dive shows to compelling exhibits to informative presentations, divers and non-divers alike will be further inspired to explore the vast oceans. Plus, don’t miss the Trends in Diving Safety panel, where experts discuss current issues in diving safety.

When: Saturday, January 26 to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online (available soon)

Cross-country skiing at Cypress Mountain

What: Located at the Nordic Area on Hollyburn Ridge, Cypress Mountain’s cross country skiing area features 19 km of groomed trail, 7.5 km of trail for night skiing, and the largest ski school in Canada offering both skate and classic lessons.

When: From now to closing day of the season
Time:  Hours vary from day-to-day
Where: Cypress Mountain – 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Rentals: Full day rentals start at $24, $16 after 3 pm

Explore the city

Holiday Break at The Space Centre

What: This holiday season head to the Space Centre and celebrate David Saint-Jacques, the latest Canadian astronaut heading to space. David will travel to the International Space Station on his first mission “Perspective” this December. He will spend six months in space doing experiments and operating the Canadarm2.

Learn how David will live on the space station, how he will eat, where he will sleep, and what experiments he’ll be doing in micro-gravity during our live science demonstrations. Create your own mission patch, just like David did, and make mini astronaut figurines to take home.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

The Science Behind Pixar

What: The Science Behind Pixar, featuring over 40 interactive elements, was created by the Museum of Science, Boston and Pixar Animation Studios. The exhibition in Vancouver is broken into eight distinct sections, with each focusing on a step of Pixar’s filming making process: modelling, rigging, surfaces, sets and cameras, animation, simulation, lighting, and rendering. The activities and exhibits are inspired by some of Pixar’s most acclaimed films, including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, and WALL-E. Attendees will also have photo opportunities with human-size recreations of famous Pixar characters, such as Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL-E.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

SAP Networking Event & Live Performance by KT Tunstall

What: Multinational software company SAP will be hosting a free exclusive networking event in Vancouver for those who are interested in connecting and networking with various diverse members of the SAP community from all over the world. Those attending the event will be able to speak about the opportunities with hiring managers and senior leaders within the company, as well as get an insight into a leading global organization’s company culture. Additionally, SAP has invited award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall to perform live at the event, bringing her unique brand of alternative rock to Vancouver.

When: Monday, January 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street
Price: FREE — Register here to RSVP

Women’s Personal Safety Workshops 2019

What: Women looking to learn more about self-defence are invited to join the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for women’s personal safety workshops this winter. Participants will be able to learn easy self-defence tactics, and no prior training is required. The safety team encourages skills that involve “effective” self-defence.

The workshop is hosted by the VPD’s Women’s Personal Safety team and will take place on January 11 and February 7, 2019. The VPD says the workshop is open to all women, but the minimum age to sign-up is 16-years old. Anyone under 18 must come with a parent to sign a waiver. More information is available online.

When: Friday, January 11 and Thursday, February 7, 2019
Where:

• January 11 from 6:15 to 8:15 pm:  Coal Harbour Community Centre — 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver
• February 7 from 6 to 8 pm:  St. George’s School — 4175 West 29th Avenue, Vancouver

Registration: 

• January 11 — Available online
• February 7 — Email [email protected] or call 604-717-3434

Price: Free

Gluten Free Expo

What: Discover, shop and sample hundreds of gluten-free products while learning from leading experts at Canada’s largest gluten-free event.

When: Saturday, January 12 to Sunday, January 13, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Off the Top Rope with Ric Flair

What: The 69-year-old pro wrestling legend Ric Flair will be telling “untold tales of pro wrestling,” along with the “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart.

When: Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dine Out Vancouver 2019

What: Dine Out Vancouver is back for its 17th year, bringing with it a crowded calendar of food events, with hundreds of restaurants participating in this year’s exciting event. Taking place from January 18 through February 3, 2019, the popular annual fest features hundreds of restaurants, each offering multi-course dinners at $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages).

When: Friday, January 18 to Sunday, February 3, 2019
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages). Special event tickets are on sale now.

The 2019 Motorcycle Show

What: A new event is occurring every day from stunting to drag racing and is perfect for those who are into motorcycles. See all of the latest products, services, and gear while touring around.

When: Friday, January 18 to Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Tradex – Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre – 1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online, $13 for adults, $11 for kids (6 to 14) and $12 for seniors (over 65)

Guo Pei: Couture Beyond Exhibition

What: Renowned for combining China’s rich aesthetic tradition with modern sensibilities, the exhibition will showcase more than 40 of Guo Pei’s breathtaking designs, including opulent avant-garde silhouettes. Couture Beyond looks at the the evolution of Guo Pei’s designs over 10 years, beginning with examples from her early collections, Samsara (2006), An Amazing Journey in a Childhood Dream (2008) and 1002 Nights (2010), with a lively installation in the Gallery’s rotunda of the collection from her 2015 MAC Cosmetics collaboration.

When: Now to Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street
Price: $6.50 – $24 – Tickets available via Vancouver Art Gallery

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition 2018

What: The Titanic: Artifact Exhibition has been designed to focus on the real, authentic human stories of those who boarded the Titanic and bringing those tales back to life. To help recreate the memories of the passengers, more than 120 authentic pieces from the vessel will be present, as well as extensive re-creations of rooms on the ship.

When: Now to Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Lipont Place – 4211 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online, $17.95

Aberdeen Centre’s Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair

What: The hallways of Aberdeen Centre will be transformed into a Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair, featuring vendors selling including gifts, decorations, fresh flowers, crafts, food, home goods and more. Your one-stop-shop for all Chinese New Year essentials.

When: Wednesday January 30 to Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Kit And Ace Metrotown Pop-Up Shop

What: Kit and Ace has opened a pop-up shop at Metropolis at Metrotown to celebrate the holiday season, and this is the first-ever time the brand has had a physical presence in Burnaby. Visitors to the pop-up will have the chance to win a head-to-toe Kit and Ace look featuring both the Navigator and Brushed French Terry fabrics. Look for the mannequins wearing these looks and leave your email address to be entered to win. Two winners will be selected at the end of each month.

When: Open now through Thursday, January 31, 2019
Time: Regular mall hours
Where: Level 1 through Entrance 4 on the left, Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Price: Free admission

Cannes Lions Vancouver Screening 2019

What: The National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS), in partnership with The Globe and Mail, is hosting a screening of the Cannes Lions 2018 award winners at Vancouver’s Scotiabank Theatre on January 31. Viewers will have the chance to take in the short — though no less impressive — works of the advertising industry from the comfort of movie theatre seats, with the 126 minutes of award-winning advertisements play on the big screen. Some of these commercials include the famous “It’s a Tide Ad” from Tide, “Unlock” from Apple, and Taco Bell’s “Web of Fries.”

When: Thursday, January 31, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 9 pm
Where: Scotiabank Theatre — 900 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $25 to $30, available online

Laugh the night away

Throwdown International TheatreSports Festival at Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Vancouver TheatreSports welcomes teams from other cities who bring their A-Game to head-to head matches with each other and local teams comprised of VTS’s top improvisers. The visiting line-up features SAK Comedy Lab (Orlando, Florida), Curious Comedy Theatre (Portland, Oregon), On the Spot Improv (Honolulu,Hawaii) and Ryan Stiles’ company Upfront Theatre (Bellingham, WA).

When: Wednesday, January 2 to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dino Archie Presents The VanCity Comedy Extravaganza

What: The Vancity Comedy Extravaganza presents Dino Archie, Dave Merheje, Gavin Matts, Efthimios Nasiapolos in performances at the Vogue Theatre

When: Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $24.99

Pop-Up Comedy Jam with stand-up guest Danika Thibault

What: The Fictionals Comedy Co. welcome Danika Thibault to the Improv and Stand-Up Mashup at Cafe Deux Soleils. The evening features improv games inspired by audience suggestions, plus comedy surprises in Best of Both Worlds.

When: Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Time: Doors 7:30 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Admission: $7 adults, $5 students and seniors

Unscriptured: Expanded Edition

What: Unscriptured is the completely improvised church service for a religion made up on the spot — all based on an audience suggestion. Formerly a one man show, this new expanded version features a choir, live music, and “guest preachers” from around the Vancouver comedy community. Created and hosted by Travis Bernhardt, winner of 2018 Vancouver Pick of the Fringe.

When: Thursday, January 10 to Saturday, January 12, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $5

Judge John Hodgman with guest Louise Burns

What: Judge John Hodgman is a podcast where actor and comedian John Hodgman decides real personal disputes. Featuring special guest Louise Burns.

When: Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $36.50 plus fees

Jest Ladies Comedy

What: Fraser Valley Comedy presents Jest Ladies Comedy hosted by Nic Enright-Morin. Nic Enright-Morin is a freelance writer, editor and comic who performs comedy all over BC, as well as in the UK. She also wrote and produced the interactive comedy play “Aunt Biddy’s Wake”and is a stand-up comedy instructor at LaughterZone 101. Featuring special performances by Yumi Nagashima, Syd Bosel, Lisa Person, Katrina Bennett, Lydia Rickards, Monique Naicker-Bellamy, Alison Ogilvie, Marlene Swidzinski and Ericka Young.

When: Friday, January 18, 2019
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Chances Maple Ridge – 22710 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

Smash Comedy Festival

What: Produced by Nasty Women Comedy, the inaugural Smash Comedy Festival is a three-day comedy festival spotlighting Vancouver’s best and brightest women/trans/femme/plus performers. Featuring sketch, improv and stand-up shows, writing and improv workshops, and a 90s dance party. Funds go towards sending underrepresented kids to Improv Camp for the upcoming 2019 season.

When: Thursday, January 24 to Saturday, January 26, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Online

Holiday Lights and Events

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Stroll through the streets of Burnaby Village Museum to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Many family-favourite activities are back including craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and visits with Father Christmas.

When: Now to Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65

Chalet Place Lights for Charity

What: A home up in the hills of North Vancouver has been lighting up with over 100,000 lights each Christmas for a few years, to raise donations for three good causes – the BC Epilepsy Society, Harvest Project, and Shriners Care For Kids. This is the final year of the display, so make sure to add it to your list.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: 4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

What: A Sasquatch-themed festival that hopes to share some of Harrison’s favourite ways to spend time outdoors. Light displays on the Harrison Lakefront will showcase the mythical creature hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing. The celebration will also include a Christmas tree trail, Whoville-themed village, and cabin-style New Year’s celebration.

When: Now to Monday, January 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free

Lights at Lafarge Lake

What: Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver, and features more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. The display is located just steps from SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and the lights will remain on from dusk each night until 11 pm.

When: Now to Sunday, January 20, 2019
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

What: Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. The attraction in the heart of the park is also accompanied by a train ride, music, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves. The annual tradition, now in its 21st year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – it is a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year, with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life supporting and life enriching services to people in BC.

When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Time: Schedule available online
Where: Pipeline Road, via the West Georgia Street park entrance.
Train tickets: Adults: $12 / Seniors: $9 / Youth: $9 / Child: $8

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

What: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl prowl, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden

What: The botanical garden is covered in more than a million lights. Reindeer and Scandinavian gnomes also roam the trails, and visitors can walk through the gingerbread wood, lantern alley, and Make-a-Wish candle grotto.

When: Now to January 7, 2019
Time: 4:30 pm to 9 pm.
Where: VanDusen Gardens – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Online: Pricing: Adults $18.50 online and $20 at the gate. Prices vary for youth, children and seniors. Tickets available online.

Christmas at FlyOver Canada

What: Fly like Santa this Christmas on a magical flight across Canada. After meeting some of Santa’s elves, Chestnut and Pinecone, you’ll join them as they take flight across Canada looking for their fellow elves. You may even get a sneak peek of Santa’s Workshop as you soar over the North Pole.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Glow Christmas

What: Glow Christmas brightens up Langley’s Milner Village Garden Centre with over 500,000 lights spanning 103,000-sq-ft of holiday magic. The display will feature four different light gardens, food trucks (and bar!), over 40 vendors, and – the cherry on top – a 210-foot musical light tunnel.

When: Select dates to January 19, 2019
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Milner Village Garden Centre – 6690 216 St, Langley
Tickets: Available online, $8.99 to $39.99. Kids under 3 are free.

Sea of Lights

What: Immerse yourself in a Sea of Lights at the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch Scuba Claus dive daily in the Strait of Georgia habitat until December 24. Enjoy the wave of childlike wonder as you watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the 4-D theatre. Marvel at Vancouver’s most shocking holiday display as you stand in the glow of the Electric eel-powered Christmas tree in the Teck Connections Gallery. And delight in the magic of the season as you watch the enchanting jelly snow globe display in the Tropics Gallery.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (until 4 pm on certain dates)
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their regular season in January, with home games including Arizona Coyotes (January 10), Edmonton Oilers on January 16, and Detroit Red Wings (January 23).

When: January 10, 13, 16, 18, 20 and 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants

What: Vancouver Giants continue their WHL season in January at Langley Events Centre, with games against Kamloops Blazers (January 12), Moose Jaw Warriors (January 19) and Prince Albert Raiders (January 24).

When: January 12, 13, 19, 24, and 27, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Warriors

What: Vancouver Warriors bring National Lacrosse League action to Rogers Arena throughout January, with home games including Saskatchewan Rush (January 12), San Diego Seals (January 19) and Colorado Mammoth (January 26).

When: January 12, 19 and 26, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Eat fresh with farmers’ markets

Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ Market

What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal crafts.

When: Every Saturday to April 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza – 50E. 30th Ave., Vancouver, Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Hastings Park Farmers’ Market

What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks. There is free parking for market shoppers at Gate 2 off of Renfrew St.

When: Every Sunday to April 28
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free

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 to April 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Treat yourself to theatre

King Arthur’s Court

What: King Arthur’s Court is a traditional British Pantomime. Join Arthur in a whimsical tale as he grows from a boy to a king. His interactions with Merlin and Guinevere, as well as his Knights of the Round Table, keep this energetic musical moving faster than you can say “Lancelot”. Get ready to boo the baddies, cheer on our heroes and dance in the aisles as the audience joins in the fun, laughter, and merriment.

When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Metro Theatre Vancouver – 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

A Charlie Brown Holiday Double Bill

What: Carousel Theatre for Young People’s A Charlie Brown Christmas is back and playing in a special double bill feature with You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Experience the ups and downs of everyday life with Charlie Brown and his friends, then join Charlie as he tries to direct his friends in the school Christmas pageant.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Arts Club Theatre Company presents: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

What: A tale as old as time returns to Vancouver this holiday season. The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Stanley Industrial Alliance stage. Watch the magic behind the castle walls come alive in this brilliant adaptation of the Academy Award-winning animated film.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Times: Various showtimes, check website for details
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage — 2750 Granville St, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, starting at $39

East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz

What: When a pipeline bursts, Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land of Oz, aka Nanaimo and Hastings. There, Dorothy is pursued by a Wicked Witch, meets a trio of new friends, and embarks on a magical journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage … and Yoga Pants.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

15th Anniversary: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2019

What: The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Vancouver’s signature mid-winter cultural event. The PuSh Festival presents audiences with groundbreaking, contemporary works of theatre, dance, music, and multimedia, by acclaimed local, national, and international artists. This year’s PuSh Festival will showcase 26 works from 24 companies from 13 countries – including six world premieres.

When: January 17 to February 3, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Online

Sing along to your favourites

Bowie Ball 2019

What: An annual celebration of the music, art, theatre, fashion and philosophy of the late great David Bowie by a collection of Vancouver musicians for the benefit of The Canadian Cancer Society. Featuring performances by Cass King and the Next Right Thing, The Judys, Pointed Sticks and more.

When: Saturday, January 12, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15

Reel Big Fish

What: California ska-punk band Reel Big Fish bring their Life Sucks… Let’s Dance! Tour to Vancouver with guests MEST and Bikini Trill.

When: Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $25 plus fees

Itzhak Perlman

What: Itzhak Perlman returns to the VSO stage to perform Mendelssohn’s Romantic Violin Concerto, “the heart’s jewel” of violin concertos, with Maestro Otto Tausk.

When: Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Travis Scott

What: Multiple Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer Travis Scott brings his Astroworld: Wish You Were Here Tour to Vancouver.

When: Friday, January 25, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dierks Bentley

What: Country star Dierks Bently is coming to Vancouver this January for his Burning Man Tour. Along with him on tour will be special guests Jon Pardi, Tenille Towns, and Hot Country Knights.

When: Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

MØ

What: Danish superstar MØ’s, new album Forever Neverland is her first full length since her 2014 debut No Mythologies To Follow and follows a whirlwind four years for the vocalist and songwriter born Karen Marie Ørsted. In addition to festival appearances and sold out tours worldwide, MØ released an EP, When I Was Young, in the fall of 2017 and has recently collaborated with the likes of Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, ALMA, and Noah Cyrus, not to mention her star turns on Major Lazer’s smash hits “Cold Water” and “Lean On”. Featuring guest Mykki Blanco.

When: Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

KISS

What: One of the most prolific bands of all time, that launched an era of rock ‘n roll legends, KISS’ final tour, appropriately named the “End of the Road,” will start at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on January 31 and All Hell’s Breaking’ Loose as it’s the beginning of the end. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

When: Thursday, January 31, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

See also

• Plunge into the new year at the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2019
• Watch the winners of the 'Oscars for commercials' at the 2018 Cannes Lions screening
• Surrey's giant lantern festival is finally open to the public (PHOTOS)