20 things to do in Vancouver this week

The big day is over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. With New Year’s Eve on Thursday and a full range of holiday events still open, there is no shortage of things to do in Vancouver this week.

Here are 20 events around Vancouver between December 28 and January 1:

Vancouver Canucks v.s. Los Angeles Kings

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Monday, December 28; 7 p.m.

Manic Monday Karaoke

What: The Astoria has a karaoke show every Sunday & Monday 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m, with your host Jordan of Vibeology Entertainment. No cover, drink specials and free pool.
Where: The Astoria – 769 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Monday, December 28; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Eight and a Half Inches of Comedy

What: Every Monday hosts Devin Alexander and Alex Sparling throw a stand-up comedy show featuring the best local comedians Vancouver has to offer and major touring headliners from around the world.
Where: Eight and a Half Restaurant and Lounge – 151 E. 8th Avenue, Vancouver
When: Monday, December 28; 9 to 11:30 p.m.

Ice Skating at Robson Square

What: The rink at Robson Square is operated seasonally by the provincial government when the temperatures begin to dip, running from morning into the late evening hours. Skaters can skate for free if they bring their own skates while those without skates can rent a pair on-site. There is also a concession stand serving snacks and warm drinks.
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson & Howe)
When: December 1, 2015 until February 28, 2016; times vary

Pat Quinn Classic-Canucks Alumni Game

What: Don’t miss this Canucks Alumni Game, where the Vancouver Canucks Alumni face off against the coaches of the teams participating in the Pat Quinn Classic tournament in a showcase game. This exciting event will take place at Bill Copeland Arena in Burnaby, BC onTuesday, December 29th, 2015. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Pat Quinn Legacy Fund, which supports athletes in their educational pursuits after their careers playing professional sports have ended.
Where: Bill Copeland Sport Centre – 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
When: Tuesday, December 29; 7:30 to 9 p.m.

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 is also accompanied by a train ride, musics, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves.
Where: Miniature railway area at Stanley Park, Vancouver
When: Thursday, November 26 to January 2, 2016

Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet in The Nutcracker

What: Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker, a city-wide favourite and consistently ranked as one of the most quintessential Christmas traditions. Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music accompanies the classic story of Clara, live toy soldiers, dancing mice and more.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, December 29 to 31; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Vancouver 2016

What: To celebrate the arrival of 2016 in proper fashion, New Year’s Eve Vancouver will consist of six hours of exciting and fun programming on the downtown Vancouver waterfront and it marks the first time in over a decade that Vancouver has hosted a first free, public New Year’s Eve midnight countdown celebration event. The evening’s programming begins at 6 p.m. and culminates with an 11-minute fireworks display at midnight. Revellers can also expect a free concert series featuring local musicians, multicultural performances, sponsor activities, food trucks, and a three-minute Early Eve fireworks display at 9 p.m. for families with young children.
Where: Canada Place Way and Coal Harbour, Downtown Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31; 6 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration

What: Kick off 2016 at the Peak of Vancouver during Grouse Mountain’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. From 5 p.m. onwards, enjoy entertainment and fun for all ages. Glide on the 8,000-square foot mountaintop pond, take a snow carpet down our new Sliding Zone and be awed by the magical outdoor Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake.
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31; 5 to 9 p.m.

NYE 2016 Masquerade Ball

What: Celebrate the arrival of 2016 in Vancouver at Belmont’s New Years Eve Masquerade Ball! With a 3 course dinner, champagne toast and canapes at midnight, live music by Alex Maher and guest DJs with a live percussionist.
Where: The Belmont Bar – 1006 Granville Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31; 7 p.m.

Celebrities Playhouse New Year’s Eve 2016

What: Your Playhouse residents TIMELINE, YURIE, & MATTILDA HO are set to ring in the new year with club hits and house anthems. With stunning dancers, a massive countdown on the L.E.D. wall, some of the city’s finest DJs, and a champagne toast at midnight, CELEBRITIES NYE 2016 is going to be our most memorable one yet. We’ll also have hors d’oeuvres to keep the energy up & balloon drop at midnight!
Where: Celebrities Nightclub – 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31

TELUS World of Science New Year’s Eve 2016

What: The TELUS World of Science is home to what has become the most prestigious and spectacular New Year’s Eve event in Vancouver! Bring in the new year with 1,100 Vancouverites, all while overlooking beautiful False Creek and the Olympic Village!
Where: TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver New Year’s Eve 2016

What: Come ring in 2016 with our city’s premier entertainers at the Hotel Vancouver on the biggest night of the year. Hot off last year’s sold-out NYE bash, Arrival returns with another legendary multi-room party at the iconic Hotel Vancouver.
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31

Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver New Year’s Eve 2016

What: Having the title of the tallest building in the Vancouver and easily the most breath-taking hotel. Ring in the New Year with class feeling like a star; dont forget to dress to impress, this classy affair only calls for classy tastes.
Where: Shangri-La Vancouver – 1128 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31

Pacific Coliseum New Years Eve 2016

What: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vancouver at SOLID NYE 2016! Featuring DVBBS, Deorro, Tritonal, Headhunterz and TNT, this event is already almost sold out so get in fast!
Where: Pacific Coliseum – 100 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, December 31

Check out our complete Vancouver NYE 2016 Parties Guide

Vancity Buzz composite

Spirit of Christmas at Sea to Sky Gondola

What: High up in the alpine range lies the Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish, offering unparalleled views of snow-capped mountains. The Christmas festivities include snowshoeing, tubing, a forest walk, warm and cozy storytime and a brunch with Santa himself. There will also be a Christmas Market at the mountain base and local choirs singing holiday carols, including a special holiday concert.
Where: Sea to Sky Gondola – off Highway 99 just before Squamish
When: Friday, December 4 to January 3, 2016

Heritage Christmas

What: The Heritage Christmas event is full to the brim with traditional holiday trappings, with brilliant strings of lights lining every building, branch, and bough. Carollers, musicians, dancers, and more will entertain the crowds, and children and adults alike can take part in crafts, baking, theatre performances, and a visit with Santa himself. As always, the famous Burnaby Village Carousel will be offering rides on their authentic 18th Century merry-go-round.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
When: November 21 to January 1; various times

Christmas at FlyOver Canada

What: FlyOver Canada will transform into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season. Guests will have fun helping Santa Claus search for his missing elves during an exhilarating flight across Canada and on to the North Pole. An extended holiday edition of FlyOver Canada that leads guests on to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole is also included.
Where: FlyOver Canada – 201 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Friday, November 27 to January 5, 2016 – daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks v.s. Anaheim Ducks

Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Friday, January 1; 7 p.m.