More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Vancouver this January
Vancouver, let’s do ourselves a big favour and start the new year the right way: by saving the dough in our pockets.
To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up 22 great FREE and cheap events and activities happening in the city in January, including the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, art exhibits, and more!
And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
Push Festival
What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.
Highlights include the return of Dances for a Small Stage, Dune Wars Kiki Ball, and the popular Club Push.
When: January 23 to February 9, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Various prices including several free events. 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: January 4, 2025
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free
Dundarave Festival – Forest of Miracles
What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia. Discover 140 uniquely decorated trees and vote for your favourites in several categories, including Most Sustainable, Glitz & Glam, and Most Creative.
The Forest of Miracles is open to the public 24 hours a day until January 7, 2025.
When: Now until January 7, 2025
Time: 24 hours a day
Where: West Vancouver Waterfront from the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach
Admission: Free
Nature Work Parties
City of Surrey
What: Help remove invasive plants and clean up litter at various parks in Surrey this winter. Tools and training will be provided and all ages are welcome.
Nature Work Parties are drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Participants are also asked to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities.
When: Various dates
Time: 10 am and 10:30 am staggered start times
Where: Various parks in Surrey
Cost: Free
Formline: Calligraphy — A Tea Party Celebration
Head over to the Bill Reid Gallery to celebrate Bill Reid’s legacy during his birthday weekend. There will be a tea party and a conversation with Dr. Martine Reid and Chester Gryski, who will discuss Bill Reid’s creative collaboration with print and book designer Bob Reid.
When: January 11, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Bill Reid Gallery — 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Included with gallery admission, tickets $6-$13. Purchase online
Robson Square Ice Rink
What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice.
Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.
The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February.
When: Open daily until February 28, 2025
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee
AME Roundup’s Discovery Day
AME Discovery Day
What: AME Roundup Conference hosts a family-focused Discovery Day at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The free event invites all ages to learn about mineral exploration and mining through interactive displays, exhibitors and experiences.
When: January 19, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Ballroom A/B, Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Heartbeat of a Vessel by Jo Scott-b
What: The Vancouver Maritime Museum hosts the feature exhibit, Heartbeat of a Vessel by Jo Scott-b. Artworks on display will spotlight how each valve and gauge in an engine has a story to tell.
When: Now until May 2025
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum – 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $14-$18.50, free for children 5 and under with a paying adult (max two free children per one adult)
Bright Walk in White Rock
What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night until January 12. You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.
When: Now until January 12, 2025
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront
Cost: Free
Hot Chocolate Festival 2025
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What: The 15th annual Hot Chocolate Fest is returning once again this year. Enjoy tasty and unique hot chocolate creations from numerous spots in and around Vancouver.
Last year saw some outrageous creations like a hot chocolate with marinara sauce and Hot Cheetos, a Dragon Ball Z-themed drink, and even one hot chocolate that is illegal south of the border.
When: January 18 to February 14, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants and cafes in and around Vancouver
Surrey Libraries Expo
What: You’re invited to celebrate Family Literacy Day at the annual Surrey Libraries Expo at South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre. There will be a variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy, including craft stations, coding sessions, book bowling and more. Plus, check out the mobile library to discover the latest reading releases.
When: January 25, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre – 14601 20th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy
What: Underground Comedy Club presents Vancouver’s Bradley Sakawsky in a radical night of laughs. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakaswsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.
When: January 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Underground Comedy Club — 120 Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $14.95 plus fees; purchase online
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: Now until March 2025
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood Blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 am to 1 pm and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month
Time: 11 am to 1 pm (Centre is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm)
Where: 168 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; an adult must accompany guests under 12. Admission is $10-$12; purchase online
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Farmers’ Markets in Metro Vancouver
Riley Park Winter Farmers’ Market
What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.
When: Every Saturday until March 29, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver
Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market
What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.
When: Every Sunday until April 27, 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver
Granville Island Public Market
Julien Hautcoeur/Shutterstock
What: You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats.
When: Every day
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
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 until April 2025
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody