15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: Jan. 2 to 4

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks are back this week with a pair of games at Rogers Arena this weekend, including the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 2 and the Boston Bruins on Jan. 3.

When: Jan. 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Friday), 7 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

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

Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.

There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations, activities, and delicious food. Keep an eye out for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.

When: Now until Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax

Oshōgatsu – Japanese New Year Celebrations

What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre invites guests to begin 2026 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

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

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
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

Winter Ice Palace

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

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

Miracle on Rae Street

What: There’s one house in Port Coquitlam that draws visitors from all around to its driveway every holiday season – the “Miracle on Rae Street.”

This house has had its windows, rooftops, lawns, driveway, and gigantic evergreen tree completely decked out with holiday lights to help onlookers get into the spirit of Christmas. Venture into Frosty’s Whimsical Forest and help raise funds for Share Family and Community Services.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Where: 3313 Rae St., Port Coquitlam
Cost: By donation to Share Society

VanDusen Festival of Lights

What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays has returned for the season.

Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages, at VanDusen Festival of Lights.

When: Now until Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. (last entry time 8:30 to 9 p.m.)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: $12-$29, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online

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 for the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.

When: Every Sunday until April 26, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Ave. and Trafalgar St., Vancouver

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 features a variety of exhibitions, along with a Gallery Store for shopping and the 1931 Gallery Bistro for delicious food and drinks.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, though it is recommended that guests reserve a spot in advance to guarantee entry.

St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope

What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope.

St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998.

More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognize the support of generous donors this year.

When: Lights will be on display until early January
Time: Nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free; donations can be made online

Vancouver Public Library Movie Screening – Finding Nemo

What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Check out the family-friendly Pixar classic, Finding Nemo, on Jan. 2 at the Renfrew Branch.

When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Where: VPL Renfrew Branch – 2969 East 22nd Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Soar with Santa at Flyover

What: Christmastime is here in Vancouver, and a visit to Flyover should be at the top of everyone’s wish list. Experience the magic of Christmas this holiday season as you fly across Canada and up to the North Pole in Soar with Santa, on until Jan. 4, 2026.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)
Where: Canada Place Pier – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online