The first weekend of 2025 is already here, so let’s have some fun!
Here are 15 great events to check out around Vancouver from January 3 to 5, including Winter Ice Palace, Bloedel Conservatory reopening, and much more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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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.
Remember to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and join 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. Limited tickets are 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 can 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
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
What: The Canucks begin the new year at Rogers Arena with a matchup against the Nashville Predators on January 3.
When: January 3, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
The Count of Monte Cristo and Best of 2024 at Vancity Theatre
What: Alexandre Dumas’ tale of adventure, intrigue and romance comes to life in The Count of Monte Cristo. This stunning French blockbuster from the writers of the recent Three Musketeers movies stars Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantès, whose life is upended by the schemes of three villains, including his best friend. After years of imprisonment, Dantès returns to exact revenge as the mysterious Count.
The Best of 2024 is VIFF’s annual roundup of 10 of the best films of the year. Dive into the curated list of diverse, sexy, thrilling, challenging, and masterful movies on the big screen before they’re gone. Highlights include Thelma, Challengers and Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World.
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 $11 for students and accessible pricing, $14 for seniors, and $16 for adults. Purchase online
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.
During their visit to the Train Plaza, guests will be treated to stunning light displays, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights. 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
Winter Ice Palace
Surrey Winter Ice Palace
What: The 25th 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 January 5, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Cloverdale Ice Arena – 6090 176th Street, Surrey
Cost: $45 per person, $3.50 for skate rentals, $1.75 for helmet rentals. Free admission for annual Recreation Pass and Family Fun Pass holders.
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
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
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.
The conservatory, located in Queen Elizabeth Park in South Vancouver, is home to over 100 exotic birds, koi fish, and more than 500 exotic plants and flowers.
When: Reopens on January 4, 2025
Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium
What: You can check out Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium until January 5, featuring The Polar Express 4D Experience, guests can also visit 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
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Various prices, 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 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
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
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope
Lights of Hope/St. Paul’s Foundation
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 recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on until January 3.
When: On display until January 3, 2025
Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Vancouver Giants vs Wenatchee Wild
What: The Vancouver Giants continue the WHL season with a game against the Wenatchee Wild at Langley Events Centre on January 3.
When: January 3, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th Street, Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online
ECHO by 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 vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until January 5. Throughout the season, visitors to The Polygon Gallery’s main floor 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