27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: January 4 to 6

Jan 1 2019, 9:05 am

The first weekend of the new year is here! Enjoy these 27 great events in Vancouver on Friday, January 4, Saturday, January 5, and Sunday, January 6. Italian Film Festival, New Year Breakfast Run, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, January 4

Dino Archie Presents The VanCity Comedy Extravaganza

Dino Archie

Dino Archie

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

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

Tiko Kerr on Creativity and Surreal

What: CreativeMornings/Vancouver presents Tiko Kerr, a visual artist who has been living and working in Vancouver for the past 30 years. His practice includes painting, murals, set design and performance, as well as teaching and social activism. His most recent body of work entitled “Reframed” will be exhibited from May to September 2019 at The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art in North Vancouver.

When: Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: 8:30 am
Where: SFU Woodward’s – 149 W. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Italian Film Festival – Allegro non troppo

What: Maverick animator Bruno Bozzetto’s best-known feature is a counter-cultural riposte to Disney’s Fantasia – definitely for grown-ups – an often inspired, manic riff on six classical music staples from Debussy, Dvorak, Sibelius, Vivaldi, Stravinsky and Ravel’s Bolero.

When: Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Tea & Queer Poetry

What: Queer Vancouver Meetup hosts Tea & Queer Poetry, where attendees share their most personal pieces or read their favourite ones. Hear others read pieces from popular queer writers, chat and socialize with other passionate writers and bookworms. There will be a short discussion on vulnerability and how the art of writing has helped the community through the centuries, followed by an open floor dedicated to those wanting to share. (Sharing will be completely optional.)

When: Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: Photobox Vancouver – 515 West Pender Street, unit 233, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $5-$7

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

Heritage Christmas

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

Saturday, January 5

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

Free Drop-In: What we do to Make a Sealskin Drawing

What: Inspired by the drawing ‘What we did to Make a Sealskin Tent,’ part of Burnaby Art Gallery’s current exhibition “Picturing Arctic Modernity,” artist Mark Igloliorte will lead an informal drawing workshop using sealskin as a subject. Participants will draw with a variety of graphite pencils to create depictions of seal skins from observation. Artistic skills of shading and gradient will be introduced while guests will be invited to stretch their experience by working with sealskin.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Surrey Tree Chip

What: Visit Newton Athletic Park or Guildford Town Centre on to recycle your Christmas tree. Service is by donation toward the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Newton Athletic Park – 7395 128 St, Surrey; Guildford Town Centre – 10355 152 St, Surrey
Price: By donation

Mick Jenkins

What: Chicago-based Mick Jenkins brings his Pieces of a Man tour to Vancouver with guests Kari Faux and Holy Sock Gang.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 E Pender Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $30 plus fees

Walk Richmond – King George Park

What: Start the new year off on the right foot by discovering King George Park. Join this walk through a 30-acre urban park in East Richmond and explore the many amenities offered including a water play area and community gardens. Visit the Richmond Public Library pop-up table after the walk to find out about library resources and free classes for the community. This event is for All Ages.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 10 to 11 am
Where: Cambie Community Centre – 12800 Cambie Road, Richmond
Price: Free

6th Annual Christmas Tree Festival Awards Ceremony

What: Join PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives for their 6th Annual Christmas Tree Festival wrap-up party. Find out which dazzling Christmas trees won a trophy or prize this year. Cake and light refreshments will be served.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave., Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

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

New Year Breakfast Run

What: West Van Run’s 2nd Annual New Year Breakfast Run starts from Shipyards Coffee in Lower Lonsdale, a 5k run along the shore, then back to the shop for baked goodies and coffee. Admission is free and all are welcome.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Shipyards Coffee – 156-123 Carrie Cates Crt., North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Inspired by HER

Inspired by HER

Caroline Ross Photography

What: Inspired by HER, presented by the BeaYOUtiful Organization and the Surrey Fire Fighters Association, is a conference open to girls between the ages of 10 to 14. Their free-to-attend events are compiled of various workshops that aim to improve confidence, create positive body image, hone artistic expression, and better increase media literacy education. Why? Because approximately 50% of girls between the ages of six to 12-years-old are dissatisfied with their body and appearance, meaning that there’s a serious need for change. The BeaYOUtiful Organization and Inspired by HER aim to change the youth’s perspective on beauty and the negative influence of social media.

When: Saturday, January 6, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets are sold out, however, people are able to join a waitlist for future events

Comedypants: A Stand-Up Show

What: Stand-up comedy in the comfy confines of the Avant Garden. Featuring a mix of up-and-coming Vancouver comedians, hosted by Alistair Ogden.

When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: The Avant Garden – 729 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Sunday, January 6

How to Winter Run

A winter run for a good cause takes place this Friday at Spruce Meadows (Image: Fotokostic/Shutterstock)

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

Brewmaster Dinner Series at Britannia Brewing Company

What: Britannia Brewing Company presents a fun evening of entertainment, fine fare and delicious ales.

When: Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 6:45 to 11 pm
Where: Britannia Brewing Company – 12500 Horseshoe Way, Richmond
More Info: Online

Christmas at The Greater Vancouver Zoo

What: Get festive at the Greater Vancouver Zoo with their series of Christmas themed learning experiences and activities. Ride the train with blankets and hot chocolate, witness an educational enrichment walk with animals, enjoy craft activities, and more.

Where: Various dates from now to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Greater Vancouver Zoo – 5048 264th Street, Aldergrove
Tickets: Online

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.

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: HR 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

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

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

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast / Arts Club Theatre

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

Sea of Lights

What: Immerse yourself in a Sea of Lights at the Vancouver Aquarium. 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

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

See also

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