As we ease out of the holiday season and dive into our New Year’s goals—like hitting the gym or getting organized—it’s important to make time for some fun, too! Luckily, Metro Vancouver has plenty to offer this weekend, from exciting events to relaxing outings.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or a cozy way to unwind, we’ve got you covered with this weekend’s guide to fun and festivities.

Things to do in Vancouver this weekend

Bright Walk in White Rock Ending (Ending Jan 12) FREE

Although already beautiful, the White Rock Pier will become even more magical and festive during the holiday season. This winter, the waterfront promenade decked with magical lights and displays full of holiday cheer. Among the beautiful holiday lights is a beautifully illuminated light tunnel and a 20-foot Christmas tree.

When & Where: December 7- January 12 at the White Rock Pier
Cost: Free

Vancouver Warriors vs San Diego Seals

Vancouver’s lacrosse team, The Vancouver Warriors, kicks off the new year at Rogers Arena. They will be playing against the San Diego Seals.

When & Where: January 10 from 7 pm at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sun

Known for punk-rock anthems like “Fat Lip”, “In Too Deep”, and “Still Waiting”, Sum 41 has been a staple in the rock scene since the early 2000s.

When & Where: January 11 at Rogers Arena
Cost: Varies

EMO Night at Fortune Sound: Vancouver’s Unofficial Sum 41 Afterparty

Vancouver, get ready to dive deep into your feelings at EMO NIGHT, the ultimate throwback event celebrating all the anthems that defined the most melodramatic moments of our lives.

The night promises to be more than just another club experience, it’s an emotional rollercoaster soundtracked by the music that shaped our youth.

When & Where: January 11 at the Fortune Sound Club, 147 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC
Cost:$0.00 – $15.91

Ongoing things to do in Vancouver

Giant Bowl of Noodles Challenge

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous this weekend, or if your New Year’s goal is to take on as many challenges as you can, these delicious food challenges might catch your interest.

Pho Kitchen, located in the Renfrew neighbourhood, offers a 3KG Pho Challenge. The bowl includes beef broth, rare steak, flank, and rice noodles. It’s available for dine-in only, and you have 45 minutes to finish everything. The pho costs $50, but if you complete the challenge within the time limit, you’ll win a $50 voucher for future use at Pho Kitchen!

Alternatively, if pho isn’t your thing, Ramen Taka in Vancouver hosts the Giga Dragon Ramen Challenge. It’s free if you can finish it within 30 minutes! You can choose from their shoyu, shio, or miso broths. However, if you’re unable to complete the challenge, you’ll need to pay for the equivalent of four bowls of ramen.

Bloedel Conservatory

The perfect winter escape, Bloedel Conservatory finally reopened this month, and is the perfect place to visit to escape the winter blues. Located at Queen Elizabeth Park’s highest point, it was temporarily closed this Fall for repairs and to improve accessibility.

This domed paradise features over 100 exotic birds, koi fish, and 500 species of plants and flowers in a temperature-controlled setting.

When & Where: January and February: 10am-4pm at 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
Cost: $8.05

Canyon Lights

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a mesmerizing holiday event in North Vancouver. During this annual spectacle, the suspension bridge and surrounding rainforest are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical winter wonderland.

Visitors can take a breathtaking walk among the treetops on the suspension bridge while being immersed in the festive glow, making it a truly enchanting experience for all ages.

When & Where: November 22-January 19 at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Lights at Lafarge (FREE)

Coquitlam’s largest holiday light display is back. Stunning the area of Town Centre Park, Lights at Lafarge will wow spectators once again this year as they walk through the beautiful Christmas displays and enjoy some festive fun.

The Lights at Lafarge Kick-off Event will take place on Friday November 22, and there will be live entertainment and food vendors from 5-8 pm.

When & Where: November 22 – February 2025 at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam
Cost: Free

Cypress Pop-Up & Trestle Bridge (FREE)

Take a scenic stroll across an elevated trestle bridge adorned with dazzling holiday lights, nestled in a pocket forest on West Vancouver’s mountainside. Back by popular demand for the Christmas season, Cypress Village will light up nightly until the end of February 2025.

The Cypress Pop-Up Village is beautifully decorated for the holidays and features The Shed, a cozy outdoor spot offering festive treats and drinks like hot coffee, beer, and pizza. Visitors can also enjoy a designated lookout with breathtaking panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and Metro Vancouver.

When & Where: On now until February 2025, until 10 pm daily at 3757 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver (location of the pop-up village and main parking)
Cost: Free

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Rink (FREE)

North Vancouver’s impressive 12,000 square foot skating rink in The Shipyards returns this holiday season and it’s free for all.

The city skyline serves as a stunning backdrop, and with all these commercial amenities right at your fingertips, it’s truly spectacular. This skating rink is unlike any other in Vancouver.

When & Where: November 30 – February 28 at Shipyards District, 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Robson Square Ice Rink (FREE)

This winter, strap on some skates and frolic in one of Vancouver’s most beloved ice rinks. Downtown’s Robson Square Ice Rink will return to the public this holiday season. Conveniently located in the centre of downtown, it is an outdoor rink with a glass ceiling that beautifully lights up for the festive season.

When & Where: December 1 – February 29 from various times at Robson Square Ice Rink, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Skate rentals are $5)

Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99 & $5 Movies on Tuesdays

Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:

• Jan 11 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
• Jan 18 – Red One
• Jan 25 -Despicable Me 4

Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.

As an added bonus for move lovers, from January 14 – February 11, Cineplex is offering $5 movie tickets and $5 popcorn every Tuesday.

The $5 popcorn deal is limited-time, while discounted ticket prices will continue every Tuesday year-round. Note: Popcorn toppings are extra, and online ticket purchases include a booking fee of up to $1.50.

Source: 604NOW