The first month of 2025 flew by with drier than normal weather, and lots of blue skies, making it a great month to go out and do fun things around Metro Vancouver.

Enjoy the week of sunshine, as it appears that colder and wetter weather is just around the corner.

Things to do in Vancouver this week

Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake

This Wednesday, January 29th, marks the start of Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. Known for wisdom and elegance, the snake symbolizes transformation and intuition in Chinese culture.

Across Metro Vancouver, vibrant celebrations will bring communities together with traditional lion dances, dazzling lantern displays, and festive markets. From parades to family gatherings, it’s the perfect time to embrace joy, share delicious food, and welcome prosperity for the year ahead!

Here are some of the events taking place.

Chinatown Spring Festival Parade

 

The biggest celebration in Metro Vancouver is bound to be  Vancouver’s 51st Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and parade taking place on Sunday, February 2.

Anticipated to draw a crowd of 100,000 spectators, the highlight of the event is a grand 1.3 km parade. It will feature an impressive array of cultural groups, dance troupes, and lion dance teams.

When & Where: February 2, 11 am – 4pm starting at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street in Vancouver
Cost: Free

Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown

 

Metropolis at Metrotown is thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a mix of traditional and modern Lunar New Year activities.

Highlights include the first-ever Chef Series, featuring some of BC’s top chefs, including the latest Top Chef Canada winner, a Lion Dance workshop open to all ages, and an engaging partnership with the Chinese Canadian Museum.

When & Where: From January 13 to February 16 at Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Cost: Free

Taste of Chinatown

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Taste of Chinatown! returns with a month-long celebration for the Year of the Snake. Enjoy exciting food pop-ups, special tastings, mural coloring, and more!

The festivities end on February 2nd with the 51st Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration & Parade, featuring family-friendly fun and live entertainment.

When & Where: January 9 – February 2, 2025 with activities taking place all around the 16-blocks of Vancouver’s Chinatown
Cost: Varies

LNY at Lansdowne Centre

Lansdowne Centre is marking the Lunar New Year with festivities that bring together multicultural communities. The opening ceremony will take place on February 1st from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, with festivities continuing until 5:00 pm.

To celebrate the Year of the Snake in a unique way, they are introducing a life-sized Snakes and Ladders board game for the public to enjoy. This giant game offers a fresh take on Lunar New Year celebrations, promoting family bonding, teamwork, and fun. Participants will become part of the action, immersing themselves in the game while inviting good luck into their lives.

When & Where: February 1 from 12 -5 pm, at Lansdowne Centre 5300 Number 3 Rd, Richmond
Cost: Free

Lunar New Year Festivities at the Chinese Canadian Museum

Celebrate with a weekend of Lunar New Year festivities at the museum on February 1st and 2nd, featuring free treat sampling, themed crafts, and Chinese board games. Highlights include Cantonese storytime on Saturday and artisanal ice cream and balloon art on Sunday after the Chinatown Parade!

When & Where: February 1-2 from 10am – 5pm at the Chinese Canadian Museum
Cost: $10-$15

Celebrations at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

The beautiful chinese garden in Chinatown will be hosting a series of events this week including:

• Chuen Hup – Togetherness Box Demo – January 29 from 11:30am – 12:15pm and 1 – 1:45 pm
• Lucky Chinese Knot Workshop – Make your own lucky knot – February 1 from 12:30 – 2:30 pm
• Day of the Free Parade – February 2 from 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Special Chinese zither Guzheng musical performances
  • Traditional tea ceremonies that symbolize hospitality and harmony
  • Lunar New Year-themed arts and crafts and lucky couplets calligraphy writing
  • A variety of culinary delights at the Food Corner, featuring delectable treats like handmade dumplings from Dicky’s Dumps Handmade Dumplings, cookies from Butter Me Up Cookie Co., and Dim Sum from Sun Fresh Bakery
  • Chinese traditional New Year’s Nian Gao sweet rice cake demonstrations
  • Money Tree crafting demonstration symbolizing prosperity for the New Year
• Lantern Festival – Create your own lantern and enjoy some tang yuan (sweet rice balls) – February 12 from 1 – 2:30 pm.

When & Where: Festivities throughout Feb at the Sun Yat-Sen Garden, 578 Carrall St, Vancouver
Cost: $16

Lantern City (Jan 27 – Feb 17)

Vancouver’s Lantern City is making its much-anticipated return, lighting up the city with vibrant, larger-than-life lantern displays.

This annual celebration showcases stunning artworks that reflect diverse cultural stories and traditions. To celebrate the Year of the Snake, it will highlight the snake’s adaptable form, which enables it to move fluidly or coil into an ouroboros—a powerful symbol of life, death, and renewal. With their calm and perceptive nature, snakes remind us to seek balance amidst constant change.

When & Where:

• Pendulum Gallery: Jan 27 – Feb 22
• Bentall Centre: Jan 29 – Feb 20
• 800 Robson Plaza: Jan 29 – Feb 18
• Granville Island: Jan 29 – Feb 17
• šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square: Jan 29 – Feb 18

Cost: Free

TELUS Partners With Local Vancouver Artist To Celebrate Lunar New Year

Each year, TELUS celebrates Lunar New Year with the Asian community by creating special red packets. This year, TELUS has elevated the tradition with a one-of-a-kind red packet design created in collaboration with Vancouver artist Carolyn Wong.

As part of its dedication to giving back, TELUS is offering these exclusive red packets for free to customers at select stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario.

La Poutine Week

Embrace being Canadian by indulging in one of our nation’s favourites—the hot and salty poutine. La Poutine Week is set to return this weekend, so get your stretchy pants ready.

Heading into its twelfth consecutive year, the week-long event will allow poutine-enthusiasts to discover new restaurants, creations, and flavours of one-of-a-kind poutines and support local restaurant communities across the city.

This year’s restaurants includes:

• Vancouver Aquarium – Slow Braised Short Rib Poutine – $16.00
• Blaze Gourmet Burgers – Crispy Chicken Poutine (Halal) -$15.95
• Thai Express – Thaï Poutine $15.49

When & Where: February 1-7 at the listed locations in Metro Vancouver
Cost: $16 average

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Love is in the air this Valentine’s season as you make your way across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Eperience the magic as the park sparkles with millions of lights, creating an idyllic setting for romantic strolls.

Take your date night to the new heights with Love Lights. You can take a stroll down the sparkling Cliffwalk and pose next to the illuminated rainforest chandelier with the light of your life.

When & Where: January 31 – February 23 at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Cost: varies

The Taboo Show

The Taboo Show is a sophisticated adult-focused event designed to inspire romance, personal growth, and exploration of all things unconventional.

This 19+ experience offers captivating entertainment, exclusive shopping from over 100 vendors, thought-provoking seminars, fashion shows, food and drink options, and live demonstrations to ignite curiosity and excitement.

When & Where: January 31 to February 2 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East Building – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: $33.50+

The Wellness Show

The Wellness Show, Western Canada’s largest holistic wellness event, returns in Vancouver from February 1-2, 2025.

For its 32nd year, The Wellness Show brings over 200 exhibitors and speakers who will share the latest wellness trends and top health products.

When & Where: February 1-2 from 10am – 5pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Canada Pl, Vancouver
Cost: $10

All Dressed in White 2025 Bridal Show

If planning your wedding feels like herding cats (in tiny tuxedos, of course), you’re in luck! The All Dressed in White Bridal Show is here to take the stress out of your big day and replace it with excitement, inspiration, and maybe even a few glasses of bubbly.

This iconic BC wedding show is like the Met Gala for future newlyweds—complete with jaw-dropping vendors, endless ideas, and even a few surprises. Whether you’re in the early stages of Pinterest boards or putting the finishing touches on your seating chart, this event is the place to be.

When & Where: February 2 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, Surrey
Cost: $15-$40. Use promo code ADIWFEB2025 for 50% off tickets until January 31.

Workin’ It Indigenous Career Fair

Hosted by Aboriginal Community Career Education Services Society (ACCESS), the Workin’ It Indigenous Career Fair features 50 vendors and is free to attend!

Meet a variety of potential employers, network, and attend free workshops on interview skills, resume writing, employment counseling, and more. All Indigenous job seekers are welcome.

When & Where: January 31 from 1-5 pm at The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

The Swan Bridal Show 25’

Swaneset Bay Resort & Country Club invites you to The Swan Bridal Show this weekend.

Join for a day of menu tasting, champagne, wine flights, musical performances, vendor talks, door prizes giveaways, and maybe a few more surprises! Over 30 participating vendors to help create your magical day come true.

When & Where: February 2 from 11am – 3 pm. With 11 am and 1 pm entry times at the Swanest Bay Resort & Country Club, 16651 Rannie Rd, Pitt Meadows
Cost: $47.20.

Catch a Game

• Vancouver Canucks vs. Detroit Red Wings – February 2
• Vancouver Giants vs Kamloops Blazers – February 1
• Vancouver Giants vs Spokane Chiefs – February 2

Black Viiolet Album Release Party with Cass King and The Cassettes and The Judy’s

Join for the Black Viiolet Release Party with Cass King & The Cassettes, and The Judys.

Black Viiolet is Nicole Laurenne’s alter ego. She is best known as the lead singer and founder of Alternative Tentacles all-girl garage punk band called The Darts, but that is about to change. After You is her torch spy debut album, vinyl and CD editions will be available at the show.

When & Where: January 31 at LanaLou’s Restaurant, 362 Powell St, Vancouver
Cost: $30

Catch a Show

The Arts Club Theatre Company presents The Three Musketeers

The Arts Club Theatre Company starts the new year with The Three Musketeers, a masterfully adapted swashbuckling comedy, at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.

Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, this tale follows the adventures of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and the young D’Artagnan. Newly arrived in Paris, with the skill of a swordsman and the heart of a warrior, D’Artagnan wishes to join the renowned musketeers.

When & Where: January 16 – February 16 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street Vancouver
Cost: From $29.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival in Vancouver 2025 showcases innovative and boundary-pushing performances in theatre, dance, music, and multimedia from around the world. Running for just over 2 weeks, it offers a platform for artists to explore bold ideas and engage diverse audiences.

When & Where: January 23 – February 9 at various locations
Cost: Varies

Sinners by Norm Foster

A riotously funny farce from Canada’s most produced playwright, Norm Foster, comes to Metro Theatre!

Sinners is an under-seen comedic gem that spins a tale of heavenly mismatches—and devilish consequences. Join a rogues gallery of sinners, including a reverend, his wife, her lover, an inquisitive cop and a gaggle of nosy neighbours.

When & Where: January 24 – February 15 at the Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver
Cost: $37

Align Entertainment Presents: Meredith Willson’s The Music Man

By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best.

Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.

When & Where: January 24 – February 8 with multiple show times at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, 5455 Rumble St, Burnaby
Cost: Tickets from $35

2025 MENA Film Festival

MENA Film Festival returns for its sixth edition to VIFF Centre in downtown Vancouver.

Join for over 43 shorts and feature films over six days, beginning with their famous Opening Ceremony including food, music and movies on Saturday, January 25, and ending on January 30 with a closing screening and the MENA New Wave Sounds – The After Party.

When & Where: January 25 – 31 at the VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets from $20

Ongoing things to do in Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver will return for 2025 with more restaurants than ever! The event gives locals the opportunity to experience meals at hundreds of restaurants across Metro Vancouver, so people in various neighbourhoods can enjoy and support local eateries.

When & Where: January 22 – February 9 at participating spots all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2025

Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated annual winter festivals is the Hot Chocolate Festival in Vancouver. Every year, coffee shops, bakeries and chocolatiers get creative with their cups of cocoa. It is a perfect way to warm up in winter and get into a “sweet” frame of mind before Valentine’s Day.

This year will be the 15th run of the festival. There are 81 businesses will be participating at 124 locations, with a total of 180 different flavours!

When & Where: January 18 – February 14 at locations all over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Varies

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

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.

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

Support Indigenous Youth at UNYA’s Annual Eat, Shop, Hang Event

Urban Native Youth Association’s (UNYA) Eat, Shop, Hang event is a thrifting extravaganza for Indigenous Youth, and your support is essential to make it a success.

They’re seeking donations of gently used clothing, shoes, purses, bags, belts, hats, wallets, socks, hygiene products, and make-up.

When & Where: January 20 – February 19 from 9am-5pm (excluding lunch hour) at the Urban Native Youth Association, 1618 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: Donations accepted

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.

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:

• Feb 1 – Transformers One
• Feb 8 – Hitpig!

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 not until 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