Things to Do in Vancouver This Week

December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026

The final days of 2025 and the first moments of 2026 bring one of the most exciting weeks of the year in Vancouver and across Metro Vancouver. From glowing winter light displays and festive villages to iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations, mountaintop fireworks, immersive night walks, and the legendary Polar Bear Swim, this week is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re closing out the year in style or starting 2026 with fresh energy, here’s Vancouver Page's complete guide to what’s happening this week.

❄️ New Year’s Day Tradition

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026

📍 English Bay Beach, Vancouver
📅 Thursday, January 1, 2026
⏰ Event time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Swim: 2:30 PM
🎟 FREE (registration encouraged)

Start 2026 with Vancouver’s most iconic tradition—join the plunge or cheer from the shore at English Bay.
🔗 Details: Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026

🎉 New Year’s Eve 2026 (Wednesday, December 31, 2025)

New Year’s Eve 2026 at Grouse Mountain

📍 North Vancouver
🎟 Included with mountain admission

Fireworks, skiing, live DJs, and a mountaintop countdown—one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Metro Vancouver.
🔗 Details: New Year’s Eve 2026 at Grouse Mountain

New Year’s Eve 2026 at Cypress Mountain

📍 3 Peaks Patio, Downhill Area
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟 Included with mountain access

A family-friendly early-evening celebration with music, lights, fire pits, and après-style vibes.
🔗 Details: New Year’s Eve 2026 at Cypress Mountain

New Year’s Eve Hotel Georgia Gala 2026

📍 Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver
⏰ 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
🎟 Ticketed | 21+

A glamorous NYE gala with music, champagne energy, and a luxury countdown in downtown Vancouver.
🔗 Details: Hotel Georgia Gala 2026

SJS 2026 Kick-Off at Commodore Ballroom

📍 Vancouver
⏰ Doors at 9:00 PM
🎟 Ticketed | 19+

Throwback R&B, slow jams, and dancefloor nostalgia in one of Vancouver’s most iconic venues.
🔗 Details: SJS 2026 Kick-Off

Fortune Sound New Year’s Eve (NYE) 2026

📍 Downtown Vancouver
⏰ From 9:00 PM
🎟 Ticketed | 19+

A high-energy club night with big sound, immersive lighting, and a packed dancefloor into 2026.
🔗 Details: Fortune Sound NYE 2026

2026 New Year Celebration at River Rock Casino Resort

📍 Richmond
🎟 FREE | 19+

Free live entertainment across the resort and a lively countdown atmosphere to welcome 2026.
🔗 Details: New Year Celebration at River Rock

Home By Midnight – New Year’s Eve Show 2025

📍 West Coast Circus, Pitt Meadows
⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟 Ticketed | 19+

A bold, early NYE show featuring circus spectacle, burlesque flair, drag brilliance, and vaudeville mischief.
🔗 Details: Home By Midnight – NYE Show

✨ Winter Lights & Outdoor Experiences

Bright Walk in White Rock 2025

📍 Memorial Park, White Rock
📅 Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟 FREE

A scenic waterfront holiday walk featuring more than 50,000 lights, a towering Christmas tree, and photo-worthy installations. It’s a perfect evening plan for families, couples, and anyone who loves winter nights by the ocean.
🔗 Learn more: Bright Walk in White Rock 2025

Robson Square Ice Rink 2025–26

📍 Robson Square, Downtown Vancouver
📅 Nov 28, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
⏰ Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Vancouver’s most iconic outdoor skating rink stays open all week, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with affordable rentals and a festive downtown atmosphere.
🔗 Details: Robson Square Ice Rink 2025–26

Canyon Lights 2025–2026 at Capilano Suspension Bridge

📍 Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver
📅 Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
🎟 Park admission

Walk across the illuminated Suspension Bridge and glowing treetop attractions in one of Vancouver’s most magical winter settings.
🔗 Details: Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2025–2026

📍 VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
📅 Through Jan 4, 2026
🎟 Ticketed

More than one million lights, themed displays, dancing light shows, and seasonal food vendors make this a must-visit before the season ends.
🔗 Tickets & info: VanDusen Festival of Lights

Lights by the Lake 2025–2026 in Harrison Hot Springs

📍 Harrison Hot Springs, BC
📅 Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
🎟 FREE

A peaceful lakeside holiday light display with mountain views—ideal for a winter road trip or a cozy evening walk.
🔗 Details: Lights by the Lake

🌲 Immersive Night Experiences

Vallea Lumina – A Magical Night Walk in Whistler

📍 Cougar Mountain Basecamp, Whistler
📅 Nightly seasonal experience
🎟 Ticketed (advance booking recommended)

Follow a glowing forest trail guided by mysterious transmissions, immersive lighting, and cinematic sound. Vallea Lumina is one of the most unforgettable after-dark experiences in BC—perfect for a winter getaway from Vancouver.
🔗 Learn more: Vallea Lumina in Whistler

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience – Vancouver 2025

📍 Stanley Park, Vancouver
📅 Wed–Sun evenings
🎟 Ticketed

Step into a spellbinding nighttime forest trail inspired by the Wizarding World, featuring immersive lighting, iconic scenes, and magical creatures.
🔗 Details: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

🎄 Festive Villages & Seasonal Attractions

The Magic of Gastown 2025

📍 Gastown, Vancouver
📅 Through Dec 31, 2025
🎟 FREE

Spend this week exploring Gastown’s glowing holiday lights, creative installations, pop-up performances, and festive winter atmosphere before the month ends.
🔗 Details: The Magic of Gastown

Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum 2025–2026

📍 Burnaby
📅 Through Jan 2, 2026 (closed Dec 24–25)
🎟 FREE

A nostalgic holiday village filled with lights, seasonal décor, and family-friendly entertainment.
🔗 Info: Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum

Merry & Bright 2025 at Martini Town (Langley)

📍 Martini Town Film Studio Backlot, Langley
📅 Through Dec 31, 2025
🎟 Ticketed

A cinematic Christmas village experience on a real movie set—perfect for festive photos and family nights out.
🔗 Details: Merry & Bright at Martini Town

Christmas Lights Glow Langley Festival 2025

📍 Glow Gardens Langley
📅 Through Dec 31, 2025
🎟 Ticketed

An immersive outdoor holiday light festival with themed storytelling and glowing pathways.
🔗 Details: Christmas Glow Langley

Soar With Santa at FlyOver Canada 2025

📍 Canada Place, Vancouver
📅 Through Jan 4, 2026
🎟 Ticketed

A festive simulated flight across Canada and the North Pole, complete with immersive 4D effects and seasonal magic.
🔗 Details: Soar With Santa at FlyOver Canada

🔗 Discover More

🔗 Discover all upcoming events in Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.