And just like that, 2021 is coming to a close! Is it just us, or does anyone else feel like this year went by in the blink of an eye? Well, no matter how you’re feeling about the New Year, we’re hoping to make it that much better with some nice options around the city.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Vancouver this weekend.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

This is the last full weekend to check out this stunning light display! Fingers crossed that it doesn’t snow too much, and we get to enjoy an amazing winter wonderland at one of Vancouver’s best gardens.

When: On until Monday, January 3rd
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Tickets: $17.50

Canyon Lights

Speaking of light displays winding down, we gotta talk about Canyon Lights. While you still have a few weeks to check it out, there’s no doubt that like the Festival of Lights, this option gets even better after a fresh layer of snow.

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 3735 Capilano Road
Tickets: $54.95

Granville Island Festive Lights

A trip to the public market on Granville Island is always worthwhile, but this weekend is even more special. Stroll among a ton of light displays as you do some grocery shopping for New Year’s, or spend a little bit of your holiday money from relatives.

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: Granville Island
Cost: Free!

Bloedel Conservatory

Need a break from the chilly weather instead? Your best bet is the Bloedel Conservatory, which houses hundreds of tropical plants and birds. That’s right, this is your own local oasis, and it’s sure to help you overcome those rainy (or snowy) day blues.

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05

Best of 2021 at VIFF

Maybe this is a great weekend to get your film buff status! VIFF Centre is showing some of its most notable movies from this year, ranging from serious dramas to irreverent comedies and more. Browse the lineup, find something that catches your eye, and go enjoy!

When: Showtimes throughout the weekend
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: $15 for GA

Check out a new restaurant

One bright spot this year was that Vancouver got a whole bunch of amazing new restaurants for you to enjoy! Order up some pickup or delivery, or, head down to check one out in person! Either way, some delicious food awaits you.

Where: Click the link above for more info

Imagine Picasso

This is one of the last weeks to check out this immersive installation focusing on the iconic painter. The exhibition comes from the same folks as Imagine Van Gogh, so you can expect some seriously high-quality, and immersive, projections of the famous artist’s work.

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $34.99

Cross-Country Skiing at Cypress

Ok, back to a couple of outdoor options for this weekend. Cypress Mountain boasts some of the best, and most popular, cross-country trails in all of Canada. Head out during the day for a fun expedition, or, enjoy the 7.5km of lit trails at night!

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $25+ for GA

Ice Skating around Vancouver

We’re pleased as punch that both of Metro Vancouver’s ice skating areas have reopened for the winter! Head down to the Shipyards Skate Plaza and Robson Square Ice Rink for some hot laps with family or friends. Plus, if you bring your own skates, both of these options are free!

When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver and 800 Robson Street
Cost: Free to access

Celebrate NYE from home

While the city won’t have its usual NYE festivities, or really any NYE festivities for that matter, that doesn’t mean you can’t ring in the New Year with some fun. You can do virtual drinking games with pals, tune into a New Year’s Eve special. If you really want to go nuts, try Netflix’s recommendation of bringing in the New Year with a perfectly-timed scene from Shrek.

See what we mean? You’ve got lots of options for this weekend in Vancouver, you just gotta know where to look! Enjoy the weekend and see you in 2021, folks!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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