9 fun things you can do indoors in Vancouver to escape the cold

For the days when it’s too rainy or cold (or downright arctic) outside to enjoy a stroll through the park, there are plenty of fun indoor events and activities to check out in Vancouver. From the return of the beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate Fest to mosaic lamp-making, here are 9 fun things you can do indoors in Vancouver to escape the cold.

Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

For an entire month, hot chocolate lovers can sip on over 162 new decadent flavours across 105 participating locations around the city, courtesy of this year’s Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

When: January 13th to February 14th
Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver

Make your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp

Here’s a fun one! Mosaic Art Studio in Vancouver offers guests the chance to create their own, one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamps ($79 per person) Best of all? No knowledge or prior experience is required, and you get to take home your beautiful creations!

Workshop locations include their studios in New West, Chilliwack, and Victoria.

Where: 332 Columbia Street, New Westminster

Catch a movie at an independent theatre

Want to catch a movie or a show and support a local business? Vancouver has many independent theatres you can escape to during this cold snap – and there are tons of local artists on the roster this month.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Maybe a little bit of culture is what you’re after. And, you’ll absolutely find it when you sit down in the Orpheum Theatre for a VSO performance. Even better, mix ‘high’ culture with pop culture and book tickets for one of their beloved live concerts accompanying classic and blockbuster movies!

Where: 601 Smithe Street

Check out a concert

Fortunately for Vancouverites, there are some pretty amazing artists slated to take the stage this January. From Night Lovell to Madonna, here are 15 exciting concerts you and your beau can check out this upcoming month.

Where: Check out the list above

See an improv show

From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And why not start off the year with a couple of laughs and libations with your loved ones?

Where: 1515 Anderson Street

Vancouver Aquarium

There is no shortage of marine life to check out at the Aquarium. And an afternoon appreciating them all & learning more about their day-to-day might just inspire your own routine.

Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42

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Visit a free art gallery 

From the Belkin Gallery to the Gallery George, here are some fantastic art galleries in Vancouver that you can visit for free.

Grab a drink at a lobby bar

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up in your favourite outfit and indulge in a cocktail or two with your honey, then consider this list a great jumping-off point. Enjoy some after-work cocktails or hit up a happy hour, the world is your oyster.

Where: See our picks above

Zero Latency VR

Getting a little bored of playing video games from your couch? Zero Latency has exactly what you need. This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of truly immersive experiences, ranging from solving puzzles to a shooter set within the Far Cry universe. Think of it as your local arcade’s older sibling.

Where: Kingsgate Mall, 370 East Broadway #101
Cost: Varies per experience