It’s almost 2024, and if you’re looking for exciting events, live shows, and festivals to look forward to in the new year, we’ve got you covered. From this year’s Dine Out food fest to the PuSh Festival, here are 34 of the very best things to do in and around Vancouver this January.
Live Events & Concerts
3 Inches of Blood
We’re starting off with a band that pretty much redefined the new wave of British heavy metal in BC: 3 Inches of Blood. The Victoria-formed band now consists of Cam Pipes, Justin Hagberg, Shane Clark, and Ash Pearson – none of whom were original members of the band.
When: Friday, January 12th, Saturday, January 13th, and Sunday, January 14th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $105.91
Yannis Pappas
And now, a sprinkle of comedy. Stand-up comedian, podcaster, and TV host Yannis Pappas is heading to town on Friday, January 12th, so get ready to laugh your way into the new year.
When: Friday, January 12th
Where: Vogue Theatre
Cost: $29.50 to $49.50
Anamē
Anamē is a Swedish EDM duo consisting of Marcus Schössow (formerly part of Gardenstate) and Thomas Sägstad, with top songs like “The Best Part,” “Gratitude,” “Anywhere,” and “Must Be Dreaming.”
When: Saturday, January 13th
Where: Harbour Theatre
Cost: $3 to RSVP
Hermitude
Australian electro/hip-hop duo Hermitude was formed back in 2000, hailing from the Blue Mountain in New South Wales. While they have a larger following in their homeland, listeners in North America are slowly but surely tuning into their unique sound.
When: Thursday, January 18th
Where: The Pearl
Cost: $30.22
Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada
From 10 am to 2 pm on Thursday, January 18th, Career Fair Canada is hosting a massive fair with dozens of open roles available nationwide. Exhibitors at this particular fair include the Vancouver School Board, Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), and Vista Railings.
When: Thursday, January 18th
Where: 999 Canada Place #300
Hotel Mira
Formed right here in Vancouver in 2010, Hotel Mira is an alt-rock band consisting of Charlie Kerr on vocals, Mike Noble on bass, Clark Grieve on guitar and keyboards, and Cole George on drums. Their hit singles include “The Eyes On You,” “Jungle,” and “Arcade Heart.”
When: Friday, January 19th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $36.75
Khanvict + Raaginder: The Arrival Tour
The Arrival Tour culminates where it all started for Khanvict. The BC artist fuses bass music with his Pakistani roots, bringing an entirely new genre to the table. And his concert on Saturday, January 20th promises to be the largest and most spectacular of his tour.
When: Saturday, January 20th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $36.50
Machine Head
Another heavy metal pick this month: Oakland-born Machine Head is headed by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Robb Flynn, who remains the only OG member. The band is best known for pioneering the new wave of American heavy metal.
When: Tuesday, January 23rd
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $52.75
The Trews
Ontario-born The Trews are bringing their House of Ill Fame 20th Anniversary Tour to Vancouver on Friday, January 26th, so get ready to boogie to some Canadian rock and roll.
When: Friday, January 26th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $53.25
Vancouver Career Fair
Located at the Holiday Inn on Howe Street, this job fair will take place on Tuesday, January 30th from 1 to 4 pm. Hundreds of jobs across the country are on a table, with exhibitors from a variety of fields and disciplines. Those interested can check back at their exhibitors’ page regularly for updates on which companies are participating.
When: Tuesday, January 30th
Where: 1110 Howe Street
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Arts & Culture
PuSh Festival International Performing Arts Festival
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That’s right, one of the best performing arts festivals in Canada is coming back to Vancouver, and all events will be in-person this year! You can buy four-show ($120), six-show ($180), and digital passes ($100) on their website.
When: Thursday, January 18th to February 4th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies
Art Tours by Shirley Jade at Pacific Arts Market
With multiple dates coming up in January, Pacific Arts Market offers visitors regular free tours, led by resident artist Shirley Jade. The market is full of locally-made treasures made by over 100 local artists, so you’ll have plenty to see no matter which day you go.
Plus, all participants receive a free souvenir!
When: Multiple dates in January
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: Free
Polygon Gallery
This admission-by-donation gallery on the North Shore has two exhibitions to check out this month. One focuses on the city’s punk subculture, while the other is a solo exhibition from the world-renowned artist Steven Shearer. Plus, their holiday gift shop features some amazing options.
When: OG Punk ends January 16th, Steven Shearer open throughout January
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
The Vancouver Art Gallery
You don’t need to know Monet from Cézanne to enjoy a day at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With new exhibits popping up all the time, it’s a fun, educational and culturally enriching place to check out. And of course, who doesn’t love ‘hmm-ing’ and ‘hah-ing’ at some crazy paintings, especially on Free Nights at the Gallery?
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month
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
Food & Drink
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
While deets are still a bit scarce on their website, the beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate fest is returning to the city this month, and we’re sure participating spots are bringing their A-game when it comes to crafting the best cups of cocoa around.
Where: January 13th to February 14th
Dine Out Vancouver
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It won’t be long before some of the best food in the city is brought right to your plate at Canada’s largest food & drink festival. From January 17th to February 4th, guests can immerse themselves in guided foraging excursions, interactive cooking classes, cocktail masterclasses, street food markets, and so much more.
When: January 17th to February 4th, 2024
Where: Participating restaurants across Vancouver
Street Food City
If you love food truck eats, you’ve likely already heard about Street Food City, Vancouver’s original street food festival. The festival kicks off the delicious Dine Out Vancouver program. This year, they’re celebrating the festival’s 12th year with an amazing lineup of food trucks, serving everything from Indian food to grilled cheese.
When: January 21st to January 28th
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Afternoon Tea at H Tasting Lounge
The Winterlust dome dining experience at The Westin Bayshore Hotel is definitely a huge draw, but it isn’t the only way you can indulge in festive eats this season. The Afternoon Tea experience at H Tasting Lounge is a delicious way to ring in the new year, and there is still availability between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm if you’re looking to book a spot.
Where: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $80.54 per person
Hang out at a lobby bar
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: It never hurts to dress up and grab a couple of rounds at a fancy hotel bar. If the vibes are right and you feel like whisking your honey away to a cozy spot, who says you need a special occasion as your reason? Check out a new spot in the city and indulge in a few winter-themed cocktails, while you’re at it.
Where: See our picks above
Swing by your local Farmer’s Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Outdoors & Sports
Canyon Lights
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Until January 21st, you can still enjoy Capilano Suspension Bridge’s magical holiday transformation, complete with light tunnels, a glowing forest and Capilano River beneath you, and of course, a changing multi-colour display across the Treetop Adventure’s seven suspended bridges.
When: Friday, November 17th to Sunday, January 21st
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $49.95 to $66.95 per adult
Robson Square Ice Rink
For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content at Robson’s Square. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date night.
When: Open until February 28th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Shipyards Skate Plaza
By the same token, there’s no denying that the Shipyards Skate Plaza is one of the most festive places to hit the ice – even after the holiday season!
When: Open throughout January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free, rental costs vary
Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain
Ok, emphasis on the ‘around’ Vancouver part here. But, if you’re ready to take a day trip this month, know that Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore. Our advice? Check in with your more outdoorsy friends and family to secure a pair, and eliminate half the cost of a trip out!
When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $18 for GA
Snow tubing
Tubing (or tobogganing) is certainly a rare opportunity for Vancouverites. Luckily, you can enjoy both on dedicated hills at Mt. Seymour. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, or as a way to unwind after a day on the actual slopes.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $29
Downhill Skiing
Speaking of actual slopes, we can’t forget that all three of Metro Vancouver’s mountains offer great, close-to-home on-piste options. This is a no-brainer pick, so all we’ll say is that you’re better off playing hooky during the week than trying to visit on the weekend.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver and 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Go for a swim
That’s right, it doesn’t need to be summer to dive into a pool or get some laps in. Vancouver’s indoor swimming pools are open all month long, and it won’t hurt your wallet to go for a swim. Note that the Lord Byng Pool will reopen on January 3rd.
When: Open throughout January
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: $6.66 for GA
Vancouver Giants
The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Hitmen, Rockets, and Royals at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this month. With plenty of home games to choose from (and $20 tickets), why not go and support our team & make some great memories in the process?
When: Multiple dates in January
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
Vancouver Canucks
Cheer on the Canucks this month as they face off against the San Jose Sharks, the Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Arizona Coyotes, among others.
When: Games throughout January
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Go on a classic winter stroll
A wintertime stroll in the new year is the perfect way to get some fresh air, reflect on the month and spend time with friends and family. So be it in snow, rain, or shine (or a combination of the three), here are some scenic walks to go on.
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on January 2024, Vancouver!
