24 of the best things to do in & around Vancouver this January
It’s almost 2025, 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 24 of the very best things to do in and around Vancouver this January.
Live events & concerts
The Sacred Souls
Ready to start off the year with an R&B bang?! The Sacred Souls are coming to town for two nights this month at the Commodore Ballroom.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 14 and Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $92.82+
Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sum
Ontario-born rock band Sum 41 is bringing their Tour of the Setting Sum to Vancouver on Saturday, January 11th.
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $88.65+
Disco Lines: Disco Boy Tour
Maybe you’re more into dance/electronic, in which case, Disco Lines is your concert this month.
When: Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $148.75
Dua Saleh
Dua Saleh is a Sudanese-American singer and actor based in Minnesota, releasing their debut EP in 2019, followed by two EPs in 2020 and 2021, and their first studio album in 2024.
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
Where: Biltmore Cabaret
Cost: $35+
Jamie XX – In Waves Tour
English musician, DJ, record producer, and remixer Jamie XX is known for his solo work, as well as his tunes alongside indie pop band, the xx.
When: Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $68.50
Bright Eyes
American indie rock band Bright Eyes was founded by singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst. Consisting of a rotating lineup of collaborators, the band draws heavy inspiration from Omaha’s indie music scene.
When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $159.60+
Houndmouth
Another alt pick! American blues and rock band Houndmouth consists of Matt Myers, Caleb Hickman, Zac Anderson, and Aaron Goodrich, all of whom are heading to Vancouver at the end of the month.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $136.50+
Foster the People
Known for their hit singles “Pumped Up Kicks” and “Don’t Stop,” Foster the People is a gem of an indie band that anyone around in the late 2000s and early 2010s will tell you is a relic of the times.
When: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $268.23+
Sponsored pick: The Taboo Show
Enjoy an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, encouraging romance, personal betterment and all things Taboo at Canada Place this month at The Taboo Show.
The 19+ event will feature a variety of provocative and educational entertainment, seminars, fashion shows, and shopping opportunities, taking place from 5 pm to late from Friday, January 31st to Sunday, February 2nd.
When: Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Where: 999 Canada Place
Cost: $39.60 per person, $64.32 for couples, $126.13 for VIP
Gallant
American singer and songwriter Gallant is known for his debut EP, Zebra in 2014, though he’s touring his newer music this month!
When: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $46.50
Arts & Culture
The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop
If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 13th to January 5th.
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
PuSh Festival International Performing Arts Festival
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, Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies per show
Beetlejuice
“He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to your city.”
Get excited for Beetlejuice on Broadway, which is coming to Queen Elizabeth Theatre at the end of the month. Because it’s never too early to get into spooky season again!
When: Tuesday, Jan. 21 to Jan. 26, 2025
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $152.52+
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
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: Jan. 13 to Feb. 14, 2025
Dine Out Vancouver
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 22nd to February 9th, guests can immerse themselves in guided foraging excursions, interactive cooking classes, cocktail masterclasses, street food markets, and so much more.
When: Jan. 22 to Feb. 9, 2025
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, which kicks off the delicious Dine Out Vancouver program.
When: TBA during Dine Out Vancouver 2025
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Outdoors & Sports
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim
Why not start off the new year with one of Vancouver’s favourite longstanding traditions? Plunge into 2025 during the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim at Sunset Beach, and rope in as many friends as you can to make the most of the experience!
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
Where: Sunset Beach
Cost: Free
VanDusen Festival of Lights
VanDusen’s iconic Festival of Lights will have over one million sparkling holiday lights this year, as well as a new interactive mycelium installation and a display inspired by BC’s gamed Great Bear Rainforest. You can check it out from 4 pm to 10 pm From November 29th to January 5th!
When: Friday, Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $28 per adult, $11 per child, $18 per senior/youth
Canyon Lights
Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the twinkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk.
When: Now until Jan. 19, 2025
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Cost: $71.95 per adult
Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain
January is a great month to go snowshoeing, and Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of gorgeous nordic trails to explore this winter.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $22 for GA ($32 for snowshoe rentals)
Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square’s ice skating rink is open from 9 am to 9 pm until the end of the month, so be sure to get your skate time in!
When: Open all January
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Shipyards Skate Plaza
Speaking of ice skating, you can soon lace up at the Shipyards’ popular skate plaza until the end of January.
When: Open all January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
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
And that’s a wrap on the first month of 2025! Let’s make it a great one.
