Welcome to the first weekend of 2024, Vancouver! Get ready to enjoy a slew of art events, wellness activities, and last-minute festive attractions – if you’re still in holiday mode. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (January 5-7).

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: Friday, January 5th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: Free

Taylor Swift Dance Party 

If you’re a Swiftie, what could be a better way to ring in 2024 than with another Taylor Swift Dance Party? This time, the festivities will take place at The Roxy, so get ready to dance to hits like “Shake It Off,” “Bejeweled,” “Lavender Haze,” and more.

When: Saturday, January 6th
Where: 932 Granville Street
Cost: $15

Paint Nite: The Original Paint and Sip Party 

Canadian Brewhouse in Richmond is hosting a guided ‘Paint Nite,’ where participants will receive all the supplies they need to create beautiful art pieces with friends old and new.

Note that food and drink will be available to order anytime during the event.

When: Saturday, January 6th
Where: #1305-4755 McClelland Road, Richmond
Cost: $39

What’s your Vision Clothing Swap 

Clearing out your closet and want to share your sense of style with the community? Head to this fun-filled clothing swap in North Van on Sunday, January 7th. Participants can refresh their wardrobes, meet new people, and learn new style tips that match their visions.

When: Sunday, January 7th
Where: 801 Apex Avenue, North Vancouver
Cost: $11.98

Shipyards Skate Plaza

If you find yourself in Lonsdale or the Shipyards this weekend, a session on the ice never hurts, and the Shipyards Skate Plaza is a great spot to keep the holiday festivities going all through January.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free, rental costs vary

Recent Posts:
This route in BC takes you to five natural hot springs surrounded by mountain scenery
7 scenic winter drives you can take from Vancouver this winter

Festival of Lights at VanDusen

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by VanDusen Botanical Garden (@vandusengarden)

This weekend is your last chance to check out the incredible light displays at VanDusen Botanical Garden, which features the famed Dancing Lights, an immersive show full of spectacular lights in motion as they beam across the pond and treetops.

When: Until Sunday, January 7th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $24 per adult

Check out the Bloedel Conservatory

If you’re craving a bit of warm colours and tropical vibes, Bloedel Conservatory is a must-visit during the colder months. Located in the middle of Queen Elizabeth Park, you’ll definitely find a change of environment here, with over 100 exotic birds and 500 exotic plants to check out!

When: Open throughout January
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05

Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain

If you’re ready for your first day trip of 2024, it looks like Cypress is set to get a couple of centimetres of snow before the weekend starts, so it’s a good time to lace up your snowshoes (or rent some) and hit the trails.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $18 for GA

Canyon Lights

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: Now until Sunday, January 21st
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $49.95 to $66.95 per adult

Take a yoga class 

Finally, we’re bringing it back to health and wellness. If you’re looking to get more into yoga this year, you can’t do wrong with one of these fantastic yoga studios, which offer classes ranging from hot yoga to Ashtanga.

Where: See our picks above

And that’s a wrap on the first weekend of 2024! Now grab your rain coats and get out there and enjoy it.