Best January events in Vancouver and nearby

Enjoy the best January events in Vancouver and nearby areas. After December’s whirlwind festive season it doesn’t have to mean the fun stops. The new year offers a great array of new events. There are interesting culinary offerings, cultural performances, to explore and so much more.

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Best January Events in Vancouver

Disney’s FROZEN- The Musical, October 30, 2025–January 4, 2026

Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen brought to life on stage. Sing along to beloved favourites like “Let It Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”—plus enjoy enchanting new numbers written just for the show.
The story unfolds in Arendelle, where Queen Elsa’s hidden powers have plunged the kingdom into eternal winter. To save her sister and restore summer, Princess Anna embarks on a daring journey filled with adventure, unexpected allies, and heart. Together, Anna and Elsa must discover the strength of true love to break the storm and bring back the light.

This lively musical performance takes place on the Stanley Industrial Stage.

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women – Nov 27, 2025–Jan 4, 2026

Follow the lives of the March sisters—independent Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth, and spirited Amy—as they navigate the joys and struggles of young adulthood during the Civil War. Though each has a different vision of womanhood, together they discover the strength to shape their own destinies. This radiant adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson captures the enduring themes of love, loss, friendship, and self-discovery that have made Louisa May Alcott’s novel a cherished favourite for generations. Experience the story anew in this heartfelt stage production.
Granville Island Stage

VanDusen Festival of Lights – November 28 to January 4, 2026

Vancouver’s VanDusen Festival of Lights features more than one million shimmering lights in the 15 acres of botanical gardens.

Activities: The 45-minute experience follows the one-way path through a magical wonderland with themed areas. Enjoy holiday music, dancing lights show and tasty treats are offered for purchase.
Tickets: Tickets must be booked online. There are no tickets available at the gate. The event happens rain or shine and there are no refunds.
Location: 5251 Oak St at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver.

VanDusen Festival of Lights has more than one million dazzling holiday lights on display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Nutcracker Afternoon Tea – on until January 25, 2026

Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa brings back its cherished Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, served with live holiday music in a richly appointed dining room that feels timeless.

New Illuminated Ferris Wheel at the Art Gallery – December 2- January 3, 2026

The new Ferris Wheel is located in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. It’s closed on Mondays, and it’s free on Tuesdays.

The Winter Lodge at Stanley’s – until February 1, 2026

In Stanley Park, The Winter Lodge at Stanley’s transforms Stanley’s Bar & Grill into a mountain-inspired retreat with fireside flavours, DIY s’mores, twinkle-lit décor, and winter cocktails, all without leaving the city.

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience Debuts in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on until February 1, 2026

For the first time in Canada, Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to Stanley Park this fall. Opening November 7, 2025, the illuminated nighttime trail invites fans to step into the wizarding world and explore the magical Forbidden Forest as seen in the films.
The interactive, family-friendly experience features an enchanting outdoor path filled with glowing creatures like Hippogriffs and Nifflers, plus opportunities to practice spell-casting. The journey ends in a themed village with food, drinks, and a shop offering official Harry Potter merchandise.
Already a hit in the UK, US, Australia, Singapore, and France—where it has welcomed more than two million visitors—the Vancouver edition is expected to be a must-see event for locals and tourists alike.
• Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Tickets: From $49.50, available now HPForbiddenForestExperience.com

Jack and the Beanstalk: A Traditional British Pantomime December 18, 2025-January 04, 2026

From the team behind last year’s Ovation Award–winning Cinderella! comes Jack and the Beanstalk, Metro Theatre’s 40th Holiday Pantomime.

Dine Out Vancouver – January 21 – February 8, 2026

Savour and sip your way through Canada’s largest food and drink festival, featuring experiences designed to delight every palate. Enjoy curated fixed-price menus at hundreds of Vancouver’s top restaurants, along with standout culinary events ranging from sea foraging adventures to lively dumpling festivals.

Street Food Festival – January 22-25, 2026

Street Food City returns to the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery for its 14th year, bringing Vancouver’s original street food festival back downtown for a four-day winter feast. The event gathers a diverse lineup of local food trucks in one convenient location, showcasing everything from Indian and Mexican flavours to pizza and gourmet grilled cheese.

Hot Chocolate Festival – January 11 – February 14, 2026

Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – October 4-February 2026

Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a biteout of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive and interactive event will have guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.

Animal-themed Light Installations – January 9 to February 28, 2026

Animal-themed light installations brighten downtown Vancouver from January 9 to February 28, transforming the Canada Place area into a playful winter experience. Visit each illuminated animal, scan its tag to collect digital stamps and enter to win major prizes, then continue your evening stroll along the Coal Harbour seawall, where more than 120 twinkling trees light the way between the Vancouver Convention Centre and Cardero Park.

Robson Square Outdoor Skating – December 2 to February 28, 2026

Outdoor skating at Robson Square Ice Rink from December 2 to February 28, offering one of Vancouver’s most iconic winter experiences. Admission is free, with skate rentals available for $5. On select evenings, live entertainment from local performers adds to the festive atmosphere.

DanceHouse and The Cultch present the North American premiere of Paradisum – January 21–24, 2026

Hungary’s acclaimed cirque-dance company Recirquel, on stage at the Vancouver Playhouse. Fusing contemporary circus, dance, and physical theatre, this visually arresting work explores renewal and human connection in a post-apocalyptic world through breathtaking aerial choreography, striking stagecraft, and an evocative live score.

Artemis Space Adventure with LEGO® Bricks at Science World Jun 26, 2025 – Apr 6, 2026

Artemis Space Adventure with LEGO® Bricks, presented by White Spot Restaurants, brings the science of space travel to life through hands-on challenges inspired by NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. Visitors step into the roles of engineers, scientists, and astronauts, using LEGO® bricks to design and solve real-world space exploration challenges. Larger-than-life LEGO® builds and interactive workshop stations spark creativity while revealing what it takes to explore deep space.

Arts Club Theatre Production of Burning Mom on Tour January 8 to March 8, 2026

Burning Mom is a heartfelt and humorous road-trip story about grief, courage, and late-life reinvention. After losing her husband, Dorothy sets off in an RV bound for Burning Man, discovering along the way how art, human connection, and the open road can transform a life.

2026 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival – January 22 to February 8, 2026

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns to Vancouver bringing 25 bold performances and events by local, national, and international artists. A midwinter cultural anchor for more than two decades, PuSh showcases boundary-pushing theatre, dance, music, film, and multimedia works that challenge perspectives and reward curiosity.

Broadway Across Canada presents Moulin Rouge The Musical – January 20-25, 2026

Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling film to the stage in a high-energy spectacle that has won 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Bursting with romance, glamour, and a remix of iconic songs, this electrifying production celebrates Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love in unforgettable style.

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2026

North Vancouver and West Vancouver January Events

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 17– January 18, 2026

Activities: Journey through a magical festive light display in a rainforest high above the Capilano River Canyon. Cross the glowing suspension bridge, walk along the Cliffwalk and through the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel. The world’s eighth tallest Christmas tree is found at the Treetops Adventure.

Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver. Free shuttle is available from Canada Place.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the best Christmas light displays in Vancouver – Treetops Adventure.

New Westminster January Events

Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience – October – January 2026

Two-time world champion of magic Shawn Farquhar will perform his intimate slight of hand trickery at a secret location in historic downtown New Westminster. Only ticket holders will be given the exact location. Book tickets.

Farquhar has appeared on Ellen, Masters of Illusion and Fool Us.

Michael Harrison, AGT Ventriloquist, January 31, 2026

America’s Got Talent favourite Michael Harrison brings his high-energy ventriloquism and comedy to Anvil Theatre on Saturday, January 31, 2026. A Disney headliner for more than 20 years, Harrison delivers a fast-paced, family-friendly show filled with jaw-dropping skill, audience participation, and laugh-out-loud moments for all ages.

Coquitlam January Festivals and Events

Lights at Lafarge – November 28 – End of February 2026

Activities: The winter Lights at Lafarge has two walking loops to help disperse crowding.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to  Lafage Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 28 – End of February 2026 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to avoid the crowds on weekends and the week of December 16 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Langley January Festivals and Events

Greater Vancouver Zoo Lights – November 22-January 10, 2026

Step into a magical, multi-sensory winter experience where holiday lights, imagination, and nature come together at Greater Vancouver Zoo Lights. Running from November 22 to January 10, this enchanting evening walk features glowing lanterns and immersive light displays, with free admission for members and nightly entry from 4 to 9 pm.

Abbotsford January Events

Taste Around Abby –  January 21-February 4, 2026

Taste Around Abby debuts as a new addition to the Taste of Abby experience, running January 21 to February 4, 2026. For two weeks, local restaurants will offer exclusive three-course, fixed-price menus, giving diners a delicious way to explore Abbotsford’s diverse food scene and chef-driven creativity.

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour – January 29, 2026

The Harlem Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to Abbotsford on January 29, celebrating a century of jaw-dropping basketball, high-flying tricks, and crowd-pleasing comedy. Expect an action-packed, family-friendly spectacle with all-new surprises, interactive moments, and fan experiences that honour the legacy of the world’s most iconic basketball team.

Harrison Hot Springs January Festivals and Events

Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Harrison Hot Springs lakefront will be lit up from dusk until 11 pm. Stroll along the 1 km waterfront promenade to see the sparkling light display. The holiday lights focus on the natural environment, wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch.

Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake

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