Even though we’re getting an oddly “warm” winter this year, it also means more rain than normal.
But thankfully, the Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its 16th year from January 17 to Feb 14, to save our seasonal depression.
And like previous years, the vendors have absolutely lost their minds in the best way possible.
It is no longer just “hot cocoa”; it is an edible art show that demands to be photographed.
With over 150 flavours available, the decision fatigue is real.
So, we filtered through the chaos to find the wildest, cutest, and most unhinged creations you need to try this year.
1. Bunny Butt White Rabbit Hot Chocolate – Little Pisces
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 14
Area: Burnaby (Lougheed) / Richmond
If you grew up fighting over White Rabbit candy wrappers, this one is non-negotiable.
They made a white hot chocolate that tastes exactly like the candy, then topped it with torched marshmallow fluff shaped like a bunny butt (lol).
It comes with two adorable mini Nutella taiyakis on a skewer, which is honestly the only way we want to eat waffles from now on.
Address:
-4501 North Road, Unit 202B, Burnaby, BC
-8531 Alexandra Road, Unit 128, Richmond, BC
2. Umaji-mura – The Yuzu Forest – Whisk Matcha Cafe x Level V Bakery
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 1
Area: Mount Pleasant
If you think plant-based desserts can’t be rich and delicious, Whisk & Level V is about to prove you wrong.
They have created a creamy matcha white chocolate oat latte topped with a massive cloud of yuzu-infused whip.
It comes with a yuzu cream puff dipped in matcha chocolate that looks heavy but tastes surprisingly bright.
The whole concept is inspired by the owners’ recent trip to a tiny yuzu village in Japan, so the flavour profile is legit.
Address: 39 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
3. Cereal Dream FM – Beaucoup Bakery
Available: Jan 17 – Jan 27
Area: Kitsilano / Downtown
If your childhood involved waking up early for cartoons and sugary cereal, this one is a direct hit to the nostalgia center.
They’ve steeped toasted cornflakes into oat milk and milk chocolate, then spiked it with Okinawan black sugar syrup for a smoky caramel kick.
It comes with a brown butter cornflake sablé that sounds dangerous enough to order on its own.
Address:
-2150 Fir St., Vancouver BC
-600 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC (St. Regis Hotel)
4. Christophe Super Regno – Chez Christophe
Available: Jan 17 – Jan 30
Area: Burnaby Heights
If you hear the “Super Mario” theme song just looking at this, you are not alone.
This cookies-and-cream milk chocolate is topped with a literal marshmallow power-up mushroom.
It comes with a salty-sweet pretzel croissant cube that looks suspiciously like a Question Block waiting to be smashed.
Address: 4717 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC
5. Hong Kong Classics: Mango Pudding – Fife Bakery
Available: Feb 2 – Feb 14
Area: Mount Pleasant
If your favourite part of dim sum is the dessert cart, you need to clear your schedule for this one.
Fife has taken the iconic flavours of HK mango pudding and turned them into a drink with sweet mango, 41% milk chocolate, and a rich evaporated milk cream top.
It comes with a mochi mango muffin, because the only thing better than a muffin is one with that perfect chewy texture.
Address: 64 East 3rd Ave., Vancouver, BC
6. Straw-Berry Sweet 16 – BAK’D Cookies
Available: Jan 18 – Feb 14
Area: New Westminster
If you’re familiar with this brother-sister duo, you know they don’t understand the concept of “portion control.”
They are crowning a strawberry-infused white hot chocolate with one of their massive 5oz Strawberry Shortcake cookies.
It’s basically dessert inception, complete with a pink sprinkle rim and strawberry whip.
You can even get it dairy-free upon request, but let’s be real, you are here for that cookie stack.
Address: 285 Nelson’s Court, New Westminster, BC
7. Sweet 16 Party – Boba Run
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 1
Area: Gastown
It’s the Hot Chocolate Festival’s 16th birthday, so Boba Run decided to throw an actual party in a cup.
This 70.5% dark chocolate drink comes with a literal two-tier mini sponge cake and a candle you can actually blow out.
It’s basically a birthday celebration for yourself, complete with vanilla whip, sprinkles, and a side of complimentary boba.
Address: 102 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
8. Koko-Nutty Krabby Klassic – The Pie Hole
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 14
Area: Kitsilano / Burnaby
Are you ready? Because The Pie Hole is taking us straight to Bikini Bottom.
This coconut-spiked hot chocolate is topped with a pineapple-infused marshmallow that looks exactly like a certain square sponge.
It comes with a vanilla bean “Krabby Patty” cupcake, and frankly, we are ready to hand over the secret formula for it.
Address: 2959 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC 7832 6th St., Burnaby, BC
9. Saigon After Dark – Broyé Cafe & Bakery
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 14
Area: Fraserhood / Downtown
If you have ever wondered what pho would taste like as a dessert, this is your answer.
They have infused dark chocolate with cinnamon, star anise, and black pepper for a spicy, savory kick.
To really lean into the savory theme, it comes with a Pâté Chaud, a flaky pastry filled with pork and pâté.
If that isn’t wild enough for you, you can swap the pastry for a Takoyaki Croissant.
Address: 6414 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC 530 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC
10. Paris Brest – Chez Nous Bakery & Coffee
Available: Jan 17 – Jan 31
Area: Yaletown
If you want to feel like you’re in Paris without the airfare, this is the move.
They blend rich dark chocolate with homemade hazelnut praliné for a serious Nutella-but-better vibe.
Naturally, it comes with a classic Paris-Brest pastry, a crispy choux dough filled with even more praliné cream.
Address: 1262 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC
11. London Snow – Mister Artisan Ice Cream
Available: Jan 17 – Feb 14
Area: Robson Street
If you know Mister, you know they can’t resist using liquid nitrogen for dramatic effect.
This Earl Grey hot chocolate is topped with a cloud of Earl Grey cream foam that has been flash-cooled in nitrogen.
It comes with an Earl Grey ice cream sandwich, so you can confuse your tastebuds with hot and cold at the same time.
Address: 1193 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
We recommend pacing yourself, because hitting all of these in one weekend might result in a sugar coma.
Remember, most of these creations are only available until Valentine’s Day (February 14), so don’t sleep on them.
You can see the entire vendor and item line up here.
Grab a friend, split the calories, and make sure to snap a photo before the whipped cream melts.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.