As the January chill settles over Metro Vancouver, the region comes alive with a mix of cozy indoor workshops and dazzling outdoor light displays.
If you’re looking to master the art of Japanese sweets or dive into the icy Pacific for a polar plunge, this weekend offers plenty of ways to embrace the winter season.
1. Orasa Cafe Pop-Up
Orasa Cafe is popping up at Hundo-P Smoothies for a weekend takeover.
Expect Orasa’s winter drink menu alongside a rotating selection of baked goods, all served Saturday and Sunday.
Not in the mood for more caffeine? Hundo-P Smoothies has you covered with smoothies and ice cream to round out the visit.
Date: January 17-18, 2026
Address: 6028 McKay Ave, Burnaby, BC V5H 2B1
Cost: FREE
2. Hot Chocolate Festival
Vancouver winter is wet, dark, and honestly a little rude.
That is why the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is back for year 16, running January 17 to February 14, 2026.
Expect 162+ wild hot chocolate creations at 105 spots across 10+ municipalities, from chocolatiers and bakeries to cafes and gelato shops.
Date: January 17 – February 14
Address: Around Metro Vancouver
3. Nerikiri Workshop
Step into the world of Nerikiri, a traditional Japanese sweet commonly enjoyed during tea ceremonies.
Led by wagashi artist Megu Takahashi, participants will learn how to shape nerikiri dough and create adorable New Year–themed designs.
The vegan sweets feature fillings like yuzu paste, red bean paste, and matcha, making it a fun, creative way to explore Japanese culture through sweets.
Date: January 17, 2026
Address: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Cost: $80
4. Flower Workshop
This relaxed, hands-on floral arrangement workshop invites guests to create their own custom bouquet with guidance from a local florist.
All materials are provided, along with a cozy space to design and unwind.
As a bonus, ticket holders can enjoy a Gong Cha perk, offering a free size upgrade or topping with any drink purchase when showing their ticket.
Date: January 17, 2026
Address: 900 Carnarvon St #103, New Westminster, BC V3M 0K4
Cost: $65.50
5. Polar Plunge and Brunch
The Polar Plunge and Brunch experience starts with a guided dip into the icy waters of Vancouver’s 3rd Beach for a serious adrenaline rush.
After warming up with tea and towels, guests head to ARC for its award-winning bottomless brunch featuring unlimited seasonal favourites.
Transportation, health club access, and a commemorative toque are included for a full, feel-good winter experience.
Date: January 18, 2026
Address: 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
Cost: $179
6. Canyon Lights
Canyon Lights transforms Vancouver’s iconic suspension bridge into a sparkling winter wonderland.
This premier holiday event features millions of twinkling lights, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Visitors can capture stunning photos, enjoy decadent hot chocolate, and explore festive attractions across the park.
It is an essential seasonal experience for those seeking a magical atmosphere during the Vancouver winter.
Date: November 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
Cost: From $28
7. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Experience the magic now at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience, currently enchanting Vancouver!
Wander through an illuminated woodland where you can cast spells, meet magical creatures, and revisit iconic moments from the films.
This immersive trail brings Hippogriffs, unicorns, Nifflers, themed snacks, and tons of photo-worthy scenes to life.
It’s already underway — grab your tickets and step into the wizarding world.
Date: November 13, 2025 to February 1, 2026
Address: 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Cost: From $70
8. Lights at Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge is Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights experience, presented by the City of Coquitlam.
Wander a 1.6-km illuminated pathway filled with dazzling displays and reimagined light features.
The show runs daily through mid-February, glowing from late afternoon into the evening.
Date: November 28, 2025 to February 16, 2026
Address: Lafarge, Coquitlam, BC
Cost: FREE
9. Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square Ice Rink invites Vancouverites to embrace a beloved winter tradition with outdoor skating in the heart of downtown.
This open-air rink offers a fun, festive way to enjoy the season, if you’re gliding with friends, spending time with family, or soaking up the city’s winter atmosphere.
It’s a classic, feel-good experience that captures the magic of winter in Vancouver.
Date: November 28, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Address: Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Free with your own skates (rentals: skates $5, ice cleats $2, sharpening $5 when available)
10. Destination Downtown Vancouver
Destination Vancouver brings festive winter fun to downtown with glowing lights, outdoor skating, and seasonal attractions for all ages.
Ride the Downtown Vancouver Ferris Wheel for skyline views, skate at Robson Square with free live entertainment, explore illuminated photo spots across neighbourhoods, and discover animal-themed light installations along the waterfront—complete with interactive contests, twinkling trees, and scenic evening strolls.
Date: December 2, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Address: Downtown Vancouver, BC
Cost: From $5
That’s it for this weekend!
See more upcoming events happening in Metro Vancouver by visiting our events calendar.