Metro Vancouver is heating up this weekend with the return of delicious food truck festivals and over a hundred creative hot chocolate varieties to discover across the city.
If you prefer a guided cultural tour through Chinatown or a magical walk through a wizarding forest, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the January winter.
1. Peace and Culture Coffee Shop Kick-Off Party
The kick-off party at Peace and Culture Coffee Shop brings together coffee, culture, and friendly latte art battles for a lively night out.
Guests can compete or spectate while enjoying coffee drinks and beers donated by Superflux.
Designed for baristas and casual coffee fans alike, it’s an easygoing way to meet new people and celebrate creativity.
Date: January 23, 2026
Address: 720 Glen Drive, Vancouver, BC V6A 3M3
Cost: $13
2. Street Food City
Street Food City returns for its 14th anniversary, bringing a lineup of Vancouver food trucks together in one downtown spot for a three-day winter feast.
Expect a wide mix of cuisines, from Indian and Mexican to pizza, grilled cheese, and more.
With a tented eating area and a family-friendly vibe, it’s an easy way to sample the city’s street food scene in one go.
Date: January 23 to 25, 2026
Address: Outside Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
Cost: FREE
3. Cake Decorating Workshop
This beginner-friendly cake decorating workshop with CakeKue offers a hands-on introduction to decorating a vanilla bento cake.
Participants will learn step-by-step techniques using provided tools and materials, enjoy refreshments, and take part in a mini photoshoot with their finished cake.
Each guest goes home with their custom design in a premium clear cake box.
Date: January 25, 2026
Address: 52A Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
Cost: $76.07
4. A Wok Around Chinatown
A Wok Around Chinatown is a guided culinary and cultural tour through Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood.
Guests will explore landmarks like Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden, the Chinese Canadian Museum, and the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, sample BBQ meats and pastries, enjoy a generous dim sum lunch, and end with a traditional tea tasting led by a tea master.
The tour runs every weekend.
Date: January 24 to February 8, 2026
Address: 137 East Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6
Cost: $120.00
5. 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 to February 14, 2026
Address: Around Metro Vancouver
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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)
9. 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.