Kick off the second weekend of January with a diverse mix of adrenaline-pumping adventures, cozy culinary workshops, and glowing light displays across Metro Vancouver.
You can choose to plunge into the icy Pacific for a charity brunch or wander through the magical Forbidden Forest, offering plenty of unique ways to embrace the winter season
1. 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 11, 2026
Address: 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
Cost: $179
2. Beans + Baos
Beans + Baos celebrates Slothee Coffee’s 7th anniversary with an afternoon of community, coffee, and dim sum.
Guests enjoy pour-over brews from Honeysuckle Co, dim sum by Kam Wai, pastries, music, raffles, and swag bags, all included with the ticket.
With prizes from local businesses and 15% of proceeds supporting Catoro Cafe’s cat rescue work, it’s a feel-good celebration for coffee lovers and creatives alike.
Date: January 11, 2026
Address: 1025 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7X 1M5
Cost: From $54.58
3. Discover the Art of Chocolate
This 1.5-hour chocolate tasting workshop offers a hands-on dive into the world of bean-to-bar chocolate through guided tastings and storytelling.
Guests will learn about cacao’s journey from plant to bar, sample five unique 70% chocolates, enjoy a warm cup of cacao tea, and explore how chocolate is made.
The experience is offered across three separate workshop dates.
Date: January 11 to February 14, 2026
Address: 780 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1M3
Cost: $75
4. 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 January 11, 2026
Address: 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Cost: From $70
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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)
8. 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.