10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Jan. 16-18)

The sun is finally back, which means there’s absolutely no excuse to not venture out into the city for an art show, a Canucks game, or the beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Jan. 16-18).

Vancouver’s beloved Hot Chocolate Fest is back this January, and you’ll have almost a month to try warm, decadent sips at cafes and bakeries across Metro Vancouver. This year, there are 234 different flavours and 100 vendors to choose from.

When: Jan. 17 to Feb. 14, 2026
Time: N/A
Where: Participating locations across Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

THIS Gallery presents Unearthed Artifacts: Post-Cyberpunk Relics by Vancouver artist Wilson Makgawinata, which is on display until Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. The piece features a series of ceramic works that explore the themes of speculative archaeology and cyberpunk futurism.

When: Until Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Time: Noon
Where: 108 East Broadway (entrance in the alley) 
Cost: Free admission

This weekend, the Canucks are up against the Oilers on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Rogers Arena.

When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $178.35

The Improv Centre on Granville Island has a show called New Year, New Me that turns your 2025 moments into a comedic narrative full of laughs. So get ready to laugh at those embarrassing, strange stories before letting them go the best way we know how.

When: Fridays and Saturdays until Jan. 24, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St. 
Cost: $31.50 per person for regular admission

Canadian artist Jade LeMac is coming to the Hollywood Theatre on her It’s Always At Night Tour this weekend. She might be newer to the scene, but as a self-taught pianist and guitarist, she’s a star on the rise.

When: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 3123 West Broadway 
Cost: $41.75

The historic Park Theatre on Cambie retains its charm and community spirit, and there are tons of movies on the roster for this weekend. This includes new films like The Secret Agent and Song Sung Blue, as well as older classics like Spirited Away and Oldboy (4K restoration).

Where: 3440 Cambie St.

This week, the Warriors are up against the San Diego Seals at Rogers Arena, with tickets starting at $32 a pop.

When: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $32

It’s not too late to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge while it’s still decorated for Canyon Lights. The holidays might be over, but there’s no law that says you can’t still enjoy the millions of glowing lights.

When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $78 per adult

Head to UBC to cheer on the Thunderbirds as they face off against the MacEwan Griffins this Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

When: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 6081 University Blvd.
Cost: $18 per adult

Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display is in Coquitlam, and it features a 1.6 km lit pathway lined with adorable holiday displays. Running until Feb. 16, 2026, you’ve got plenty of time to check it out.

The City of Coquitlam recommends visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours, between 6 and 8 p.m., for the best viewing experience.

When: Open daily until Friday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free

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