12 of the best free & cheap things to do in Vancouver this January

It’s a new year, and we’re ready to dive (or cold plunge) headfirst into everything that the month of January has to offer. So rally your friends together and get ready to start the year off right: Here are 12 of the best free & cheap things to do in and around Vancouver this January.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 

Why not start off the new year with one of Vancouver’s favourite longstanding traditions? Plunge into 2025 during the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim at Sunset Beach, and rope in as many friends as you can to make the most of the experience!

When: Wednesday, January 1st
Where: Sunset Beach
Cost: Free

The Polygon Gallery’s Annual Holiday Shop 

If you’re looking for a holiday market with multiple dates to shop, you’ll have plenty of time to check out this year’s Polygon Gallery Annual Holiday Shop, which runs from November 13th to January 5th.

When: Now until Sunday, January 5th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

VanDusen Festival of Lights

It’s not too late to check out this year’s Festival of Lights at VanDusen, but you’ll have to act quick! Over one million twinkling lights await at the botanical gardens until Sunday, January 5th.

When: Now until Sunday, January 5th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $28 per adult, $11 per child, $18 per senior/youth

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 

The beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate fest is returning to the city this month, and we’re sure participating spots are bringing their A-game when it comes to crafting the best cups of cocoa around.

Where: January 13th to February 14th

Street Food City

If you love food truck eats, you’ve likely already heard about Street Food City, Vancouver’s original street food festival, which kicks off the delicious Dine Out Vancouver program.

When: TBA during Dine Out Vancouver 2025
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square

Robson Square Ice Rink

For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content at Robson Square. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date.

When: Now until February 2025
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals

Shipyards Skate Plaza 

Speaking of ice skating, you can soon lace up at the Shipyards’ popular skate plaza all month long.

When: Open all of January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Check out the Bloedel Conservatory

For another city-owned option, we can’t forget the Bloedel Conservatory. We’ve long been proponents of this oasis in Queen Elizabeth Park, but it’s definitely during the colder months that we think it’s a must-see.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05

Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain

January is a great month to go snowshoeing, and Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of gorgeous nordic trails to explore this winter.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $22 for GA ($32 for snowshoe rentals)

Free night at Vancouver Art Gallery

The next free night at Vancouver Art Gallery is coming up on Friday, January 3rd – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!

When: Friday, January 3rd and the first Friday of every month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Giants

The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Hitmen, Rockets, and Royals at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this month. With plenty of home games to choose from (and $20 tickets), why not go and support our team & make some great memories in the process?

When: Multiple dates in January
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20

Visit a Japanese garden

The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden is somehow even more magical in the winter months, offering visitors a beautiful, relaxing spot to reflect and immerse themselves in nature.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, UBC
Cost: $7 per person