The best things to do on New Year’s Day in and around Vancouver

While a lot of businesses and holiday attractions are closed on New Year’s Day, there’s still a plethora of fun things to do to ring in the new year. Take to the icy waters in English Bay, go ice skating, or wander through VanDusen’s Festival of Lights. Let’s start 2026 off right!

Here are some of the very best things to do on New Year’s Day in and around Vancouver.

The Polar Bear Swim at English Bay is a time-honoured tradition in Vancouver, now in its 106th year. Thousands of beach-goers take to its icy waters to kick off the new year, and 2026 is no exception. Bundle up, bring layers and a warm beverage, and get ready to participate in one of Vancouver’s most iconic annual events.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free admission

The iconic Festive Village at Burnaby Heritage Museum is open on Jan. 1, 2026, and it’s completely free to enjoy. Visitors can expect roving seasonal entertainment, festive bites, warm lights and light installations throughout the open-air museum, exhibits centred around the theme of sports and games for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. on weekends (and daily starting Dec. 16, 2025)
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free admission

The ice rink at Robson Square is a staple for a reason. For just $5 per skate rental, you really can’t go wrong, especially given its central location. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day and skate your way into 2026.

When: Now open daily until Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 800 Robson St. 
Cost: $5 for skate rentals

VanDusen’s stunning Festival of Lights has transformed the garden’s 55 acres into a magical network of illuminated pathways. Highlights include themed displays and interactive exhibits like the mycelium installation, the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit, and, of course, the Dancing Lights, which come to life every 20 minutes from the top of the hour.

When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $29 per adult, $19 for youth and seniors, and $12 per child

This is the biggest year yet for the beloved Dundarave Festival of Lights, which has an illuminated “Forest of Miracles” along West Vancouver’s waterfront that makes for the perfect New Year’s Day stroll.

The lights will illuminate the waterfront until early January 2026.

When: Until early January 2026
Time: Nightly
Where: From Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Cost: Free

It’s not too late to check out the annual Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s,

Lights of Hope is one of St. Paul’s Foundation’s largest community fundraising campaigns. This year’s lights will shine bright from Nov. 27, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026.

Over 27 years, Lights of Hope has received more than $57.4 million in donations, making a difference to hundreds of thousands of patients and residents from across B.C. These gifts to Lights of Hope help close the gaps where exceptional care isn’t fully funded through traditional channels. And whether large or small, each gift adds up to a big impact.

When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: Daily
Where: 1081 Burrard St. 
Cost: Free

Harry Potter fans of all ages can visit the “Forbidden Forest” at Stanley Park, even on New Year’s Day. Visitors follow an illuminated path filled with magical creatures like unicorns and hippogriffs to a themed village, where they’ll find nostalgic bites and sips, souvenirs, and bespoke Harry Potter merch.

When: Until February 2026
Time: Slots available between 5:30 and 10:15 p.m.
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd. 
Cost: $43+

Happy New Year, Vancouver!