January 2013 is a month full of annual favourites and new, fun activities. Get ready for the Dine Out Vancouver, the PuSh Festival, and more!
Ongoing through January 2
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
What: Stanley Park's Bright Nights is an annual Vancouver holiday tradition where over a million twinkly lights transform the forest around the famous Miniature Train into a winter wonderland.
Where: Stanley Park Miniature Train, Stanley Park, Vancouver
Cost: $9; $6 for seniors & kids 2-18
Ongoing through January 5
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
What: Every year, the Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into a celebration of light for the holidays, with live music, kids activities, and more.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $25 for adults; $5 for kids; proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund
Ongoing through January 22
Luminescence: A Celebration of Aquatic Light at the Vancouver Aquarium
What: Luminescence returns to the Vancouver Aquarium to celebrate the season with a special exhibit on the fascinating ways in which animals create and reflect light. Plus: Scuba Santa, a Christmas Tree switched on by their electric eel, and much more!
Where: Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver
Cost: $21; $16 for seniors & students; $13 for kids 4 - 12; free for children 3 and under
Tuesday, January 1
93rd Annual Polar Bear Swim
What: The annual Polar Bear Swim Club—and anyone who wants to join them—take a cold plunge into English Bay every New Year’s Day since 1920. Highlights include a 100-yard swim race and lots of costumes. Register or just watch at the English Bay Boathouse; registration is 12:30pm – 2:30pm.
Where: English Bay Boathouse, English Bay Beach, Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
Tuesday, January 15 – Sunday, February 3
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
What: One of Vancouver’s signature festivals, the PuSh Festival is 20 days of groundbreaking work in the live performing arts: theatre, dance, music and other, hybrid forms of performance.
Where: Various sites around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Tuesday, January 15
Taste BC
What: Liberty Wine Merchant's annual fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital brings together over 70 of BC's best wineries, breweries and distilleries for an evening of drink and food. Also included: live music, door prizes, and a silent auction.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver
Cost: $49.99; tickets available at Liberty Wine Merchant locations
Friday, January 18 - Sunday, February 3
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
What: Vancouver's annual restaurant event from Tourism Vancouver has 200 participating restaurants offering discount menus for $18, $28 and $38, plus street food promotions and lots of special foodie events and tours.
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Set menus of $18, $28 and $38 per person; additional cost for special events
Saturday, January 19 - Thursday, February 14
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
What: 23 Vancouver chocolate makers and artisans come together for this festival that brings 60 new and unusual hot chocolate flavours to Vancouver.
Where: Various locations throughout Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Sunday, January 27
Gung Haggis Fat Choy Robbie Burns Chinese New Year Dinner
What: One of the most famous cultural fusion events in Vancouver, this dinner-and-more at Chinatown's Floata Restaurant honours both Scottish-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian heritage.
Where: Floata Chinese Restaurant, #400-180 Keefer St., Vancouver
Cost: $65
Ongoing through February 28
Robson Square Ice Skating
What: Vancouver's only outdoor ice rink is open for free ice skating all winter.
Where: 800 Robson St., across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Cost: Free; skate rentals are $4
