Vancouver’s 2020 January calendar features important dates and events in the Lower Mainland including festivals, shows and recommended winter activities.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY – MARCH – APRIL

MAY – JUNE – JULY – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

January Calendar of Events

Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day (stat holiday)
Jan. 25 – Robbie Burns Day (birthday of Scotland’s national poet)
Jan. 25 – Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat)

Vancouver January Events in 2020

Below is what’s happening on the different days of the month in January. Or, for a list of events that cost nothing or only very little, click Free Events in January.

Note: Schedules are subject to change – check official websites for exact details.

Week of January 16th to 19th

January 17-19 | January 20-26 | January 27-31

Friday, January 17, 2020

Friday Night Live – live entertainment with a guest artist in North Vancouver at Lynn Valley United Church at 3201 Mountain Highway. Chris Ronald performs tonight.
House of Comedy – NBC’s Last Comic Standing’s finalist Aida Rodriguez performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – first day of the season for the festival featuring special deals at hundreds of local restaurants. (The event runs from January 17th until February 2nd, 2020).
Vancouver Street Food City – today a dozen or more food trucks fill the square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Georgia Street as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. (CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW!)
Winter Holiday Attractions
- Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake.
- Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Vancouver Giants Hockey – the Giants play against Victoria at the Langley Events Centre.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – first day of special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
House of Comedy – NBC’s Last Comic Standing’s finalist Aida Rodriguez performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Vancouver Street Food City – today a dozen or more food trucks fill the square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Georgia Street as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. (CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW!)
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the Canucks and the San Jose Sharks play at Rogers Arena.
Winter Holiday Attractions
- Lights at Lafarge – winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake at the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way.
- Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Family Favourites Movies – The Addams Family shows at select Cineplex theatres for just $2.99 at 11 am.
Farmers Markets
- Riley Park Farmers Market – between 10 am and 2 pm at Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium at 4601 Ontario Street.
- New West Farmers Market – formerly known as the “Royal City Winter Farmers Market,” it takes place in the 600 block of Belmont Street in New Westminster from 11 am until 3 pm.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
House of Comedy – NBC’s Last Comic Standing’s finalist Aida Rodriguez performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Roedde House Classical Concert Series – this afternoon’s performance is with the Artemesia Duo featuring pianist Susan Xia and flutist Emily Richardson at the Roedde House Museum in Vancouver’s West End (not far from Robson Street).
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Vancouver Street Food City – today a dozen or more food trucks fill the square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Georgia Street as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. (CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW!)
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Lights at Lafarge – last day of the winter light displays around Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake for the season.
Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Vancouver Giants Hockey – the Giants play against Kelowna at the Langley Events Centre.
Sunday Markets
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm at 300 Ioco Road.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm at Hastings Skatepark by the PNE (at Renfrew Street and Pandora).
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a massive market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
- Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm.
Jazz Vespers
- In the salons in St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver at 4 pm. Admission is by donation. The live music today is with Karin Plato.

Week of January 20th to 26th

January 17-19 | January 20-26 | January 27-31

Monday, January 20, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Shred for the Cause Ladies Night – ladies ski for a minimum $15 donation at Mount Seymour from 5 to 10 pm.
Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
PuSh Festival – first day for the international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
House of Comedy – Los Angeles-based comedian Trevor Wallace performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver from 9 am to 9 pm.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Canyon Lights – holiday illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Vancouver Giants Hockey – the Giants play against Everett at the Langley Events Centre.

Friday, January 24, 2020

New Year’s Eve at the Buddhist Temple – Chinese New Year’s Eve celebrations at one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America. Free admission and highly recommended.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Vancouver Chamber Choir – Byrds and Bees concert at Vancouver’s Pacific United Church.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Friday Night Live – live entertainment with a guest artist in North Vancouver at Lynn Valley United Church at 3201 Mountain Highway. Entertainment tonight is with Nyla Carpentier.
House of Comedy – Los Angeles-based comedian Trevor Wallace performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Canyon Lights – last weekend of the season for the Christmas light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Chinese New Year – today marks the first day of the Year of the Rat with celebrations all week and weekend throughout the Lower Mainland.
Lion Dancing at River District – lion dancing and other activities take place at River District Vancouver in celebration of the Year of the Rat. It’s a free family-friendly event and everyone is welcome.
Vancouver Lunarfest – free Lunar New Year activities in the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Robbie Burns Day – a day to celebrate the birth of Scotland’s poet laureate.
- SFU Robbie Burns Dinner – an event at Coquitlam’s Executive Plaza Hotel that features Haggis and other traditional Scottish foods, poetry by Robbie Burns, dances, and performances by the SFU Pipe Band and Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band. Tickets cost $80.
- 2020 Burns Supper – dancing, food and other cultural celebrations at the Scottish Cultural Centre at 8886 Hudson Street in Vancouver. Cost is $60 for members of the Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and $70 for non-members.
- Celebrating Robbie Burns – Scottish dancing, poetry and Celtic music with the band Blackthorn at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $29 for seniors and students, and $12 for children ages 12 and under.
House of Comedy – Los Angeles-based comedian Trevor Wallace performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Canyon Lights – last weekend of the season for the Christmas light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Riley Park Farmers Market – between 10 am and 2 pm at Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium at 4601 Ontario Street.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Family Favourites Movies – Nanny McPhee shows at select Cineplex theatres for just $2.99 at 11 am.
Vancouver Giants Hockey – the Giants play against Kelowna at the Langley Events Centre.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Chinese New Year Parade – a major parade with marching bands, lion dancing, floats and hundreds of people in costume in Chinatown.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Vancouver Lunarfest – free Lunar New Year activities in the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza.
House of Comedy – Los Angeles-based comedian Trevor Wallace performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Vancouver Chilly Chase – 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon routes around False Creek.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Canyon Lights – last day of the season for the Christmas light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Sunday Markets
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm at 300 Ioco Road.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm at Hastings Skatepark by the PNE (at Renfrew Street and Pandora).
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a massive market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
- Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm.
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Jazz Vespers
- At 4 pm at Northwood United Church at 8855 156th Street in Surrey. Music with the Wild Blue Herons.
- With Maya Rae at St. Andrew’s United Church at 1044 St. George’s Avenue in North Vancouver at 4 pm.
- In the salons in St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at 1018 Nelson Street in Vancouver at 4 pm. Admission is by donation. The live music today is with Ingrid Stitt.

Week of January 27th to 31st

January 17-19 | January 20-26 | January 27-31

Monday, January 27, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver from 9 am to 9 pm.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Shred for the Cause Ladies Night – ladies ski for a minimum $15 donation at Mount Seymour from 5 to 10 pm.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the Canucks and the Saint Louis Blues play at Rogers Arena.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Vancouver Art Gallery – admission is by donation from 5 to 9 pm (because it’s Tuesday).
Cheap Movie Night – at most theatres throughout the Lower Mainland.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Jacki Fabulous at House of Comedy – America’s Got Talent 2019 semi-finalist Jacki Fabulous performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
Museum of Vancouver – admission is by donation from 5 pm to 8 pm (as it’s the last Thursday of the month).
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Pacific Agriculture Show – a farm equipment trade show at Tradex in Abbotsford (January 30 to February 1, 2020).

Friday, January 31st, 2020

Whisky Global – a whisky-tasting event at the Rocky Mountaineer Station at 1755 Cottrell Street.
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – an LGBTQ-themed event at Whistler-Blackcomb.
Soar Over Taiwan – FlyOver Canada at Canada Place features a new multi-sensory film where you can soar over Taiwan.
Jacki Fabulous at House of Comedy – America’s Got Talent 2019 semi-finalist Jacki Fabulous performs at the House of Comedy at the Columbia Theatre in New Westminster.
Friday Night Live – live entertainment with a guest artist in North Vancouver at Lynn Valley United Church at 3201 Mountain Highway. Entertainment tonight is with Dino Dinicolo.
PuSh Festival – an international performing arts festival.
Dinner With A View – an outdoor dinner experience where you get to dine in a bubble-like dome at Ambleside park in West Vancouver. Tickets cost $110 (plus taxes, tips, online fees and dome rental).
Dine Out Vancouver Festival – special deals at hundreds of local restaurants.
Vancouver Street Food City – today a dozen or more food trucks fill the square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Georgia Street as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat!
Robson Square Ice Skating – free at the corner of Robson and Howe in downtown Vancouver.
Skating at the Shipyards – ice skating at the giant new outdoor covered rink at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver (just a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay). Free admission (and skates can be rented for between $5 and $7).
Vancouver Giants Hockey – the Giants play against Kamloops at the Langley Events Centre.
Roedde House – admission to the historic museum in Vancouver’s West End is by donation today (because it’s the last Friday of the month).
Pacific Agriculture Show – a farm equipment trade show at Tradex in Abbotsford (January 30 to February 1, 2020).

To return to the top of the page, click January Calendar.

To see what’s happening next month, click February Calendar.

Other 2020 January Events

The following events are also likely taking place in January 2020 (with some details to be confirmed):

Music on the Bow – free live music featuring local artists at the Trout Lake Community Centre at 3360 Victoria Drive.
Vancouver Motorcycle Show – a motorbike trade show at Tradex in Abbotsford (January 24-26, 2020).
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – special hot chocolate offerings around town. So it’s not really a “festival.” It’s more just an excuse to enjoy a hot winter treat! (January 18 to February 14.)
Tibetan Lunar New Year Celebrations – at the Thrangu Buddhist Monastery at 8140 Number 5 Road in Richmond. Open to the public. (2020 details to be confirmed.)
Year of the Rat at Lansdowne Centre – Lunar New Year festivities take place at the Richmond shopping centre. (2020 details to be confirmed.)
Chinese New Year at International Village – crowds of people, vendor stalls selling Year of the Rat souvenirs and a stage with live entertainment at the International Village Mall in Chinatown. Free admission. (2020 details to be confirmed.)

Top Things to do in January

For a detailed list of the Best Things to do in January, click the above icon. Other recommended top activities include the following:

Go skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb, Cypress, Grouse, Mount Seymour or Sasquatch Mountain ski hills.
Eat out as much as you can in restaurants all over town during the Dine Out Vancouver Festival the last two weeks or so of the month.
Visit one of Vancouver’s best places for indoor activities as the weather forecast will probably include a lot of rain. Top recommendations include Science World or the Vancouver Aquarium if you have young kids, or the Museum of Anthropology at UBC or Museum of Vancouver if you like museums.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat begins on January 25 and the Chinese New Year Parade takes place that weekend. Other Chinese New Year Festivities also take place in Chinatown at the International Village Mall at 88 West Pender Street, as well as at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and River District Vancouver. Lunarfest Vancouver also takes place in January 2020.
Free ice skating at Robson Square all month at the corner of Robson and Howe as well as at Shipyard Commons in North Vancouver.
Visit the UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC if it’s a sunny day. Winter is definitely not their finest time of year, but admission is by donation until the spring.
If it’s miserable outside, then also check out Vancouver’s Best Things to do on a Rainy Day.

For more, check out Vancouver’s Best Places for Winter Activities.

Typical January Weather

January in Vancouver is typically fairly cloudy, cool and wet, with average high temperatures of 6 or so degrees Celsius (or 43 F), and the lows around 1 (or 34 F).

January gets an average of about 150 mm of rain (or 6 inches), making it the third wettest month of the year on average. Except for in the higher elevations, it doesn’t snow often in Metro Vancouver – only a little each year, and it doesn’t stay long – but it can snow. Sometimes January can be surprising though, with unexpected consecutive days of sun.

Recommended Activities

January can be one of the best months for skiing in Vancouver, as the cold weather and precipitation can make for lots of snow on the mountains, plus it’s after the December holidays so the crowds are much less.

For downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing (at Seymour and Cypress), cross-country skiing (at Cypress) and snowshoeing (especially at Seymour and Grouse Mountain), hit the hills on the North Shore. There is also skating at most community rec centres (so good places to go on rainy days), and free skating in downtown Vancouver at Robson Square at 800 Robson Street.

Although not typically a great month weather-wise, January can be the best time of the year to visit the city and sample its culinary talents.

If you are in town during the last two weeks of the month (plus often the first couple of days in February), then definitely check out the Dine Out Vancouver Festival where close to 250 restaurants in the region offer special multi-course menus at exceptional rates (and some hotels offer fantastic deals too). Want to stay inside and eat great food all day at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, then visit Vancouver in the latter half of January.