Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Vancouver

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve in Vancouver, the streets erupt with music, cheers, and fireworks.

Whether you want to party until the wee hours or enjoy a family-friendly fête, this lively city has an NYE gathering to match your vibe. Many events incorporate our favorite things to do in Vancouver, including dining, skiing, and boating.

This year, don't leave your New Year's Eve plans up to chance — start January on a high note at one of these amazing celebrations.

New Year's Eve Public Events

There's something special about a public New Year's Eve gathering. It's a chance to revel in communal good cheer as you welcome the New Year. From outdoor street parties to relaxed afternoon events, these gatherings are free and open to everyone.

1. Concord's New Year's Eve Vancouver

Pack up your posse and head downtown for the annual Concord's New Year's Eve Vancouver blowout. It's essentially a massive street party — thousands of people gather near the Vancouver Convention Center and Canada Place to dance to live music and watch local performers light up the stage.

Our favorite part is the collective countdown to midnight. It ends with a breathtaking fireworks display that fills the sky. If you want to kick off the New Year with a burst of energy and excitement, this is the place to be.

We suggest taking public transit to get downtown or booking a night in a nearby hotel to avoid traffic and long taxi wait times.

2. Happy Noon Year at the Vancouver Public Library

If you hope to be snug in your bed at midnight, ring in the New Year a little early at Vancouver Public Library. Join other local kids, parents, and caregivers for a Happy Noon Year party.

New Year's Eve Parties

Looking to dance until dawn? Check out one of the many New Year's Eve parties in Vancouver. Chill in a sports bar, mingle at an elegant cocktail party, or see and be seen at the city's hottest nightclubs — there's a function for every party style.

3. NYE at Commodore Ballroom

Look no further than the Commodore Ballroom if you're in the mood for a boisterous New Year's Eve.

Every year, this cavernous nightclub hosts one of the biggest parties in Vancouver. Dress to impress, but don't worry about being too fancy. You'll spend most of the night sweating it out on the dance floor and singing along with the live musical acts on stage.

Take our performers' advice, and leave the heels at home. The ballroom floor has a hidden layer of cork and rubber that gives it a distinct bounce. Your ankles will thank you! The venue is cashless and serious about security, so come prepared with a credit card and two forms of ID.

4. NYE at Bayside Rugby Club

Don't feel like braving the holiday traffic in Vancouver? Want to ring in the New Year in a hoodie and jeans? Spend New Year's Eve in Surrey at the Bayside Rugby Football Club. This fun, family-friendly event starts in the afternoon and runs until midnight.

You'll have multiple chances to count down — party-goers cheer as the clock strikes midnight in London, Rio, Montreal, and Vancouver. It's a great option for kids. Tickets are free, and there's plenty of room to run around outside.

5. NYE at The Pint Public House

If you prefer a sports bar to a cocktail bar, New Year's Eve at The Pint Public House is the perfect fit. Here, it's all about beer, music, and dancing to a DJ in a laid-back setting. The bar often hosts a themed event — in 2023, it was a Brazilian white party to bring good luck — but it's not formal by any stretch.

The Pint is located in the heart of Gastown, so it's easy to reach by public transit. Leave the car at home and hop on the Expo Line. The Stadium-Chinatown stop is a few minutes from the bar.

6. NYE at The Belmont Bar

This New Year's Eve, slip on a cocktail dress or a collared shirt and head to the party at The Living Room restaurant. Located in the impossibly stylish Hotel Belmont, this chic space is a riot of color and mid-century glam decor.

Bid farewell to the old year as you sip cheeky cocktails — we love the HB Sour — or indulge in the restaurant's specialty: an ultra-instagrammable cocktail "tree" of beverages in vintage glass bottles. When you need a break from dancing, snuggle up with your friends in one of the cozy sofa nooks.

7. New Year's Eve at Science World

Science World might not seem like a natural place to spend New Year's Eve, but don't be fooled. The geodesic dome on False Creek hosts one of the city's hottest parties.

Join 1,000 of your new best friends as they dance the night away—the revelry spreads across three floors. You might even catch performers flying overhead, inspired by our world-class aerial artists. Leave your jeans and sneakers at home. Guests arrive dressed to the nines.

The Science World bash sells out yearly, so booking early is a good idea. Opt for the VIP ticket to access an exclusive lounge. Or reserve a VIP table, and your private server will serve drinks and snacks all night long.

New Year's Eve Cruise

Ahoy, matey! Leave land behind, and spend the last hours of December 31 on a boat in the harbor. Vancouver boat parties are the ideal way to celebrate with a killer view of the fireworks and city skyline.

8. New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise

You'll feel like a movie star as you board a yacht and set sail for a special New Year's Eve party with Vancouver Charters' Spirit Cruises. Each year, the company hosts two options: a cocktails and canapé cruise and a traditional dinner cruise. No matter where you wind up, the evening is sure to be filled with dancing and delicious food.

It's a wonderful opportunity for a romantic evening for two or a fun gathering with friends. The cruises depart in the early evening and sail around Vancouver and Granville Island for several hours before returning to port after the countdown to midnight.

New Year's Eve Dinners

If fine dining is your idea of fun, skip the wild parties and seek out Vancouver's most exclusive end-of-year dinners. The best chefs in the city whip out their tricks for these events — and given the caliber of the culinary landscape in Vancouver, that's saying something.

9. New Year's Eve at AnnaLena

Wondering why Canada's food connoisseurs flock to the Michelin-starred AnnaLena restaurant? There's no better time to find out than New Year's Eve in Vancouver. These reservations are the hottest tickets in town — snag one, and you can send out the old year with a bang.

Join other lucky guests in the French tradition of Le Réveillon, a long, luxurious feast complete with cutting-edge cuisine and exquisite wine pairings. The celebratory tasting menu doesn't come cheap, but you'll be talking about the dishes for months to come.

10. New Year's Eve at Hawksworth Restaurant

The Hawksworth Restaurant is an elegant dining destination anytime, but it truly shines on New Year's Eve. There's no need to order from the menu. Your ticket includes a luxurious tasting menu that will tempt even the most discerning palate.

You'll start with something tasty, such as caviar for the table or a snack of oysters and scallops, before moving on to a series of spectacular courses. With impeccable preparation and beautiful plating, the entire evening is a feast for the senses.

The restaurant typically offers two seatings on NYE. Afterward, head to the lounge for cocktails, canapés, and party favors. Some years, there's even a DJ and a dance party before the toast at midnight.

11. New Year's Eve at Chambar

Chambar restaurant brings its signature upscale-casual vibe to its annual New Year's Eve celebration. Some years, the chefs create a special multi-course menu for the evening, while others allow à la carte ordering from the regular menu. Either way, you're sure to walk away feeling full and happy.

The Belgian-inspired food is delicious but not pretentious, so it's accessible for foodies and normal folk alike. Our team loves the moule frites, which come in three equally incredible variations. Remember that the restaurant doesn't typically stay open late, even on New Year's Eve. Stop in for a pre-party dinner, or make the meal your main event.

New Year's Eve Fireworks

Nothing says “celebration” quite like fireworks, and Vancouver rarely disappoints. When midnight rolls around, colorful explosions light up the city skyline from North Vancouver to Canada Place.

We love to skip the downtown crowds and head into the mountains to see the sky sparkle. If you go early, you can kick off the celebration with one of our favorite Vancouver hikes.

12. Sasquatch Mountain Resort New Year's Eve Fireworks

Drive about 2 hours from downtown Vancouver for the Sasquatch Mountain Resort NYE celebration. As you might expect from skiers and snowboarders, it's a fun and low-key event. If the ski resort is open (it all depends on the snow), you can start the evening off with dinner at Molly Hogan's Bar & Grill.

There's no need to stick around until midnight — the fireworks show usually starts around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Put on your snow gear and grab a seat outdoors, or take in the view from the windows in the restaurant.

Don't want to make the long drive back in the dark? There are plenty of hotels nearby in Harrison Hot Springs or Chilliwack.

13. Grouse Mountain Fireworks and New Year's Eve Celebration

If you love winter activities, the Grouse Mountain New Year's Eve celebration delivers. The resort, which is located a short drive from North Vancouver, stays open late on December 31.

The fireworks happen early, so you can watch them from the chairlift. Ride the slopes until the lifts close — then explore the enchanting Light Walk, and go ice-skating on the outdoor pond. It's all included in your lift ticket.

The Observatory restaurant offers a special multicourse dinner. Seats are limited, so you'll definitely need a reservation. Alternatively, head over to Altitudes Bistro for free-flowing champagne and pub snacks.

Family-Friendly New Year's Eve

Your little ones might not be able to make it until midnight on New Year's Eve, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate in style. Choose a family-friendly NYE event, and you'll be all partied out by the time the sun goes down. If not, add on a trip to one of the amusement parks in Vancouver.

14. Family New Year's Eve at Vancouver Aquarium

Bring the whole family to the Vancouver Aquarium on December 31 for Holiday Splash, an annual “winter waterland” event. The lineup is a little different every year, but often features a scuba-diving Santa Claus (aptly named Scuba Claus) and a Jelly Snow Globe filled with glowing jellyfish.

Don't miss out on a showing of the holiday film — The Polar Express 4D Experience is a must-see. The aquarium typically stays open until midafternoon on New Year's Eve, making it the perfect option for small children. It's a popular event, so consider buying tickets online before you go.

Ring in the New Year in Style: New Year's Eve Events in Vancouver

New Year's Eve in Vancouver is always an experience to remember. The variety of events makes it easy to find a celebration that suits your mood and style.

Once the countdown is over, it's time to start planning the rest of your year — and nothing spices up your calendar like one of our groundbreaking shows. Join the adventure at one of our shows in Vancouver. It'll be a highlight of your year.