Photo: Pixabay
We’re ready to welcome 2018 with open arms! The truth is, New Year’s Eve is only fun if you’ve got a plan, so check out these awesome NYE events and get ready to say goodbye to 2017.
NYE CELEBRATIONS
Family First Night at Mt Seymour
Family First Night is the North Shore’s longest running family friendly New Year’s Eve event. Enjoy snow tubing, laser tobogganing, live entertainment, roving clowns, musical performances and much, much more. There will also be food vendors, complimentary s’mores and a self-guided, lantern lit snowshoe trail. Cap off the evening with an early NYE countdown, party favours and a fireworks finale at 9:00pm.
New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Vancouver
Party in the luxury ballrooms of Vancouver’s “castle in the city”. New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Vancouver takes place over an entire floor of the hotel. Attendees can expect DJs, musicians and live performers.
The Waterfront Gala Ball combines an epic party with elegance and class. Dress to the nines and enter the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront Hotel through a red carpet and ring in the New Year in style. The catch? You must 25 or older to enter.
Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver
Photo: Concord NYE Facebook
Ring in 2018 with the largest NYE party in Vancouver. Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver will feature two sets of fireworks (9:00pm and 12:00am), a Family Zone and performances by Good For Grapes, The Tourist Company, Peach Pit and Sam the Astronaut. There will also be special “pop-up” performance zones featuring Fire Dancers, Neon Robots, Fire Jugglers, World Champion Yo-yo performer Harrison Lee, buskers and more.
New Year's Eve at the Fox Cabaret
Photo: Fox Cabaret Facebook
An early comedy show followed by late night dancing. Join us at the Fox Cabaret for the launch of 2018 with dance, DJs, performance and more. The evening will begin with a special New Year's Comedy spectacular By The Sunday Service followed dual floor edition of the 80s vs 90s party featuring: Trevor Risk + Common People DJs
TELUS World of Science Vancouver New Year’s Eve
Way better than your elementary school field trips. New Year's Eve returns to the ultra unique TELUS World of Science for an unforgettable celebration. This year's party will feature, 2 rooms of music on 2 floors, 2 rooms of music on 2 floors, 5 fully licensed bars and one of the biggest countdowns to bring in 2017 in Vancouver!
Vancouver TheatreSports League Year in Review
Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing, hurricanes, false news, Russian hacking, and celebrity scandals are just a few of the stories that grabbed the headlines in 2017. All will provide fodder for Vancouver TheatreSports quick-witted improvisers as they journey back through the headlines this past year with Year in Review.
A Very Onesie-ful Evening: NYE 2018 at the Storm Crow Alehouse!
Photo: Storm Crow Tavern
Say hello to 2018 in the most comfortable attire possible; a onesie! Remember New Year's Eve when you were 14? When it was just you and your three best friends, with your coziest pajamas and an endless supply of snacks and pop, playing games in your friend's basement? Well, imagine that with even more games and alcohol!
New Year’s Eve Traditional River Cruise
Ring in 2018 in grand style aboard the Spirit Cruises Luxurious Yacht. During this memorable cruise you will indulge in a gourmet buffet and dance the night away while cruising Canada’s most scenic waterfront. After dark, you'll enjoy the lights and sounds of the spectacular fireworks from the best seats in the house.
Daniel Zindler Variety Show at the Vancouver Cabaret Theatre
Looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration? Ring in 2018 with local host funny-man Daniel Zindler and his cast of fools including circus acrobats, magician Travis Bernhardt, live music, and a few surprises. It all ends early with one of Vancouver’s largest balloon drops.
Frozen in Time at Harbour Event Centre
‘Frozen in Time’ takes place inside one of the city’s largest licensed event spaces located across from the new Parq Casino, B.C. Place and Rogers Arena by False Creek. Harbour Event Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland along with stimulating visuals on one of the city’s largest LED walls along with state of the art lighting and sound with music provided by 4 of Vancouver’s finest DJ’s
New Year’s Eve 2018 at the Imperial
Photo: Imperial Vancouver Facebook
This event will feature the city’s best EDM, Top 40, and Hip Hop DJs, stunning Cirque performance artists, 2 rooms of music plus an exclusive VIP mezzanine level, and a countdown you won’t forget!
No countdown, no crying, no cover! Essentially this is just a regular night at Colony, but keeping things low-key still sounds like a great way to start 2018!
The Dark Eighties NYE Party at the Astoria
Relive your 1980s goth phase at The Astoria! Expect cult 80s hits, new wave, dark electronic, post punk and goth. Possibly the most fun and grim NYE event of the season.
NYE FOOD EVENTS
Photo by Amy Ho/courtesy Au Comptoir
Kitsilano brasserie Au Comptoir is inviting guests to bid “au revoir” to 2017 with a four-course French-inspired New Year’s Eve feast. Seatings are available between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. or 8:00 and 8:45 p.m. $95 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Info and reservations: Website
Sit down for an exclusive 5 course “b33r” pairing dinner. The 33 Acres tasting room will remain open to the public after the dinner and all ticket holders will enjoy complimentary glasses to ring in 2018. Info and reservations: Book via Eventbrite
This new upscale dim sum restaurant will be offering a New Year’s Eve Feature Menu. Select A la Carte dishes available until 8:30 pm. 19+ only. Info and reservations: Call778-370-8500; book via OpenTable
Enjoy a special five-course New Year’s eve menu at Gastown’s celebrated Bauhaus, with seatings at 6 and 9 pm. Vegetarian options are available. Info and reservations: 604-974-1147
Vancouver’s venerable Bishop’s will be featuring a special preset menu for New Year’s Eve, with a glass of Champagne for $125. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
Photo courtesy Botanist
Get festive at one of Vancouver’s loveliest new dining destinations. For the early seating, two-hour reservations are available from 5 to 7:30pm, when guests can enjoy a five-course tasting menu $125 per person, plus taxes and gratuity. For the later seating, with tables available starting between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, Botanist will offer a five-course tasting menu $148 per person, plus taxes and gratuity, along with live music by a five-piece band with a glass of bubbles and party favours at midnight. Info and reservations: Call 604-695-5500
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard will usher in 2018 by hosting a pair of New Year’s Eve dinner services featuring live entertainment. Tickets to the early seating (5 to 6:30 pm) offer a three-course menu and live jazz courtesy of the Jennifer Scott Trio for $108 per person plus tax and gratuity. The later seating (8 to 10:30 pm) will feature a four-course feast complemented by the jazz, funk and R&B stylings of The Adam Thomas Band, with tickets on offer for $198 per person plus taxes and gratuity. Info and reservations: Call 604-642-2900
Ring in 2018 with Burdock & Co. Get started early with their “New Year’s Lite” Seating at 6:00pm & 6:30pm (2.5 hour seating time), with dinner ticket priced at $69 per person (plus tax & gratuity), featuring a menu of lighter plates to set the celebratory mood for the rest of the evening. Or, opt for the 8:30pm or 9 pm seating, with dinner tickets priced at $99 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Chef Andrea and the culinary team have pulled out all the stops to craft an extensive and exciting multi-course tasting menu. Expert pairings of Naturalist wine and full drink menu are available for purchase the evening-of. You can reserve a bar seat, too. Info and reservations: julie@burdockandco.com or 604-879- 0077
Calabash is having its 7th annual New Years Eve party to bring in 2018. While not a traditional sit-down dinner, there will be a rum punch on entry and Caribbean snacks on hand. Calabash will have a duo of DJs spinning Reggae, Dancehall and Hip Hop. There will be a Rum Punch on entry and Caribbean snacks. Info and reservations: Tickets via Eventbrite
Photo: Cascade Room Facebook
New Year’s Eve will see a British Invasion at The Cascade Room. Experience UK-inspired fun, two countdowns and a Sunday Roast. Kick-off the NYE party at 2 pm on Sunday, December 31. Happy Hour menu available 2 to 6 pm, from 6 to 10 pm it’s the full dinner menu and Sunday Roast; late night menu on offer 10 pm to 2 am. Cascade Room will celebrate TWO New Year’s Eve countdowns — complete with party favours. Reservations available from 2 to 10 pm. There is no cover charge. Info and reservations: 604-709-8650; details online
Cibo Trattoria will be offering two dinner seatings on NYE each featuring a multi-course tasting menu inspired by authentic Italian fare. Opt for an early 5 pm seating or a later 8:30 pm edition. The evening begins with a gin-based ‘aperitivo’ cocktail followed by an elegant six-course menu paying homage to traditional Italian favourites. New Year’s Eve at Cibo Trattoria is priced at $125 per person. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
This special edition of CRAFT’s monthly Brewmaster’s dinner will feature the best four dishes of all the dinners in 2017. If you enjoy great beer paired with fresh local food, dinner and dancing, this might be the NYE feast for your. Tickets includes four delicious courses, beer pairings, party favours, champagne at midnight and entertainment. Info and reservations: Eventbrite
No line ups, no tiered ticket system, no BS, promises one of Vancouver’s favourite watering holes. Music provided by the Analog Cue DJ’s on 45’s all night, and from 8 to 10 pm there will be complimentary canapes and cocktails. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
Diva at the Met Restaurant (Facebook)
The Chef at this unsung hero of the downtown dining scene chef has created a sumptuous four-course tasting menu priced at $90/person. Reservations available from 5:30 pm on New Year’s Eve. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
For its New Year’s Eve service, Farmer’s Apprentice will host two seatings — starting at 6 pm and 8:30 pm — featuring a five-course menu for $80 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity ($138 with wine pairings) during the early seating or a seven-course menu during the later seating for $110 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity ($182 with wine pairings). Info and reservations: Call 604-620-2070
Grapes & Soda will welcome guests to a multi-course New Year’s Eve celebration with seatings taking place at 6 and 6:30 pm and 8:15 and 8:30 pm for $75 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. Accompanying wine pairings are available for an additional $45. Info and reservations: Call 604-336-2456
Homer St. Café will offer a full three-course menu with wine pairings, available from 5:30 pm to midnight on the 31st. Customized wine pairings available. Info and reservations: 604-428-299 or book online at OpenTable.ca
This new cocktail and eats hotspot at the Westin Bayshore will be hosting a 7 pm and 9:30pm seating for a “prixe-fix” menu, followed by a champagne toast at midnight along with live entertainment all night. Info and reservations: Call 604-691-6962 or email info@hjuzlounge.com
Photo by Ainsleigh Christie/courtesy Joe Fortes
Enjoy a festive a la carte menu, and special dinner features available for one night only – Shellfish Trio and Prime Rib Dinner. An early seating at 5 pm is free of cover charge, while the 8 pm late seating has a $60 cover charge per guest, which includes party favors for the table, a glass of bubbly for midnight, and live entertainment. Info and reservations: 604-669-1940
Juniper is offering a five-course menu for $95/person, which includes one glass of bubbles at the end of your meal or midnight. Drink pairings are available for an additonal $80 per person. Two seatings available (5-5:30 pm and 9-9:30 pm). Info and reservations: Buy your ticket by phone or in person, 604-681-1695.
Gastown’s La Mezcaleria promises a colourful NYE. Dishes can be ordered as the full four-course set menu for $65, or guests can choose plates a la carte. In addition to the New Year’s dishes, the everyday menu will continue to be served. From 11pm onward, join La Mezcaleria as it amps things up with live music by DJ H.O.T., a project by Mexican musician El Garzita, with a one-of-a-kind sound inspired by modern and retro dance music. Multiple seating times are available. Info and reservations: Book online
On New Year’s Eve, Chef Angus An will serve an indulgent four-course set menu to ring in 2018. For $80 per guest, couples and groups alike will enjoy a meal of flavourful family-style plates, with the option to add on wine pairings. Info and reservations: 604-730-5579 or book through the website
Mak N Ming (Facebook)
Check out enRoute Canada’s best new restaurant in Vancouver for a 2017 finale dinner. Two seatings are available (6 and 8:30 pm, 2 hours per seating). The set menu is $98 per person (plus tax & gratuity) and includes a glass of welcome bubbles. Beverage pairings available for $48 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Info and reservations: info@maknming.com or 604-737-1155
Go whole hog in 2018 when Mamie’s hosts its legendary New Year’s Eve bash with an all-you-can-eat, family-style pig roast. Tickets are $110 (plus taxes) and include an open bar of featured well drinks, beer and wine. Info and reservations: 604-620-8818 or via email at info@mamietaylors.com
A five-course first seating is available for $145 per person, while later diners can book the second seating to enjoy a seven-course feast from Executive Chef Ken Nakano for $190 per person. Info and reservations: Call 604-695-1115
Ring in the new year with Minami’s exclusive New Year’s Eve menu. Featuring five delectable courses including their signature Aburi Sushi, mouthwatering surf & turf entrée, exclusive dessert, and more, this celebratory dining also comes with an optional sake pairing. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
Relish the pub is putting on a 4 course dinner and party. After your meal, hang around for free champagne at midnight & dancing all night with DJ Storm. The dance party is $25, but if you’re doing dinner at the restaurant, add the party on for just $15. Info and reservations: Online
Spade Vancouver (Facebook)
This new Italian cafe will be holding a New Year’s Eve supper featuring a set four-course menu accompanied by a selection of local wine and beer, as well as their hand crafted, Italian-influenced cocktails. Info and reservations: Call 604-428-4092
The annual New Year’s Eve dinner at the Teahouse in Stanley Park is available via three seatings starting at 4 pm. It’s a five-course set menu for $99 plus taxes and gratuities. Info and reservations: Book via OpenTable
Deck yourself out in your full blue jean Canadian Tuxedo for this cheeky NYE fest. Included in your pre-paid ticket: A pint of Main Street Brewing’s beer on tap when you sit down; seat for some great music from Brad Pedwell; and a whack at the beaver piñata so long as it’s still intact when it’s your turn. Info and reservations: Tickets via Eventbrite
Photo courtesy Juke
Cluck your resolutions at Chinatown’s fried chicken star, Juke. They will be open on Sunday, December 31 from noon to 9 pm to help prepare partygoers for the big New Year’s Eve countdown with a full complement of its southern-fried fare including its famous Fried Chicken in Regular or Spicy varieties, Sticky Pork Ribs and a mouthwatering menu of seasonal snacks, salads, sides and desserts, and special holiday breakfast items. Info and reservations: Call 604-336-5853
To send off 2017, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar will host an “Alice in Winter Wonderland” theme party to transport guests down the rabbit hole for a night of whimsical celebration. Starting at 7:30 pm, UVA’s doors will open to a delicious three-course “Wonderland” inspired menu paired with signature cocktails created Bar Manager Sabrine Dhaliwal. After dinner, enjoy pop-up entertainment throughout the night, ranging from live jazz music by the James Danderfer Trio to champagne sabering. After the clock strikes midnight, late-night tea sandwiches will be served. Tickets are priced at $88 per person and include party entry, three full cocktails, full menu and late night snacks. Costumes are encouraged. Info and reservations: Tickets available online
Photo by Jonathan Norton/courtesy Wildebeest
Wildebeest is inviting revelers to take part in a deliciously decadent New Year’s Eve celebration when the Gastown hotspot hosts a four-course feast with optional wine pairings to ring in 2018. Seatings start at 5 pm for a meal comprised of Chef Ian McHale’s comforting and exciting eats. Tickets are for $89 per person plus tax and gratuity. Guests can also enjoy an eclectic lineup of Old- and New-World wine pairings selected by Wildebeest Wine Director Justin Everett for an additional $48 (3 oz.) or $64 (5 oz.) per person. Info and reservations: Online or call
Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with dinner, dancing, and a Champagne sabering station; counting down the merriment till midnight. Patrons can book for the five-course dinner menu from 5 to 10 pm for $155 per person. Info and reservations: Call 604-692-4939
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
In the Midnight Hour: NYE w/ DJ Slade and Queer As Funk
Photo: Queer as Funk Facebook
A NYE celebration Featuring two live sets by Queer As Funk and smokin’ hot tunes all night long with DJ Slade. Have a party at the Wise Hall.
Patrick Maliha’s 5th Annual Naughty Little New Year’s Eve
Live from The Rio Theatre, it’s Patrick Maliha’s annual naughty New Year’s Eve party featuring standup comedy, live music, burlesque, "freak show" performances, drinks, dancing and good company.
A Punk/Metal/Harcore Tribute to Gord Downie
Gord Downie. Photo Ryan Merkley
Members of Vancouver’s punk, metal and hardcore are getting together to pay tribute to Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip at the Rickshaw theatre. Proceeds will be donated to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketfly or most local record stores.
Bright Nights Night Train in Stanley Park
Ready to revisit your holiday memories? Whether your feeling festive or not, the Bright Nights Train’s millions of twinkling lights are an absolutely beautiful way for you and your family to ring in 2018.
Experience Vancouver in a whole new light at this 5-week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, amazing performances, storytelling, food trucks, and a marketplace. This festival is the largest festival of its kind in Canada. It features 35 illuminated displays with more than 1300 individual lanterns, transforming over 14 acres of Hastings Park into an explosion of light and colours.
Going Somewhere Using Public Transit
Burrard SkyTrain station (Alex Costin/Flickr)
That’s right, public transit! If you’re headed to a part or just have been meaning to explore what other neighbourhoods have to offer, New Year’s Eve is the time to do it because public transit is FREE. Learn more HERE.
Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, 2016 (phase5pdx/Flickr)
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. What a way to start 2018!
