When the winter chill hits Metro Vancouver, there’s nothing quite like a cozy cup of hot chocolate to warm you up.
This January and February, the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, inviting locals and visitors to explore the creative chocolatey delights offered by numerous local cafes, restaurants, and sweet shops.
From January 18 to February 14, 2025, the festival promises to be the ultimate winter treat, with dozens of vendors serving up unique takes on the beloved beverage.
The festival, which has become an annual winter tradition, always falls in the weeks just before Valentine’s Day—making it the perfect excuse to indulge in a little sweetness. This year’s 15th edition marks a milestone for the event, which has grown exponentially since its inception and shows no signs of slowing down.
For its 2024 edition, the event featured an impressive 71 vendors serving up 162 hot chocolate drinks at 105 locations across the region.
Explore hundreds of hot chocolate creations across Metro Vancouver
The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is an interactive experience, where participants can embark on a self-guided tour to sample dozens of hot chocolate creations at cafes and eateries throughout the region.
Each year, participating vendors - called "choc-stars" - bring their A-game, offering everything from inventive flavour combinations to unexpected twists on the classic cocoa. You might encounter a hot chocolate with a spicy kick, a boozy blend, or a dessert-like creation topped with delicious garnishes like marshmallows, whipped cream, or even cotton candy. You may even get a few comforting cups with a sweet treat on the side, too.
Plant-based and vegan options have become a festival staple, with more and more vendors creating hot chocolates that are both dairy-free and just as indulgent. Whether you prefer classic hot chocolate or something more adventurous, the 2025 festival will offer plenty of choices to satisfy every craving.
More than just hot chocolate: A sweet tradition of giving back
While the festival is all about celebrating the rich, velvety goodness of hot chocolate, it also has a heart of gold. Over the years, the festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, thanks to the generosity of vendors and attendees alike. The 2025 festival continues this tradition, with a portion of proceeds from participating drinks benefiting charitable causes in the community.
The full list of participating vendors and their delectable offerings will be released in early January, so get ready to plan your hot chocolate journey once 2025 is underway.
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