Woman hands with cup of hot chocolate close up image / Shutterstock

While the rainy season feels long and dreary in Vancouver, there are plenty of fun things to do to keep the winter blues at bay.

So, before you announce your annual hibernation with Netflix, check out our list of ways to keep cozy and happy during the rainy season.

Cozy things to do near Vancouver

Visit a holiday market

Vancouver Christmas Market/Facebook

While there are markets throughout the year in the Lower Mainland, the holiday season offers a number of decidedly magical ones. Indeed, there an abundance of these festive events, and they offer everything from rare, vintage treasures to classic Christmas ornaments. What's more, most of them have a litany of delectable food and drink vendors on hand, so you can stay cozy and satiated while you shop. Best of all? A number of them are indoors or covered, so you can stay dry while you browse.

See a play

The audience in the theatre watching a play.

Summer in Vancouver is heavenly, and it's hard to feel compelled to stay indoors. As a result, many people miss out on a number of great local productions. With that in mind, the wet season is long and dreary in the Lower Mainland, and therefore provides ample time to catch one of the region's inspired performances. From the Rio Theatre on Broadway to the Pacific Theatre on West 12th Avenue, there are a number of fantastic places to see some raw, passionate performances on a stage near you.

Volunteer

Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

You certainly don't have to wait for a rainy day to start volunteering, but the cold months are incredibly difficult for people living in poverty in Vancouver. Sadly, homeless shelters fill up during the coldest months, and many people do not feel safe staying in them. You can donate blankets, or volunteer at the food bank. Last year, food bank volunteers donated about 75,000 hours of time – the equivalent of about 38 full-time staff.

Hot yoga

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While yoga may be done anywhere, anytime, it isn’t quite as pleasant outdoors in the snow. With that in mind, hot yoga offers the perfect respite from the chilly temperatures, as well as a toxin-releasing, extra stretchy affair. Further, you’ll enjoy improved posture and mobility, better concentration, boosted energy, and more! Not a yogi? Check out some other cold weather workouts.

Thrift store hunting

Photo: usedhouseofvintage / Instagram

There’s nothing better than scoring hot deals in the city’s thrift stores, but getting a hot deal on a totally awesome throwback item is even better. What's more, places such as F as in Frank on Main Street allow you to take in your used items, and receive cash or store credit. If you opt to go for the store credit, you will receive 20% more than taking your payment in cash. Want to make a day of hunting? Check out our list of the best thrift stores in the city.

Alpaca visit

Two fluffy alpacas / Shutterstock

Located in Langley, the Kensington Prairie Farm is home to a giant flock of the fluffy herbivores. Indeed, these inquisitive, impossibly soft creatures are sure to bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. Not only are they cute, but there is also a huge herd of the loveable softies. Of course, it isn't going to be cozy outside, but they will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. What's more, you can get stocked up on some of the coziest, softest alpaca products. Visitors will find a range of items such as women’s, men’s, and children’s gloves, hats, scarves, jackets, pants, sweaters, and more.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Photo: Vancouver Is Awesome

The Vancouver Art Gallery houses a variety of unique and beautiful pieces throughout the year. From Dana Claxton's powerful and provocative depiction of Indigenous people, to Rihanna's iconic custom Met Gala gown, there's something that will take your breath away. Get inside and discover the world of fine art in the city.

Vancouver Public Library

Photo: Vancouver Is Awesome

Not only has the Vancouver Public Library just opened a breathtaking new rooftop, but it is home to nearly 9.5 million items. You may typically visit the library in order to find your latest literary fix; however, the Vancouver Public Library is home to an impressive collection of musical instruments. In order to rent one, all you need is a valid library card.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Photo: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Although some people find Christmas music on the radio extremely annoying, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual “A Traditional Christmas” series of Christmas  concerts is pure, festive delight. The performance includes heartwarming music associated with Christmas, carols, and plenty of audience sing-alongs.What’s more, the troupe makes its way around the Lower Mainland, so you can see a production at a stop near you. Once the holiday season ends, however, you can still enjoy one of their incredible shows downtown.

Go to chocolate heaven

Hot chocolate flight using the at-home squares (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

If you're wanting to indulge in a delectable and inspired cup of hot chocolate, this is the place to go. Kitsilano’s Koko Monk offers an array of mouth-watering chocolate flavours that sounds nothing short of poetic. They currently offer 14 unique — and uniquely named — flavours of hot chocolate, including “A Non-Conformist’s Plea for an Imaginary Summer” (tomato hot chocolate with rose and raspberry), “Strange Gravity” (oregano hot chocolate with melon and a touch of anise), and “Brunette Bangle” (curry hot chocolate with coconut liquor). Can’t decide on just one flavour? Go for a hot-chocolate flight featuring three mini servings, available every Saturday.