Looking for family fun? Check out the best events in January in Metro Vancouver.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but January is one of the best months! There’s less chaos than in December, which leaves loads of time to go exploring new places or try out new activities as a family. Plus, many local community centers and businesses offer trial periods if you want to see if an activity is a good fit for your family without a year-long commitment. It’s also a time to think about goals and what you want for the upcoming year. This year, our family is aiming to spend 1000 hours outside. It’s going to be a challenge; I’m not naturally an outdoorsy person, but I know the benefits outweigh a little initial discomfort. We’re also planning to explore new communities and neighbourhoods around Metro Vancouver in 2023 to find new playgrounds and local cafes.
If you are looking for ideas, the Family Fun Vancouver calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to have a look. We keep a running list of Cheapie and Freebie events, as well as Concerts and Shows that you won’t want to miss! Our weekend round-up gets published on Wednesdays (unless life happens and then it comes out on Thursdays).
Have a great January!
If you haven’t disposed of your tree yet, don’t fear. There are a TON of Christmas tree chipping events happening the first two weekends in January (Jan 7th, 8th, 14th, & 15th). Many of the events are fundraisers for local organizations so please come prepared to make a cash donation.
The Gluten Free Expo is at the Vancouver Convention Centre January 14th & 15th. Sample hundreds of gluten-free products and learn from industry experts such as doctors, nutritionists and chefs about a gluten-free lifestyle.
Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience has extended their stay until January 14th! Experience the tomb of King Tut like never before with sound, lights and visuals that will make you feel like you are exploring the tomb for the very first time. This is a great educational exhibit for the whole family.
You are invited to a Celebration of Robbie Burns concert (January 14). Place des Arts is hosting their annual celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Robbie Burns! Fiddler Rosie Carver with Celtic band Blackthorn and a special guest piper feature the musical traditions of Scotland with a special focus on Burns’ songs and poems.
It’s the Year of the Rabbit (starting January 22) and many Lunar New Year Celebrations are back in person for 2023! We’ll be adding to the list of events as more are published in the first few weeks of January.
Foodies–unite! The popular Dine-Out Vancouver is back this year and runs from Jan. 20th-Feb. 5th. Try out a new restaurant or head to your favourites to enjoy special menus, priced anywhere from $20-$65 per person. Additionally, there are plenty of ticketed events during the festival that might pique your interest. Participating restaurant reservations go live on January 11th!
For 23 years January 27th has marked Family Literacy Day across Canada. Our local libraries are hosting a number of events. Some happen on the 27th, others happen on the weekends surrounding Family Literacy Day. All of the events are free and encourage reading together as a family.
Harlem Globetrotters (Jan 28): With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy, and unequaled on-court fan interaction, you don’t want to miss the Harlem Globetrotters at the Pacific Coliseum.
