New Year’s Eve celebrations have changed greatly since becoming a parent. While I’ve never been a night owl, I did manage to make it to midnight for New Year’s…pre-children. Since our family grew to include 2 little ones, my midnight-seeing days are long gone. I applaud parents able to see the New Year in and still function the next day! Whether you are looking for an early New Year’s party or are ready to go all night, we’ve pulled together family-friendly New Year’s celebrations from around Metro Vancouver.
*Note: Some of the events require reservations in advance, so be sure to click on the link to see if you need to plan ahead or if you can just drop in!*
If we have missed a New Year’s Eve event please send us an email at vancouver@familyfuncanada.com.
Happy 2023, everyone!
Abbotsford:
Castle Fun Park has historically held a fun, family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, but is not hosting an official one this year. However, they are open until 6pm so you can still head there for some fun and arcade games to celebrate the end of 2022!
Burnaby:
New Year’s Eve Toonie Skate: Bring the family down for a mid-day skate to burn off a little energy before the new year countdown!
Chilliwack:
NYE Through the Decades Skate: Looking to recap the last few years? Head to Sardis Sports Complex for a trip down memory lane.
Coquitlam
Lights at Lafarge is open until midnight on December 31st. Ring in the New Year with a stroll around the lake to take in the beautiful light displays.
Delta
Don’t miss out on the popular Winter Wonderland Skate at both the North & South Recreation Centres on New Year’s Eve.
Langley:
Looking for an outdoor stroll to see some lights in Langley? Check out GLOW Gardens. Open until 10pm, there are light displays to check out, a playground for kids, a warming tent with hot beverages, and a train ride!
North Vancouver:
The Shipyards Skate Plaza is offering skating during regular hours (1pm-8pm), with live music from 6pm-8pm to kick off your New Year’s Eve.
Port Moody
Noon Year’s Eve is fun for the whole family…without staying up late into the night! Celebrate the new year at 12pm with crafts, a dance party and a family photo.
Hard Bean Brunch Co is a go-to spot for breakfast, but this New Years they are also featuring a special option to ring in New Years Eve! There will be two different celebrations; one at 9pm for families wanting an earlier night, and one at midnight for all those who want to see the year turn. The theme is ‘pajama party’ so you can celebrate the end of 2022 in your coziest outfit.
Port Coquitlam
PoCo Bowl NYE: Spend your evening with disco bowling, glow sticks, noise makers, and pizza! PoCo Bowl is offering a family-friendly evening of fun. There will be two different countdowns; one at 7pm and one at midnight. Call to reserve your lane
Richmond:
Kidtropolis is the place to be for kids! This year, they’re hosting a “Noon Year’s Eve” event with a balloon drop, bubble wrap dance party, arts and crafts station, and of course, a countdown! This is a 3 hour, ticketed event so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Surrey:
Winter Ice Palace: As is winter holiday tradition the Cloverdale Arena will be transformed into the Winter Ice Palace over the winter school break. If you are looking for something to do on either Dec 31st or January 1st, you are in luck as they are open. Skating ends at 6pm on NYE.
Vancouver:
Robson Square Ice Rink: Lace up your skates for a family-friendly evening. The rink closes at 11:00pm, just in time to make it home, countdown to the New Year, and head to bed! Rumba Calzada will be the live entertainment from 6:00-9:00pm
Rocky Mountain Flatbread New Year’s Eve Celebration: Looking for an awesome-kid friendly New Year’s Eve party? Check out New Year’s Eve at Rocky Mountain Flatbread! Enjoy a relaxing evening where children are entertained with pizza making, balloon twisting, and face painting while you enjoy your dinner and drinks. An early New Year’s Eve countdown will top off the evening!
VanDusen’s Festival of Lights is open until 10pm on New Year’s Eve. After a brisk stroll to see the beautiful lights, head home to get cozy and count down to midnight.
At the Vancouver Maritime Museum, you will RING in the New Year (literally!) Learn the history of noise-making and bell-ringing before making your very own bell. Follow it up with a scavenger hunt and some stories for a fun-filled day.
Best wishes for a safe and happy New Year’s Eve celebration.
New Year’s Eve:
2018 is here! School isn’t back in session for another WEEK so there is ample time to pack in more family memories. Whether you are looking to go skating, take part in a Polar Bear swim or some other family adventure, we’ve rounded up the activities happening on January 1, 2018.
To help navigate our list, click on the city you want in the list below. You will be taken to the city of your choice. If we have missed a New Year’s Day event please send us an email at vancouver@familyfuncanada.com. Happy 2087, everyone!
Abbotsford | Burnaby | Chilliwack |Delta | North Vancouver | Port Moody | Richmond | Surrey | Vancouver
Abbotsford:
WinterFest: Throughout the Winter Break Abbotsford is hosting WinterFest. The fun includes themed skates & swims at both the Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC) and the Matsqui Recreation Centre (MRC).
Burnaby:
Polar Bear Toonie Skate: Enjoy ice skating, face painting, crafts & games. This is an all ages event and the cost is $2 per person (skates and helmets are included in that fantastic price).
Chilliwack:
Welcome Winter Walk: Come explore the spectacular Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Their annual New Year’s Day walk is followed with a warm drink & cookies. This is a FREE event.
Delta:
38th Annual Polar Bear Swim: In addition to the icy swim, there will be children’s activities & entertainment. Good luck & keep warm (somehow). Please wear appropriate footwear / water socks, and swim-friendly clothing that covers your legs as there could be ice in the water.
New Year’s Day Skates (multiple locations & times): Grab the family and start the New Year off with a bit of exercise. Family rates apply for all the skating times in Delta.
North Vancouver:
New Year’s Day Public Swim (multiple locations & times): Mom and Dad can relax in the hot tub while the kids tucker themselves out in the pool. Enjoy a New Year’s Day swim to start 2018.
New Year’s Day Public Skate: Dazzle the crowd with your fancy spins & fast speeds. Or join me clinging to the boards. Either way everyone will have fun skating on the first day of 2018 in North Vancouver. There are skating session both Harry Jerome and Karen Magnussen Community Centres.
Port Moody:
Photo credit: City of Port Moody
Penguin Plunge: Be brave, dress appropriately (no clue how you do that), and plunge into the icy waters of Burrard Inlet. There will be entertainment (and we aren’t talking about the people charging into the frigid waters), refreshments & fun. Registration is at 11:30am; plunge at 1pm.
Richmond:
Winter Wonderland: Skate to festive music and be dazzled by thousands of sparkling lights, real snow banks, decorated holiday trees & more. This is an all ages event. Regular admission rates apply.
Surrey:
New Year’s Day Skate: Start your New Year on the ice & get your face painted too. Stick n’ Puck Hockey (for parents & kids 5 – 12 years) show up at 11:30. As for 12:30 onwards, it is family skate time. Admission is $3.75 (rentals are extra), or pay the Family Rate of $22.50 which includes admission, skates & helmets for up to five people.
White Rock’s Polar Bear Swim: The annual White Rock Polar Bear Swim is a beloved community event. Afterwards warm, up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and get a picture with Mr Polar Bear. Meet at the rock!
Vancouver:
Robson Square Ice Rink: Skate your way into 2018 on the outdoor covered rink at Robson Square. Skating is FREE! $4 gets you a pair of skates (cash only).
Photo credit: City of Vancouver
98th Annual Polar Bear Swim: Register to win prizes and receive a Polar Bear Swim Club 2018 badge. Daredevils can dress-up in fancy costume, compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-yard swim race, or just come out to watch and delight in the spectacle!
