Guide to New Year's Eve in Vancouver: Parties, Fireworks, Things to Do
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Dana Lynch
Dana Lynch is a travel expert specializing in the Pacific Northwest who was a lead blogger for Tourism Vancouver and a writer for CNN's Insider Guide.
GoToVan/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
While most people are escaping to somewhere warm and sunny for the holidays, those who are willing to brave the Canadian cold will find all types of New Year's Eve events to enjoy in Vancouver.
Vancouver is known for its year-round quirkiness, charm, and scenic beauty. Visiting for New Year's means that you should expect rain, cold, and short days, but the temperatures aren't quite as cold as in other parts of Canada and snow is rare. However, still plan to dress warmly with plenty of layers.
New Year's Eve in Vancouver is much more than a countdown to midnight. There are celebrations for everyone, from a boat cruise with incredible views of the fireworks to late-night parties and family-friendly celebrations. Even though winter is the off-season for tourists, there are always more travelers during New Year's. So scope out some of the events and if you need a ticket, make sure to buy it as soon as you can.
Most events for New Year's Eve 2020–2021 are canceled, and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Confirm with individual event organizers or businesses to confirm the most up-to-date information.
Dine Out to End the Year
Street Auntie
Even though many events are canceled for New Year's Eve 2020–2021, you can still dine out at one of Vancouver's best restaurants, many of which are creating special holiday menus to celebrate the holiday. On December 31, 2020, restaurants must close at 10 p.m., so you won't be able to stay for the midnight toast, but it's still a delicious way to finish up the year.
Some restaurants that are open include Pourhouse, with a three-course meal and wine pairings (diners are encouraged to dress up in masquerade costumes). For full elegance, reserve a table at Bacchus in the Wedgewood Hotel with live piano entertainment. For something more casual, Street Auntie serves up delicious aperitivo-sized portions of Chinese street food. Eat lunch or dinner at the restaurant on New Year's Eve or order a prepared take-out box to bring home.
New Year's Eve at Science World
Twisted Productions
The New Year's Eve party at Science World is canceled in 2020–2021.
Want to party with a huge crowd? Head to Science World as it turns into a nightclub for New Year's Eve. This party, hosted by Twisted Productions, is held every year at Vancouver's iconic science center. The venue has room for over 1,000 partiers with two rooms of dancing on two floors, six DJs, five bars, and live performances. This one sells out fast, so move quickly!
New Year's Eve Boat Cruises
Maria Steernberg
All public cruises with Spirit Cruises and Magic Yacht Charters are canceled as of December 2020 until further notice.
Toast to the New Year aboard a Vancouver cruise ship. You can ring in the New Year with dancing, champagne, and fireworks bursting overhead. You can choose from the traditional dinner cruise with a buffet, or, if you'd rather nibble on lighter fare, try the Cocktail and Canape cruise where you can dance the night away. Always a sell-out event, both cruises celebrate the New Year with a great party and breathtaking views of the city at night.
Another option is the New Year's Eve cruise with Magic Yacht Charters, a three-hour boat ride with food, drinks, and lots of dancing leading up to the stroke of midnight.
NYE Extravaganza Club Crawl
The NYE Extravaganza Club Crawl is canceled for 2020–2021.
Don't want to stay in one spot all night? This NYE club crawl is aimed at students. A party bus will transport you between four of the best bars and clubs in Vancouver. Tickets include front-of-the-line admission, plus party favors, and transportation between events. This is a great option for young people who want to party all night long, but don't want to spend the night waiting in the cold!
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Fairmont Waterfront Gala Ball
The Block Inc.
The Gala Ball at the Fairmont Waterfront is canceled for New Year's Eve 2020–2021.
Ring in the New Year with breathtaking views at the Fairmont Waterfront's Gala Ball and you'll have some of the best views of the city's midnight fireworks display. There are two rooms of dancing, a photo booth, three huge balloon drops, and a champagne toast. The dress code is semi-formal, so no jeans allowed and the cost of the ticket includes appetizers, party favors, and champagne for the midnight toast.
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