The Christmas season in Vancouver ends the way it starts: outdoors, in the dark, probably in the rain. New Year’s Eve here is a mix of downtown countdowns, mountaintop fireworks and fancy hotel dinners, and New Year’s Day has one of the city’s oldest traditions, the Polar Bear Swim at English Bay.
Here’s what we know about New Year’s Eve 2026 and New Year’s Day 2027, and what hasn’t been announced yet.
Are There New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Vancouver?
No public fireworks show is planned downtown. The New Year’s Eve fireworks at Canada Place haven’t run since before the pandemic, and as of late December 2025, no downtown fireworks were planned for New Year’s Eve or for the rest of 2026, with rising costs the main reason. If that changes for this December, we’ll update this page.
People still gather downtown for informal countdowns, especially along the Canada Place and Convention Centre waterfront, at the Gastown Steam Clock and on the Granville Strip.
Where to See New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Grouse Mountain: last year Grouse ran a small early fireworks show at 7:00 PM for families and a pyromusical at midnight, with mountain admission. Details for December 31, 2026 haven’t been posted yet. See Christmas on Grouse, Cypress and Seymour.
- Whistler: Whistler Village has a free New Year’s Eve program on December 31, ending with the Luminosity Parade, which starts at 7:45 PM and finishes at Skier’s Plaza. Last year Whistler also had a small fireworks show at 9:00 PM. See Christmas in Squamish and Whistler.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Midnight is late for small kids. A few ideas for an earlier celebration:
- Grouse Mountain’s early fireworks, if they return at 7:00 PM.
- Light displays that are open on December 31, such as VanDusen (to January 3), Canyon Lights (to January 10) and Glow Gardens Langley (to January 2). Check New Year’s Eve hours when booking.
- Merry & Bright at Martini Town runs until December 31.
- Skating at Robson Square, followed by a countdown at home.
New Year’s Eve Dinners and Parties
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has announced a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner at Notch8 to welcome 2027. Most hotels, restaurants and clubs post their New Year’s Eve menus and parties in late November and early December. Our Christmas dinner and holiday bars guide will list them as they’re announced.
Getting Home on New Year’s Eve
TransLink has offered free transit on New Year’s Eve in past years, including from 5:00 PM on December 31, 2025 until 5:00 AM on January 1, 2026. It hasn’t confirmed plans for this year yet. If you’re heading downtown, SkyTrain and the SeaBus are much easier than finding a taxi after midnight. Visiting? Book early: New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest hotel nights of the year. See where to stay in Vancouver at Christmas.
The Polar Bear Swim (New Year’s Day)
Every January 1, thousands of people run into English Bay to start the year with a shock. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim has been running since 1920, and the 106th swim took place on January 1, 2026.
- When: January 1. In 2026 the event ran from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the program started at 2:00 PM and the swim itself began at 2:30 PM.
- Where: English Bay Beach in the West End.
- Cost: registration was free in 2026, and registered swimmers got a participation certificate. Swimmers picked up a commemorative button at the warming tents afterward.
- On site: change rooms, washrooms, warming tents and a limited number of lockers.
- Race: the 100-yard Peter Pantages Memorial Race starts first.
The City of Vancouver usually opens registration for the next swim in December.
Polar Bear Swim Tips
- Bring water shoes. The beach is pebbly and the cold makes it worse.
- Bring a big towel, warm layers and a hot drink for after.
- Don’t go in alone, and don’t stay in long. A quick dip is plenty.
- Spectating is free and fun. Get there by 2:00 PM for a good spot.
New Year’s Day Ideas
- A seawall walk after the swim, from English Bay to Stanley Park.
- The last days of the light shows: Canyon Lights and Lights by the Lake both run until January 10.
- The Vancouver Symphony has traditionally held a Salute to Vienna New Year’s concert at the Orpheum. See Christmas concerts in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fireworks in Vancouver on New Year’s Eve 2026?
Not downtown. No public downtown show has been announced. Grouse Mountain and Whistler have held smaller fireworks in recent years.
When is the Polar Bear Swim?
January 1 at English Bay. In 2026 the swim began at 2:30 PM.
Is transit free on New Year’s Eve in Vancouver?
It was free from 5:00 PM on December 31, 2025 to 5:00 AM on New Year’s Day. TransLink hasn’t confirmed this year’s plan yet.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Vancouver
