New Year's Eve and New Year's Day events for Vancouver arts lovers
Improv, waltzes, and stage musicals are just a few of the ways for culture vultures to ring in 2025
Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO. Photo by Jean-François Savaria
NYE at TIC
NEW YEAR’S DOESN’T need to be spent at a packed house party or busy open house, at least not in Vancouver where the arts community has plenty on the books. Here’s a glimpse at some of the events on December 31 and January 1 that culture vultures will want to get in on to bid 2024 adieu.
Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
The famed Montreal-based circus troupe performs two shows on December 31, at 1 pm and 4:30 pm. Its first new show in Vancouver since the pandemic features a parade of surreal white animals; a giant, magical cube; a minimalist design; and its signature jaw-dropping physical feats. (The show is on until January 5.)
NYE at TIC
The Improv Centre is sending out 2024 by sending up whatever the audience suggests. There are three shows on New Year’s Eve: 7 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm. Tickets include full access to a dessert buffet, candy station, and photo booth.
Oliver!
Rickie Wang as Oliver. Photo by David Cooper
There will be a special NYE toast complete with Champagne and sparkling apple juice on the house after Gateway Theatre’s 7:30 pm performance of Lionel Bart’s musical adaptation of the 1838 classic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. Josh Epstein, who starred in the show back in 1992, directs. (The show runs until January 4.)
Quiring in the New Year
A tradition at Evergreen Cultural Centre, the 7:30 pm concert features the Quiring Chamber Players: violinist Reg Quiring, who has performed with Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Rosemary O’Connor, who collaborates regularly with members of the aforementioned ensembles. The New Year’s evening of chamber music comes complete with sparkling wine and dessert.
Circus3’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show
The 7:30 pm family-friendly event at the Vancouver Playhouse features circus acrobats and Vancouver’s largest balloon drop. Local funny-man Daniel Zindler hosts this variety show put on by the nonprofit circus presenter.
Salute to Vienna
This concert by the Strauss Symphony of Canada featuring the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra takes place on New Year’s Day at 2:30 pm at the Orpheum, giving audiences the chance to welcome 2025 in fine symphonic style. It’s a tradition that has been in place for more than 25 years. This year’s talent includes soprano Mónika Fischl, tenor Martin Piskorski, and Budapest conductor Imre Kollár. The popular musical celebration aims to evoke the enchantment and grandeur of Vienna’s Golden Age.
The Big Lebowski
Pull out your favourite T-shirt, PJ pants, and tattered bathrobe: VIFF Centre is taking a laid-back approach to New Year’s Eve with a screening of one of the Coen Brothers’ biggest cult hits. Join Jeff “the Dude” Lebowski on a trip through bowling alleys, Beverley Hills mansions, retro diners, and dream sequences, with the snack bar serving up—what else?—White Russians as an add-on with your ticket. VIFF invites you to dress as your favourite character.
Cinderella! A Traditional British Pantomime
Metro Theatre’s holiday tradition is back for its 39th year, with the show co-written by Shel Piercy and Jo Sears, directed by Piercy, and choreographed by Shelley Stewart Hunt (who recently choreographed Die Fledermaus at Vancouver Opera). Musical direction is by Arielle Ballance. The New Year’s edition takes place on January 1 at 2 pm, promising laugh-out-loud moments and audience engagement. (The show runs until January 5.) 
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