I hope that everyone has fully come down from their Xmas period festivities, it seems that many of us needed a few days to recover from the sugar, food and for some over merriment….well whatever it was, we all hope it was as much fun as we had enjoyed.

New Years Eve is fast approaching, so I will like to inform of you of some of the events that will happening in and around Vancouver and a little beyond.

Many people have been asking us questions at the hotel about where you may be able to catch some fireworks, I am afraid to say that the city of Vancouver will not be participating in any major outdoor celebrations this time around, so sadly no fireworks for us this year…however, please read the following list of events below that you may like to attend.

Robson Square Ice Rink
A great way to kick off the New Years Eve party celebration for all the early birds out there with families. The Rink which is located near the Art Gallery will be hosting a family friendly evening with plenty of entertainment, music and GLOW STICKS! The countdown will happen early at 8pm, it will be New Year somewhere in the world….and even better the Rink and Rentals are FREE.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park
The lights will still be on during the New Year period, so come on down to Stanley Park and be bedazzled with all the festive lights and displays, and if you like, you can also hop on the festive holiday train…choooo choooo! The lights will be glowing away from 3pm all the way through till 11pm. And admission is always by donation.

Whistler First night
If any of you are making the trip up to Whistler, there will be a first night celebration in the Village Square and at the Whistler Conference Centre. The celebrations will begin at 6.30pm, with stories to be told, live music to boogie too and much more. Door tickets will be $20 and $10 for Children, a family friendly event so it will be alcohol free. An early countdown or the kids will happen at 9.30pm.

Polar Bear Swim (New Years Day)
The 91st annual Polar Bear swim will be happening at 2.30pm at English Bay Beach. If you fancy yourself to be hardy enough for this, feel free to join in and go for this popular dip in the bay, Costumes are one of the many highlights of this event, so if you feel this is your thing, lets see you get dressed up for the occasion. You will need to register for the swim, you can do this at English Bay and it is free to sign up, you will find this at The English Bay Bathhouse between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

A little tidbit here, this Polar Bear swim is one of the oldest clubs to participate…91st year is quite something. The fist swim included just 10 swimmers, whilst the 2011 swim involved a massive 2.246 participants…WOW!

Non perishable Food Donations and cash donations are welcome too, with the proceeds going towards the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

What ever you wish to do, and however you will celebrate we wish you all a very happy and incredible New Year, please keep visiting the blog as I will update you on further events come January and beyond…