Rollicking panto, offbeat film, Viennese musical elegance, and more offer unique ways to celebrate New Year’s
Whether you’re into show tunes or funk, improv comedy or acrobatics, you’re sure to find your own way of welcoming 2026 with the help of Vancouver’s arts companies and venues
(Clockwise from left) Disney’s Frozen (Moonrider Productions photo), NYE at TIC, and the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert.
ANOTHER YEAR HAS come and gone, and Vancouver’s arts and culture scene has never felt more united. Despite funding uncertainties and ever-skyrocketing inflation, hundreds of amazing productions have graced local stages this year—and that’s certainly cause for celebration.
From family-friendly theatre in the afternoon to celebratory shows as midnight approaches, here’s a look at what’s on offer around the city this New Year’s Eve—plus a couple of New Year’s Day festivities too.
Annie
Gateway Theatre on December 31 at 1 pm and 7:30 pm
The talented Azaleah Korn stars as Annie in this heartwarming musical—our Stir review described her as “a gifted young singer with a resonant voice and an impressive belt”, adding that she “brings spunk, confidence, and mature emotional range to the role”. Korn is joined by a cast chock-full of triple-threat performers, while three adorable stage dogs—Mylo, Neko, and Poco—alternate as Annie’s dog, Sandy, during the run. At the evening show on December 31, each guest will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling apple juice for a pre-performance toast in the theatre.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Metro Theatre on December 31 at 2 pm
At Metro Theatre’s 40th annual traditional British pantomime, audiences are invited to boo the bad guys, especially Mayor Misery P. Sonified (whose motto is the Trump-reminiscent “Make Beantown Great Again”), and cheer on the heroes, like young Jack. Broadway show tunes and classic Christmas songs bring light notes to a panto that’s been punched up with some political themes. And of course, there’ll be a family-friendly New Year’s countdown at this celebratory matinee performance.
Strange Days
Strange Days
The VIFF Centre on December 31 at 7 pm
Fittingly set in L.A. on the last two days of 1999, this sci-fi flick sees a street riot break out, with disenfranchised crowds and an apocalypse looming. From director Kathryn Bigelow and writers James Cameron and Jay Cocks, the critic-diving feature is somehow part tech-noir, part action movie, and part love story—you’ll have to see it to believe it. Tickets to its 30th-anniversary screening at the VIFF Centre are buy one, get one free.
East Van Panto: West Van Story
The Cultch’s York Theatre on December 31 at 2 pm
Theatre Replacement’s annual holiday pantomime has become one of the city’s most cherished traditions. This year’s edition stars Dawn Petten as the standout villain Boberta Rainy, a megadeveloper bent on erecting condos across the East Side; our Stir review described her as a “deliciously warped baddie” that “exceeds expectations” in a production that “excels at chaotically grand musical numbers, undercut with biting satire, shameless kid-friendly silliness, and adult-friendly subversive politics.” While the New Year’s Eve matinee is just about sold out, the show has been held over to January 11, which means there may be one last chance to snag a ticket with a little luck.
NYE at TIC
The Improv Centre on December 31 at 7 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm
The ensemble is dishing out feel-good laughs all night long with scenes based on audience members’ brightest moments from 2025. There are tons of perks with entry, including a full dessert bar, a DIY candy bag buffet, and a New Year’s photo wall.
Circus3
Circus3’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show
The Vancouver Playhouse on December 31 at 7:30 pm
Funny-man Daniel Zindler, artistic director of Circus3, leads a troupe of acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, and magicians in this annual family-friendly celebration. Expect everything from confetti pops and balloons raining from the rafters to upbeat musical interludes and impressive hoop-dancing feats.
Quiring in the New Year
Evergreen Cultural Centre on December 31 at 7:30 pm
The Quiring Chamber Players will unite for their annual year-end celebration, hosted by violist Reg Quiring and his partner in life and music, pianist Rosemary O’Connor. Both are established artists in Vancouver; Quiring serves as artistic director of the Coquitlam Youth Orchestra at Evergreen Cultural Centre, where this concert will take place.
The Rio Theatre New Year’s Eve Party
The Rio Theatre on December 31 at 9 pm
With the recent news that the Rio Theatre team is taking over the historic Park Theatre on Cambie Street, the venue has a lot to celebrate this year. The Park is opening on December 31 with sold-out screenings of the Stranger Things Season 5 finale, but those who can’t make it should consider ringing in the occasion over on East Broadway with a variety show and dance party hosted by Dandy. There’ll be everything from burlesque by April O’Peel to a comedy set by Charlie Demers and live music by the ReViberators.
Dawn Pemberton. Photo by Robyn Ardagh
NYE w/ Dawn Pemberton and NaRai Dawn
Guilt & Co. on December 31 at 9 pm
Known for her powerhouse vocals rooted in gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and world-music influences, Dawn Pemberton is ringing in the new year alongside NaRai Dawn, a strong singer in her own right. DJ Dule will keep the party going in between the four sets that run throughout the evening. Guilt & Co. is first-come, first-served, with a menu full of fun cocktails to celebrate the occasion—the “No Bad Eenergy”, made with vodka, matcha, and horchata, offers a fitting vibe for how we’d like to see 2026 unfold.
Disney’s Frozen
The Stanley BFL CANADA Stage on December 31 at 1 pm and 7 pm, January 1 at 7:30 pm
What better way to kiss 2025 goodbye than by belting out “Let It Go” at this Arts Club Theatre Company production of the Disney mega-hit? This Broadway musical is on till January 4, with showtimes on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
The Orpheum on January 1 at 2:30 pm
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is marking the first day of the year by hosting the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, now in its 30th edition. The program is, as always, devoted to the music of Johann Strauss II, who was born in 1825—which means there’s an added emphasis on celebrating two centuries of his influential artistry. The Strauss Symphony of Canada will play alongside the VSO with Budapest’s András Deák conducting, Dresden’s Peggy Steiner as soprano soloist, and Vienna’s Michael Heim as tenor soloist. Happy New Year! 
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