There are many ways to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of something new.
Whether you want to party hard on the 31st till the morning comes on Jan. 1 or take your family to a Japanese mochi-making event earlier in the week, Burnaby has you covered with a variety of year-end celebrations.
Tickets will go fast for many of these events, so make sure you book early.
If you know of a party or celebration we haven’t listed here, email reporter Lauren Vanderdeen at [email protected].
New Year’s Eve Parties in Burnaby
Glitz and Glamour at Hilton Vancouver Metrotown
This New Year’s Eve celebration at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown promises to be a party for the ages. With glitz and glam at the forefront, the dress code asks for formal attire.
You can pick tickets for the dinner and dance (the dinner will be catered by the Hilton’s executive chef and feature a dinner band) for $125 or skip the dinner and head straight to the dance floor – dance only tickets are $60 with a 9:30 p.m. admission.
Dance to top 40 hits, Latin, funk, Afro beats and more on three dance floors. Call the Hilton at 604-438-1200 for room rates, if you’d like to a spot to crash after the clock hits midnight.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner
Where: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown (6083 McKay Ave.)
Cost: $120 for dinner and dance tickets (plus fees), $60 for dance only. Tickets available online
Admiral Pub and Grill
Ring in the new year at the Admiral Pub and Grill with a delicious dinner buffet and a live band.
The Golden Archies will play rock classics and deep tracks from the ‘60s to the ‘00s for this festive New Year’s party.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: The Admiral Pub and Grill (4125 Hastings St.)
Cost: $95 plus tax and gratuities, call 604-298-7158 for tickets
Rec Room New Year’s Eve Bash
This party at the Rec Room has it all: unlimited game play at the arcade, prosecco toast, live entertainment with DJ the Stuntman Greg, tarot readings and a photo booth.
Attendees must be legal drinking age and have valid I.D.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Where: The Rec Room at Brentwood (1920 Willingdon Ave, unit 2106)
Cost: $36.78, tickets available through Eventbrite
Pre-New Year’s Eve Parties in Burnaby
Don’t let Dec. 31 steal all the glory, Friday night on the 30th has lots to do too!
New Year’s Eve “Eve”
The Admiral will host a New Year’s Eve warm-up party on the 30th, offering revellers “an early and less expensive New Year’s party alternative” – with just as much fun. Classic rock band Kickstart will perform.
Dress to the nines, bring balloons and pretend it’s New Year’s Eve proper as celebrations for the night before the New Year’s weekend ramp up.
When: Friday, Dec. 30 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Admiral Pub and Grill (4125 Hastings St.)
Cost: $6 cover, no tickets required; reserve a table early at [email protected]
K-pop Party at the Rec Room
The Rec Room will host a K-pop party. This event has sold out seven nights in a row, so get your tickets to dance to the best of Korean dance-floor music with DJ Yuka K.
This is a licensed, 19+ event. No refunds on tickets, though tickets are transferrable.
When: Friday, Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: The Rec Room at Brentwood (1920 Willingdon Ave, unit 2106)
Cost: $24.30 plus fees, tickets available online
Family-friendly New Year’s events in Burnaby
Nikkei Mochitsuki
Just before New Year’s, head to the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre for Nikkei Mochitsuki, or “mochi pounding.”
This traditional Japanese New Year’s and year-end activity celebrates the community to make “glutinous rice cakes the old-fashioned way: with a hollowed-out tree trunk and wooden mallet,” according to the museum’s website.
Everyone is invited to this fun cultural experience, whether you’re a pro or totally new – try out making mochi yourself!
While you’re there, the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association will feature a mochi-pounding demonstration and a Japanese dance will be performed by Satsuki-kai.
For more information and a schedule of events, see the museum's website.
When: Thursday, Dec. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Cres.)
Cost: Free admission
New Year’s Eve Toonie Skate
Glide your way into the New Year in the afternoon on Dec. 31 at Kensington Complex ice rink. The city will host a fun event with activities for children.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Kensington Complex (6159 Curtis St.)
Cost: $2 per person, free for children under three
