New Year's Eve: 11 things to do in Vancouver

With Christmas now past us, it's time to ring in the New Year and there's no shortage of parties happening in Vancouver this December 31. Here's our roundup.

19+ events

Science World

One of the biggest New Year's Eve countdowns will take place at Science World. The iconic venue will transform into a nightclub for its annual NYE party with five bars, two rooms of music on two floors with six DJs keeping a thousand folks jumpin' all night long.

Dress code is "dress to impress", music is electronic, hip hop and house. Tickets range in price from $95 to $110 and doors open at 9 p.m. 19+ only.

Science World
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
http://clubzone.com/events/nye-2015-telus-world-of-science/

Chambar Belgian restaurant

One of Vancouver's favourite dining spots will once again host its infamous evening of "civilized debauchery." Resident DJ Hebegebe will be spinning the decks, along with special guests, throughout the evening.

The dress is "sexy and formal" and tickets are $150 per person, including admission, canapes, and unlimited cocktails, wine and beer, with champagne at midnight. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. PT and ends at 3 a.m. 19+ only.

Chambar​
568 Beatty St, Vancouver
https://www.facebook.com/chambarrestaurant/

Hotel Vancouver

Hotel Vancouver will host a massive New Year's Eve party with six glamorous pop-up nightclubs taking over an entire floor at the city's most historic venue.

On the program, everything from erotic cabaret, the Vancouver Opera, and live rock ’n’ country, to Motown and a "pop princess party".

Tickets start at $50, with a range of VIP packages available, and the party runs from 9 p.m. till 3 a.m. 19+ only.

Hotel Vancouver
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
http://www.hotelvancouvernye.com

Family-friendly events

Mount Seymour

Mount Seymour will host one of a handful Family First Nights on NYE. Enjoy an evening of tubing, tobogganing and children's entertainment with food vendors throughout.

Events will take place at Snowplay Park and Enquist Lodge from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. There will be an early NYE countdown and fireworks at 9 p.m. plus complimentary shuttles back into town.

Mount Seymour
1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver​
http://www.mountseymour.com/event/family-first-night (sold out).

Robson Square Ice Rink

Vancouver's Robson Square Ice Rink will host its sixth free family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration this year, including live music, kid’s crafts, DJs, an early countdown and skating.

The event starts at 4 p.m., with a countdown at 7:30 p.m. Celebrations wraps up at 10:30 p.m. Entry is free.

Robson Square Ice Rink
800 Robson Street, Vancouver
http://www.robsonsquare.com/events/

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain will also play host to family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations this year, including a live DJ, fire dancing, an early 9 p.m. countdown, snacks around a fire pit and a family scavenger hunt.

Annual local , Y2Play or winter season passholders can get in for free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are $49.95. Individual tickets range from $6.95 to $19.95. Events run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
https://grousemountain.com/events/family-new-years-eve

Rocky Mountain Flatbread restaurants

The Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. will be hosting family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations at its Kitsilano and Main Street pizzerias.

In Kitsilano, parents and children alike can enjoy a ventriloquist show, face painting, pizza making and dinner for $18 per child and $22 per adult.

Events at Main Street are cheaper with face painting and live music on offer for $6 anyone aged one year and up. Kids can make their own pizza for an extra $7.95. Celebrations start at 4 p.m. and run until 8 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Kitsilano
​1876 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver

and

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Main Street
4186 Main Street, Vancouver

http://rockymountainflatbread.ca/events/best-ever-family-new-year-event-ever/

Musical events

The Imperial

Fans of local bands will want to check out the seventh One Night Stand for NYE at East Vancouver venue The Imperial.

Bands playing include Mother Mother, Said the Whale, Yukon Blonde, Hannah Georgas, The Belle Game, Rococode, Louise Burns and Dominique Fricot.

Advance tickets are $50. Doors open at 9 p.m. 19+ only.

The Imperial
319 Main Street, Vancouver
http://imperialvancouver.com/upcoming-events/one-night-stand-vii-new-years-eve/

Hard Rock Casino

Those who can still squeeze into their red leather pants and still work the headband…the Hard Rock Casino is where you want to be uncorking the good times with Canadian icons Loverboy.

Mike Reno and the boys will be playing all their hits, including Turn Me Loose, The Kid is Hot Tonite, Hot Girls in Love, "and their mega-party anthem, Working for the Weekend.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for dinner plus show ticketholders, 10 p.m. for show only ticketholders. Tickets starts at $91.25. 18+ only.

Hard Rock Casino
2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam
​http://www.hardrockcasinovancouver.com/event/party-2015-loverboy-show/

River Rock Resort Casino

That old dog Dal Richards continues his swingin' ways. A Vancouver legend for more than seven decades, Dal will be leading his orchestra for his traditional New Year's Eve bash, this time at River Rock Resort Casino.

Tickets start at $99.50 and include a buffet, party favours and a champagne toast at midnight. 19+ only.

River Rock Resort Casino
8811 River Road, Richmond
http://www.riverrock.com/party-night-long-river-rocks-full-house-new-years-eve-party/

Get home safe, take transit

To help everyone get home safe, TransLink is providing free fares starting at 5 p.m. New Year's Eve until 5 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Check here for holiday schedules: http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/Holiday-Service.aspx

The morning after the night before

What better way to wash away 2014 and any hangover from New Year's Eve, than the annual Polar Bear Swim?

The largest and longest running polar bear swim will take place at English Bay at 2:30 p.m. on New Year's Day. More than 2500 people are expected for the 95th annual dip.

For those more brave, dress in your most outrageous costumes and take part in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-yard swim race.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable item and/or a cash donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on English Bay
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx