China Storm by Razvan Marescu

New Year’s Eve is almost knocking on the door and just like every year, Vancouver has much to offer. Even though there are no major public celebrations with fireworks organized by city council, Vancouverites and visitors to the city won’t be bored; there are myriad events prepared to usher in 2013. You can choose from a range of parties in clubs and posh hotels or go for more family-friendly option and even experience an early countdown together with your kids. Check out some of the tips we find interesting to get some inspiration!

Robson Square Ice Rink

Robson Square Ice Rink is about to host yet another family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party. Kids and their parents are warmly invited to come over for a great evening full of live entertainment and skating. Free glow sticks and noisemakers will be given out (parents are advised to bring ear plugs along…), as children await a special kids’ countdown to an early New Year at 8:00 P.M. Skating is free if you bring your own skates and rentals are available onsite. If you get tired of circling around the rink, guests can enjoy a warm drink or a snack at a nearby concession stand.

New Year’s Eve Cruise

What about spending New Year’s Eve on a boat? The Pride of Vancouver will sail around downtown, offering a magnificent view of the Vancouver skyline with fireworks and lights on this special night. Guests are provided with a buffet dinner and champagne at midnight. Entertainment includes DJs and dance floors for all who want to start moving their bodies even before their New Year’s resolutions come into effect. However, if you want to spend your last night of the year in this exclusive party, get ready to dig deeper into your wallet… each ticket costs about $150 at the moment and the price might still go up.

TELUS World of Science Cruise

Join one of the biggest countdowns to 2013 in Vancouver’s World of Science, and iconic space with a great view of False Creek and the Olympic village. The capacity of the event is 1,100 persons, who will get a chance to enjoy two music rooms with six different DJs and five fully licensed bars serving drinks all night long. There are different types of tickets you could go for, varying from regular VIP or even table service options. The price of the entrance fee is changing fast, but it should be around $100 for regular tickets. Party guests should follow a semi-formal dresscode.

New Year’s Eve at Cinema Venue Cruise

Cinema Public House at Granville Street will host a classy Black & White Affair New Year’s Eve event. The vintage and artsy atmosphere of the cinema could make for an unforgettable end of the year experience for you and your friends. The night will include dancing and a delicious three-course menu complemented by a midnight dessert bar and chocolate station and champagne and party favours throughout the night. Tickets range from $15 to $45, depending on whether you opt for dancing only, dinner only, or both — quite a reasonable value for being allowed to party in the cinema hall, isn’t it?

The Shangri-La NYE Gala 2013 Cruise

Every year, one of the finest grand luxury hotels in Vancouver, the five-star Shangri-La, hosts its famous New Year’s Eve Party. For the last two years, Shangri-La’s party has kept the number-one position on clubzone.com and it’s traditionally also one of the first events that sell out. One of the reasons for the huge success of Shangri-La is clear: it takes place in the tallest building in Vancouver and all visitors can look forward to the breathtaking views it offers. However, before you get over excited, note that this party is no casual night of drinking, as formal attire is mandatory and the society gathered here might expect quite refined behaviour from everyone. Only gents above 25 are allowed in, and ladies must be older than 21.

NYE Masquerade Soiree Cruise

At 9:00 P.M., Gossip Nightclub will open its doors to all guests who decided to engage in a masquerade show on the very last night of the year. Visitors can expect incredible visual countdown timers measuring the minutes left until midnight and a spectacular balloon drops covering the whole club. Each ticket comes with a complementary glass of champagne at midnight. At the moment, tickets cost $55 and all VIP packages are sold out by now. The dress code will be strictly enforced, so make sure you don’t show up in jeans and sneakers!

Nordic Trax NYE – Open Studios Cruise

Do you imagine your ideal New Year’s Eve to be spent on the dance floor? If you’re a dance music fan, you should certainly check out Open Studios’ offer. Three great Canadian DJs will transform the night into an extraordinary experience. As the organizers say, three of the Northwest’s finest feature Pezzner (Om, Freeranfe, Leftroom Seattle), Luke McKeehan (Nordic Trax, LCG Music Vancouver), and Jay Tripwire (Tonality, Poker Flat, Bass Culture Vancouver). Doors open at 10:00 P.M. and tickets cost $40. It’s possible to buy tickets at the door, but it all depends on the capacity.

New Years in Narnia 2 Cruise

Are you one of the fans of C.S. Lewis’ immortal Narnia stories? Then you will certainly appreciate spending your New Year’s Eve in the Keefer Bar, which will be transferred into a the magical world of Narnia. This year’s theme is Prince Caspian and a Nautical Adventure. Sweet Soul Burlesque is the musical guest of the night and they will perform three sets of Narnia-themed burlesque to greet the New Year. Tickets cost $25 and include a glass of champagne at midnight.

The tips above are just a small teaser, as it’s impossible to cover all the interesting events organized for New Year’s Eve in Vancouver. If you have any parties that are a must for you or any other suggestions we should certainly know about, tell us in the discussion!