You all know the deal.
You’ve been weighing resolutions and hoarding bubbly for weeks now. You’re mentally prepared for the great annual reset and the only questions left are where and when.
And that’s why we’re here – we’re good at answering tough questions.
Well, that and taking over the world. But one step at a time. First, let’s settle for simply taking over the weekend.
It all starts now, Vancouver…
WEDNESDAY (NEW YEAR’S EVE)
The countdown has officially begun.
If you’re not just planning to stay home with your cats and pick Smartfood out of your pajamas, make sure you check out Where to Spend New Year’s Eve 2015 in Vancouver for tonight’s best events around the city.
And in case you’re in the market for ideas, here are some resolutions you might consider making.
THURSDAY (NEW YEAR’S DAY)
You’re probably still reeling from a really late night. For most, it’s going to be a pajamas and couch day. And that’s totally ok. Continue sipping on your Gatorade, reflect, and set your intentions for the big year ahead. We can feel it – 2015 is going to be a good one.
If you happen to actually get off the couch, here is everything you’ll find open in Vancouver on New Year’s Day.
For the troopers and adrenaline junkies, does a swim in the freezing cold ocean fancy you? The Polar Bear Swim is happening at English Bay beach. Over 2500 people showed up last year to take a dive. This year, it should start around 2:30pm. Head on over with nothing but your trunks on and remember to take a friend – for moral spectating support – and a towel to dry off with post-swim.
Is there any better day to gather with friends for many Caesars, mimosas, beers, and pancakes than on the first day of the New Year?
Pick your boozy beverage of choice and hit up one of the many special brunches happening in town. Our picks include Lolita’s Tropical Pop-Up Brunch, and the Hawksworth Restaurant New Years Day Brunch. If buffet-style is calling your name, Fairmont Waterfront has their Best Brunch of the Year with 11:30am and 1pm seatings.
FRIDAY
It’s payday and your outlook on money for the year ahead just got real. Did a big chunk of your cheque go to nothing but bills, bills, bills?
Start off on a strong financial foot and schedule a chat with an advisor. We’re fans of local businesses like Coast Capital Savings’ Money Chat and Know Your Advisor. You’ll dedicate no more than an hour and you’ll learn how to budget better, gain a few tricks that can develop into great habits, and have a plan in place for the year ahead. And with money off your mind, you can truly enjoy the weekend.
While Christmas has passed, there’s still time to visit some of our favourite holiday sites including Fly Over Canada’s Christmas edition, VanDusen Festival of Lights, and Canyon Lights.
If you’re looking for a casual night out with friends, especially after going all out for the most epic hump day party of the year (that little holiday called New Year’s Eve), head over to Charles Bar in the Woodwards Building Wavy Fridays for good music, bites, and vibes all night.
SATURDAY
Didn’t head out on Boxing Day? Don’t worry.
Many of the sales are still happening and if anything, you’ll probably find further markdowns as retailers and boutiques hustle to clear out past season stock and make room for spring arrivals. Now is the time to score some of the greatest deals of the season. Here are a few places we recommend popping in to. Best of all: the crazy crowds have diminished.
We suspect many will be out at Rogers Arena as the Canucks take on the Red Wings. Puck drops at 7pm. Make a night of it and rent a suite with a group of friends. It’s basically like watching from the comfort of home with a full service bar at your disposal. Oh, and the fact that you’re IN THE ARENA is kind of nice too.
If you haven’t already tried one of the many escape gaming experience centers popping up around Vancouver this past year, this should be your Saturday night. Xscape Vancouver, Trapped Vancouver, Time Escape, and Krakit are some of the locations you can book.
SUNDAY
New year. New you.
You’re going to hear this a lot for the next month.
Every wellness and fitness company out there will be starting their special programs with savings to boot. Start off bright and early with The Running Room’s Run Club today or look to your favourite trainers and wellness hot spots to see what they’re offering. You’ll be sure to find everything from an intensive 2-month boot camp to yearlong access to an infrared sauna at a deep discount.
After serious downtime, no matter how much you absolutely love your job, that first Monday is probably one of the hardest Mondays of all.
So take a day to get ahead, get ready, and come back strong.
You got this.
#NOTABLE
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Cover photo courtesy Hawksworth Restaurant
