You probably are all set for the New Year with a shiny new planner and a crisp list of resolutions; but while you wait for the clock to strike 12 on Dec. 31, don’t miss out on all these events around the city.
Family Ceilidh
If you are Scottish, Irish or a die-hard Outlander fan, you probably know what a 'ceilidh' is. For those who don’t, it’s a social gathering where people dance to Scottish or Irish folk music. As part of its winter celebrations, the Anvil Centre (777, Columbia St.) is hosting a family 'ceilidh' event featuring Vancouver-based folk band Blackthorn. Which means you finally get to strut your stuff to some peppy Celtic numbers. Don’t know the steps? Not to worry; there’ll be a dance caller at the event to show you exactly how to move.
When: Friday, Dec. 30; 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.
Details: https://anviltheatre.ca/event/family-ceilidh-blackthorn/
Boogie-woogie night
Usher in the New Year while noshing on a plate of lemon fries and listening to blues music at a local pub with friends. Begbie’s Tavern (609 Columbia St.) will be hosting a party featuring the boogie-woogie rock 'n’ roll group The Mike Van Eyes Band to bid farewell to 2022. For a $25 ticket, you get to be part of a party that continues to the wee hours of night - all while listening to artists who have headlined Vancouver’s acclaimed music venues such as the Railway Club and The Yale.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Details: Begbies Tavern Facebook page
Vinyl spinning and beers
Steel and Oak Brewing Company (1319 Third Ave.), which recently organized an analog vinyl fair and an evening dedicated to holiday-themed vinyl music, is bringing the magic of vinyl spinning again for its New Year’s Eve party. At the “low-key” event, you can order your favourite cocktail, beer, wine or cider (or even non-alcoholic drinks such as ginger beer and kombucha), and get funky-chicken dancing to the bangers that the brewery decides to play.
When: Dec. 31; 8 pm to 1 am
Details: https://steelandoak.ca/events/so-nye/
Meatloaf dinner and live music
If getting down on the dance floor is only a second priority to a grand dinner of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and some roasted veggies for you, head to the local watering hole, Paddlewheeler Pub (810 Quayside Dr.). At their New Year’s Eve party, settle down with your plate of food, and indulge in some prosecco and sangria with a side of pretzels as you gently tap your feet to the live music by the blues/roots duo Harris & DeBray. Entry is priced at $11.62 per head.
When: Dec. 31; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Details: http://paddlewheelerpub.net/
Champagne toast and dancing
Always imagined a picture-perfect New Year’s Party to include champagne corks popping, people dancing, a DJ mixing beats? Well, here’s your chance to be in one. Georgie’s Local Kitchen and Bar (250 Columbia St.) will be hosting a DJ and Dance Party where you can burn up the dance floor until the clock strikes 12, and then pause to welcome the new year with the bar’s complimentary champagne toast.
When: Dec. 31; 9 p.m. to midnight
