Richmond’s New Year’s Eve Parties

Christmas isn’t here yet. But savvy partiers know they need to make plans right away if they’re hoping to dive into a great New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31. If you’re keen to see out the old year and welcome in the new year with a bang, there are several great events happening in the city.

Read on for our round-up of Richmond celebrations. And, whatever you end up doing, make sure you have a Happy New Year!

Ring in the new year in Richmond. | Photo: River Rock Casino Resort

NEW YEAR’S SPECTACULAR AT THE RIVER ROCK SHOW THEATRE  

Time: Buffet from 7:30pm; show from 9:30pm to midnight
Cost: From $79.50 to $139.50 (plus service charge)
Bonus: Free lobby dance party from 5:00pm – 1:00am

Richmond’s River Rock Casino Resort certainly knows how to party. In the River Rock Show Theatre, the New Year’s Spectacular features a full evening of toe-tapping live music, with Yolanda Fletcher performing as Aretha Franklin, and Bobby Wilson channeling both Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke. There are two ways to dive into these festivities: enjoy the show-only for $79.50; or enjoy the show plus a sumptuous buffet dinner (including seafood and slow-roasted AAA beef) for $139.50.

But that’s not all. The River Rock Casino Resort is also staging a highly inviting New Year’s dance party in its glittering lobby—and it’s free! There will be live music from popular band Spirit between 5:00pm and 10:00pm, followed by DJ-driven tunes until 1:00am. And from 10:30pm, there will be aerial performers suspended from the ceiling before assisting in a dramatic New Year countdown just before midnight.

NEW YEAR’S EVER DINNER BUFFET AT THE FAIRMONT VANCOUVER AIRPORT HOTEL

Time: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $136

If you don’t want to stay up too late, the Fairmont’s chic Globe@YVR restaurant is running an early evening event, complete with live music and a top-notch dinner buffet with carvery stations (suckling pig included), a seafood bar (with oysters) and some of the restaurant’s celebrated signature dishes (such as grilled T-bone lamb and smoked beef short rib). Save room for the decadent desserts, though: the perfect way to treat yourself before your New Year diet kicks in, you’ll find truffles, coffee chocolate pie, and passion fruit white chocolate mousse among many other options.

ROCKING ON THE RIVER AT THE PACIFIC GATEWAY HOTEL

Time: 8:30pm to 1:00am
Cost: $75 (plus service charge)

This waterfront hotel’s Deck Kitchen + Bar is the perfect place for a great party. And this one features live music from popular Vancouver toe-tappers Dr. Strangelove, plus party favours, tasty appetizers, and that vital midnight champagne toast. Overnight parking is included in the general admission ticket price; and you can also book a special hotel sleepover package that includes a room at the Pacific Gateway Hotel and access to the party— an ideal option if you want a convenient place to crash after all that celebrating.

TIMELESS NYE PARTY & DINNER AT THE BUCK & EAR BAR & GRILL

Time: Dinner from 5:00pm; party until 4:00am
Cost: Free – $50

One of Richmond’s favourite old-school pub venues, Steveston’s Buck & Ear is serving-up a fun evening of dancing, drinking, and festivities this year. Entry to the party is free, but the venue is also offering a $50 multi-course pairing dinner if you want to make the evening extra special. The price includes four courses—potato leek soup and hunter chicken with asparagus included—paired with four different wines. The party also includes a DJ and that all-important midnight champagne. Reservations are required for dinner (service is between 5:00pm and 8:00pm).

CANADIAN BREWHOUSE & GRILL

Time: From 8:00pm
Cost: $20

The Buck & Ear isn’t the only pub-type New Year celebration to consider in Richmond. Over in the Garden City area, this popular restaurant/bar is hosting an evening of revelry—complete with a pizza buffet and midnight bubbly (both included in your ticket price). You’ll also have a chance to win free wings for a year, so be sure to make room for them by hitting the dance floor where the DJ will be fanning the flames of fun. There will also be drink and dining specials all night long.

NOON YEAR’S EVE AT KIDTROPOLIS

Time: Doors open at 10:00am
Cost: General admission rates apply

Partying isn’t just for adults at this time of year. If you want to celebrate the arrival of 2020 with your young family, drop into this special middle-of-the day, child-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party at Kidtropolis. This popular make-believe city—with its miniature hospital, police station, pizza parlour, and more—is the perfect spot to have a play-based blast with your youngsters, without having to keep them up until midnight. There will be games, prizes, and dancing, along with a fun countdown—complete with a balloon drop!

Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Tourism Richmond