Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2026

When it was conceived in 2010, the Hot Chocolate Festival was the first and only city-wide initiative of its kind in the world. This January, we continue to bring you the best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, gelato and ice cream makers from 20 different regions in British Columbia — all coming together to make the humble hot chocolate hotter than it has ever been before.

In the damp and gloomy days of our West Coast winter, you’ll find our motto to be true: “Chocolate Makes You Happy!”

Flavours & Treats
Where you’re looking for the classic drinkable treat, gluten free or vegan options, or surprising and unique creations the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival has you covered. It’s hard to pick a favourite but here’s what’s on our radar:

Potato Chip Crunch
To Live For Bakery & Cafe (1508 Nanaimo St, Vancouver)

A sweet and salty hot chocolate served in a cup rimmed with dark chocolate and crushed potato chips. Topped with chocolate whipped cream and sea salt. Served with a classic chocolate chip cookie riddled with potato chips, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. Dairy-free and vegan.

Strawberry Snuggle Jelly Cat Hot Chocolate
Cassandra Cake Co (2331 Marpole Ave #105, Port Coquitlam)

A strawberry cheesecake white hot chocolate with a graham cracker whipped cream. Accompanied by a Jelly Cat Amusable Birthday Cake macaron – make a wish and blow out the candle! It’s an almond macaron with a vanilla bean swiss meringue buttercream and strawberry compote. Contains nuts. Gluten-free friendly option available upon request.

Cassandra Cake Co. is also supporting two charitable partners with their festival offerings: ACCESS Youth Outreach Services and NaloxHome. ACCESS Youth Outreach Services provides vital support to youth in our community who are facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other barriers. Their programs focus on safety, connection, life skills, and helping young people build a brighter, more stable future. NaloxHome is a lifesaving organization dedicated to preventing overdose deaths by providing free naloxone kits, education, and harm-reduction resources. Their work empowers communities to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations.

The After School Special
Crème de la Crumb (Granville Square & Broadway Tech Centre)

Nostalgia in a cup! Organic strawberries, smooth peanut butter and 54% dark chocolate make this peanut butter & jam hot chocolate a decadent treat. Served with a mini almond financier. Contains nuts.

Chick’n N Waffle slider, Maple Hot Chocolate Combo
Bonus Bakery (1428 Vernon Dr, Vancouver)

The slider will be exactly that, a mini chick’n and waffle sandwich with a pickle and spicy mayo. Paired with a maple-forward hot chocolate. Vegan and dairy-free.

Special Events
- January 24: Drunken Chocolatier at the Riley Park Farmers Market
- January 24: Koko Monk Hot Chocolate Flight of the Week
- January 25: Drunken Chocolatier at the Kitsilano Farmers Market
- January 31: Koko Monk Hot Chocolate Flight of the Week
- January 31: Chocolate Gelato Masterclass
- February 1: ‘Hot Chocolate Day’ at the Port Moody Farmers Market
- February 7: Drunken Chocolatier at the Riley Park Farmers Market
- February 8: Drunken Chocolatier at the Kitsilano Farmers Market
- February 14: Koko Monk Hot Chocolate Flight of the Week
- February 14: Make Savoury Potstickers with Chocolate XLB’s in Black Sesame Hot Chocolate Sauce
More info