(This story is sponsored by Tourism Vancouver.)

The beginning of the year can feel notoriously long and cold. But thanks to Tourism Vancouver it doesn’t have to be uneventful. In fact, Dine Out Vancouver Festival is now Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drink and it takes place conveniently from January 18 to February 3, 2019—just when we need it. The festival, returning for its 17^th consecutive year, is one of the most important dates on the culinary calendar, attracting more than 100,000 locals and visitors annually.

Attendees can enjoy 17 days of gastronomic greatness from more than 300 participating restaurants— the largest number of any festival of its kind in Canada. The celebration features a number of food-themed events as well as the much-loved prix fixe menus ranging from $15 to $45, and “Dine and Stay” packages with special hotel rates starting at $89.

The festival promotes local and regional ingredients, as well as B.C. VQA wines, reminding us all why Vancouver has a world-renowned food and drink scene. On January 7, 2019, the full list of Dine Out restaurants and menus will be available exclusively to Aeroplan members, giving them a three-day jump-start on securing a table through advance reservations. To take advantage of this perk, sign up for Aeroplan now and make sure you opt in to receive promotional emails to qualify.

Then, on January 10, 2019, reservations open and menus are available to the general public on the Dine Out Vancouver website. But if the thought has you salivating already, then you’re in luck. While you’ll have to wait until next year for the big reveal of participating restaurants, tickets are available now to some of the festival’s special events.

For those familiar with Dine Out, there are a number of events back by popular demand in 2019. For the second year in a row, the Grand Tasting will kick off the festival on January, 17, 2019. This pre-opening gala, which is celebrated in partnership with The Wines of British Columbia, will transform the Rocky Mountaineer Station into a foodie’s delight.

Guests can enjoy a delicious array of restaurant tasting tables, beverages from craft breweries and cideries, plus products from more than 20 B.C. wineries. Early bird tickets are $89 and can be purchased now from the website. But make sure you act fast because this event is expected to fill up quickly. All proceeds raised will go toward the festival’s official charitable partner—the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF). The BCHF raises funds to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crises due to a health issue. The charity also offers scholarship programs to foster the development of the next generation of workers and industry leaders. 

Another Dine Out favourite is the Secret Supper Soiree taking place on January 19, February 1, and February 2, 2019. Described as Vancouver’s culinary road trip, guests are invited to hop aboard a private, classic 1930s trolley for a speakeasy-themed tour of the city’s dining events. Early bird tickets are on sale until the end of the year, which means you can reserve your place and still have time to think about your outfit since fancy dress is encouraged.

Those looking for a less formal affair should be sure to check out Street Food City at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza, taking place January 21 to 27, 2019. Attendees can indulge in tasty offerings from some of the city’s favourite food trucks while enjoying some live entertainment. 

And while Dine Out celebrates much of the city’s local talent, there will also be the opportunity to experience international cuisine as well. The Vancouver World Chef Exchange brings together five of the world’s best chefs from London, Sydney, Düsseldorf, Montreal, and San Diego, for a series of delicious collaborations with Vancouver’s finest.

There will also be a number of new and exciting events for 2019, including Bauhaus Stammtisch, a German-style family dinner inspired by Bauhaus Chef Tim Schulte’s childhood memories, and the Painted Rock Estate Winemakers Dinner serving a four-course Pacific Northwest dinner, paired with some of B.C.’s best wines.

Don’t miss your chance to indulge in some of the city’s exceptional culinary talent—and give yourself something to look forward to in the New Year!

For more information and the full schedule of events visit the website. Dine Out Vancouver Festival takes place from January 18 to February 3, 2019. Look out for the list of participating restaurants being announced on January 7, 2019, to Aeroplan members and on January 10, 2019, to the general public.