Live out your holiday movie fantasy with a trip to Vancouver this season
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping straight into a holiday movie, Vancouver is the place to do it.
Just a three-hour drive from Seattle, Vancouver is a picture-perfect wonderland with twinkling lights adorning the streets, cozy restaurants serving up seasonal delights, bustling Christmas markets, and boutique hotels that feel straight out of a rom-com.
So, lights, camera, cue the snowflakes! Here’s what to check out when you’re in town.
Find your Hallmark moment
There’s no shortage of seasonal activities to dive into in Vancouver!
If you’re after adventures in nature, head to VanDusen Botanical Garden, where you can lose yourself in a glowing garden straight from a fairy tale at VanDusen Festival of Lights, a mesmerizing display with over a million sparkling lights. Or, venture across the Capilano Suspension Bridge during Canyon Lights, where you can take in treetop light displays and soak in the views of the illuminated canyon below.
After more of a classic holiday-in-the-city vibe? Lace up your skates and head to Robson Square Ice Rink in the heart of downtown. (Pro tip: Get there earlier in the day to beat the crowds!)
Or, make the short drive to Langley for Merry and Bright at Martini Town, a studio film backlot where you can stroll through a collection of constructed scenes that have set the stage for dozens of popular holiday productions. Grab a hot chocolate and have your cameras at the ready – this one’s chock full of dreamy photo ops.
Hit the slopes
Vancouver’s nearby mountains deliver pure winter wonder, so if you’re into winter sports at all, pack your skis and boards, because you have to check them out. Glide down world-class runs at Grouse Mountain, Cypress, or Mount Seymour, all just a short drive from downtown and offering breathtaking views of the city lights below.
Not feeling adventurous? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the magic of the mountains! Check out Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas event, where you can take an enchanting lakeside walk, visit Santa’s workshop, skate on a frozen pond, watch Christmas movies at the Theatre in the Sky, and even get up close with real life reindeer.
And don’t miss Lights to the Lodge at Cypress Mountain, where a glowing, lantern-lit trail leads you through the forest for a magical evening snowshoe adventure. It’s easy to live out your ski movie moment — no green screen required!
Holiday shopping
Is there anything more Chrstimas-sy than shopping with a steaming cup of mulled wine in hand? Wander through the famous Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, and browse more than 75 wooden huts overflowing with handcrafted ornaments and European-style treats. Or take the SeaBus across the water to the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver for more local artisans, live music, and glittering views of the skyline.
You can also head to the city’s main shopping district, Robson St., to discover chic retail stores adorned in festive décor, or explore Gastown’s cobblestone streets filled with local stores and strung up with lights.
Cozy dinner spot
After a day of sightseeing and shopping, settle in somewhere cozy for a meal. Check out the Michelin-recommended Bacchus, located in the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, where you can enjoy fine dining and festive cocktails surrounded by holiday decor and an open fireplace. It also hosts a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea throughout the season, where you can enjoy an assortment of hand-crafted delicacies, sandwiches, and teas.
For something more casual but still upscale (and also Michelin-recommended!), Ask for Luigi is an intimate Italian-inspired restaurant designed to make you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. It specializes in fresh, handmade pasta and is the perfect spot for a cozy date night.
Top it all off with a cocktail at The Narrow Lounge, a dim, candlelit bar with a relaxed ultra-cool vibe.
Stay at a festive hotel
Of course, any good trip needs a good base. Some Vancouver hotels go all out for the festive season, including Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The garden patio here is known for its yearly holiday decor and seasonal cocktails, and the hotel itself has an elegant, roaring ’20s theme.
For a classic Christmas hotel vibe, check out The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Not only does it go all out (and we mean all out) with the decor, but it also hosts a holiday cocktail bar pop-up, afternoon teas, and unique dining and shopping experiences.
So there you have it! From twinkling streets to snowy slopes, Vancouver is the place for your festive adventure this year. Head over to Destination Vancouver for even more recommendations and start planning your trip now.
Happy holidays!
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