Santa Claus is coming to town! See where you and your family can ask Old Saint Nick for Christmas presents in Vancouver.
Shopping Centres and Stores
Metropolis at Metrotown
Santa’s castle is located on the lower level of Grand Court near Toys “R” Us and Home Outfitters. Photos are by donation to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau (minimum $2 per picture). Santa’s castle is open daily until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. See daily hours and info.
Oakridge Centre
For decades, Oakridge Centre has been a long-running favourite location to meet Santa. See daily hours and info.
Kids Market at Granville Island
Santa will be greeting kids daily at the Kids Market in Granville Island from Saturday, December 7 to Christmas Eve. What could be a more perfect location to see Santa than a toy store! See daily hours and info.
Richmond Centre
Do you know who really wants to learn what you want for Christmas? Yes, Santa! Come and chat with him and Mrs. Claus too at Richmond Centre. If you choose to do so, photos with Santa are available from December 1 through to Christmas Eve. See daily hours and info.
Events and Attractions
Christmas at Canada Place
Take in the festivities at Christmas at Canada Place, which includes skating, curling, Woodward’s Windows, miniature train rides and more! Santa Claus will be at his Canada Place workshop on weekends. See attraction details.
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Sleigh bells ring, choirs sing! Grouse Mountain presents a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities. Bring your family to Santa’s Workshop and meet reindeer, or take a sleigh-ride through the mystical alpine forest. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating on the 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. See daily hours and info.
Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
Take photos with Santa and the backdrop of a million twinkling lights from December 11 to Christmas Eve. See daily hours and info.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Father Christmas, the Victorian-Edwardian version of Santa Claus, receives young visitors to hear about the Christmas wishes but only until December 23. Gate admission to Heritage Christmas is free.
Father Christmas Hours: weekends only until Dec. 8 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Dec 14-15 and 19-23 – 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. & 5:30-8 p.m.; Dec 16-18 – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Dec. 24 and 25. See museum details.
Featured Image: Vancity Buzz