Christmas Day is fast approaching, so we’ve rounded up what’s open and closed in Vancouver on Thursday, Dec. 25, so that you can make the most of it.
Here’s what you need to know so you can spend less time catching up on errands and more time having fun with the ones you love most.
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
Grocery stores
Closed:
- Save-On-Foods
- Whole Foods
- Walmart
- IGA
- Walmart
- Superstore
- Costco
Open:
- T&T Supermarket
Pharmacies
Closed:
- Safeway
- Save-On-Foods
- London Drugs
- Pharmasave (most will be closed, though some may stay open as each location is independently owned)
Open (though some locations may have limited hours):
Courtesy of T&T Supermarket
Malls
These shopping centres will be closed, but if you’re looking for something last-minute, these malls will be open on Dec. 24, but with shorter hours.
Closed:
- CF Pacific Centre Mall
- International Village
- Park Royal
- Metropolis
- The Amazing Brentwood
- Coquitlam Centre
- Guildford Town Centre
- Tsawwassen Mills
- McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
- Richmond Centre
- Lansdowne Centre
- Lougheed Mall
- Central City
- Willowbrook Shopping Centre
- City Square
TransLink
TransLink
TransLink buses, SeaBus, and SkyTrain services will continue to operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, there will be reduced service to the Expo and Millennium lines on Dec. 25. West Coast Express will also not operate.
The West Coast Express will not be running.
TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office, and Lost Property Office will be closed.
BC Liquor Stores
The BCL will be closed on Dec. 25.
Private liquor stores
The following private liquor stores are just some locations in Vancouver that are open on Christmas Day:
-
- Jak’s – multiple locations
- Brewery Creek Liquor Store – 3045 Main St.
- Liberty Wine Merchants – 1622 Commercial Dr.
- Coal Harbour Liquor Store – 1216 West Pender St.
- Spirit of Howe Street – 1275 Granville St.
- Value On Liquor Store – 1450 SW Marine Dr.
- Legacy Liquor Store – 1633 Manitoba St.
- Burrard Liquor Store – 2401 Burrard St.
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Ski hills
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain are all open on Christmas Day. What better way to enjoy the holiday than with fresh air and some fresh powder?
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium
Spend Christmas Day surrounded by sea creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium. Yes, it’s open, but special hours are in effect for Christmas Day.
Movie theatres
Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is open for festive visitors on Dec. 25, though it will be closing early at 4 p.m. The last elevator up will be at 3:30 p.m.
Robson Square skating rink
Strap on your skates and glide across the ice in downtown Vancouver on Christmas Day. It’s free if you bring your own skates.
On Christmas Eve, the rink is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Christmas Tree at Robson Square
This gorgeous 50-foot tree is on display at Robson Square and is free to enjoy, perhaps accompanied by a visit to the Robson Square ice rink.
The tree is located at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, 850 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver.
St. Paul’s Lights of Hope
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope (John Lau/Daily Hive)
The stunning display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital on Burrard Street is the perfect light activity to enjoy on Christmas Day. Take the family or that special someone for a walk and enjoy!
Hillcrest, Killarney and Vancouver Aquatic Centre’s Swimming Pool
As the only three community pools open on Christmas Day, why not take the opportunity to go for a dip before the big Christmas dinner?
All community centres except Trout Lake are closed, and some fitness centres in Vancouver are open. Check this list for exact times and hours of operation.
Post offices
Post offices operated privately may be open if the host business is open; otherwise, all Canada Post offices will be closed.
Libraries
All library branches except Vancouver’s Carnegie Reading Room are closed, which matches the community center’s hours year-round.
Gingerbread Lane at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 33rd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.
As per tradition over the past three decades, the free event features delightful gingerbread creations designed by secondary school students, amateur culinary artists, and professional bakers.
In addition to providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon, which is celebrating its 42nd year of granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses.
Lights at Lafarge
Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season.
The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones, even on Christmas Day.