In Vancouver, Christmas Warmth and Good Cheer Await Domestic Travellers

For those many Canadians who have chosen to not head south for the holidays, a westward journey presents a good compromise. British Columbia’s Lower Mainland — which includes Vancouver, Whistler and the agriculture-rich Fraser Valley — offers a domestic travel option with plenty of merriment and warmer (though not balmy) temperatures than the rest of the nation. While Whistler will have snowy conditions ideal for skiers and snowboarders, downtown Vancouver is expecting high temperatures for Christmas Eve of 6 Celsius degrees (43 Fahrenheit), which contrasts to the sub-zero forecast for the other large cities in Canada. Not Florida sunshine by any means, but there is a feeling of warmth knowing you’re around fellow Canadians seeking uplift during uncertain times and also supporting the domestic economy when it’s needed.

If you have a sense of patriotic duty to keep your travel dollars in the country this Christmas, here are five attractions in Vancouver and surrounding area that light up the region for the holidays.

Merry & Bright: Martini Town is a tangible representation of Hollywood North. A Tinseltown-esque film set, Martini Town is converted during the holidays to a Christmas theme dubbed “Merry & Bright”. It looks like something you might find in a Disney park with its cheerful ambience, period decor and architecture, and even character appearances. The Grinch and Elsa from Frozen provide photo-ops as they stroll around the small fabricated town. And, of course, Santa Claus is on hand to greet kids and their parents. Artisan stalls, carollers, and quality food vendors are also on-site.

 

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Located in Langley, about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Merry & Bright at Martini Town runs until New Year’s Eve and timed entry tickets must be purchased online on the attraction’s website.

Soar With Santa: FlyOver Canada annually offers a holiday alternative to its hugely popular showcase ride. Soar With Santa takes some of the same scenes in the FlyOver Canada regular showing and intersperses Santa’s sleigh and some mischievous elves into the 8-minute immersive film. An added sensory highlight is the scent of gingerbread over a wintry North Pole scene that brings viewers deeper into the story. The film is shown on a 65-foot spherical screen and features videography by an award-winning drone pilot from McGill University.

Soar With Santa has a few fun elements prior to the showing, too. They include a playful on-screen introduction to elves and an artistic scenic display of a west-coast winter. For 2026, guests can have a Breakfast with Santa experience prior to taking flight on weekend mornings, and December 22 and 23. The breakfast includes beef brisket, pancakes, waffles, fruit salad, and more. Santa greets kids for photos and accepts their hand-written wish lists. From Monday to Thursday, the attraction at Canada Place offers free admission to kids 13 years and younger for the Soar With Santa film. [Read More: “Awaken Canada” Makes Connections]

VanDusen Festival of Lights: Arguably the most beloved annual Christmas celebration in the city, the festival is held in the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is part of the City of Vancouver Parks system. The Festival of Lights transforms the garden into a magical show that connects with nature. The attraction includes 15 acres and more than 1 million twinkling lights. The botanical garden has recently added an exhibit on the Great Bear Rainforest that guests for the light show can take in. The festival runs until January 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day).

Holiday Splash at the Vancouver Aquarium: Celebrate Fishmas at the attraction in Stanley Park. Scuba Claus returns to swim with the sturgeons and rockfish, adding a festive spirit to the already joyful Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada. A million twinkling lights will be on display through the facility and all of the usual animal encounters and learning experiences will be available for patrons.

Vancouver Christmas Market: Commemorating its 15th season, the market inspired by those in Germany is located in one of the city’s iconic landmarks — Jack Poole Plaza, overlooking Burrard Inlet and the north-shore mountains. More than three-dozen food and drink vendors are on-site, along with dozens of artisan craft-sellers. There are also live performances, karaoke, and a carousel. The Vancouver Christmas Market runs until December 24.

Vancouver Hotels for the Holidays

Westin Bayshore: The LEVEL UP Games Room is back, taking over the conference space at the venerable hotel in Coal Harbour. The games room is complimentary for hotel guests and featutres a 15,000-square-foot arcade with all the favourites — from Pac-Man to air hockey to a pickle-ball court.

Also returning to the property is Winterlust, which includes dining for up to six guests in a translucent dome that shimmers with decor and panoramic views of the beautiful harbour. The Festive Afternoon Tea service runs until December 28 with a three-tier stand of sweet and savoury offerings.

The property also features the Giving Tree, which accepts donations in support of Ronald McDonald House B.C. families. [Read More: Westin Bayshore’s Holiday Fun]

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver: Families will enjoy Honey Salt’s Festive Brunch on December 21, which features gingerbread house decorating. All tools and ingredients are provided by the ground-floor restaurant. Along with a complimentary beverage, guests will have access to the signature candy cart. Honey Salt also has festive brunch and dinner buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Parq’s flagship steakhouse, The Victor, features its own Sunday Brunch with seasonal themes and recipes.

For adults who are feeling especially festive, the swanky D6 Lounge offers a Christmas Cocktail Hour Masterclass, running from 5-9 p.m. on December 25.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: The hotel’s Trees of Hope charitable program gifts $10 for every hotel stay to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guests who book a stay of two nights or longer receive a 10% discount on their room rate as well as a $25 hotel credit. Plus, they contribute to the season of giving. The promotion runs until January 3, 2026.

As with all of the Fairmont properties in Canada, the Hotel Vancouver features stop-you-in-your-tracks holiday decor that draws wanderers each December. Check out the massive gingerbread hotel crafted to resemble the property while you peruse the decorations. The lobby-level restaurant, Notch 8, serves excellent cocktails if you want to indulge further in the merriment.