Christmas in Vancouver: top 5 things to eat and do

Get your fill of holiday treats this winter while enjoying some of the wonderful Christmas activities around Vancouver. Here are the top five places to go and things to eat this holiday season.

1. Ice Skating & Desserts

Hit up your local community centre on their public skate days, you can often get great deals on certain days. Or, if you’re in the downtown area, give the free Robson Square ice rink a spin. While downtown, stop by Thierry for one of their Christmas specialties including chestnut Christmas log cakes or gingerbread and apple spice macarons.

2. Vancouver Christmas Market & Nutcracker Tea

Check out Vancouver’s authentic German Christmas market at the Queen Elizabeth Plaza. It’s filled with delicious treats with everything from roasted pork knuckles to piping hot apple cider.  While you’re chugging down that cider you can also pick up some great Christmas gifts at the same time. Tickets are only $2 Monday to Friday until 4pm. The Shangri La is also hosting a Christmas market on December 16 filled with one-of-a-kind gifts and edible delicacies. If you’re feeling chilly after the market, drop by the Fairmont hotel for a fancy Christmas brunch ($65) or dinner ($52). For something a little more traditional, you can also enjoy a Nutcracker Tea ($59) filled with festive sandwiches and sweets. 

3.  Christmas on the mountain & Breakfast with Santa

Start your day off by enjoying a delicious continental breakfast with your favourite man in red. For $43 per adult and $26 per child, you can enjoy pancakes, pastries, waffles, bacon and much more. Once you’re nice and full work it off with a spin around the ice rink or enjoy a delightful sleigh ride.  There’s also a jolly reindeer show to watch and if you’re lucky, you may even get to see some real reindeer!

4. Christmas lights & Fondue for Two

Feast your eyes on a sparkling winter wonderland at the Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. There will be dancing light shows, appearances by Santa and his elves, gingerbread wood and much more. Tickets are $14.25 for adults and $7.75 for children. Stanley Park also has its annual Bright Nights filled with charming Christmas characters, delicious winter treats and of course the famous miniature Christmas train. Admission is by donation. Warm up afterward with some nice hot chocolate fondue. Capstone tea and fondue is open until 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the lights before heading over to indulge.

5. Canyon Lights & Chocolate Delights

Enjoy a stunning display of lights strung across the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. After crossing the lighted bridge, be sure to check out the gingerbread cookie decorating competition! While you’re in the neighbourhood, drop by Thomas Haas for some fabulous Christmas treats. Pick up some traditional Christmas Stollen or a few bags of their delicious holiday cookies.