Insider Itinerary: A Weekend of Holiday Fun

Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
Start your weekend off on a high note – or high point – at the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain. The elves on Grouse turn the mountain into a winter wonderland complete with an outdoor ice rink, sleigh rides, a twinkling light walk, and a place to say hello to Santa’s reindeer! From sunrise to sunset, there are enough activities to fill an entire day! Start with a sleigh ride through the snow-capped forest before lacing up to skate around the 8,000 square foot pond. A short walk over to the reindeer habitat gets you up close and personal with the holiday helpers. Sip on a cup of hot cocoa while walking among the beautiful light displays around Blue Grouse Lake or head inside to the Elf Headquarters for Christmas crafts.

Thierry Cafe for a pistachio latte
After a packed day on the North Shore Mountain, dip into Thierry Cafe for an indulgent warm beverage. Throughout the holidays they offer both a pistachio latte and five different “liquid” hot chocolates, just the thing to sip while you enjoy one of their seasonal sweet treats such as a cranberry or cassis macaron, or a hazelnut chocolate danish.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park
As night falls, the lights at Stanley Park begin to twinkle. Bright Nights at Stanley Park has been a local family favourite for over 25 years, and proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. It takes 800 firefighters nearly 8,000 hours to complete the scene in Stanley Park. As part of Bright Nights, the Bright Nights Train takes passengers through the woods and lake and past brightly coloured holiday tableaus. Tickets for the train always sell out early, but no ticket is needed (just a donation) to enjoy the lights, access the on-site food trucks, and visit the North Pole Workshop!

Feast on Beaucoup Baked Goods
Is it really a festive weekend without a little something sweet? Get your holiday baking fix at Beaucoup Bakery‘s downtown location. As the name suggests, this patisserie leans French, with no butter spared. Choose from holiday versions of favourites such as the tree-shaped Noel Croissant filled with caramel pastry cream or a cardamom Kouign Amann. Or treat yourself to a slice of Winterberry Matcha Basque Cheesecake, or a Merry Macaron or two.

Vancouver Christmas Market
Work up another appetite as you stroll through the whimsical shops at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Each year Jack Poole Plaza at Canada Place transforms into a European-style Christmas market full of stalls selling festive ornaments, wood carvings, warm clothing like toques and socks, and holiday-scented candles. Hop on the Christmas carousel or visit with Santa before taking in some live entertainment inside the central Flying Stage. If the smell of freshly baked treats tempts you, try a soft pretzel or warm up with a hot apple cider.

Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour
Hop aboard a vintage city trolley for a two-and-a-half-hour tour full of city lights and merriment! This time of year, West Coast Sightseeing offers its seasonal Karaoke Christmas Lights Tour. The heated trolley winds through the city to take in some of the most elaborate light displays starting at Canada Place and including the Vancouver Christmas Market and St. Paul’s Lights of Hope (right opposite The Burrard) and Stanley Park’s Bright Nights display.