Destination Downtown Vancouver is back for another season of winter fun!
From December 2025 through February 2026, downtown Vancouver will once again sparkle with festive cheer, dazzling performances, and family-friendly experiences that turn the city into a glowing winter playground.
Returning fan favourites from last year include Ferris wheel rides throughout December, live performances by local entertainers, “Sparking Animal” installations with chances to win major prizes, and twinkling light displays illuminating the Coal Harbour seawall from Canada Place to Cardero Park.
Whether you’re strolling under glittering trees, snapping selfies with Luna the Whale or Davie the Grizzly, or sipping something warm during an Evening Sip & Stroll, this is winter in Vancouver at its brightest.
Returning This Winter – The Ferris Wheel at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
See Vancouver from new heights on the Destination Downtown Ferris Wheel!
Operating throughout December, this festive favourite offers breathtaking views of the city lights from the heart of downtown.
Local Performances & Live Entertainment
From bubble artists and fire dancers to musicians and roving street performers, Destination Downtown turns the city into a stage for holiday wonder.
Lighting Installations & Evening Sip & Stroll
Grab your favourite hot beverage and wander along the Coal Harbour seawall, where over 100+ lit trees and three unique lighting themes create a glowing path between Canada Place and Cardero Park.
Keep your eyes peeled for Vancouver’s beloved illuminated creatures: Luna the Whale, Davie the Grizzly, Squirrel, Beaver, and Heron, are all returning to light up the night.
Learn more at: https://destinationdowntown.co/
AN ENCHANTING ADVENTURE AWAITS: HARRY POTTER™ — A FORBIDDEN FOREST EXPERIENCE
Step into an enchanted forest inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™. This spellbinding, fantastical, and family-friendly outdoor trail invites visitors to follow a path lined with magical creatures, interactive spells, and glowing displays that bring the forest to life.
Whether you’re casting a luminous spell under the trees, sipping a Butterbeer™ beneath twinkling lights, or capturing photos with your favourite Harry Potter™ companions, this enchanting experience is unlike anything else in Vancouver this winter.
Stay Vancouver Hotels guests can take advantage of exclusive ticket offers for Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience, making your stay even more unforgettable.
A VERY MERRY RETURN: VERYMERRYVANCOUVER.COM
As November comes to a close, VeryMerryVancouver.com returns to bring extra cheer to the season with daily chances to win hotel stays and festive winter experiences, plus a grand prize luxury getaway!
Find your holiday sparkle downtown, from cozy markets to glowing trees and lively entertainment, all just steps away from your Stay Vancouver Hotels accommodation.
STAY, PLAY & CELEBRATE
Whether you’re spinning high above the skyline on the Ferris wheel, wandering through an enchanted forest, or unwrapping festive surprises downtown, Vancouver is the place to be this winter.
Stay Vancouver Hotels puts you in the heart of it all, where city lights, holiday cheer, and unforgettable adventures come together for one truly fantastical getaway.
Book your winter stay now and experience Vancouver’s most enchanting season! LEARN MORE