Downtown Vancouver transforms into a sparkling winter playground once again this holiday season. From festive performances to glowing art installations and waterfront magic, Destination Downtown Vancouver is your passport to the city’s brightest celebrations.
From December through February, the downtown core shines with twinkling displays, roving entertainers, immersive lighting features, and seasonal surprises. Whether you’re strolling the decorated seawall, warming your hands on a holiday drink, or snapping selfies under illuminated trees, winter here is anything but ordinary.
Highlights returning this season include the popular Ferris Wheel at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, a crowd favourite offering sweeping views of the glittering cityscape.
And don’t forget to hunt for the vibrant LIT Word installations scattered throughout downtown, each one a glowing photo-op.
Learn more at Destination Downtown Vancouver!
SKATE BENEATH THE LIGHTS AT ROBSON SQUARE
Few Vancouver traditions are as iconic, or as joyfully seasonal, as gliding across the ice at Robson Square.
Enjoy “a wintry skating experience at Robson Square, enhanced by free entertainment from local performers”, right in the heart of downtown. Families, couples, and first-time skaters all flock to this festive rink to soak in the music, lights, and lively holiday atmosphere. Lace up, grab a hot chocolate nearby, and enjoy one of Vancouver’s most beloved winter rituals.
FOLLOW THE LIGHTS THROUGH COAL HARBOUR
A short walk from your downtown hotel brings you to a luminous waterfront experience stretching from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Cardero Park. Over a hundred lit trees line the Coal Harbour seawall creating a glowing corridor perfect for evening strolls, holiday photos, and soaking up the festive energy of the city.
The waterfront is especially magical at night, with holiday décor, market lights, and ships in the harbour creating a postcard-perfect winter backdrop.
A VERY MERRY RETURN: VERYMERRYVANCOUVER.COM
The holiday hub is back! Visit www.verymerryvancouver.com for festive light displays, exclusive seasonal offers, and (the best part) chances to win hotel stays and experiences, including a luxury grand prize getaway with:
- 2-night stay at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
- 2-night stay at the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection
- JW Wellness Journey Treatment at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
- Harbour Air’s Classic Panorama seaplane tour
- Afternoon Tea for Two in Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- $1000 split up into 4 cards x $250 prepaid Mastercard®
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or a weekend of seasonal shopping, Very Merry Vancouver brings together the best holiday happenings across the city.
MORE WINTER MAGIC JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN
Staying downtown means you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of Vancouver’s most iconic winter attractions, each located just a short drive or transit ride away.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Walk through one of Vancouver’s most beloved botanical gardens as it transforms into a glowing, multicoloured wonderland. Dancing lights, themed zones, and sparkling tunnels make this a must-see holiday tradition.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Experience the rainforest like never before: the suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffside pathways are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating one of the region’s most breathtaking winter spectacles.
Grouse Mountain – Peak of Christmas
Head into the mountains for a snowy escape complete with Santa’s workshop, skating, sleigh rides, light installations, and alpine views that elevate the holiday spirit (in the most literal sense).
EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAY MAGIC
Whether you’re skating beneath downtown towers, wandering the waterfront under glittering lights, or exploring Vancouver’s world-class winter attractions, staying with Stay Vancouver Hotels puts you right in the centre of the holiday magic.
Book your winter getaway now and make this season unforgettable with Vancouver inspiring merry memories around every corner.
Book your winter stay now and experience the holiday season in Vancouver! LEARN MORE