Deck the halls and light up the streets! Every year, all around the Victorian Hotel, Vancouver transforms itself into a wintery wonderland full of holiday cheer. Even if the streets are snowless, what Vancouver lacks in white it more than makes up for in light! The city is full of great exhibitions and events that are sure to engage and delight visitors to our fair city.
For those staying at the Victorian Hotel, not only will you get to enjoy a renovated turn-of-the-century guesthouse that features both Victorian design and modern comforts, the centralized location also means you have easy access to wonderful holiday inspired events all around the city. Here are just a few of our favorites to check out:
Bright Nights and the Stanley Park Christmas Train ( 10 minutes by bus)
For younger kids, it’s hard to beat the appeal of a train. Over 3 million twinkling lights transform the forest and its famous miniature train into a winter wonderland. Best of all, Santa’s always on hand to greet young guests.. This runs from Nov 30th to Jan 6th, and is only closed on Christmas Day.
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain (22 minutes by car)
If you need a snow fix and Vancouver isn’t cooperating, Grouse Mountain is the perfect destination. In fact, it does a pretty good imitation of the North Pole! Kids can have breakfast with Santa, check out some reindeer, or go on a sleigh ride! There’s also ice skating, sledding, and other glorious winter-inspired events. Don’t forget to take a walk through the Gingerbread village. The event runs from Nov 24th to Jan 7th.
Rogers Santa Claus Parade, Downtown Vancouver (5 minutes by foot)
Saved at the last minute, the Santa Claus Parade promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year, the parade will include 60 marching bands, dance troupes, floats, and more. Expect hundreds of thousands of spectators, so get there early if you’re planning to attend and make sure you book a room ASAP.
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
If you love Christmas sparkles, this is not to be missed. VanDusen has more than a million lights on display, covering 15 acres of its botanical garden. There’s a gingerbread walk and more whimsical displays that you can shake a candy can at. Santa will likely make an appearance, and there’s always plenty of holiday-themed treats and entertainment, which will run from Dec 1st to Jan 7th, except for Christmas Day.
‘The Nutcracker,’ Downtown Vancouver (7 minutes by car)
For those who love the classics, the “The Nutcracker” by the BC Ballet is a holiday staple. Dress up in your holiday best and get ready to make some memories. Performances run from Dec 14th to 19th at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, and at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from Dec 28th to Dec 30th.
If you’re coming to Vancouver, The Victorian Hotel is the place to be. With 47 beautifully appointed rooms, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a Dickensian feel right in the heart city.