Winter Shopping Under Holiday Twinkling Lights
With festive twinkling lights and seasonal displays, winter shopping is a great way to get into the holiday season. Shop for gifts and decor, snap fun photos, and enjoy festive treats at these holiday shopping spots.
Winter Lights at Granville Island
Photo: Granville Island
Stroll around Granville Island to shop for unique gifts from local artists and makers. Many shops and restaurants are open later through the holiday season. The entire island is decorated with festive lights strung between the narrow alleyways. Don’t miss the giant star display in the Public Market courtyard and the lit up crane near the Granville Island Hotel.
Holidays on Robson
Christmas Lights at the Robson Square Ice Rink. Photo: Tom Belding/Robson Street Business Association
Each December Robson Street gets decked out in twinkling lights to celebrate the holiday season. Stroll down the street with a peppermint latte in hand and enjoy the festive atmosphere. From December 6 to 15 enjoy the annual Fleurs de Villes NOEL floral trail. Each floral installation is inspired by holiday songs. On December 7 and 14 you enjoy holiday carollers and a letters to Santa station. If you want to take a break, treat yourself to decadent macarons at Laduree. Finish your outing with skating at the outdoor Robson Square Ice Rink.
Sparkle Brighter at McArthur Glen
The giant holiday tree at McArthur Glen. Photo: McArthur Glen Designer Outlet
The holiday season at McArthur Glen Designer Outlet kicks off with the Sparkle Brighter event on November 14. It includes holiday lights, stilt walkers, and carollers. But don’t worry if you can’t make it - their holiday light displays are up throughout the festive season. There are lots of great spots for photo ops including giant lit-up presents and snowflakes, a massive nutcracker, and a 52-foot-tall holiday tree. On December 7, 8, 14, and 15 visit the pop-up Cozy Cocoa Lounge which features DIY toppings.
Holidays at the Met at Metropolis at Metrotown
Photo: Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby is spicing up the season with fun events as part of their Holidays at the Met celebration. You can get your photo taken with Santa of course, but this year there will be a series of themed Santas including classic storybook Father Christmas, Global Santa to represent holiday celebrations around the world, and Tropical Santa who will be stopping by as part of his post Christmas vacation. You can also enjoy roaming musicians on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a holiday lounge with seasonal movies, and an adults only holiday date night experience. Support Burnaby Neighbourhood house having your presents wrapped at the gift wrap station.
Christmas Store at Potters
Photo: Metropolis at Metrotown
Each year Potter’s Nursery in Surrey transforms into a winter wonderland. The 28,000-square-foot space is bursting with gifts, ornaments, holiday trees, stockings, and everything Christmas. As you walk through the store you’ll discover themed areas including Candyland, a pet zone, British-themed decor, and more. Don’t miss Santa’s Report Card, a Potter’s tradition, where kids can record the chores they accomplished during the holiday season.