December 25 is fast approaching, so we’ve rounded up what’s open and closed in Vancouver on Christmas so that you can make the most of it.
Here’s what you need to know so you can spend less time catching up on errands and more time having fun with the ones you love most.
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
Grocery Stores
Closed:
Malls
These shopping centres will be closed but if you’re looking for something last minute, these malls will be open December 24 but with shorter hours.
Closed:
Translink
TransLink
TransLink buses, SeaBus, and SkyTrain services will continue to operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, there will be reduced service to the Expo and Millennium lines on December 25. West Coast Express will also not operate.
TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office, and Lost Property Office will be closed.
BC Liquor Stores
The BCL will be closed on December 25.
Private liquor stores
The following private liquor stores are just some locations in Vancouver that are open on Christmas Day:
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is open on Christmas Day. What better way to enjoy the holiday than with fresh powder? Grouse has the longest Christmas Day hours out of all the local mountains.
You can even visit Santa, meet his reindeer, and walk through an enchanting light tunnel with your family at The Peak of Christmas.
Another great mountain to enjoy a white Christmas on.
The West Vancouver mountain is open on Christmas Day as well.
Vancouver Aquarium
Spend Christmas Day surrounded by sea creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium. Yes, it’s open, but special hours are in effect for Christmas Day.
Movie theatres
Cineplex and Landmark theatres remain open for Christmas Day. Check your local listings for show times.
The Vancouver Lookout is open for festive visitors on December 25, though it will be closing early at 4 pm. The last elevator up will be at 3:30 pm.
Canada Place Holiday Lights Display (John Lau/Daily Hive)
Experience the Avenue of Trees, the Woodward’s Windows, and the Sails of Light. This is an entirely outdoor display best viewed after dark.
Strap on your skates and glide across the ice in downtown Vancouver on Christmas Day. It’s free if you bring your own skates.
On Christmas Eve, the rink is open from 9 am to 5 pm and from 11 am to 5 pm on Christmas Day.
This gorgeous 50-foot tree is on display at Robson Square and is free to enjoy, perhaps accompanied by a visit to the Robson Square ice rink.
The tree is located at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope (John Lau/Daily Hive)
The stunning display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital on Burrard Street is the perfect light activity to enjoy on Christmas Day. Take the family or that special someone for a walk and enjoy!
As the only three community pools open on Christmas Day, why not take the opportunity to go for a dip before the big Christmas dinner?
All community centres except Trout Lake are closed, and Some fitness centres in Vancouver are open. Check this list for exact times and hours of operation.
Post offices operated privately may be open if the host business is open; otherwise, all Canada Post offices will be closed.
Libraries
All library branches except Vancouver’s Carnegie Reading Room are closed, which matches the community center’s hours year-round.
City of Coquitlan
Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season.
The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones, even on Christmas Day.
Gingerbread Lane, the sweetest street in Vancouver, is back for its 32nd year as the Hyatt Regency once again plays host to the popular festive tradition.
As per tradition over the past three decades, the free event features delightful gingerbread creations designed by secondary school students, amateur culinary artists, and professional bakers.
In addition to providing a welcome dose of holiday feels, the event also helps to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon, which is celebrating its 41st year of granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses.