The holidays are coming, and Metropolis at Metrotown is spicing up the season with the return of Holidays at the Met.
Running from now until Monday, December 30, this festive, family-friendly experience is pulling out all the stops this year — bringing back old favourites like a meet-and-greet with Santa, as well as some brand-new adventures.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store.
The Met’s Holiday Lounge
Take a well-earned break between gift-shopping sprees and visits to Santa at The Met’s brand-new, totally free Holiday Lounge. Located near the Grand Court, this winter wonderland is decorated with twinkling lights, hanging evergreens, and an Insta-worthy snow globe photo op!
Classic holiday movies will play throughout the day, as well as live music on select dates. Plus, there will be a kids’ area to keep the little ones entertained with arts and crafts and other fun activities.
But that’s not all!
New VIP Lounge
Starting this Monday, November 25, when you spend $300 or more in one day at the Met, you’ll get access to the VIP Lounge — an exclusive space with wine, a hot chocolate bar, sweet treats, and light snacks. Here, you can check-in your coats and bags to lighten the load, then sit back and relax, or decorate your very own holiday cookie. Shoppers can also bring a guest with them, as well as up to three children ages 15 and younger, at no extra cost.
The first 500 shoppers to enter the VIP lounge will be gifted an exclusive Met red Holiday tote bag, which provides unlimited in-and-out-access throughout the holiday season!
When: Monday, November 25, to Monday, December 23
Date Night with Santa (19+)
All I Want for Christmas is You.… and Santa! This holiday season, the Met is bringing you the ultimate Date Night with Santa, an exclusive experience for friends or couples aged 19 and over.
For two nights only, the Holiday Lounge will transform into the ultra-chic Date Night Lounge, featuring live music, a complimentary drink (wine, bubbles, or a Kir Royale), holiday-style canapes, and sweets.
Each couple will have the chance to pose with Santa himself and choose a digital photo to remember the night. This ticketed experience costs $50 for two guests (plus tax) — so grab your date (or bestie!) and get ready for a merry night full of laughs, love, and holiday cheer!
When: Friday, December 6, and Friday, December 13
Jingle Bell Rock around the Met
Get ready to Jingle all the way, because artists will be roaming all over the centre, treating shoppers to some awesome musical performances.
Bringing the festive tunes are Latin guitarist John Gilliat, jazz trumpeter Bonnie Northgraves, and accordionist Taras Luka, as well as some other special guests.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from December 3 to December 19
Meet and greet with Santa
Naturally, the season wouldn’t be complete without a classic Santa Claus meet and greet! The big man has landed at the shopping centre for fan photos available now.
Throughout the season, the Met will host a series of Santas that embody the diverse perspectives of the holidays, including Father Christmas, the classic Santa of children’s storybooks; Global Santa, who represents the many versions of the holidays celebrated by different families; and Tropical Santa, a quirky character who plans to pop by the centre during his post-holiday vacation.
Don’t miss your chance to stop by and snap a pic!
Classic Santa: November 12 to December 23
Global Santa: November 19 & November 26
Tropical Santa: December 27 to December 30
Christmas for a Cause
The holidays are all about giving, so once again, shoppers will have a chance to give back to the community in several ways.
At the charity gift wrap station, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, you can donate to Burnaby Neighbourhood House in exchange for a beautifully wrapped parcel, or donate your old toys to a Holiday Toy Drive benefiting the Burnaby Christmas Bureau. The first 100 donors at the Holiday Toy Drive will get a $10 gift card, and every donor will be entered to win a $100 gift card.
In addition, partial proceeds from photos at the Meet-and-Greet with Santa experience will be donated to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
Gift Wrap Station: Monday, December 2, to Tuesday, December 24
Toy Drive: Saturday, December 7
Holidays at the Met 2024
When: Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Where: Now until Monday, December 30