Spots for Santa photos in Vancouver
Every year, parents across the city hunt for that perfect, priceless shot of their tykes posing with Jolly ol’ Saint Nick. Sitting on the big guy’s lap and telling him what you want for Christmas is a rite of passage for little ones. Whether you love the classic mall Santa or prefer an outdoor experience complete with elves and reindeer, Vancouver has some great options for festive meet-and-greets for the 2015 holiday season.
Vancouver Christmas Market
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3While you’re checking out the plentiful food, drink, entertainment, and lovely gifts at the Vancouver Christmas Market, make sure you stop in to see Santa at the photo hut. Get a shot of the kids with the Man in Red, and also get a fun and festive shot of the whole family with lots of cool props for posing.
Stanley Park
610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4A Vancouver tradition for more than 20 years, the Bright Nights holiday festival in Stanley Park is a family-friendly event that never gets old. The primary attraction is the miniature train, but some people don’t know that you can also get photos with Santa every day at the Train Plaza's North Pole from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, up until December 24. Another plus? All proceeds go to help the Burn Fund.
Metropolis At Metrotown
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4M1The traditional mall Santa has come a long way. Metropolis’ Santa holds court in the glittering Winter Wonderland at Metrotown, decked out with digital game consoles, Santa’s Mailbox for sending letters, and a massive dancing light curtain that lets you choose your favourite snowflake pattern. Parents will also love that all proceeds from Santa photo benefit the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
Kerrisdale Business Association
300-5687 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6M 3Y2Kerrisdale’s annual Christmas in Kerrisdale festival is back for 2015. Old-fashioned brass bands, roving carolers, charming horse and carriage rides, free ice-skating, and everybody’s favourite dude – Santa! Each weekend in December, families can head down to West Side’s Kerrisdale Village on West 41st Avenue between Larch Street and Maple Street and revel in the awesome – and free – festive activities. Saint Nick will be available between 12:00 and 4:00 pm up until December 23.
Northland At Grouse LP
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9Experience a mountaintop white Christmas on the top of Grouse Mountain during the annual Peak of Christmas festivities. You’ll not only be able to visit Santa in his Christmas Village, but you can also go ice skating, check out the real live reindeer, take a magical sleigh ride through the forest, and check out the new Light Walk experience around Blue Grouse Lake. Make sure you check in with Santa’s Village as soon as you arrive, so you can book your time for a photo!
Oakridge Centre
611-650 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2M9Streamlined and beautiful, Santa’s Workshop at Oakridge Centre is efficient and will make sure you walk away with a lovely keepsake digital photo. When you’re waiting for your turn with the Big Guy in Red, little helper elves take your cell phone number and will give you a call when your turn is coming up! Partial proceeds go to Canuck Place.