As the holiday season descends upon British Columbia, the province transforms into a wonderland filled with festive treats and dazzling destinations. From Vancouver’s bustling streets to the tranquil beauty of Northern BC, we asked our students, alumni, and friends for their favourite spots* for seasonal desserts and must-visit festive things to do across the province.
Happy exploring!
*This non-exhaustive list is intended for inspiration and entertainment only, and doesn’t constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the Faculty or University.
Fraser
Lights at Lafarage in Coquitlam, B.C. Photo attributed to edb3_16.
Chez Christophe (Burnaby and White Rock)
Celebrate the season with their holiday collection inspired by Santa’s workshop.
Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies and Baked Goodness (Burnaby and Port Moody)
Known for its signature pies, Christmas morning bakes, Grinch bites, and homemade jams, this inclusive employer proudly supports a diverse workforce, with over 35% of the team self-identifying as having a disability.
Goldilocks Bake Shop (Burnaby and Vancouver)
Get your seasonal Filipino treats, including sugar cookies, cakes, and gingerbread houses in various sizes.
Bright Walk in White Rock (White Rock)
From dusk till dawn on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, you’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum (Burnaby)
Step back in time and discover the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.
Lights at Lafarge (Coquitlam)
With over 100,000 twinkling lights, this annual outdoor winter lights display at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam attracts visitors far and wide during the holidays.
North
Mandy Cane Cane Lane in Fort St. John, B.C. Photo provided by Sonya Kruger.
Canadian Grind Coffee & Tea (Fort St. John)
Festive beverages and snacks can be found in this locally owned favourite, with many fun knickknacks on offer as well.
Open Door Café (Prince George)
Stop by for holiday drinks like their gingerbread latte, white peppermint mocha, and Fognog.
Ritual Coffeeworks (Prince George)
This popular café serves amazing flat white coffees and vegan coffee cake.
Candy Cane Lane (Prince George)
This local neighborhood offers amazing Christmas lights on display at almost every house.
Dunvegan Garden & Gift (Fort St. John)
Get into the festive mood and marvel at the vast array of decorated Christmas tree displays.
Mandy Cane Lane (Fort St. John)
Walk or drive through this family-run Christmas light extravaganza with thousands of lights, figurines, sounds of carols, and more.
Shames Mountain (Terrace)
Ski, snowboard, or snowshoe while enjoying amazing views at Canada’s first nonprofit reactional mountain coop.
Okanagan
Downtown Kelowna, B.C. Photo attributed to Dawson Media/Wirestock Creators.
Bliss Bakery (Peachland and West Kelowna)
Choose from a variety of holiday favourites, including Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, roulade, and stollen.
Parlour Ice Cream (Kelowna)
Stop in for a cone or a pint of egg nog, orange chocolate, or gingerbread ice cream.
Petrasek Bakery (Penticton)
This family owned artisan European bakery has your favourite treats and breads, including walnut rolls, crescent cookies, marzipan, and Zelten Tyrolean bread.
A Sleigh Ride Christmas Carol (Armstrong)
Horse drawn sleighs transport artists and audiences through Charles Dickens' wondrous classic, A Christmas Carol.
Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up (Kelowna)
This festive outdoor celebration features artisan and market vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and Photos with Santa.
North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) Lights for Kids (Vernon)
This Christmas lights tour helps raise funds for children with special needs who receive services from NONA Child Development Centre.
Vancouver
VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, B.C. Photo attributed to rgc1983.
BjornBar Bakery (North Vancouver and Burquitlam)
In addition to their seasonal dessert bars like BrûléeBar and CandycaneBar, you can also get their custom chocolate designed while the owners were in Paris in 2022.
Faubourg Bakery (Vancouver)
Indulge in their annual selection of Bûches de Noël centrepieces and other Christmas pastries.
Gluten Free Epicurean (Vancouver)
Get all your gluten free seasonal favourites, including panettone, holiday bark, and gingerbread house kits.
Transylvanian Traditions (Vancouver)
Explore Hungarian goodies, like Kürtőskalács (chimney cake), braided sweet rolls, and sweet walnut bread.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park (Vancouver)
Guests will be treated to stunning light displays, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza.
Shipyards Christmas Market (North Vancouver)
Enjoy festive music, skate on the ice rink, admire the City’s Christmas tree, visit 70 local vendors, and appreciate community entertainment.
Winter in the Village (Richmond)
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Steveston Village with festive beverages, dazzling light displays, a winter tram ride, and a magical forest of decorated trees.
Vancouver Island
Harbourside in downtown Victoria, B.C. Photo attributed to pr2is.
Dutch Bakery and Diner (Victoria)
Three generations of this Dutch-Canadian family have been sharing croquettes, pastries, and baked treats for over 40 years.
Ironworks Cafe & Creperie (Duncan, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo)
Stop by for their unique candy cane crepes, made with Belgian batter in KETO, gluten-free and vegan options.
Sidney Bakery (Sidney)
Visit this local favourite serving delectable baked goods and sweets since 1944.
Christmas by the Sea (Sidney)
The town welcomes the community to celebrate with an assortment of family-friendly activities, including decorative lights, festive displays and events, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a live brass band on weekends.
Festival of Lights (Ladysmith)
Drive or walk down First Avenue and take the thousands of lights and fill your cup with holiday spirit.
Lights of Wonder (Victoria)
Centennial Square in downtown Victoria is decorated for the holidays, featuring light tunnels, themed light exhibits, a 40-foot Christmas tree, live entertainment, and festive vendors.
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