The Best Places to See Santa in Vancouver

Not all Santas are created equal. Some are more jolly, some have fuller beards, and some wear suits softer than others. And for our kids, nothing creates the magic of the season quite like an encounter with old St. Nick, so here are the best places in Vancouver to rub shoulders with the man in red.

It's not the North Pole, but almost. Tram up to the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain to see Santa in his workshop, nestled in the snow behind the outdoor ice rink. Save the rush for your shopping and dedicate an entire afternoon on Grouse meeting reindeer, taking sleigh rides, watching classic movies, skating and of course, having a quiet meeting with Santa. Baby it's cold up high, so wear snow pants and winter jackets.

Since The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Gardens has expanded by five acres this year, spend an evening taking in the lights and watching the gnome show and our favourite, Tales for a Winter's Night with the Vancouver Public Library. The man in red will be around, of course, and posing for photos, too. The Enchanted Nights at the Bloedel is included in your ticket price, make time to take a peek.

Find out if you're on the naughty or nice list and visit Santa at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Feast on European Christmas favourites while kids learn different holiday traditions in the scavenger hunt, decorate gingerbread and ride the carousel. You'll smell the waffles from blocks away, and don't miss the chocolate fountain. Arrive hungry, leave full.

You may only make eye contact, but still, the Roger's Santa Claus Parade jingles down Georgia before hanging a right on Howe on Sunday, December 6 at 1 pm. In the spirit of giving, bring a donation for the food bank, volunteers in yellow ponchos will collect them along the parade route.