Some of the best Christmas memories in Vancouver happen at a table: a long holiday dinner with family, a festive cocktail in a bar dripping with tinsel, or a paper cup of Glühwein at a market stall. Here’s where to eat and drink this season, and how to make sure you actually get a table.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner
Many restaurants close on December 24 and 25, and the ones that stay open fill up early. Hotel restaurants are the most reliable choice, since they serve hotel guests over the holidays anyway.
- Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has announced Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at Notch8 on December 24 and 25, 2026, and a Christmas Day Brunch in the Pacific Ballroom from 11:00 AM.
- Other downtown hotels and many fine-dining restaurants usually post set holiday menus in November.
Booking tips: reserve as soon as menus are posted, ask whether the holiday menu is set-price only, and check the cancellation policy, since many holiday bookings need a deposit.
Festive Pop-Up Bars
Every year a few Vancouver bars and hotels turn into Christmas grottos for the season, with themed cocktails, piles of tinsel and Santa-hatted bartenders. Here’s what’s been announced for 2026 so far:
- The Champagne Bar at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a Moët & Chandon bar in the lobby, returns on November 13.
- A speakeasy pop-up with Hennessy in the hotel’s lower lobby, with details still to come.
Most holiday pop-ups announce their dates in mid-November. We’ll add them here as they’re confirmed.
Glühwein and Market Food
For something more casual, the Christmas markets are the best place for a warm drink and a sausage:
- The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza has Glühwein, bratwurst and other German-style market food, November 16 to December 24.
- The free Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver has 20-plus food vendors and mulled wine, November 27 to December 24.
- Noël Surrey and Glow Gardens both have food and drink on site.
- For glögg, try the Swedish Christmas Market. For perogies, the Ukrainian Christmas Fair.
Gifts for the Food Lovers
Shopping for someone who loves to eat? Our local Christmas gift guide has BC chocolates, pantry treats and more.
Festive Afternoon Tea and Brunch
For a lighter holiday treat, see our guide to festive afternoon tea in Vancouver, including Tea with Santa.
New Year’s Eve Dinners
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has announced a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner at Notch8. Many restaurants post New Year’s Eve menus in early December. See New Year’s Eve in Vancouver.
Getting Home Safely
SkyTrain and the SeaBus run late on December weekends, and TransLink offered free transit on New Year’s Eve last year. Plan a ride home before you go out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Vancouver?
Some are, mostly hotel restaurants and some Chinese and other restaurants. Book well ahead.
Where can I get Glühwein in Vancouver?
At the Vancouver Christmas Market and the Shipyards Christmas Market.
When do the Christmas pop-up bars open?
Most open in mid to late November. The Fairmont’s Champagne Bar returns on November 13.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Vancouver
