For years, Christmas at Canada Place was one of downtown Vancouver’s easiest free holiday outings: lit-up sails, the old Woodward’s animated windows, an avenue of decorated trees and a light display along the promenade, all with the harbour and the North Shore mountains behind them.
It isn’t happening in 2026. Canada Place’s website says that because of ongoing construction at the west promenade, Christmas at Canada Place won’t take place this year. You can still walk the promenade, and there’s plenty of Christmas right next door. Here’s what we know, and where to go instead.
Christmas at Canada Place: Quick Facts
| Status | Not taking place this year |
| Reason | Ongoing construction at the west promenade |
| Where it was held | Canada Place, Vancouver |
| Last edition | 2024 |
| Future | Canada Place says it plans to reimagine the event for next year |
| Official page | canadaplace.ca |
Will There Be Christmas at Canada Place This Year?
No. Canada Place says the event will not take place this year and that visitors are still welcome to stroll the promenade. It says it plans to reimagine the event for next year and thanked the community for its support. No return date has been announced.
What to Do Nearby Instead
Canada Place’s notice points visitors to two neighbours, and both are worth it:
- Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, right beside Canada Place, November 16 to December 24: wooden huts, Glühwein, the glowing Pyramid and a carousel.
- Soar With Santa at FlyOver, inside Canada Place, November 20 to January 2: a holiday flight ride with Santa.
A little further afield:
- Take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to the free Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver.
- Walk to Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency (December 3 to 28) or the lights and carollers of The Magic of Gastown.
- See the 76-foot tree outside the Art Gallery, lit at the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting on November 27.
For every light display that is running this year, see Christmas lights in Vancouver.
What Christmas at Canada Place Used to Include
The last edition was in 2024. Past years featured:
- Canada’s North, a light display along the Canadian Trail
- Woodward’s Windows, the animated Christmas scenes originally shown in the old Woodward’s department store, a childhood memory for generations of Vancouverites
- The Avenue of Trees, decorated by local businesses and community groups
- Sails of Light, a seasonal light show on Canada Place’s sails
A reimagined version may not bring all of these back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas at Canada Place happening in 2026?
No. Canada Place says it’s not taking place this year because of construction at the west promenade.
Can I still walk along the promenade?
Yes, visitors are welcome.
Will it come back?
Canada Place says it plans to reimagine the event for next year. No dates have been announced.
What can I do nearby instead?
The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza and Soar With Santa at FlyOver are both right there.
Where are the Woodward’s Windows this year?
They were part of Christmas at Canada Place, which isn’t running in 2026. No other display location has been announced.
When was the last Christmas at Canada Place?
2024.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Lights in Vancouver 2026
